5 New Craft Beer Releases to get Before Christmas

We don’t have a traditional Top 10 ranking this week due to the Christmas holiday and not many new releases to cover. But there are still some smoking good fresh offerings from your nearby local brewery. Here are five we recommend snagging early, before places close on Christmas Eve.

1. Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon Barrel-Aged Morning Grind from O.H.S.O.

This is a coffee lover’s and strong beer lover’s delight. The 2020 version is strong on the chocolate, vanilla and coffee flavors with a smooth and subtle bourbon hint compared to the 2019 and 2018 versions. 2019 was heavier on the bourbon and 2018 seemed more on the maple syrup/French toast flavor to me. All three versions are on tap at the Gilbert location. Cans of 2020 are available for $10 each.

2. Double Can Release from Goldwater Brewing Co. (Scottsdale & Mesa)

Goldwater is making it a very hoppy holiday with the scheduled Thursday release of two new IPAs: Double-Dry Hopped Strata version of Hop Chowda and Santa Suit. DDH Hop Chowda gets released periodically throughout the year and it’s a hit every time it comes out. This time the brewers added Strata hops which should give it more tropical fruit flavors. Look for it quickly or place an order online to secure your four-pack for Christmas. Santa Suit is a Double-Dry Hopped Double West Coast holiday version of Goldwater’s flagship Birthday Suit IPA. Both beers release Christmas Eve Thursday.

3. Region Sauvage D’Arizona from Arizona Wilderness (Gilbert & Phoenix)

Pick up a fancy 750ml bottle to impress the family over Christmas dinner this year.  This  wild yeast Saison has been fermented in French oak foeder for two years. Available for $17 a bottle.

4. Neonic Marshmallow Cutie from The Shop Beer Co. (Tempe)

Hustle over to The Shop to get this today or wait until Saturday to get it because it will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This version of the brewery’s popular Neonic series is packed with flavors of tangerine, mango and marshmallow. Available in four-packs for $22.

5. Nutty Buddies from Dark Sky Brewing (Flagstaff)

Escaping to a cabin up north for the holidays? Stop along Beaver Street in the heart of Flagstaff and pick up this barrel-aged stout collaboration Dark Sky did with Wandering Tortoise beer bar in Phoenix (where it’s also available to-go). $16 per can.