[music playing]
(SINGING) This Christmas
Outside where the
snow is falling
It's painting the
mountains white
Inside here, the fire's burning
We'll be warm all
through the night
Because now I have
you here with me
Bundled beneath the glowing tree
This Christmas
Let's write a love story
This Christmas
Let's make it come true
This Christmas
Let's take in the glory
This Christmas
It'll be just me and you
Nice one, mom.
You had to get your skiing
genes from somewhere, right?
Yeah, from dad.
Ah.
You know, for early season,
that snow's not bad.
Time for one more?
No, I wish.
I gotta get to work.
The beer doesn't brew itself.
Especially not this year.
Now there's your father.
He gave you that
ridiculous work ethic.
And a taste for beer.
OK. OK.
You're right.
I'll catch up with you later.
[music playing]
Joy, what's wrong?
I just see pop
everywhere I look.
Well, they do say the first
Christmas is the hardest.
We'll get through it.
It was his favorite
time of year.
He did love Christmas.
Laughter, the camaraderie,
the community.
Christmas at Joe's.
Christmas at Joe's.
Joy, I just want to say, before
all the Christmas craziness
starts, how grateful I am.
For what?
Well, it couldn't have
been easy giving up
a skiing career to
come back here and take
care of this whole place.
That was a huge sacrifice.
No, mom, it wasn't a sacrifice.
I wanted to.
Besides, it wasn't a
very realistic dream.
Oh, please.
You really had a shot.
Ski racers don't make any money.
Don't be silly.
You don't make money
from the ski racing,
you make money from the
cereal box endorsement deals.
[laughter]
No, but seriously, if
it's too much, if taking
care of this place
gets too stressful...
Mom, it's OK.
It's going to be great.
OK?
Joe's is the dream now.
And I will do everything in my
power to keep this place afloat.
Everything.
No. No.
No. No.
Joy.
No, those have been up
there since we first opened.
How much is up there anyway?
Probably a couple hundred bucks?
I mean, it wouldn't make
much of a difference.
Mom, I'm kidding.
I would never.
Man, I love living
in the ski town.
You meet the most incredible
people from all over the world.
I remember that one.
Jack and Amelia,
Sydney, Australia.
Now, those folks
like their beer.
Yeah.
Costa Rica, Thailand.
Yeah.
Oh, that one, an actual
princess hung that one up.
Well, her bodyguard did.
[laughs]
There's dad's original dollar.
Yeah.
And the next bill we
hung up there after that
was from Chamonix.
The Gerrards?
Yeah.
They invited us
over there to ski.
- They did?
- Yeah.
Said we had an open invitation.
JOY: I didn't know that.
Yeah.
Well, your dad and
I always dreamed
of going over there one day.
Yeah, like, when we were tired.
But then we realized that
we didn't have to travel
to a special place, we...
we lived in one.
You're right, mom.
The French Alps don't have
anything on Maple Glen.
[music playing]
Hey, Kevin.
Stepping up your game, I see.
I'd fix those lights
around the sign, though.
Otherwise, it'll
just look tacky.
Thanks, Greg.
You would know.
Lovely decorations,
Mrs. Keough.
Why, thank you, Greg.
What gives?
Are things really that bad?
How desperate would we have
to be to spend any of these?
Oh, Greg, you must
be craving a real
beer instead of
the generic stuff
you serve over at Frosty's?
Ha.
Schultz may not
meet your standards,
but it meets the bottom line.
It's a lot of money to
be made pouring big beer.
You should consider it.
I will never stop
brewing Joe's recipes.
It's the 21st century, Joy.
No offense, but people's
taste in beer are changing.
Joe's brews are a little dated.
That jacket is a little dated.
What do you need, Greg?
We're hosting the
inaugural Vermont Christmas
Brew-Ski Competition this year.
Thought you might like to enter.
Brew-Ski, cute.
What is it?
It's a competition for the
best craft brew in Vermont.
And it culminates with
a torchlight parade.
The ski area.
Craft beers at Frosty's?
When is it?
December 23, the day
before Christmas Eve.
But entries have to
be in the week before.
Who's eligible?
Anyone who brews
craft beer in Vermont.
It's a great opportunity.
Winner gets a distribution
deal with Schultz.
I don't know.
Don't be so stubborn.
Just like your dad.
We'll consider it.
Great.
You know, the offer
from our ownership group
to buy Mogul Joe's still stands?
We're not interested.
No more brewing at dawn.
More time to ski and enjoy
life like we used to.
