For some, 2023 seemed to fly by faster than a toupee in a hurricane.
The holidays are in full swing here in Tucson with dinner reservations filling up fast, holiday cocktails warming bellies, and some local businesses gearin’ up to open their doors on Christmas day. Plus, a lot of things are limited around this time of year and that includes holiday brews. Here’s a list of a few festive beers you oughta try before they’re gone (some are available all year). We also included a couple of holiday ciders to keep you warm this winter.
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Grab a pint of Nolan’s Porter at the oldest brewery in town. First brewed in 1994 to commemorate the birth of the Brewmaster’s son, the beer is dark, rich, complex, and full of flavor — delivering a palate of roasted malt flavor with a touch of chocolate on the finish.
Tucson’s only local cidery has two warm ciders on-hand at the Fourth Avenue taproom. You have the choice of the non-alcoholic Apple Cinnamon, or if you want to feel a little goofy post-consumption, order the Orange Spice (6.5% ABV).
This holiday stout has hints of chocolate, peppermint, and marshmallow. Be sure you toss a candy cane in it to get the full effect!
Borderlands Brewing is currently pouring “cake in a glass” with its German Chocolate Cake Porter. “This brew packs all the chocolatey, coconutty goodness of your grandma’s secret recipe, minus the awkward family gatherings,” Borderlands shared about the beer.
The All Souls Stout is a year-round classic over at Button Brew House but it’s extra special around the holiday season beginning in October. The American Dry Stout (inspired by its English and Irish cousins) is a “deep, robust, and richly rewarding craft beer.” The distinct notes of coffee, chocolate, toffee, and caramel really wet your whistle.
The brewery located in Marana near Ina Road and I-10 has collaborated with Roadrunner Coffee Co. to make its Coffee Spice Porter. This one may be limited since the first keg was tapped into in October. In other words, head over to the brewery ASAP!
Crooked Tooth is known for its full moon brews and the most recent one is the Wiracocha 2023 (8.2% ABV) — a brew that has notes of chocolate and vanilla. It’s a “nice wintery full body” if you ask anyone at Crooked Tooth.
There’s a new Porter on tap! With a 5% ABV, this brew includes notes of chocolate and coffee — “crispy and refreshing.” It’s available at the new Broadway Boulevard location as well as the 555 E. 18th St. taproom. Oh, and act fast! There are only four barrels of this porter.
“We’ve brewed up a dark beer just in time for the chilly season!” The downtown taproom has this Imperial Stout on tap only (no cans). If you’re in the need of some holiday spirit, this beer’s for you — a strong, bold, and roasted flavor with chocolate undertones.
Screwbean Brewing isn’t screwin’ around when it comes to the holidays. Their newest beer — the Sweater Weather Stout — is waiting for your arrival inside the cozy taproom on Park Avenue.
