When kids think of Christmas, they generally think of a jovial fat man and the presents he bribes in return for good behavior. Although it wasn’t for good behavior, I was rewarded a 6-pack of Fat Head’s Holly Jolly Christmas Ale from my older brother because my Indianapolis Colts stomped on his Cincinnati Bengals earlier this season.

I was a little scared of Holly Jolly because the label called it a malt beverage, but those fears quickly subsided as I poured the dark amber elixir into a glass. The aromas (yes there are multiple ones going on at once) are, simply put, Christmas morning. A powerful combination of sweet ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and honey mix with hints of sticky, carmelly fruit cake.

If the smell doesn’t make you reminisce about Christmas past, the taste packed with Christmas spices will. While “Christmas spices” is a generic term, this beer tastes like a nice warm holiday sweater feels: warming, comfortable, and best with a tree-shaped iced sugar cookie. Holly Jolly has a subtle sweetness throughout the taste experience that is extremely pleasant, inviting you to take another sip.

This beer makes you want to stay inside, curl up next to the fireplace and enjoy a couple of these holiday treats with people you care about. Once again, I can thank a happy fat man for bringing joy during the holiday, this time from the front of the label. And like the label says, this is a great beer to spice up your holidays.