Actually, mom and I got a
few runs in this morning.
It's the 21st century, Greg.
Women can have it all now.
Oh, touch.
And, Greg, we're not
together anymore, remember?
I know.
I know.
OK.
Just think about it.
[music playing]
Hey, Joy.
Oh, come on.
No grumpy scrooges on the slope.
You're right.
- You OK?
- Feel good.
All right.
All right.
Whoa.
Whoa, look out!
[groaning]
Joy!
- I'm so sorry.
- What the...
You OK?
Oh, man.
OK.
All right.
Thanks.
Jeez.
You're not hurting, are you?
Yeah.
No, I'm fine.
But why don't you watch
where you're going next time?
I didn't know I was skiing
in the texting lane.
I didn't know I was texting
in the beginner's lane.
Last I checked, this chair was
for intermediate and advanced
skiers only.
It looks like I got
off on the wrong lift.
Uh-huh.
And we got off on the wrong ski.
Hey, I'm Zac.
Hi.
I'm Joy.
Nice to meet you, Joy.
Well, sorry again.
I'm going to go carve
up some corduroy.
Whoa. Hey.
Hey. Hey.
Hey. You don't want
to go that way.
It's pretty steep.
Joy, I'm kind of an athlete.
Oh!
Oh, oh.
Right down this way, Joy.
I got it.
That's the trick.
Thanks for the tip.
Yeah, there you go. Yeah.
- There we go.
- Yeah, all right.
Listen, there's no
shame in admitting
that you're not an expert.
They just groomed Gnome's Run.
Why don't you follow me?
You don't have to do that.
Well, it's not for you.
I'm protecting the other skiers
by putting you in isolation.
Come on.
OK.
[music playing]
I owe you one.
Oh, no, you don't
owe me anything.
That ski lesson was
a public service.
Hey, can I buy you
a beer in the lodge?
No, thanks.
They only serve Schultz on tap.
Ugh.
Besides, I got to
get to work anyway.
Where you work?
Mogul Joe's.
It's a brewpub.
I hear good things.
Got any Vermont style IPAs?
No, we feature more
traditional German and
Austrian style beers,
but, yeah, we got
some new stuff in the works.
You should come check us out.
I definitely will.
It was nice bumping into you.
I'm sure I'll see you around.
[music playing]
Hey, guys.
Sorry I'm late.
Just getting off the hill?
Yeah.
I met this guy today.
He...
Oh, you did, did you?
Mm-hmm.
No, it's nothing like that.
He totally crashed into me
coming off the chairlift,
and I had to help
him down the trail.
He had no business
being on the summit.
And when was the
last time you slowed
down enough to help a total
stranger down the mountain?
It's not like that.
He's a random tourist.
Plus, he's a terrible skier.
Well, that's a deal breaker.
[laughs]
Hey, where did dad
keep his recipes?
You're thinking of entering
that contest, aren't you?
Vermont style holiday IPA might
be just the spark we need.
Well, Christmas is
only four weeks away
so you better get going.
I know.
And if we don't have a
huge week at Christmas,
we might have to take Greg and
Frosty's up on their offer.
Well, your dad saved
everything down in the cellar.
Mm.
You want to help me look?
I'll be right down.
What's this?
Oh.
That is your father's log
of all the phone numbers
and emails from the
bills on the rafter.
He kept track of everyone
who ever invited us to visit.
JOY: Wow, there
are so many names.
He really had a way of making
friends with everybody,
didn't he?
Oh, I think I found it
in this box of mugs.
How did he keep
track of everything?
Well, that was your dad's
recipe filing system.
Jot it on a napkin and
stash it in a safe place.
Look at all these hops.
Chinook, amarillo,
Simcoe, citra, mosaic.
This is going to be
harder than I thought.
What were you thinking?
Classic IPA?
No, it needs a holiday twist.
I got some ideas.
Oh, my gosh.
These... these are from
the old Christmas mug club.
I can't believe we
still have these.
Look, one of our guests
sent this from Munich.
And when your dad opened
the box, he dropped it.
And we just held our
breath and watched
as it bounced across the floor.
Somehow, it never shattered.
We should bring back
the Christmas mug club.
It'd be a great way for you
to launch your new beer.
Oh, my goodness.
Look.
Your snow globe.
What were you, like,
five years old?
Something like that.
I remember when he gave
me this that Christmas,
I thought it was the most
magical thing in the world,
the way the snow fell
on this mountain.
Well, we have over 30
years of history down here.
