Dark and bitter, but with a surprising hit of sweetness rising from the depths? Now this is a beer crafted specifically for the dog-days of winter. More

Q: I'm hosting a beer festival at home for 20 people in March. Everyone will be bringing two 22-oz beers or equivalent, with emphasis on variety and uniqueness.

I'm providing palate cleansers for during the tasting and a hearty meal for after, and I would love some ideas.There is at least one vegetarian for the event, so the apres-tasting meal will hopefully be easily modified for this guest. Your thoughts are most appreciated!

Sent by Anna More

Brew your own beer for long enough and eventually you'll get around to swapping bottles with fellow homebrewers. Here's a simple and clever way to label your brews for all to see. More

Hello, what's this? Sierra Nevada brewing a rye IPA for spring? Yes, I do believe we need to give this a try. More

A firkin may sound like something from Middle Earth, but rest assured, it's a real thing. Just as real as the beer that comes inside it. Cask-conditioned "real ale" is making a big comeback these days, and I, for one, am in full support. More

In a world filled with hopped-up IPAs, oak-aged imperial stouts, and extreme beers of all stripes, one should never overlook the merits of a very good, very well-brewed, basic amber ale. Like this one. More

Q: My husband has expressed interest in home brewing. I'd like to get him a beer making kit. He loves all kinds of beers.

Is there a recommended kit for the home brewer?

Sent by Jamie More

Want something fun and boozy to serve with the dessert buffet at your holiday party? Look no further. Fruit lambics are always a crowd-pleaser, and this cherry lambic from Belgium's Brouwerij Boon is one of my favorites. More

I love Harry Potter. I love J.K. Rowling's creativity in creating a whole alternate world full of whimsical magical things. So when I first read about Harry and his pals sipping butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade, I assumed that butterbeer was about as close to a real food item as chocolate frogs or Bertie Bott's every flavor beans. (Which are now available, thanks to the magic of Jelly Belly - just watch out for the earwax ones.) So imagine my surprise - and delight - when I discovered that butterbeer is a real thing.
More

Feeling both festive and feisty? Try bringing one of these beers to your next holiday gathering and just see if you can't get the party started. More