By mid-December at Main & Mill Brewing Co., the calendar matters less than the mood. This is the stretch of the year when the brewery leans into comfort, indulgence and beers that make sense when the sun sets early.
“December is really when we get to have fun with seasonal flavors,” said Alexis Govreau, Main & Mill’s director of marketing and social media. “People are coming in to warm up, slow down and treat themselves a little.”
At the center of that lineup right now is Christmas Ale, a beer Main & Mill has been brewing in some form since 2016.
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From ‘Ugly Sweater’ to Christmas Ale
The original version of the beer was called “Ugly Sweater,” designed as a boozy, spiced winter warmer.
“It was crafted to be a nice, boozy, spicy, winter belly warmer, perfect for sitting by the fireplace,” Govreau said. “Over the years, it’s had several iterations, from more mild, easy-sipping versions to a few 13% cheer-bombs.”
Eventually, the name changed, but the philosophy stayed the same.
“Someone thought ‘Christmas Ale’ sounded more palatable than ‘Ugly Sweater,’” Govreau said.
A different recipe every year
What keeps Christmas Ale interesting is that the recipe changes every year. Past versions have leaned into fruitcake or cookie-inspired flavors. This year’s take pulls back on spice and fruit and lets the malt and alcohol lead.
“This year’s version is focused more on boozy, sweet and malty flavors,” Govreau said. “The spice and fruit notes are more subdued. It seems like an easy drinker at first, but it’s meant to be a little sneaky, like Santa tip-toeing around the tree.”
Christmas Ale pours a caramel color with aromas of malt, booze and subtle spice. The flavor starts sweet and fruity before sharp alcohol cuts through, finishing with familiar but hard-to-place holiday spice.
“We like to joke that you can taste the ghosts of Christmas Ales past,” Govreau said.
Stout season arrives
Sharing the spotlight this month is Coffee Stout, which signals the arrival of winter at the brewery.
“It’s officially the season of the stout,” Govreau said.
Coffee Stout and Christmas Ale are both on tap now, with Coffee Stout also available to go in six-packs.
A bright counterpoint with Winter Punch
For drinkers looking for something lighter and brighter, Main & Mill has also rolled out Winter Punch, one of the brewery’s most requested seasonal releases.
“Winter Punch is our winter sour,” Govreau said. “It’s brewed with cranberry, cherry, orange, pineapple and a hint of ginger.”
At 5% ABV, Winter Punch offers a fruit-forward contrast to the heavier December beers. It is available now in four-packs, with more heading to taps soon.
“It’s perfect as a stocking stuffer for sour beer lovers,” Govreau said.
Where to find it
All of these beers are pouring now at Central Tap, alongside cold-weather food specials including the return of Main & Mill’s beer cheese bisque.
“It’s really about creating that cozy December experience,” Govreau said. “Come in, warm up and stay a while.”
