As December arrives, many craft breweries in British Columbia are releasing special beers they have created to celebrate the holiday season.
These seasonal beers are perfect for the wintertime. Many are a little darker and stronger — ideal for colder, darker days — and some of the recipes even include spices, cranberries, or other tasty ingredients like chocolate, hazelnut or coffee. They make perfect stocking stuffers for beer lovers, or maybe even part of a home-made beer advent pack. Many are good options to serve at a holiday party or as part of a special holiday meal.
We all know the holidays can be a busy time for socializing so if you want to take a break from imbibing now and then but still want to enjoy a craft beverage, many BC breweries also offer non-alcoholic options.
Here are more than 50 suggestions for holiday-themed beers that can be found on the BC Ale Trail, organized by region:
The Fraser Valley
Winter Ale (7.5% ABV | 37 IBU) by Trading Post Brewing
This chestnut-brown ale was brewed with cinnamon, nutmeg, orange peel, and chili peppers. A true winter warmer!
Trading Post Brewing can be found on the Langley Ale Trail.
Illicit Cargo II Imperial Salted Caramel Porter (10.2% ABV | 48 IBU) by Smugglers’ Trail Caskworks
Brewed with vanilla beans, Himalayan salt, caramel malts, and aged on toasted American Oak.
Smugglers’ Trail Caskworks can be found on the Langley Ale Trail.
Cacao Chocolate Porter (6.5% ABV) by Farmhouse Brewing in Chilliwack
This porter was brewed with a mixture of crystal and chocolate malts with cacao shells added to further bolster the tasting notes of milk and dark chocolate and light roast coffee.
Farmhouse Brewing can be found on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail.
Frostbite Ginger Snap Cookie Ale (6% ABV) by Camp Beer Co.
This annual treat tantalizes the palate with a snap of ginger, creating a tingling sensation. It’s complemented by a malty sweetness, creating a well-rounded flavour profile, and balanced with a unique blend of spices, crafted to bring warmth and joy this season.
Camp Beer Co. can be found on the Langley Ale Trail.
Three Unusual Beers from Dead Frog Brewery:
- Jellies Jelly Donut Ale (5% ABV | 12 IBU) A limited edition collab with Zilla’s Donuts in Abbotsford & Chilliwack, this beer was made with a hearty helping of Zilla’s delicious jellies donut.
- Nutty Uncle Peanut Butter Stout (6.1% ABV | 24 IBU) A creamy milk stout brewed with eight choice malts, roasted cocoa beans, and real peanut butter.
- Apple Fritter Donut Ale (5% ABV | 12 IBU) Another special donut beer made with apple fritters from Zilla’s Donuts.
Dead Frog Brewery can be found on the Langley Ale Trail.
Greater Victoria
Code Name: The Quiet Man Stroopwafel Herfstbok (6% ABV) by Herald Street Brew Works
This special beer was inspired by the story of “the Quiet Man,” the brewer’s great-grandfather who hid Jewish people in his home and held up passport and ration offices at gunpoint to help feed and smuggle Jewish people to safety. A stroopwafel is a Dutch cookie, made with cinnamon, caramel and vanilla, and a Herfstbok is a strong beer brewed during harvest time.
Herald Street Brew Works can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.
Two Dark & Smooth Beers from Vancouver Island Brewing:
- Nanaimo Bar Imperial Porter (8.2% ABV | 15 IBU) This dessert-style porter combines the many layers of the classic Nanaimo bar — starting with chocolate on top, vanilla in the middle, and finally a base note of coconut with a decadent sweetness throughout.
- Hermannator Ice Bock (9.5% ABV | 25 IBU) A legendary seasonal brew born in 1987, this full-bodied and velvety beer was aged over three months in subzero conditions, resulting in rich notes of chocolate, coffee, and brandied plums. Hermannator is a timeless classic perfected over decades of Vancouver Island winters.
Vancouver Island Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.
Dark Side of the Sun Belgian Dark Strong (9% ABV | 25 IBU) by Small Gods Brewing
This is a classic Belgian Dark Strong Ale brewed with a proprietary blend of yeast from Beirm Biotech based out of UVic.
Small Gods Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.
25th Anniversary Brew: Belgian Quad with Cherries (11.1% ABV | 23 IBU) by Lighthouse Brewing
Featuring the delightful addition of cherries, this 25th Anniversary Belgian Quad exudes a harmonious blend of rich dark fruit, alluring notes of clove and banana, velvety caramel, and a touch of bready perfection.
Lighthouse Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.
Space Case by Phillips Brewing
This fun Advent Calendar-style pack includes 12 exclusive, never-released beers from Phillips’ Tasting Room.
