Until our Christmas Ale was born, we stuck strictly to the essential ingredients of beer: malt, hops, water and yeast.

When it came time to brew the Christmas Ale though, we drop everything we're doing, grab some chairs (and beers!) and sit around zesting oranges while we chat. We add them and fresh young ginger, whole cinammon sticks and organic honey to the brew. It's hard not to get cheerful when doing such a special task.

Smokehouse Christmas Ale has become a tradition around these parts. We have received many communications from fans around the country thanking us for brewing this classic.

Just a few snippets...

"[This] Christmas Ale is the reason I come home for the holidays!" --Pittsburgh

"Drinking this ale puts a person into the festive spirit. My husband and I celebrated the holidays drinking this ale- now 9 months later, we have the outcome. :)" --Columbus

And this email that came in recently...

"I owe you a long overdue thank you for your Christmas Ale. I've been coming there and getting my jugs filled with that delicious ale for several years now. I look forward all year to when your Christmas Ale returns. It has been a favorite brew of mine for many years. 

My holiday season officially starts at the moment I pour that first pint and take the first sip.

I usually leave a pint for Santa on Christmas Eve and awake to find the glass empty and a few extra treats in my stocking.

He's a big fan. Thanks again!"

Happy Holidays from everyone at The 'House.