Dan's Pick of the Week, Finski

To quote the immortal words of my favorite Charlie Brown TV special, 'Christmastime is here, happiness and cheer.'

Actually, it isn't even Halloween yet, but you'd never know it by the beer now rolling in from the best craft brewers. Arriving yesterday was The Mad Elf from Pennsylvania brewer Troegs. It's a rich, tasty concoction of Belgian yeast, chocolate malt, honey and cherries. At 11% alcohol, it'll warm you up on those cold winter nights, and make for a great atmosphere at your holiday parties.

Next week will see the arrivals of Christmas Ale from everybody's favorite Ohio brewer Great Lakes. Colorado's Breckenridge Brewery will also release its Christmas beer in the next couple of weeks. Both of these are 'winter warmer' styles brewed with some holiday baking spice (like nutmeg and cinnamon).

Best start celebrating Christmas now, because by the time you're into the holiday swing, these beers will be long gone. Annoying, I know, but you'll just have to take one for the team and drink them now.