Phillips Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.
Two festive beers from Howl Brewing:
- Cranberry Saison (5% ABV | 15 IBU) A Belgian farmhouse ale with cranberries, rosemary, and mandarin zest.
- Juleol (6% ABV | 0 IBU) A Norwegian solstice ale dating back to the Viking era, filtered through juniper branches with additions of yarrow.
Howl Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.
Three Dark Winter Beers from 4 Mile Brewing:
- Rice Pudding Porter (6% ABV) Dessert in a glass with a velvety malt base kissed by vanilla with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Intergalactic Imperial Stout (8.6% ABV) A celestial voyage in a glass: nebulous depths of roasted malt, espresso and dark chocolate notes.
- Dark Fruit Intergalactic Imperial Stout (8.6% ABV) Brewed with the addition of black currants.
4 Mile Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.
Gratitude (9% ABV) by Hoyne Brewing
A style of beer that reaches back to the 15th century, this winter warmer is best in a snifter by a fire with someone you love by your side. This year, for the first time it is available in cans as well as 650-ml bottles.
Hoyne Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail
Golden Beet Weizen Bock (6.5% ABV) and the Greatest Hits box from Mayne Island Brewing
This is a traditional German Winter Wheat Ale with an addition of golden beets. Mayne Island also sells special Greatest Hits advent packs with 12 different special beers to sip and savour.
Mayne Island Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.
Two Noël-Themed Beers from Île Sauvage Brewing:
- Noël (5.8% ABV) A gose brewed with cherries and tonka beans.
- Au Courant (6.8% ABV) A dark sour with black currants.
Île Sauvage Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.
Kelowna
Under the Weather Chocolate Milk Stout (6% ABV | 25 IBU) from Kettle River Brewing
This smooth, dark ale shows off whispers of chocolate, coffee and cream (contains lactose).
Kettle River Brewing can be found on the Kelowna & West Kelowna Ale Trail
Winter Ale (4.9% ABV | 18 IBU) from Kelowna Beer Institute
This smooth winter warmer has a perfect balance of nutty and sweet vanilla flavours.
Kelowna Beer Institute can be found on the Kelowna & West Kelowna Ale Trail.
Hammer of Doom (9% ABV) from Jackknife Brewing
Doom has landed in the dungeon. This Canadian imperial stout beckons you with layers upon layers of rich dark chocolate and graham cracker. Aged on scores of vanilla beans and bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup. Dive deep into a glass of pure darkness.
Jackknife Brewing can be found on the Kelowna & West Kelowna Ale Trail.
The Kootenay Rockies
Black Mammoth Winter Ale (8% ABV | 25 IBU) from Fernie Brewing
First released 10 years ago for the brewery’s 10th anniversary, Fernie Brewing is now celebrating 20 years of brewing! This deliciously dark wintry brew is made with additions of chocolate malt plus dark organic cocoa. Aging on oak adds smoothness and complexity.
Fernie Brewing can be found on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail
Faceplant Winter Ale (6% ABV) from Nelson Brewing
This classic winter ale has roasty hints of chocolate and molasses.
Nelson Brewing can be found on the Kootenay Rockies West Ale Trail
Neve Fresca Italian Pilsner (5.3% ABV | 20 IBU) from Backroads Brewing
A crisp and refreshing Italian style Pilsner meant to celebrate every skier and snowboarder’s dream: fresh snow!
Backroads Brewing can be found on the Kootenay Rockies West Ale Trail
North of the Fraser
Smoked Honey Doppelbock (7.9% ABV) by Steel & Oak Brewing
This is a classic winter lager featuring a complex flavour profile that begins with a gentle smokiness from beechwood-smoked malt, followed by a subtle sweetness derived from the New Westminster Beekeeper’s Association’s honey. This beer is lovingly lagered for eight weeks, allowing it to fully mature and develop, resulting in a rich and velvety texture.
Steel & Oak Brewing can be found on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail
Blitzen (9% ABV | 20 IBU) by Steamworks Brewing
Nothing says “It’s the Holidays” like time-honoured traditions and pink-cheeked revelry. Steamworks has combined both of those things into this 473ml can of their yearly winter offering. Brewed with the devout monastic traditions of Belgian Abbey ales in mind, Blitzen has all the hallmarks of a classic tripel: the lingering, snow white foam lacing your glass, the delightful ester profile of candied fruit and subtle baking spice, and the refreshing spritz of high carbonation.
All of this ensures that this winter warmer is sure to add some cheer to your festivities.
Steamworks Brewery can be found on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail
Frozen Pond (7.5% ABV | 40 IBU) by Silver Valley Brewing
This winter warmer is rich and malty with hints of caramel, chocolate, and treacle.
