Jeff Williamson can’t keep the elf on the shelf.
Last year, he had enough Troeg’s Mad Elf to last until almost Groundhog Day. This year, customers are grabbing cases of the cherry and honey flavored ale for their holiday parties, and the Mad Elf could be gone before Santa visits. Mad Elf comes in at a whopping 11% ABV, so it’s a beer to savor once you are in for the night. Fegley’s Brewworks also has a Rude Elf’s Reserve, which is a Belgian Strong Ale. At 10.5 ABV, this shouldn’t be left out for Santa with his cookies.
In a recent stop at Waywood Beverage in Kennett Square, Jeff (pictured, on left) and owner Mike Spaziani (on right) gave me the inside scoop on what craft beers are on people’s wish list this holiday season. Jeff walked me through the craft brew aisle, pointing out some of his favorites and giving recommendations on what he believes will please your guests this year.
“The Ommegang Brewery variety pack has been a popular choice,” Jeff told me. This sampler pack includes their Abbey Dubbel Ale, the Hennepin Saison, the BPA belgian-style pale ale and Three Philosophers Quadrupel Ale. These four choices make this case an excellent choice for those serving a holiday buffet where guests might want to pair their beers.
Jeff is also fond of the Lagunitas Sucks Holiday Ale, which has an interesting story. Lagunitas Brewery in Petaluma, California, has usually made BrownShugga’ Ale each Christmas Season. This year, they didn’t have the brewing capacity to make the beloved brew so, knowing fans would be disappointed, they named their substitute Lagunitas Sucks Holiday Ale. This American Double is made of barley, rye, wheat and oats, and weighs in at 7.85% ABV. Jeff says it’s a worthy substitute.
As we talked, Jeff explained the passion of craft beer lovers. He told me they know what beers are due to be released and they often call to insure they can snag a case before it’s gone. “I’ve had about six calls asking when the new Firestone Walker 15 is coming out. They know it’s coming.” He also told me his cases of Victory Dark Intrigue were reserved before they received them in house.
Among the other brews Jeff recommends this season are the Anderson Valley Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale is from Northern California, with just a hint of spiciness to it. “The Saison DuPont Avec Saison is also becoming popular,” Jeff said. This Belgian saison/farmhouse ale, originally was only brewed for the best clients of Brasserie DuPont but now has become a holiday standard. The saison comes in at 9.5%ABV. I recently reviewed this on tap for the Downingtown Dish.
When I asked Jeff what his favorite beers this time of year are, he pointed to a stack of Founders. He is a big fan of both their Porter and the Breakfast Stout. “The stout has coffee and oatmeal notes to it, I just love it.”
Jeff showed me one of the greatest of all Christmas beers, Chimay Grand Reserve. “This is one of the classic Christmas beers,” he said of the blue label. “Another one that’s very good is De Dolle Stille Nacht, which stands for Silent Night (beer label to right). This Belgian Ale is tart, strong and fruity.”
At the front counter, Mike and I chatted a bit about the history of Waywood Beverage. Mike’s father started the business in 1961 and named the shop after the Waywood Shady Camp, which was located next door. They moved across the street to their current location in 1985, buying the old Red Lantern building. Mike explained how the business has changed over the years. “We used to carry fifty brands of beer,” he said. “Now, we have about 700 brands.” Craft and imported beers account for almost 25% of their sales nowadays and is growing strongly.
Regular hours are Monday through Thursday 8am to 8pm; Friday and Saturday, 8am to 9pm; Sunday from noon to 5pm. Waywood Beverage will be open on Christmas eve from 9-5, though don’t wait until then if you are looking for an Elf. Waywood Beverage is located at 624 Millers Hill in Kennett Square. More information is available by phone number at 610-444-BEER.
