Alright, let’s be honest here: We all love Michigan beer! With the number of breweries growing at a faster rate than ever, it’s hard to choose the perfect beer, especially for this winter giving season.

Last year, I showcased my ultimate winter six pack. Much of that still holds true — I still love Jolly Pumpkin’s Noel de Calabaza, Dark Horse’s 4 Elf Winter Warmer and Short’s Gingersnap. However, there are a few new beers coming out to keep your eyes on too:

Founders Big Lushious – The latest beer in Founders’ ever-popular Backstage Series, Big Lushious is a dark chocolate and raspberry brew. Expect a rich, flavorful taste that will go perfect after that big Christmas dinner. Available Nov. 24 in 750mL bottles.

Odd Side Ales’ Merry Elf – Odd Side is becoming increasingly known for its wacky, unheard of beers. This one certainly hits home to the Christmas spirit — combining a favorite winter candy with beer. Merry Elf — a dark ale with candi sugar and orange peel — just hit the bottling line and should be available soon.

Arbor Brewing FIGJAM – Oh bring me some figgy pudding…enjoy a Christmas classic, in a glass! Available now in bottles.

Blackrocks North Third Stout – Marquette-based Blackrocks Brewery clearly knows what winter truly means. Its North Third Stout highlights roasty, malty chocolate flavors throughout. Available now in cans.

Griffin Claw 3 Scrooges – Honey, orange peel and seasonal spices make this a winter warmer that will help get you through the cold and snow. Available now in cans.

Saugatuck Brewing Barrel-Aged Neapolitan Milk Stout – Saugatuck’s tried and true milk stout spends a little time in barrels. This is a limited release though, available only at its pub on December 6, so make sure to put that on your calendar!

Now, you’ve gotta be asking yourself, where can I find all these amazing beers? Look no further than MittenBrew.com where we’re featuring one local bottle shop each day during the month of December.

What if you have to get a gift for someone who has literally tried every beer in the Great Beer State? Look no further! There are plenty of Michigan-made beer-themed gifts out there:

Blackout Boards Growler Carrier – With the snow and cold already upon us, we can’t risk dropping a growler with our gloves on! Blackout Boards’ growler carrier features a etch of the state of Michigan, and is super heavy duty, being able to hold two growlers.

#MichiganBeer Clothing – This has gotta be some of the coolest clothing in Michigan for beer. There’s a few different t-shirt designs, available in various colors.

Founders Brewing Co. Education Classes – Founders offers two classes — Beer 101 and Sensory Evaluation — alternating each week at the brewery’s Centennial Room.

Craft Beers of Michigan 2015 Wall Calendar – As a kid, I always used to get a wall calendar to hang in my room for Christmas. This is the adult libations version of that.

New Holland Carhartt Jackets – As a part of New Holland’s partnership with Carhartt, it is now offering heavy winter jackets and vests with the New Holland logo. Represent a great Michigan brewery with this outerwear!

Brewery Ferment Jewelry – Traverse City’s own Brewery Ferment not only specializes in amazing beer — it makes some pretty sweet jewelry for that special someone on your list, too. We’re talking hop rings, hop necklaces, cufflinks and more!

With that, I give you your perfect Michigan Beer Christmas. Don’t forget to stay tuned to MittenBrew.com for all the latest in Michigan craft beer!

~Bryan Esler: Web designer by day, beer nerd by night. A lover of dark and sour beers, Bryan is a co-founder of MittenBrew and a freelance photographer. During the day, Bryan works at Mindutopia, a full-service web development firm, as partner and creative director.