Silver Valley Brewing can be found on the Maple Ridge Ale Trail
The Birds Barrel-Aged Black Forest Pastry Stout (9.5% ABV | 17 IBU) by Parkside Brewery
This silky smooth Imperial Stout aged in Kentucky bourbon barrels features Black Forest pastry notes of dark cherry and chocolate in a warming whiskey finish.
Parkside Brewing can be found on the Port Moody Ale Trail
Holiday Mix Pack from Moody Ales & Co.:
- Eggnog Cream Ale (8% ABV) – Decadent holiday ale with lactose, vanilla & nutmeg.
- Gingerbread Ale (5.5% ABV) – Festive amber ale with warm, sweet spice.
- O Christmas Tree IPA (6% ABV) – West Coast IPA with spruce tips and juniper berries.
- Holiday Party Punch Sour (7% ABV) – Garnet fruit sour with cranberry, plum, and citrus.
Moody Ales & Co. can be found on the Port Moody Ale Trail
Anno 2023 (8.5% ABV | 28 IBU) by Dageraad Brewing
This beautiful beer has become an annual tradition in many beer lover’s households. It can be enjoyed with a holiday meal, as an able substitute for sparkling wine on New Year’s, or just on a winter evening shared with good friends or loved ones. It is a Belgian Strong Golden Ale made with Okanagan pears, coriander, and brettanomyces.
Dageraad offers several different mixed packs for the holidays, including Anno 4-Year Vintage packs. View the options online.
Dageraad Brewing can be found on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail
Sea to Sky and the Sunshine Coast
Beartooth Belgian Dubbel (7.2% ABV | 28 IBU) by Townsite Brewing
This traditional Belgian Dubbel is made with European ingredients and dark candi sugar (made in-house!), resulting in a gorgeous beer with a deep brown colour with ruby highlights, complex dark caramel flavours with hints of burnt sugar, raisins and dark fruits (think cherries and plums).
Townsite Brewing can be found on the Sunshine Coast Ale Trail
Protect Our Winters Pale Ale (4.5% ABV) by Backcountry Brewing
Partial proceeds from each beer sold will be contributed to Protect Our Winters Canada, a non-profit organization united to advocate for policy solutions to fight climate change.
Backcountry Brewing can be found on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail
Cranberry Orange Sour (5% ABV) by Tapworks Brewing
This holiday in a cup is sure to have you reaching for your favourite holiday sweater and making merriment.
Tapworks Brewing can be found on the Sunshine Coast Ale Trail
Northern BC
Prescription Porter (5.2% ABV | 30 IBU) by Barkerville Brewing
This rich elixir, with its distinctive flavour profile of chocolate, chilli and chaga, may just be your secret remedy for relaxation and indulgence — a prescription you won’t need a doctor to enjoy.
Barkerville Brewing can be found on the Northeast BC Ale Trail
South of the Fraser
Three Seasonal Beers from Barnside Brewing in Delta, winner of our 2023 Best Brewery Experience Award:
- Czech Dark Lager (5% ABV) Brewed in true Czech tradition, featuring 50% premium malts from Czechia and 50% Barnside’s own Munich malt, and hopped assertively using Barnside’s own Sterling hops from right across the street.
- Distant Storm Double IPA (8% ABV) This beer is a tropical juice extravaganza.
- Maple Bourbon Imperial Oatmeal Stout (11.2% ABV) Aged for six months in ex-bourbon barrels most recently used for maple syrup, then blended and aged in glass to develop a gentle complexity.
Barnside Brewing can be found on the South of the Fraser Ale Trail
The Thompson Okanagan
Glorious Hazelnut Coffee Milk Stout (5.6% ABV ) by Tin Whistle Brewing
This gloriously rich Hazelnut Coffee Milk Stout won a gold medal at the 2022 BC Beer Awards and recently received a gold medal at the 2023 Canada Beer Cup. It is brewed with coffee from Tin Whistle’s neighbour One 14 Coffee Co. giving it huge coffee notes with a subtle hit of hazelnut.
Tin Whistle Brewing can be found on the Penticton Ale Trail
Sugar Shack Maple Amber Ale (5.1% ABV) by Giant’s Head Brewing
Giant’s Head teamed up with Maple Roch Pure Canadian Maple Syrup to create this smooth amber ale brewed with silky maple syrup.
Giant’s Head Brewing will be part of the new South Okanagan Ale Trail launching in 2024.
Two Imperial Stouts by Cannery Brewing:
- Kindling Imperial Stout (9% ABV) Brewed with coffee, chocolate, oats, coconut and lactose.
