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: @DeschutesBeer

SURPRISE! Behind the Deschutes Brewery avatar is not one, but two social media rockstars. Meet Gina and Jason….

—————————–

Gina Schauland

Brewery: Deschutes Brewery
Location: Bend, OR
Personal Twitter Handle: @beerangel

What is your “official” position with Deschutes?
Social Media Coordinator

What is your favorite beer from Deschutes?
Black Butte Porter & The Dissident (I’m smooth, sweet & sour)

What is your favorite beer and food pairing?
I’d say Black Butte XXIII, a homemade brownie & Mint & Chip Ice Cream (basically anything dark and desserty)

If you were a style of beer, what would you be and why?
I’d be a sour brown ale – I’m kind of sour, loud & bitey at first but give me a few sips, and you’ll see that I’m fun, complex and always ready to party!

And last but not least, what does craft beer mean to you?
When I think of craft beer, I think of fun, creative people working hard for a common goal = “damn tasty beer”. Craft also means using the best ingredients to produce a variety of beer flavors and styles that will be enjoyed by those who choose to jump into the craft beer culture and step outside of their comfort zone. It also creates a buzz and conversation that will travel by word of mouth across the land!

————————————-

Jason Randles

Brewery: Deschutes Brewery
Location: Bend, OR
Personal Twitter Handle: @jasonrandles

What is your “official” position with Deschutes?
Digital Marketing Manager

What is your favorite beer from Deschutes?
I like them all but right now Hop Trip is blowing my mind

What is your favorite beer and food pairing?
It’s a tie between The Abyss paired with pumpkin pie and Black Butte Porter with a bbq cheddar cheese burger.

If you were a style of beer, what would you be and why?
That’s a tough question to answer! I am an easy going, go with the flow kind of guy that’s passionate about beer so let’s say Pale Ale since it’s an every-day style of beer that everyone can enjoy but if done right is appreciated by those with more discerning taste.

And last but not least, what does craft beer mean to you?
Craft beer to me is all about enjoying the most delicious beverage on earth and making memories with your friends, coworkers and family. I have had the privilege of working in the craft beer industry for over 12 years now and can’t imagine working in any other industry. Beer is fun and the people are great. The brew pub has become such an integral part of the community and is such a comfortable place to hang out and have a good time. You know is going to be a rewarding experience no matter what town you are in or what pub you are visiting.

 Not only is Deschutes a flawless brewery (can you actually name a bad beer from them? didn’t think so…), they are also one of the more entertaining and engaging of the craft breweries to follow on Twitter — a direct result of the two kickass individuals highlighted above. Cheers!