Schlafly Beer, St. Louis, announced the return of Christmas Ale (8% ABV), a nostalgic holiday celebratory beer that is making its return to the craft brewery’s portfolio after a seven-year hiatus. 

With an updated packaging design, but the same brew that consumers will remember, the festive brew is now available across Schlafly’s 18-state distribution throughout the Midwest and East Coast in six-packs of 12-ounce bottles.  

Acclaimed local artist, Dan Zettwoch, designed the packaging, which evokes holiday cheer, the company says. “Every holiday season, our fans ask if Christmas Ale is coming back, so after a seven-year hiatus, we’re answering that wish,” said CEO David Schlafly in a statement. “The key to a great Christmas Ale is getting the spice blend right, and we think we’ve proven that we can do just that with our recipe as well as our other seasonal favorite of Pumpkin Ale.”

Schlafly Beer’s Christmas Ale is a warming winter beer that blends the spices of the season with sweet caramel malt, the company says. The seasonal beer presents a copper coloring with a medium-dark body and is inspired by spiced holiday beverages such as wassail and mulled wines. With tasting notes of orange peel and warming winter spices, Schlafly Beer’s Christmas Ale features sweet and spicy aromas that evoke the holiday season, it adds. 

The beer also will be available to enjoy at all Schlafly brewpubs in Missouri and Illinois. “Whether it’s at one of our brewpubs, at home, or your favorite local bar, we look forward to being a part of those special moments this holiday season,” Schlafly said.  

Additionally, Schlafly Beer is celebrating its 34th anniversary on Dec. 26, with 1991 beer pricing and old menu favorites at all four of the brewpub locations. This beloved tradition is a way to thank the community for supporting local beer with $3 beers and old menu favorites like Gumbo and Shepherd's Pie.

Six-packs of Christmas Ale’s suggested retail price is $10.99.