What do Benjamin Franklin, William Shakespeare and Plato have in common?  They were all great lovers of beer.  And believe us, we get it.  

While we certainly enjoy saisons in the summer, and pumpkin ales in the fall, there is nothing that gets us more excited than winter brews.  Sure there are the omnipresent seasonal beers—the Sam Adams Winter lagers and Sierra Nevada’s Celebration ales—but we’re all about the road less traveled.  We seek out the small production seasonal craft beers; those gorgeously spiced, high-ABV gems, which you’ll never find at your local Ralph’s.  

Luckily, there’s one spot in the neighborhood which has curated a thoughtful list of Christmas brews:  Blue Dog Beer Tavern.  Tucked into the residential area of Sherman Oaks, the beer bar and gastropub is known for their superior, but extensive, craft beer menu boasting a list that includes the world-class La fin Du Monde Tripel from Unibroue (Quebec, Canada) to the craft beer crowd favorite,  Green Flash West Coast IPA (San Diego, CA).  

Blue Dog’s Christmas list is composed of five stunning winter brews.  First, there is the Affligem Noel, a Belgian Strong Dark Ale, malty and tinged with the flavors of dark fruits.  Port Brewing Company’s Santa’s Little Helper is a handsome Imperial Stout, dark as night, with hints of coffee and chocolate flavors.   For those looking for a lighter seasonal brew, AleSmith’s YuleSmith is an Imperial Red Ale touched with notes of caramel and toffee.  The Delirium Noel balances brown sugar and cinnamon in a Belgian Strong Dark Ale.  And our favorite, perhaps, is the St. Bernardus Christmas Ale, a gorgeously spiced Quadrupel with a 10% ABV. 

It’s likely you’re going to want to try all of Blue Dog’s Christmas brews (we’re not ones to judge), so dig into their burger menu to keep you on your feet.  There’s one layered with hash browns, applewood smoked bacon, and blanketed in an oozing fried egg, or try the signature burger—dressed in mushrooms, caramelized onions, and slathered in root beer BBQ sauce.  

We know as SoCal residents we’re prone to love the warmer seasons, but Christmas brew season makes us wish it were December, forever.  

Blue Dog Beer Tavern, 4524 Saugus Ave, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403.  (818) 990-2583.