🍂 A Bit of History & Holiday Magic Since the earliest days of brewing, winter has inspired a special kind of beer. In colder climates, brewers crafted stronger, malt-rich ales to bring warmth and comfort during the darkest months of the year. As the tradition evolved, medieval monks created dark, robust beers for winter festivals like Yule, often adding fruits or spices for extra depth and celebration.
Today’s holiday beers — from spiced ales to rich winter warmers — continue that legacy. You’ll often find flavors of caramel, toasted malt, chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, dried fruits, and even a hint of pine and cherry. Styles range from Winter Warmers and Spiced Ales to Porters, Stouts, Belgian Dubbels, Fruited Ales, and fuller, cold-weather IPAs. What they share is a common goal: to evoke that cozy, festive feeling that defines the season. This time of year, breweries across North Carolina embrace that spirit with creative seasonal releases that invite us to slow down, gather with friends, and toast to winter. Here are some local favorites—from Raleigh, Cary, Durham, and Asheville—worth exploring this holiday.
Here are some local favorites—from Raleigh, Cary, Durham, and Asheville—worth exploring this holiday: Raleigh Brewing Company (Raleigh) – Known for rich, malt-forward seasonal releases that bring winter spice, caramel, and dark-fruit notes to the table. Perfect for holiday gatherings or pairing with hearty meals. Lynnwood Brewing Concern (Raleigh) Our neighbors from LBC regularly rotates seasonal and limited-edition beers. Their winter offerings often lean into fuller-bodied, warming styles ideal for chilly nights. Brewery Bhavana (Raleigh) – While not tied to a specific “holiday ale,” their Belgian-inspired and farmhouse-style beers pair beautifully with festive menus and cold-weather comfort food. Hi-Wire Brewing (Durham) – Creative, playful, and always seasonal-forward. Their winter beers are a fun and flavorful option for anyone looking to explore beyond the classics. Bond Brothers Beer Company (Cary) – A beloved Cary brewery known for quality and creativity. During the winter they embrace the festive season with special releases and events like Hoppy Holidays, celebrating seasonal brews with a community feel. Expect balanced, flavorful beers that shine with cold-weather dishes.
Vicious Fishes Brewery (Cary) – Their Cary taproom and biergarten offer a mix of IPAs, sours, and lagers, often with seasonal twists. While they’re known for hop-driven styles, they incorporate creative variations throughout the year—making them a fun stop for holiday-inspired brews.
Green Man Brewery (Asheville) – A mountain favorite. Their Holly King holiday ale is full of spice, warmth, and winter richness — a true seasonal staple. Holiday beers aren’t just beverages—they’re a way to slow down, gather with friends, and toast to the season. Whether you prefer something spiced, malty, bright, or boldly hoppy, there’s a North Carolina brewery ready to fill your glass with holiday cheer. Cheers to discovering your next favorite festive brew! 🍻✨ Would you like to learn more about Beer in 2026? Join the world of WSET!
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