The head brewer at Oak Creek Brwery, Jim Screlau, has reached back into the holiday traditions of Germany and Scotland to create two rich, limited-edition winter beers available on tap now at the Oak Creek Brewery and Grill.

The German Doppelbock is a medium-dark brew, with a strong taste of malt and roasted barley. The Scotch Ale is an ancient, robust beer that the Scottish used to make with malts dried on a peat fire. Screlau's recipe calls for an expert blend of seven different malts, producing subtle flavors such as caramel and woodsmoke.

Come in for the seasonal beers, of course, but also bring your appetite. If you look into the open kitchen, you will notice that chef Bill Albertz has reduced the number of fresh chickens in the rotisserie in order to make room for slow-cooked pork loin. This tender with an apricot glaze that avoids being overly sweet an even contains a little bite from jalapeno.

"The pork loin is just one part of an expanded menu for the new year", explains manager Belynda Green. "We get wonderful support and feedback from the local community, and it constantly inspires us to improve our offerings. Because of overwhelming demand, for example, we've brought back the fish and chips."

As much as Oak Creek's award-winning beers and savory food are a perfect remedy for the winter chill, the same holds true for its desserts. Chef Bill has created a wood-fired apple crisp nestled in buttery puff pastry, as well as a warm berry cobbler .

The Oak Creek Brewery and Grill. located in Tlaquepaque, is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. For reservations call 928-282-3300.