Paul Gibson

2011 was a good year for beer drinkers. We saw a huge growth in new breweries, experimental ales and carefully crafted draft lists at bars and restaurants. I'm always on the lookout for something new to try but sometimes, during special occasions, you want to go with what you know. Stick with something you trust.

It's the time of year when people reflect back on what they are thankful for... friends, family, good health, a job (for those lucky enough to have weathered the tough economy).

Here in the Pacific Northwest we can also be thankful for a wealth of good beer.

The holidays are here and so is the Mistletoe Bliss by Lazy Boy Brewing. This is a sweet, malty, somewhat boozy brown ale from Everett, Wash.

Whether you've been naughty or nice, this year give yourself a break from holiday shopping and find something special and unique. There are a lot of beers out there right now to help us celebrate this season.

If anyone knows how to brew a winter beer it should be a brewery in Alaska. The Alaskan Winter Ale is a fine example of this seasonal style of beer – maltier, a higher ABV, something to help battle the cold days and long nights.

Naked City Brewery and Taphouse in Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood recently celebrated their 3rd anniversary by throwing a party and serving up 15 of their own beers, including the I & I Double IPA on cask.

Fresh hop beers are a big trend with micro breweries right now. That extra dose of wet hops adds a wonderful herbal, grassy aroma and taste that is worth seeking out.

When I heard this particular version was cask conditioned and then delivered in a keg I was intrigued. I've liked the big bold hops I've had in previous Whoop Pass pours and this one did not disappoint.

For many, the month of October means falling leaves, ghosts and goblins and pumpkins on doorsteps. It also brings the release of a number of pumpkin beers.

A recent find here in Seattle was Big Time Brewing Company's Hopgoblin Pumpkin Ale.

With the change in seasons comes a different style of beer, and these cooler and gray days are perfect for sipping on a porter. I've enjoyed Stone Brewing Co.'s Smoked Porter before, and when I saw a special release of the vanilla bean version on tap, I knew I had to give this rare find a try.