Could spend a lot of time
strolling down memory lane.
Yeah, but that's
time I don't have.
I got to go brew the
best beer that Mogul
Joe's has ever brewed.
[music playing]
(SINGING) Welcome to our home
Safe and sound from
any winter storm
Come inside
The cocoa's hot
We've got a lot of
memories to create
Here in our snow
globe that we share
In our winter wonderland.
In our snow globe that we share
In our winter wonderland
I've got a surprise for
you this Christmas, pops.
Something new.
Something different.
I really wish you were here
to help me with it though.
Could use some of
your magic touch.
I hear from corporate, after
we get things rolling here
in the Northeast, they want you
out at headquarters in Colorado.
Now, I can't tell
you how excited
I am they agreed to this
new craft brew division.
Corporate wasn't
so sure about this,
but you're very convincing.
I know it's a radical new
direction for Schultz,
but it is a great opportunity.
Tell me once again why the
customers would want this?
Well, craft brew's
got its own culture.
It's mostly independent.
They make small batches
to create big demand,
leads to even bigger sales.
Who doesn't like big sales, Bob?
But isn't the ultimate goal to
be acquired by someone like us?
Yeah, for some.
But for most
independent breweries,
they just... they want to
represent the community
and create a taste of home.
Well, sounds like you're
the perfect guy for the job.
Hey, take care of the local
accounts this Christmas
and we'll have you out
in Colorado in no time.
Thanks, Bob.
[music playing]
Thank you.
Zac, right?
Joy.
We collided on the
mountain the other day.
Of course.
Yeah, my hero.
I didn't recognize you without
your helmet and goggles.
You want to join me?
You look pretty busy.
No, it's just a sales report.
Please sit.
OK, just for a minute though.
I got to get to work.
Got to brew the beer, huh?
Yeah.
So you're in sales?
Yeah.
Yeah, I'm a rep.
What do you sell?
Schultz beer.
Yeah, I took over for a
guy named Greg Harris.
He runs Frosty's Pub now.
It's actually one of
our bigger accounts.
Maybe you know him?
Yeah, I know Greg.
So you're a big beer guy?
Look, nobody knows the dynamics
between craft breweries and
big beer companies like I do.
Oh, yeah?
Yeah.
It's why Schultz is sending me
to Colorado in a couple months,
to partner up with
microbreweries.
So big beer is going
to sell fake craft
beer to our competitors and
squeeze us out of business?
Do you... do have any idea how
hard my dad had to work to build
our brand and our following?
Being the only craft beer in
town is what has kept us alive.
I'm sorry.
It's just that it's
personal to me.
It's OK.
I get it.
Hey, um, I'd still like
to try your beer sometime.
We open every day at 3:00.
[music playing]
Hello.
Anybody here?
Huh?
You stealing our tips?
You guys open yet?
Technically, no.
You want me to come back later?
No, it's OK.
Have quite a collection.
Guests from all over the world.
It's pretty good
memories up there.
Uh.
Is this chairlift guy?
My mother, Mary Keough.
Nice to meet you, Mary.
Zac Chase.
I was just saying, you
got a lot of admirers.
Well, it's delightful
to meet you, Zac.
You too.
[music playing]
Little early for opry, isn't it?
I was just hoping to
sample a few of your beers.
Craving something other than
Schulz and Schulz Light.
Which we will never
serve here, by the way.
I come as a beer
lover, not a salesman.
However, I do have
a pitch for you.
Doesn't involve beer.
I was just hoping
that maybe you could
give me another ski lesson.
Oh, uh, I don't know.
There's a little more than
three weeks till Christmas.
And I have a million
things to do.
But...
How about this?
Pour me a flight of
Mogul Joe's finest.
If I can guess what they
are, you owe me a lesson.
Well, if your expert palate
is anything like your expert
skiing, this should be a cinch.
[laughs]
Take a seat.
OK.
Oh.
Whoa.
What did I get myself into?
Blind taste test.
You game?
I'm game.
Bring it.
OK, this should be interesting.
All righty.
Number one.
Mm.
Roasted malts, hints of
coffee, milk, chocolate.
What is that?
Hazelnut?
And... oh, figs.
Oh, come on, Joy.
It's Belgian stout.
Pretty good, but don't
get ahead of yourself, OK?
Here's number two.
[music playing]
OK. Mm.
All right.
Well, that's complex.
Mm-hmm.
Mm.
Sturdy malt backbone,
mild fruity aromas.
It's like toffee flavors
layered with red apples,
orange zest, and plums.
