Louis Glunz Brewmaster Presents "The Twelve Beers of Christmas' - His Picks of the Best Beers for Holiday Cheers this Christmastide (December 25 thro

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) December 22, 2007 -- Christmas Ales, specially brewed for the season and available for a limited time, are much-anticipated by "Beer Geeks" but are now gaining fans among less erudite beer lovers, according to Ed Kane of Louis Glunz Beer, Inc., the oldest beer distributor in Illinois. He attributes the trend to the explosive growth in craft, specialty and imported beers and people opting to drink less but better. As Glunz Beer's in-house brew master, Kane offers advice to help navigate the beer aisle this holiday with "The Twelve Beers of Christmas" list of those seasonal brews he rates outstanding.

Kane describes his selections as big, bold and spicy and notes that these beers are meant to be savored on their own or after dinner as a dessert. "These 'winter warmers' are truly a gift from the best breweries around the world, and a once a year treat not to be missed," he said. Kane's picks of the best beers for holiday cheers, based on their quality and value for the drinking experience, and their suggested retail prices:

1. Barbãr Winter Brassin, $14.99, 4-pack - Produced annually by the Lefebvre Brewery in Belgium from October to February, a winter Barbãr Brassin. Issue of high fermentation, this brown ale contains honey, coriander and orange peel. Extremely well rounded. My favorite this year. Try it, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Belgian Ale

2. Chimay Magnum Bottle Grande Reserve, $12.79, 25.4oz. Bottle - A strong-character beer from the Belgium Trappist Chimay Brewery with a fragrance of fresh yeast and a pleasantly light, flowery rosy touch. Its relatively dry flavor uncovers a fine caramelized note. A perfect balance between fullness and slightly bitter aftertaste. Originally a holiday seasonal offered only in Belgium, now available year 'round in the United States. A Trappist beer at its best. Trappist Dark Brown

3. Quelque Chose, $6.79, 16.9oz. Bottle - Deep opaque mahogany hue with a definitive haze. Full bodied. Mild bitterness, rich malt, reminiscent of black cherries, brown spices and orange peel. Complex aromatics play out a well-balanced palate. This unique ale from the Unibroue Brewery in Canada, can be enjoyed on the rocks as an aperitif or taken as a hot drink when warmed. Perfect for the winter months.

4. SAMICHLAUS BIER®, $21.99, 4-pack - Brewed annually by the Brauerei Schloss Eggenberg in Austria on December 6, the day of St. Nicholas, this beer is aged for 10 months before bottling and is among the rarest beer specialties in the world. It is also the strongest bottom-fermented beer. If you enjoy ports (Samichlaus is not), this may be up your alley. The most expensive beer on the list, but definitely worth it. Strong Lager

5. Gouden Carolus Noël, $10.99, 750ml Bottle - Brewed for Christmas by the Anker brewery of Mechelen, established in 1369, this Belgian Ale is brewed using traditional methods and a recipe with top fermentation. It improves with age and charms with its warm, coppery color and rich bouquet. This season's brew is exceptional, don't miss it. Belgian Dark Ale

6. St. Bernardus Christmas Ale, $11.99, 750ml Bottle - Previously only available in Denmark and Belgium, this specialty beer boasts a deep, dark color, creamy, thick head and an almost velvety taste with a fruity nose. Enjoy this with family and friends. Ale

7. N'Ice Chouffe 2007, $11.49, 750ml Bottle - The winter seasonal from d'Achouffe Brewery in Belgium, this vintage offers a rich malty taste, spicy (thyme) and fruity (dried grapes) aroma and a complex vinous fruity palate, which is complimented by malt overtones. A true classic for the holidays. Belgian Barley Wine

8. Delirium Noël, $19.99, 4-pack - A Belgian Strong Dark Ale brewed seasonally by the Brouwerij Huyghe of Melle Belgium, established in 1654. This very complex beer has an earthy, spicy aroma with a hint of hops which become more evident as it warms. A great introduction to Belgium seasonals. Belgian Dark Ale

9. Breckenridge Christmas Ale, $8.99, 6-pack - This beer from the Colorado high-country has a sturdy texture and rich flavors of caramel and chocolate. No beer better represents the holiday season in the Rockies, especially after a day on the slopes. Ale

10. Anchor Brewing Christmas Ale, $10.99, 6-pack - Since 1975, this San Francisco brewery has offered a unique holiday recipe which is always kept a secret. I noticed hints of all-spice and vanilla, along with a subtle smoke flavor in the 2007 release. Each year, this seasonal beer's label features a different tree, prompting many beer enthusiasts to collect the bottles and compare taste with other vintages. Ale

11. Gulden Draak Vintage 2007, $7.49, 750ml Bottle - From the Brewery Van Steenberge in Belgium, this is a dark brown Triple Ale, which makes it an exception among the Belgian Triples. A second fermentation offers a nice creamy head, full body and all the vitamins of the centuries old brewers yeast. It balances a natural malt toffee-like sweetness with some hoppy accents. A dessert beer. Enjoy fireside! Barley Wine

12. Corsendonk Christmas Ale, $18.79, 4-pack - A rich, dark brew with an aroma of chocolate malt and spices reminiscent of holiday baking in Mom's kitchen. Belgian Ale

About Glunz Beer:

Founded in 1888 by Louis Glunz I in Chicago, Glunz Beer is among the oldest beer wholesalers in the United States and the recipient of the 2007 "Craft Beer Distributor Achievement Award" from the National Beer Wholesalers Association and the Brewers Association for its marketing of craft beer in Chicago. The 119-year-old company is family-owned and operated by President Jack Glunz, the Grandson of Louis Glunz I, with day-to-day operations led by five of his and his wife Patricia's seven children as members of the fourth generation. Glunz Beer features an extensive portfolio of more than 600 craft, specialty and imported beers from 75 breweries worldwide, and is the premier distributor to restaurants, bars, liquor and grocery stores throughout Chicago. The company is dedicated to quality service and to educating its customers and the public about beer tastes and trends. For more information, visit www.glunzbeers.com.

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