You've been through the wine tasting scene. You've tried Merlots and Moscatos, Pinot Grigios and Pinot Noirs, Champagnes and Chardonnays. but now it's time to move on to another type of beverage tasting. Beer!.

Beer tastings can be just as classy as wine tastings. They can be just as informative, educational, and enlightening. In fact, some might argue that a beer tasting is even more enjoyable than wine. To those we say, welcome brother and sister beer drinkers! And to all the skeptics out there, we say, give us a chance! With the right beer mix, the right food pairings and the right attitude, you just might enjoy this experience.

So here they are. Five winter beers and food pairings. We've provided the beer and food pairings in an easy-to-read guide. Each beer is paired with general food items in case you would like to stick to the same beer type all night. Those interested in the winter beer tasting route, each beer is also paired with cheese to balance out the palate. Finally, each beer is paired with a dessert, in case your evening revolves around an after dinner experience.

The Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale is an amber and clear-colored, medium-bodied ale with lots of hops. It is 6.8 percent alcohol by volume and is both rich and robust in flavor. As an Indian pale ale, the Celebration Ale goes great with spicy foods and desserts with a little kick to them.

This Russian Stout beer is a black ale with a hint of coffee flavoring. Its dark texture and rich flavor go great with smoked game, such as smoked goose. It also goes well with strong cheeses like Parmesan and rich desserts like chocolate mousse.

Samuel Smith is a very small English Brewery established back in 1758. Their Winter Welcome Ale is big in flavor; therefore it pairs well with a softer cheese like brie. With hints of caramel and apples, it also pairs well roast beef and lamb.

Samichlaus is the world's strongest beer, at fourteen percent alcohol. It is matured for over ten months before being bottled, and it can mature in a bottle for years after that. Because of its characteristics, Samichlaus can be served with very heavy meals and pairs especially well with chocolate.

The Schlafly Christmas Ale is just what it sounds like: Christmas in a bottle. With eight percent alcohol by volume, the cardamom and clove-flavored beer is big-bodied. That being said, it pairs well with roast pork, smoked sausage and grilled salmon.