Portland, ME - 10.3% abv

Allagash Brewing in Portland, ME, is one of the godfathers of craft brewing on the East Coast. Not only have they been continuously brewing beer since 1998, they also serve as a training ground for young brewers and experimentation, such as this curiosity: a strong Belgian-style triple aged in barrels that once held American bourbon.

This unlikely marriage results in a beer appropriate for holiday consumption: notes of ripe orchard fruit mingle with barrel-influenced vanilla and spice. Pour this bottle into a wine glass and watch the bright gold, fluffy tripel head slowly recede. Sip slowly as the beer warms in your glass. Feel the warmth creep down to your toes. Nibble on a cookie or a slice of pecan pie and enjoy the vanilla and spice accompaniment to your dessert.  

Let your curiosity endure.