Beer of the Month: Anderson Valley Brewing Winter Solstice

Winter seasonal beers are traditionally a bit sweet, often with a spice note, for comfort in cold weather. Winter Solstice follows this pattern, but it seems specifically designed for one particular season: Turkey Day and the subsequent Turkey Leftover Days.

It pours medium amber with a moderate tan head. The nose is malty and very slightly yeasty, with a hint of nutmeg and perhaps allspice. On the palate, it’s rich and round and somewhat plush, with hops firmly marching in to dry up the sweetness during the long finish.

Foodwise, this is an ideal beer for roast turkey, particularly the dark meat, and it can stand up to cranberries, squash and just about anything else that gets served with turkey. Of course, you may not feel like letting your guests know that it comes in a can, since not everybody yet realizes that for most beers, cans are actually better than bottles.

Quick sip

Style: A comfortable little mouthful of malt, spice and hops

Price: $9 to $11 per six-pack

Where to find it: Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa, (949) 650-8463, https://www.hitimewine.net; Wade’s Wines in Westlake Village, (818) 597-9463, https://www.wadeswines.com; Beverages and More stores, https://www.bevmo.com; and Total Wine stores, https://www.totalwine.com.

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