Winter brews are a tradition that date long before our time. It first started to commemorate the Winter Solstice, then to celebrate the birth of Christ and now, it's all in good fun to liven up the company Christmas party. Though seasonal brews aren't built for everyday excess, here is a list of winter warmers you should sip on before the Vernal Equinox takes them away.

Bayern Faceplant

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Bayern Brewing in Missoula, MT has created a dark wheat bock for the holidays that ensures smooth drinking and a full nights sleep. Fusing five types of malt and a subtle sweetness, Face Plant will help you forget about your snowboarding aches and pains or contribute to the wipeout tally if you ignore the deceptive alcohol content. ABV: 7.5%

Black Diamond Winter Ale

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Direct from the Black Diamond Brewing Company in Concord, CA comes a Belgian "Abbey-Style" brew for the holiday festivities. Half spice, half sweet, this beer is made from Belgian malts and candi sugar to create a dark brew with a fruity aroma. If you can make it through the malty draw, the Sugar Plum Ferry and her sweet aftertaste will smooth things out. ABV: 7.2%

Bridgeport Ebenezer Ale

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Leave it to the Brideport Brewery brewers in Portland, OR to craft a classic Christmas Ale for the ages. Unlike Scrooge himself, there's no skimping on the herbs and spices and malty goodness that makes up this perfect Christmas brew. Though it goes down smooth, one too many Ebenezer's and your hangover the next morning will haunt you like the Ghost of Drinker's Past. ABV: 6.4%

Full Moon Winter Ale

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From the makers of the refreshing Blue Moon Belgian White comes a seasonal Dubbel. Coors Brewing Company in Golden, Colorado has crafted a winter warmer that drinks on the lighter side and gives the weak at heart an entry point in the world of winter warmers. Though it is dark and spiced like you'd expect from a Christmas variety, you'll find it to be more drinkable in multiples. ABV: 5.6%

Full Sail Wassail Holiday Blend

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Using a combination of two classic brews, the Full Sail Brewing Company in Hood River, OR developed an all-new Strong Ale for the season. Using 35% aged Imperial Porter and 65% freshly brewed Wassail, the resulting concoction is the absolute best of both worlds; dessert-like caramel and espresso subtleties with a Bourbon Barrel kick. ABV: 7.8%

Great Divide Hibernation Ale

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Most breweries try new recipes each year but the Great Divide Brewing Company in Denver, CO has been brewing their Hibernation Ale since 1995. This English-Style Strong Ale is a tried-and-true veteran with all the winter warmer characteristics you'll need to drink like a man and sleep like a baby during the cold winter nights. ABV: 8.7%

Pyramid Snow Cap and Super Snow Cap

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Snow Cap is a classic winter brew but the folks at the Pyramid Brewing Company in Seattle, WA have recently added "super" to the equation. Without reinventing the wheel, the brewers used the same robust elements from the standard but elevated the experience with a super-concentrated rendition of the classic to create a full-bodied winter warmer with a 9% ABV. Pick your poison but be sure to drive safely. ABV: 7.0 and 9.0%

Samichlaus Bier

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One of the most world-renowned Christmas beers is the "Samichlaus" Lager that is brewed at the Schloss Eggenberg brewery in Austria. This batch of aged doppelbock is brewed once a year and held for 10 months before it is distributed to beer enthusiasts worldwide. Though it�¢??s labeled a lager, at 14% it�¢??s sure to keep you warm on even the coldest day.ABV: 14%

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale

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A staple in winter ales, the Celebration Ale from Sierra Nevada brewery in Chico, California has been a holiday staple for more than 15 years. Though it is one of the smoother winter warmers without the overwhelming hops and spice, this a hearty beer that will liven up any holiday celebration �¢?? just like it has been doing for years. ABV: 6.8%

Golden Valley Tannen Bomb

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The Golden Valley Brewery in McMinnville, OR has recently made an adjustment to their most prized winter warmer. The Tannen Bomb Strong Ale that we once loved is now aged in Pinot Noir oak barrels and given a whole new life as a result. Though its still your trusted holiday brew, it is now equipped with a complexity that you�¢??ll savor. ABV: 6.1%

Samuel Adams Winter Lager

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The folks at Samuel Adams in Boston Massachusetts have developed a one-of-a-kind brew for the holidays that doesn't fit the typical winter warmer mold. Their unique Winter Lager is a lighter beer that could pass for an everyday domestic yet boasts the seasonal signatures of cinnamon spices, malt flavors and distant egg nog. It may not be your typical dark winter ale but it most definitely matches up to any in the bunch. ABV: 5.8%

Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout

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Though you won't see many true stouts in the winter collection, the Brooklyn Brewery in New York has schemed an Imperial Stout in honor of the season. Blending specially roasted malts, the east coast brewers achieve dark chocolate flavors that are perfect for sitting by the fire and celebrating the true meaning of the season �¢?? strong drink. ABV: 10.6%

Odell Isolation Ale

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Isolation Ale from the Odell Brewing Company in Fort Collins, Colorado is another example of your atypical winter warmer. Though it�¢??s packed with hops and alcohol to warm the blood, you won�¢??t find massive malt flavors or holiday spices that dominate the senses. Instead, you�¢??ll find subtle floral flutters that take you away to a peaceful snowed-in cabin in the hills. ABV: 6%

Schlafly Christmas Ale

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A true-blue winter warmer, the Christmas Ale from the St. Louis Brewery and Schlafly Tap Room in St. Louis, Missouri is the epitome of a seasonal brew. Loaded with everything you'd expect from a "Christmas Beer" this spiced brew is Christmas in a bottle; heavy on the cloves and yuletide joy. ABV: 8%

Anderson Valley Winter Solstice

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Picture the perfect remedy for chilled bones and you�¢??ll see Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale from Anderson Valley Brewing Company in Mendocino County, California. Their winter warmer is creamy and smooth with a hint of sweetness and a large dose of malted holiday spices. Not too heavy, not too light, this is the adult equivalent to a steamy cup of hot chocolate. ABV: 6.9%

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