From Santa’s Little Belter to Merry X-Moose, it’s not Christmas without a Winter Warmer. Wales is producing some quality beers right now – and that includes the festive brews too.
Luckily for lovers of Welsh ales you can now pick up a Christmas beer box – called “The Legendary 12 Beers of Christmas” from Wales Ales, recently awarded The Best Beer Subscription Provider for the third year running. Offering 12 of the finest festive tipples, the selection has been handpicked by Wales Ales, the longest established hand delivered Welsh beer service, specialising in small Welsh breweries.
We caught up with Neil at Wales Ales, affectionately dubbed the Welsh Beer Fairy by his customers, to tell us a little bit more:
“We wanted to select 12 beers that would be representative of all corners of Wales. This is the 9th year we’ve done this and wanted to expand it even further. We were the first to ever do a fully Welsh Christmas Beer Pack, amongst some familiar names like Purple Moose, Gower and Glamorgan Brewery there’s little known but equally impressive small breweries such as Dog’s Window and Left Bank.”
“These are challenging times for the industry and our hope is by shining a light in this manner some people might be tempted to seek out these breweries and try the rest of their range. Our passion is to promote these artisan brewers and give customers an alternative to the usual beers on supermarket shelves and what better way than at Christmas, a wonderful time for a beer!”
So whether it’s a gift to a loved one or a treat for yourself, there’s some great Welsh beers to enjoy this Christmas. We’ve asked Neil to talk us through the first 6 of the delightful dozen, with the remaining covered in our next issue –
- TOMOS & LILFORD – Santa’s Little Helper 4.8% (Llandow, Cowbridge)
First under the tree is a return of last year’s Tomos & Lilford’s festive delight, but with a new label design and may even win the Best Christmas Beer Label 2025, if such an award existed! Light Red Ale at 4.8%. Late hopped with Target, East Kent Goldings and First Gold Hops to produce a zingy yet traditional aroma packed with grassy notes, citrus and caramel.
- Purple Moose – Merry X Moose 5% (Porthmadog)
One of the few beers to feature every year in the Legendary 12 Beers returns yet again, complete with a whole new branding! A strong winter ale brewed from Welsh mountain water and natural ingredients. Crystal Malt combined with aromatic hops creates a smooth, full-bodied, malty beer. The perfect accompaniment to an evening of Christmas cheer in front of a roaring open fire!
- Glamorgan – Santa’s little belter 4.4% (Llantrisant)
Wales’ best selling Christmas Ale! Expect biscuit maltiness, winter berries and a hint of chocolate. Oh, and don’t forget to leave one out for Santa on Christmas Eve. Glamorgan was originally called Kite Brewery. You can see the kite playfully pulling a sleigh on the label.
- Hafod – Nos Dawl 4.5% (Mold, Powys)
The pack wouldn’t be so legendary if it didn’t include a beer from Hafod! An all new brew Nos Dawel (or Silent Night) has been designed to showcase both rich malty flavours and authentic plum notes. Deep brown plum porter brewed with 100kg+ of fresh plums per batch. Lush stone fruit and sweet malt aromas lead to a smooth, fruit-driven body with ripe plum character and a lasting finish
- TUDOR – WINTER CHEER 5% (Abertillery)
A brewery and beer that we haven’t featured for 5 years makes a welcome return! An outstanding ale made with the choicest hops and grain and infused with cinnamon, honey, ginger,lemon rind and a secret blend of spice. This gives Winter Cheer a subtle and unique flavour which suits most people and adds to any Christmas celebration.
- GOWER – GOOD ELF OATMEAL STOUT 4.8% (Swansea)
We round off the first half with a Christmas Beer from Gower Brewery featuring for the first time!
“Our very own Christmas beer. A silky smooth oatmeal stout. Hints of dark chocolate, liquorice and dandelion & burdock. This festive beer will complete your Christmas holidays.”
‘The Legendary 12 Beers of Christmas’ is available via their website www.walesales.com
