Lotte Peplow, the Brewers Association’s American craft beer ambassador, takes a look at American craft beers for Christmas.
Much excitement is in store for lovers of American craft beer this Christmas because a fresh shipment of high-quality, iconic West Coast American craft brews is now available.
The line-up includes a ludicrously good selection of draught and packaged beers from independent American craft breweries not frequently seen in the UK. Many are rare and very highly sought after, even in the States! Beers range from classic American IPAs through to barrel-aged big hitters, perfect for the festive season and beyond.
Beers start their journey State-side by leaving their respective brewery as close to packaging date as possible to ensure only the freshest stock is exported. They are shipped in chilled conditions and all beers are pre-ordered, which means distribution to bars, bottle shops, and restaurants begins from the moment they land in port. No time is wasted in ensuring beers reach the beer lover tasting super-fresh, exactly as the brewer intended.
What’s on offer?
AleSmith Brewing Co, San Diego
Established in 1995, AleSmith produces hand-crafted ales in a variety of styles, including the much-loved Speedway Stout, which will be available in a range of mouth-watering variants. A pale ale, hazy IPA, and brown ale complete the line-up.
Belching Beaver Brewery, San Diego
In addition to their best-selling Peanut Butter Milk Stout, also available will be a crisp blonde ale, flavoursome West Coast IPAs, and hazy/juicy IPAs, including an award-winning version made with terpenes!
Coronado Brewing Co, Coronado
Based on the coast of Southern California, Coronado Brewing make award-winning beers with an authentic coastal vibe inspired by their San Diego roots. Their UK line-up includes renowned IPAs, a double IPA, a refreshing witbier, and a crisp blonde ale.
Firestone Walker Brewing Co, Pasa Robles
With innovation and quality at its heart, Firestone Walker Brewing is generously treating the British beer lover to a selection of highly-rated bottled/canned barrel-aged imperial stouts, imperial porters, barley wines, wild ales, a selection of superb IPAs, oh and a grape ale!
Maui Brewing Co, Kihei, Hawaii
Founded in 2005, Maui is Hawaii’s largest craft brewery. Look out for their famed coconut porter and classic IPAs.
Modern Times, San Diego
Since 2013, Modern Times has been a creative powerhouse and beer slinger that has shipped over a couple of awesome IPAs.
The Bruery, Placentia
With the promise that their beers are “like nothing you’ve ever tasted before”, The Bruery have brought their A-game to the UK with an outstanding selection, from fruited sours to double rye barrel-aged imperial stouts, pastry stouts, and their Belgian-inspired 12 Days of Christmas series.
Many of these beers are limited edition, made in small batches, so be quick — when they’re gone they’re gone!
Why are these beers worth seeking out?
American craft brewers benefit from having close access to some of the best hop-growing states in America, such as Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. They spend hours with the hop farmers, constantly evaluating hops and interacting with the growers and suppliers.
This use of high-quality raw materials, combined with relentless innovation, technical brewing expertise, and an unswerving commitment to quality, ensures American craft beer is renowned the world over. In addition, many breweries produce award-winning, world-class beers that win high profile international beer competitions on a regular basis.
Also available is much-loved Sierra Nevada Celebration IPA. This seasonal, fresh hop favourite is made with freshly-picked Cascade and Centennial hops, and only available from October to December.
Beers are available both in keg and packaged format throughout the UK in bars (such as Brewdog), bottle shops, selected restaurants (including Beer & Burger) and online from Beer Merchants.
World Beer Cup
Registration for the largest and most prestigious competition in the world, the World Beer Cup, is open until 13th December. It offers a great chance to compete on the world stage. Winners are announced at the annual Craft Brewers Conference, in Indianapolis, from 28th April until 1st May next year. Check out the details at worldbeercup.org.
About the author
Lotte Peplow is the American Craft Beer Ambassador for Europe for the Brewers Association and is based in London. She is a certified cicerone, BDI-accredited beer sommelier, beer writer, author, beer communicator, international beer judge, homebrewer, and beer lover.
