Deck the Halls with Brews of Jolly
The holiday season is upon us, and that means it’s time to indulge in all the festive flavors that make this time of year so special. Forget the eggnog and mulled wine – this year, I’m letting my taste buds take a journey through the wonderful world of holiday beers at The Up and Under Pub.
As I step through the doors of this cozy, neighborhood establishment, I’m immediately struck by the warm, inviting atmosphere. The pub is decked out in twinkling lights and evergreen garlands, creating a wonderfully merry ambiance that instantly puts me in the holiday spirit. I make my way to the bar, eager to dive into the lineup of seasonal suds on tap.
A Merry Medley of Seasonal Sippers
The bartender, a jolly fellow with rosy cheeks and a bushy beard that would make Santa jealous, greets me with a knowing smile. “Ah, I see you’re here to sample our holiday beer selection. Excellent choice!” He proceeds to walk me through the impressive array of offerings, each one more tantalizing than the last.
First up, the Merry World Breakfast Stout from Wise Man Brewing. This beloved seasonal stout is made with locally roasted coffee beans from Krankies Coffee, giving it a complex dark chocolate profile and a toasty finish that warms me from the inside out. At a robust 9.4% ABV, it’s surprisingly drinkable, with a velvety mouthfeel that lingers on my palate.
Wise Man has also unveiled a Merry World Breakfast Stout with peanut butter this year, and I can practically smell the decadent aroma from here. Both versions, along with their spiced winter ale “Winter Wave,” will be available starting November 24th. I make a mental note to come back and sample the entire lineup.
Next, the bartender pours me a glass of Frostbite from Foothills Brewing. This hugely popular seasonal can be found at grocery stores and bottle shops throughout the Southeast, and this year, Foothills has given it a festive new logo, swapping the black and blue color scheme for merrier shades of red and green. But the taste remains unchanged – a harmonious blend of select dark malts and bright citrusy hops, with notes of dark chocolate, orange, and lemon peel that culminate in a big blast of flavor as refreshing as a cold winter day.
As I savor the Frostbite, the bartender shares a story about its inspiration. “You know, this one’s the official beer of Jack Frost himself. I can just imagine the little rascal sipping on this while he’s out nipping at everybody’s nose!”
I chuckle at the mental image, making a mental note to visit The Up and Under Pub again soon to explore their full lineup of holiday brews.
A Taste of Moravian Cheer
The bartender then pours me a taste of Lunar Handshake, a dark lager from Lesser-Known Brewery that celebrates the Moravian brewing heritage of Winston-Salem. “The Moravians who founded this town knew a thing or two about beer,” he explains. “In fact, they started the state’s first microbrewery right here over 250 years ago.”
I swirl the rich, mahogany-colored liquid in my glass, taking in the microtones of toffee, caramel, and toasted pumpernickel. It’s a wonderfully complex and well-balanced brew, with a smooth, easy-drinking character that belies its 5% ABV. As I sip, I can practically feel the warmth of Moravian hospitality radiating from the glass.
“Lesser-Known is also debuting a new Czech-inspired lager called ’13’ this season,” the bartender adds. “It’s got delicate spice notes that I think you’ll really enjoy.”
I make a mental note to come back and sample both of these Moravian-inspired gems, eager to further explore the rich brewing history of this fascinating town.
A Cheery Cornucopia of Seasonal Sippers
My taste buds have been thoroughly delighted by the first few holiday offerings, but the bartender assures me that the best is yet to come. He proceeds to regale me with tales of the other seasonal brews that have graced the taps at The Up and Under Pub.
From the subtly spicy Spicecraft Saison to the malty-sweet Wee Bit Scottish Export at Joymongers Brewing, there’s a festive mix of flavors to please every palate. But the one that really piques my interest is the Nitro Cherrywood Smoked Porter – a robust porter infused with smoky depth from cherrywood-smoked malt.
“It’s the perfect pick-me-up on a long winter’s night,” the bartender enthuses. “Takes a classic porter and gives it that extra bit of cozy, comforting warmth.”
I can practically feel the heat radiating from the glass, and my mouth waters in anticipation. But the bartender’s not done yet.
“And let’s not forget about our friends at Incendiary Brewing. Every Black Friday, they unveil nearly a dozen unique stouts and porters as part of their annual Black Friday Stout Release. We’re talking vanilla beans, chocolate, cinnamon – all the warm, toasty flavors you crave in the wintertime.”
I raise an eyebrow, impressed by the sheer breadth of seasonal offerings. “Sounds like I’ll need to plan a whole DIY holiday brewery adventure to make sure I don’t miss a single one!”
The bartender chuckles. “That’s the spirit! And don’t forget, we’ve got nine breweries right here in downtown Winston-Salem, so it’s easy to hop around and try ’em all.”
Spreading Holiday Cheer, One Pint at a Time
As I savor the final sips of my Lunar Handshake, I can’t help but feel a sense of pure, unadulterated joy. The holiday season has officially arrived, and what better way to celebrate than with a veritable cornucopia of festive brews, all masterfully crafted right here in Winston-Salem.
I can already envision myself returning to The Up and Under Pub, perhaps with a few friends in tow, to embark on a merry journey of holiday beer tasting. We’ll sip and savor our way through the lineup, trading stories and laughter like old friends. And who knows – maybe we’ll even stumble upon a new favorite that becomes a cherished tradition for years to come.
One thing’s for certain: this holiday season, I’ll be savoring the season in the most delightful way possible – with a pint (or two) of finely crafted seasonal suds in hand.