- Rum Barrel-Aged Kindling Imperial Stout (10% ABV) Aged in rum barrels from the famed Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados.
Cannery Brewing can be found on the Penticton Ale Trail
Vancouver
Three Seasonal Beers from Strange Fellows Brewing:
- Krampus (8.5% ABV) A Belgian-style Abbey dubbel brewed with Belgian candi sugar and dark malts. Rich with the flavour of dried stone fruits, subtle toffee, and spice.
- Lord Barleycorn (6.5% ABV) This pre-prohibition lager was aged in Woodford Reserve barrels that previously held Russian Imperial Stout.
- Nocturnum Dark IPA (6.5% ABV) A robust and balanced dark hoppy ale that will help keep the darkness at bay.
Strange Fellows Brewing can be found on the Vancouver-Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail
Naughty & Nice Mix Pack by Parallel 49 Brewing
This Holiday-themed 8-pack features a great mix of four wintry beers:
- Ziegebock Helles Bock (6.4% ABV | 28 IBU)
- Old Boy Cream Ale (5.0% ABV | 23 IBU)
- Natcrucker Blackcurrant Belgian Ale (5.4% ABV | 19 IBU)
- Lil’ Imp Cold IPA (6.7% ABV | 49 IBU)
Parallel 49 Brewing can be found on the Vancouver – Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail
Tart Wild Ale with Quince (5% ABV) by Luppolo Brewing
A gorgeous beer that was fermented with Luppolo’s house culture of Brett C and Lactobacillus and re-fermented on hundreds of pounds of fresh quince from the Fraser Valley, resulting in complex flavours and aromas of apple, pineapple, pear and white pepper with a medium body and bright acidity.
Luppolo Brewing can be found on the Vancouver – Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail
“Wee Laird” Barrel-Aged Wee Heavy (9.2% ABV) by Callister Brewing
This is version 2.0 of Callister’s 2022 Canada Beer Cup Best in Show winner. Aged for seven months in Okanagan Spirits “Laird of Fintry” whisky barrels, this version is complex and bold with strong notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and a hint of coconut from first-use Bordeaux barrels. On tap and in bottles for a limited time at the brewery.
Callister Brewing can be found on the Vancouver – Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail
Bourbon Barrel-Aged German Porter (6.7% ABV | 27 IBU) by Main St. Brewing
This bourbon barrel-aged German Porter is made to order for the advent of dark beer season. A historical wild ale with Germanic origins that date back to the 1850s, this recipe uses a mixed bill of English Maris Otter, chocolate, brown and crystal malts, Hook Norton and Brettanomyces yeast strains, Olicana T-45 and Phoenix hops, and the benefit of a long rest in bourbon barrels.
Main St. Brewing can be found on the Vancouver – Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail
Vancouver’s North Shore
Three Holiday Beers from Bridge Brewing:
- Santa’s Sac (10.5% ABV | 30 IBU) A Belgian Golden Strong bursting with banana, clove and peppercorn— the perfect stocking stuffer!
- The Grinch (6.5% ABV | 20 IBU) This popular Winter Ale is a robust porter spiced delicately with cinnamon, vanilla and oak.
- Caramel Cookie Stout (6.5% ABV | 27 IBU) A full-bodied, rich stout with natural salted caramel, chocolate malt and sweetened with lactose.
Bridge Brewing can be found on the Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail
Vancouver Island
Got Any Stouts or Porters? (7% ABV | 50 IBU) by Hornby Island Brewing
Clearly, this beer was answering customer demand! This delicious stout with rich notes of chocolate and coffee is available in 4-oz tastings and 355ml sized cans to go on Saturdays in the tasting room on Hornby Island throughout December.
Hornby Island Brewing can be found on the Vancouver Island Part II Ale Trail
Cherry-Oke Dessert Sour (7% ABV) by Longwood Brewery
Cherry-oke is like biting into a freshly baked cherry pie but instead of the usual sweetness, it’s got a tangy, sour kick that will leave you wanting more. The lemon and vanilla flavours add a nice depth and complexity to the beer.
Longwood Brewery can be found on the Vancouver Island Part I Ale Trail
Rocket Fuel (9% ABV | 90 IBU) by Ace Brewing
Every holiday season when the planets align just right Ace Brewing boosts up their regular Jet Fuel IPA with an astronomical amount of hops, resulting in this stellar double IPA that will launch you into orbit.
Ace Brewing can be found on the Vancouver Island Part II Ale Trail
No matter which brews you choose to savour this holiday season, we encourage you to support BC craft brewers. And as always, enjoy responsibly.
