We’ve got a hot tip on where to find Santa during his off-season: sidled up to the bar at Drake’s Brewing’s bustling Oakland taproom. You’ll find him celebrating with his favorite small-batch boozy brew, the GABF Gold Medal-winning Santa’s Brass Barrel-Aged Barleywine.

At first you might not recognize the jolly fellow — he’ll be wearing bootcut Wranglers, a leather jacket, and dark sunglasses amidst a swarm of Cali craft fans. Just look for the dude with the epic white beard who concludes every sip of this Heaven Hill Bourbon and Napa Port barrel-aged beast with a hearty chuckle: Ho-Ho-Holy Rudolph, that’s delicious!

Santa can’t get enough of this 14.8% ABV Barleywine because of its rich flavors of caramel, toffee, bittersweet cacao, and fig — much more delicious than those darn cookies. He gushes to the bartender about how Bourbon and Port barrel-aging for over a year takes the beer to a whole new level of oaky-vanilla decadence. And after he drains a glass, it’s easy to see where that signature rosy glow in his cheeks comes from.

As he calls a Lyft and gets up to leave, a couple of bottles tucked under his arm, he tells you to do the same and stock up. He says that Drake’s only made 90 cases of Santa’s Brass this year, and you can only find them in their taprooms.

Tavour is getting a small stash too, though, he quietly mentions. Just don’t tell Mrs. Claus, this “taproom-only” release is my excuse to take a break before starting next year’s naughty and nice lists.

Rated 4.30 on Untappd

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