Put aside your light, workaday brews and reach for something more festive to serve at this extravagant holiday meal. Saint Louis Hop Shop co-owner Justin Harris shared his five picks from double IPAs to rich chocolate stouts to put you in a merry mood.
1. Schlafly Tasmanian IPA
Redolent with Galaxy and Australian Topaz hops, this 7.2-percent IPA is heady enough to feel celebratory but won’t weigh you down for a night of decadent food and drink.
6-pack: $10.
2. Destihl Wild Sour Plum Sour Stout
Chocolate and dark fruit combine for a brew that balances sweet and tart. At 5.6 percent, it goes well with lighter hors d’oeuvres or salads.
4-pack: $10.
3. Against the Grain Citra Ass Down
A healthy dose of Citra hops gives this 8-percent American IPA a taste of the tropics that’s balanced by maltiness.
4-pack: $12.
4. Ballast Point Victory at Sea
This rich Imperial porter is infused with sweet notes of coffee and vanilla perfect for post-dinner sipping. Be on the lookout for its elusive peppermint variant to add to the holiday hoopla.
6-pack: $15.50.
5. Evil Twin Liquid Double Fudge
The name doesn’t lie: This Imperial stout packs a creamy, fudgy punch that becomes even more chocolaty as it warms. At 12 percent, this is a beer to share and sip slowly.
22-ounce bottle: $9.
All beers are available at Saint Louis Hop Shop.
This article appears in November 2016.