EDITOR’S NOTE: Drink of the Week is a regular feature in The Oklahoma Daily and OUDaily.com. The Daily, however, does not encourage underage or irresponsible drinking.

Beer is like shoes: there’s a different style to go with every season.

Currently, ‘tis the season to wear boots and drink winter ales.

After having the privilege to research different varieties of winter ales, I came to the conclusion that Hibernation Ale, of the Great Divide Brewing Company in Colorado, is the perfect winter beverage if hot chocolate and eggnog just aren’t quite doin’ it for you.

Superficially, this beer has all the trappings of traditional ale: a rich malty flavor that is balanced by floral hops.

What the drinker tastes once the malt and hops subside is what really makes this beer a winter beer.

Notes of chocolate and toffee are paired with subtle flavors of spices and dried fruit, remniscent of a rich, raisin-y port.

The chocolate, toffee and fruit flavors are sure to conjure up memories of family gatherings around the Christmas tree.

If you’re a real foodie like I am and like pairing different beverages with different foods, the Great Divide Brewing Co. recommends pairing its Hibernation Ale with Romano cheese, grilled beef tenderloin and apple crisp.

If your parents had any doubts about your college education and transition into adulthood, go home for the winter break and request the above meal with Hibernation Ale.

At the very least, you can tell them you’ve learned to eat and drink like an adult.