Winter is the time to savor a full, rich beer and the holiday season is a perfect time to enjoy these libations. Who cares if you put on some weight from one too many holiday pops - put on a bulky sweater and no one will know the difference.

Is this a definitive list on the best holiday brews? No, it's my personal list of favorites that I've enjoyed this holiday season.

How did I compile the list? I walk in the liquor store and stroll down to the beer section. I patiently check out each of the selections until I feel a biorhythmic connection with the brew. I need to have a physical and spiritual connection to start the process at the liquor store -- the process does not end until I pour the first glass and thank the gods for this delicious concoction.

THE LIST:

Wachusett Winter Ale (Available in New York and Massachusetts)

Wachusett Brewing Company located in Westminster, Massachusetts, describes this as a classic Scotch Ale with no spices. When poured into a glass, it has a dark red amber color and you can smell the maltiness with a hint of fruit. Green Monsta Ale by Wachusett Brewing Company is a staple of my summer and the Winter Ale easily made the cut in the winter. I believe I was enjoying one or two of the Winter Ales when Boston College beat North Carolina on the hardwood. I would have needed a large barrel of the stuff to drown my sorrows when B.C. lost to Harvard Wednesday night. The Winter Ale has become one of my favorite local seasonals.

Otter Creek Winter Ale (Brewed in Middlebury, Vermont)

Otter Creek describes its Winter Ale as a smooth brown ale, with a touch of raspberry. It's always difficult to find a good brown ale and this beer is no different. It's simply okay. When poured into the glass, it doesn't really produce a head and there was a hint of chocolate in the taste, but the overall taste of this beer did not overwhelm me - it was rather bland. There seemed to be something missing. This did not make the holiday rotation.

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale (Brewed in Chico, CA)

You can never go wrong with Sierra Nevada's Celebration Ale and this is always a staple of the holiday rotation. When poured into the glass, you are met by a head that is worthy of any Rheingold commercial from the 1970s. The dark red amber color in the glass makes you think this would be the perfect beverage for Kris Kringle. It's all about the hops and Sierra Nevada's Celebration Ale never seems to disappoint. I believe I drank a Celebration Ale savoring the New York Giants victory over the Carolina Panthers.

Magic Hat Roxy Rolles (Brewed in South Burlington, VT)

I'm not always a huge fan of Magic Hat. There are some beers I really like by Magic Hat and others that don't completely fit with my palate or preference, but Roxy Rolles is a certifiable Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner. A few years ago, Disco Danny turned me onto to this holiday brew and it quickly became a member of an august group of beers that I consider dear friends. What would the winter be without a Roxy Rolles staring at me through the beer cooler's door?

When poured into the glass, it creates a nice head and a typical Magic Hat slight fruit aroma with some spices added to its dark red color. This is a consistently good beer from Magic Hat.

Gritty McDuff's Christmas Ale (Brewed in Maine)

I love the packaging of this brew. Santa proudly holding a frosty Christmas Ale, before he quenches his thirst, after delivering little Becky's Wii to her Waco, Texas, home. Gritty's describes this seasonal ale as a robust E.S.B. (Extra Strong Bitter) with no additives, fruits or spices. When poured into the glass, it possesses a dark red, amber color and a malty taste. This makes the rotation.

Two other seasonal favorites from Gritty McDuff's are the Halloween Ale (E.S.B.) and the Vacationland Ale (Extra Special Golden Ale).

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I regret missing Rogue's Santa Ale this year. When I went back to the liquor store, it was gone from the cooler. Boy, did I feel dumb. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Rogue's Santa Ale is a permanent member of the Sheridan Beer Security Council.