Winter brews aplenty

It's high time to start celebrating the next season of beers: the winter and Christmas-themed brews.

J & H Beer on Route 315 in Plains Township has plenty available for beer drinkers who are fans of the rich, dark concoctions, all of which are perfect for a good warm-up when coming in from the season's chill.

One option is the Stegmaier Winter Warmer, a spicy sipper with local, local, local on its side. Another is Corsendonk Christmas Ale, brewed in Belgium, a strong dark ale tastes and smells of a holiday favorite (or not?): fruitcake.

A great Nor'easter may blow through the area soon, but it'll do nothing but warm you up if it's Thomas Hooker Nor'Easter lager, a spiced brew.

And Breckenridge Christmas Ale is another rich beer, tinged with the flavors of caramel and chocolate.

Though Sam Adams is known for its Boston lager, it takes the Christmas season of brews to a silly and tasty level with the Merry Mischief, a stout tasting of gingerbread, with strong notes of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and ginger.