Highland Brewing Company‘s Gaelic Ale was one of my first loves. I’ve had many brilliant conversations over their popular American Ale, and I carry a Highland bottle opener on my key chain that I picked up at my first beer festival.

This past November, I visited Asheville with two of my aunts and an uncle. We arrived in town just before the Christmas parade, and barred by the eager crowd, we took seats inside TallGary’s Cantina. My uncle ordered me the seasonal on tap—Cold Mountain—and we marveled at the well-balanced beer from our warm window seats.
I had no idea at the time that I was sipping a seasonal that folks go crazy for every year. It wasn’t until this beer hit the shelves in Greenville a few weeks later that I realized Highland was the creator. I gifted a few bottles this season, and still have one hanging out in my fridge.

Cold Mountain tied with another winter warmer-style beer, Anderson Valley’s Winter Solstice, as my favorite this season. I love the malty body and the spiced flavor that isn’t too over the top. Highland tweaks the spices a little every year, so I look forward to trying next year’s and seeing how they differ.