Tis the season to be jolly, and nothing makes the fa-la-la-la-la’s quite as merry as a frothy glass of holiday ale. In celebration of the season, Whole Foods Market has teamed up again with yours truly to co-host a virtual beer tasting LIVE on Twitter.

On Dec. 18 from 7-8 p.m. CST, join Whole Foods Market (@WholeFoods) and myself (@TheBeerWench) as we chat about favorite holiday beers, cooking with holiday beer recipes, and holiday beer pairings. Simultaneously taste four unique and festive ales while tweeting alongside the folks behind the breweries that make them.

To participate, pick up one or all of the featured holiday beers and tweet your experience using the hashtag #WFMBeer. Every 15 minutes, the focus of the tasting will shift to a different beer. The schedule is as follows.

• 6:00 p.m. PST: New Belgium (@newbelgium) Snow Day
• 6:15 p.m. PST: Bison (@bisonbrew) Gingerbread Ale
• 6:30 p.m. PST: 21^st Amendment (@21stAmendment) Fireside Chat
• 6:45 p.m. PST: Deschutes (@DeschutesBeer) Jubelale

Whether spent cuddling next to the fireplace, entertaining a household of family and friends, or airing your grievances around the Festivus pole, these festive winter ales are sure to bring extra sparkle to your holiday season.

If you can’t find one of the recommended beers above, simply ask your local Whole Foods Market beer specialist to make a holiday beer recommendation and then join the conversation on Twitter. Don’t forget the hashtag #WFMBeer.

And don’t for get to leave one of these beers out for Santa – rumor has it, he loves craft beer too.

Participation is limited to those 21 years or older.

Are you curious about the men and women “hiding” behind Twitter avatar of the world’s most beloved craft breweries? Well, you are not alone. The Wench has gone behind the scenes to reveal and introduce you to the individuals who possess the ever coveted social media positions in the craft beer industry.

Behind the Twitter Avatar: @21stAmendment

Shaun O’Sullivan

Brewery: 21st Amendment Brewery
Location: San Francisco, California USA

What is your “official” position with 21st Amendment?

Co-Founder/Brewmaster

What is your favorite beer from 21st Amendment?

Usually the one in front of me, but as most West coast brewers and brewers in general I opt for IPAs, such as our Brew Free! or Die IPA or Back in Black Black IPA. Brewers are like heroin addicts when it comes to hops, the stronger the better. I’ve been known to drink a couple of cans of Hop Crisis, our imperial IPA in one sitting, but never shot gunned..never.

What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

I have a soft spot in my heart and stomach for chicken wings with Jamaican jerk sauce, especially from Fire on the Mountain in Portland, Oregon. That and an IPA…hellooooo heaven!!!

If you were a style of beer, what would you be and why?

Saison, the BJCP describes the Saison style as: ” A refreshing, medium to strong fruity/spicy ale with a distinctive yellow-orange color, highly carbonated, well hopped, and dry with a quenching acidity..” That pretty much sums me up, strong/fruity/yellow/full of gas at times/sightly bitter, but only slightly/dry sense of humor/and quenching in the right places/

What does craft beer mean to you?

It saved me from a mediocre life in a soulless career and possibly asking the question we all hate to ask later in life, “what if?” It has enabled me to enjoy life’s rich pageantry. Becoming a brewer – A Must! Pursue your dreams folks!

Shaun, your beer has definitely saved me from a mediocre drinking life. Super honored to not just follow you on Twitter, but be a friend in person. Speaking of… you owe me a beer!