Bad Shepherd for the Holidays
December 2, 2025
During a stop at Bad Shepherd Beer Company, Ross Williams revealed just what he has brewing for the December holiday month. What we found was a nice mix of his popular core brands along with a couple of December specialties.
Visit Charleston Brewers Row + Nano
This week Brilliant Stream is visiting all three breweries on Brewers Row and also Charleston Nano Brewery in Elk City District to explore their seasonal offerings and let you know about them. The first stop was Bad Shepherd Beer Company.
Go Local Beer
Flight of Nice
Ordering a flight of the four freshest Bad Shepherd entries on the tap list found that each beer was impressive. Here they are:
Cloud Machine Hazy IPA: This season’s version delivers the citrus fruity zest and creaminess that has placed this beer among the brewery’s favorites. Always a hop explosion, it’s back with a Galaxy, Citra and Mosaic blend that surely is a gift from Kris Kringle. This deeply cloudy smooth drinking, low bitterness IPA features a nice touch of malted rye and flaked wheat that give its body a nice Christmas dress. A pleasant peachy aroma leads one enticingly into its pleasing, fresh citrus flavor. 6.8% A.B.V.
Stroopwaffel Bier: This new batch of Stroopwaffel, Bad Shepherd’s annual spicy holiday classic ale, does not miss a beat. Starting with a Belgian-yeast and honey-malt induced flavorful amber ale base, the beer contains a slightly different spice blend this year. Noticeably, the inclusion of exotic cardamon puts an exclamation point on its usual cinnamon and ginger base. Fans of holiday baking spices take note. The beer delivers. 6.2% A.B.V.
Bet-ty White IPA: This season’s fresh batch of Bet-ty White brings all the elements that have made this tribute beer a classic. Smooth mouthfeel, low bitterness, lots of fruitiness that leans toward orange. Lots of oats and wheat in the grain bill bring the creamy mouthfeel. Additions of coriander and bitter orange peel boost the fruitiness of the Witbier yeast to deliver a fairly complex yet easy drinking taste profile. Full of celebratory flavors of the season. 6.5% A.B.V.
Weizenbock: This strong, German-style wheat ale amps up the holiday pleasure with it warming 8.0% A.B.V. Perfect for a snowy day in West Virginia. Substantial caramel malt body with touches of banana-clove-vanilla esters from the yeast will have you dreaming of more on your next visit to the brewery.
Coming Very Soon
Ross has a couple more beers in his holiday line up that are just waiting for an open tap.
El Dorado Double IPA: A new entry for Ross and I’m looking forward to this one with a big El Dorado hop signature. You may remember that El Dorado is known for it sweet watermelon, pear, and stone fruit impressions. It will be interesting to see which of these flavors come though in the beer.
Utter Darkness Milk Stout: A classic recipe originally developed by Charleston Brewing before the place became Bad Shepherd. Ross has maintained the tasty original formula, and we agree with him when he says: “It’s perfect. There’s no reason to change it.”
Other favorites on tap
If you are seeking a classic dank IPA with ample additions of Simcoe, Mosaic, Citra, and Azacca hops, there’s always their flagship, The Loud IPA. This beer needs no introduction as it is a best-seller in our market. Flavorful, dependable. 6.8% A.B.V.
For those beer drinkers who prefer the lighter tasting craft styles, Bad Shepherd has you covered. Their Chucktown Kolsch and the Krista Dawn Blonde Ale, both provide comfortable taste profiles that satisfy.
Stop in Bad Shepherd for their daily Happy Hour Specials – $5 drafts. They also carry NA beer and cider for those who are alcohol-free.
Bad Shepherd Beer Company
702 Quarrier Street
Charleston, WV
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