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• Allanah Beazley
• Utah’s local brewers have plenty of party-ready flavors to try at your next holiday get-together.

Raise a Glass
Local brews to keep things merry and bright.
By Erin Moore

No need to worry about bringing the perfect party beer to your festive events—we've got you covered. Read below to find out about some of the great local brews fit for drinking this holiday season, for which occasions and to get a heads up on what message you'll likely be sending to your loved ones while imbibing.

Gingerbread Big Bad Baptist by Epic Brewing
Dessert beers modeled after actual desserts can be a bit much, but this cookie-spiced beer couldn't be more balanced and palatable. And you'll likely agree, this Big Bad Baptist tastes like "the reason for the season."

When you're drinking it: On Christmas Eve, decorating an actual gingerbread house or the tree, or cutting up paper snowflakes. Maybe to warm up with after sledding, or to cuddle up with while watching Elf.

What you're saying to your family: A sincere and totally unironic "be of good cheer.'" Wholesome vibes only here.
Epic Brewing Co., 825 S. State, SLC, 801-906-0123,
epicbrewing.com

Orange Stick Big Bad Baptist by Epic Brewing
Pass off a big old drink as merely a festive little drink with the Orange Stick-flavored Big Bad Baptist. Epic's high and heavy limited line comes across like a dry, bitter cacao treat here, and is "moreish" just like a bar of dark chocolate.

When to drink it: Crack this open for Christmas brunch—to share. And if you're not on the dark-beer-for-brunch train, get on it.

What you're saying: After a taste of this 12.3% brew, you're going to be feeling the spirit and might start chatting about your favorite holiday things, like actual Orange Sticks and haunting stories like The Little Matchstick Girl (in which orphans get one single orange to share for Christmas), which might lead you to wondering out loud if you shouldn't track down a Victorian orphanage to go do some charity for—like, right now.
Epic Brewing Co., 825 S. State, SLC, 801-906-0123,
epicbrewing.com

Pomegranate Berliner Weisse by T.F. Brewing
Bright, fruity—but complex, craft lovers will adore this sour, and wine fans will appreciate it because it gives off a crisp vibe not unlike some prosecco.

When to drink it: Peppy, pink-ish and festive, it's perfect for a pre-dinner event on Christmas Eve when people are first gathering and need to loosen up their lips.

What you're saying: With that first-drink glow, it says how much you love and appreciate the people sipping alongside you—your night has just started, and all your friends are here.
T.F. Brewing, 936 S. 300 West, SLC, 385-270-5972,
tfbrewing.com

Imperial Mole Porter by Bewilder Brewing
A richer take on Bewilder's Mole Porter, this version is aged in tequila and mezcal barrels, richly spiced with traditional mole spices, including chipotle, cinnamon, cacao, vanilla and mulato and pasilla negro peppers. And in about the same amount of time it takes you to read that label, you'll find each flavor blooming onto your palate.

When to drink it: As quickly as the cinnamon starts to tickle your sinuses, you'll be wanting to put on some party music and turn a gentle holiday gathering into a real banger.

What you're saying: "Mole was made to be brewed into a beer."
Bewilder Brewing, 445 S. 400 West, SLC, 385-528-3840,
bewilderbrewing.com

Triple Brett Oak Aged Dark Lager by T.F. Brewing
Aged on Montmorency cherries, this delightful lager carries a slightly musty fruitiness that's somewhere between cider and orange natural wine, thanks to the spike of tart cherry essence. It's just begging to be paired with a charcuterie board at your New Year's Eve party. This fantastic limited release really is the star of the show—or rather, the Christmas tree.

When to drink it: When you need to pop a cork off something at the strike of midnight!

What you're saying: If this does end up being your cork-popper for the evening, you might be past the point of saying anything clever. So raise your glass and say something silly and joyful, like "here ye' beer ye!'"
T.F. Brewing, 936 S. 300 West, SLC, 385-270-5972,
tfbrewing.com