GOOD FOR WHAT ALES YOU

TIDBIT

WINTER BREWS ARE HERE FOR A LIMITED TIME

BY NORA HESTON TARTE & SARAH STEFFENS

As we roll into winter, our favorite breweries are coming out with seasonal brews to satisfy our cravings for something both cold and refreshing. Get ready to crack one open while you watch the big game or sip it around a fireplace. HIGH WATER BREWING

High Water never lets us down when it comes to their seasonal offerings. While the MangoPassionfruit Tart Ale (released in December) drips its last drops from the tap, January brings a new fruity beer for customers. Sideline your usual and order up the Jingle Berry, a fruited pie sour, here for a limited time. 5 WINDOW BEER CO.

There are three new brews on the menu at this Lodi favorite. Owner Charlie Lippert reveals the brewery will turn out a Bourbon Barrel Aged Cup O’ Joe Stout (6.7%) aged for six months in local rye whiskey and bourbon barrels from Sonoma, a Cashmere Smash (6.1%) that feels as toasty as your favorite winter sweater and made from pilsner malt and Cashmere hops, and a New England-style Hazy IPA dubbed the Wango Tango and infused with mango boasting tropical and citrus flavors. CALIFORNIA SELTZER COMPANY

At 5 Window Beer Co., staff also pours hard seltzer by the glass and sell it by the can. To ring in the New Year, California Seltzer Company will launch a tropical flavored seltzer to transport you from the chilly California weather to a warm white-sand beach.

IDOL BEER WORKS

In Scotland, Hogmanay is the holiday for “last day of the old world,” the country’s version of New Year’s Day. And at Idol Beer Works, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a pint of Bruce, a delicious Scottish Highland Ale that you’ll only find here.

GET IT LOCAL

California-based brewery Firestone Walker released its seasonal beer, with plenty of local spots to grab the Clack Rye IPA Wookey Jack (8.3%). It is a three-time gold medal winner at the Great American Beer Festival and boasts toasty malted rye flavors with a bitter finish. It’s available while supplies last at West Lane Liquor in Stockton and Valley Market, Lakewood Liquors, and Alpine Spirits in Lodi.