It's December, which means that the focus is on winter ales for "BotW." This week's selection was suggested by Local Beet editor Michael Morowitz at mado's mutton dinner last month. mado's a BYOB establishment, which allowed Morowitz and I to trade samples of our beers. Specifically, a pour of my Malheur Dark Ale in exchange for his Jolly Pumpkin Noel de Calabaza. This is a sweet spiced ale that contains all the flavors associated with Christmas: sugar plums, figs, raisins and hot buttered rum. It paired as well with all those mutton dishes than the Malheur and at 9 percent ABV, you drink a bottle of this and you'll be all lit up like a Christmas tree. more ›

The last time a critical gaze was cast upon Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales was way back in 2007, when Bam Biere was designated a "Reader's Choice" selection. One of the great American-made saisons, Bam Biere was ahead of the curve, helping herald the current sea change in American craft brewing from mouth-puckering hop bombs to Belgian-inspired balance and sour ales. Another favorite Jolly Pumpkin selection is "Luciernaga." This summer seasonal release is the Dexter, Michigan-based brewery's take on a Grand Cru Pale Ale. Brewed with Grains of Paradise and Coriander, no extra hopping is necessary to give "the firefly" a spicy kick on the finish. more ›