Seasonal spirits to enjoy at local breweries

Seasonal favorites add to holiday spirit at local breweries

Compiled by JOSEPH RITACCO

HOLLY BERRY

INGREDIENTS: Cranberry, pomegranate and holly

A refreshing holiday sour brewed and conditioned with cranberry, pomegranate and holly leaves giving it a light fruity, tart and complex finish. Perfect for those cold months ahead!

THICK-N-THIN BREWING COMPANY

18330 Spark Drive Hagerstown, Md. 240-527-2930

The beginning of the holiday season brings with it a slew of annual traditions. Perhaps it’s time to hang those festive lights on the house, or bake those yummy sugar cookies, or find the ugly sweater that is always such a big hit at holiday parties? Don’t forget to add a trip to the local brewery to your holiday to-do list this year, as many establishments offer seasonable favorites throughout November and December to enhance the holiday spirit. The following are just a few of the unique and nearby offerings you can enjoy.

COURTESY OF ANTIETAM BREWERY COURTESY OF CUSHWA BREWING COMPANY COURTESY OF PROHIBITION HUB

DARK SHADOWS

INGREDIENTS: Pale crystal, and specialty dark malts

Dark Shadows is a 7.7% Imperial Porter that Antietam Brewery is barrel aging in Whisky barrels from McClintock and Tenth Ward Distilleries, both located in Frederick. The beer is brewed using a blend of pale, crystal, and specialty dark malts that after aging will have a malty, smooth complexity layered with whisky and oak notes from the casks. This beer is designed to bring us into the colder, longer nights and would be perfect for sipping on next to a nice fire. Dark Shadows will be available throughout November and December.

ANTIETAM BREWERY

140 Western Maryland Parkway Hagerstown, Md. 240-513-4490

EARTHLY RICHES

INGREDIENTS: Base and specialty malts, hops, grain and yeast

Adding to its catalog of dark lagers, Cushwa introduces to you Earthly Riches. Brewed to be as traditional to style as possible, this Czech Dark Lager features a bready, sweet aroma with a slight hint of chocolate. The flavor follows with toasted bread and toffee. This beer is clean and smooth to create a high drinkability factor.

CUSHWA BREWING COMPANY

10210 Governor Lane Boulevard Suite# 2010, Williamsport, Md. 301-223-3434

RUDOLPH’S MULE

INGREDIENTS: Peppermint schnapps, vodka and ginger beer

A winter classic, Rudolph’s Mule will definitely leave you jolly and red nosed with its minty but tart flavor.

PROHIBITION HUB

28 S Potomac St., Level B Hagerstown, Md. 240-513-6032