You know, the obvious
answer is Belgian pale ale,
but I'm going to go
with biere de garde.
Wow.
Thanks, Mary.
By the way, guys,
the sense of smell
is more important than
the sense of sight.
Just saying.
All right, Mr. Supertaster.
Number three.
OK, number three.
Well, this is a tough one.
Yeah, mild, crisp notes,
full malt flavors.
Is that a touch of caramel
with roasted fruit?
Man, I want to say Dunkles Bock.
But for the win, I'm
going to go Doppelbock.
Most people haven't even
heard of a Doppelbock.
Well, most people aren't
studying to be a cicerone.
What's a cicerone?
It's like a wine
sommelier for beer.
I think I just got hustled.
[music playing]
Hey, Lucy.
Zac, I would like
for you to meet
the most important woman in
Maple Glen, the chairperson.
In fact.
This is Liftie Lucy.
Nice to meet you, Lucy.
Hey, is there any
chance that we could
get on the lift a little early?
Ah.
Answer's are the
same as it always is.
Chair opens at 9:00 AM sharp.
If I let you on early, I'd
have to let everyone on early.
Oh, Lucy, we're bringing
back the Christmas mug club.
I'll dig out my Santa mug.
[music playing]
Why did you decide
to start skiing now?
I moved to a ski town.
Guess I always wanted to learn.
Well, what took you so long?
My dad tried to teach
me when I was young.
We didn't get along that well.
So I just played
hockey with my friends.
Anyhow, my dad's coming
in town for Christmas.
And now that he's
older and I'm wiser,
I just want to make
up for some lost time.
Kind of take him on a few runs.
Sweet.
My dad was a great skier.
He was a pretty popular
guy around here too.
You say that like he's
not around anymore.
We lost him about a year ago.
I'm sorry.
Me too.
[music playing]
OK.
And keep your upper body quiet.
Move half the body,
use half the energy.
Feel that downhill ski
engage with the tip.
Hey, can you teach me to
ski backward like that?
After you learn to ski forward.
Ha.
The Christmas scavenger hunt,
that's a pretty fun tradition.
Yeah.
Yours must have been
a little different
growing up in a brewery?
I mean, I guess so.
I was so young when
they bought the place.
I didn't really
know any different.
And my dad sunk everything
he had into that place.
That first Christmas
was magical.
My dad wanted Joe's to
be the kind of place
where everybody felt welcome.
Where, like, even if you
were alone on Christmas day,
you could go in
there and you would
meet friendly people who would
take you in, no questions asked.
Christmas at Joe's.
After you open gifts at home and
go to whatever church services
you want to attend,
everyone brings
a gift for children in need
and congregates at Joe's.
Wow.
You're going to keep up
the tradition this year?
I hope so.
It'd be our first
year without him.
For what it's worth,
um, time does help.
That's what I hear.
[music playing]
I was living in New York
City when my mom passed.
I told my ex-wife, I am done
with the corporate rat race.
I'm going to pursue my dream.
She didn't have the same dream?
Her dream was New York.
[laughter]
That's why I'm moving to
Colorado so I could do the work
I love and find my people.
There's a Christmas auction
at Frosty's tomorrow.
Do you want to go with me?
Isn't Frosty's enemy territory.
Mm-hmm.
Yes.
All the local businesses
take turns hosting.
And we donate items
for people to bid on.
It's a good way to
raise money for charity.
Sounds fun.
I'll be there.
[music playing]
Thank you for the bid.
Hey there.
Hi, Zac.
Hey.
What's the highest bid
so far for the tree?
I can do better than that.
You don't have to.
Well, no, that's the whole
point of this, right?
Get it up.
Thank you, Zac.
I appreciate it.
That snowman out there is
getting all the attention.
Oh, wow.
He is quite the character.
How well did you
say you know Greg?
Pretty well.
He's actually my ex.
He is?
Yeah.
We grew up here
together in Maple Glen,
and we dated on and off through
high school and college.
And after college, that's when
he got the job with Schultz,
and I left to go skiing.
And then my dad got sick, and
I came back home and jumped
into the family business.
That's when I realized
it wasn't going to work.
[music playing]
You've mastered the blues.
You went all the way down
Sleigh Ride without falling?
Well done.
I slayed that Sleigh Ride.
Yeah, you're the
Sleigh Ride slayer.
And you are the
Queen of Diamonds.
[laughs] I love it.
The name or the action?
Oh, both.
[laughter]
When's my next lesson?
Well, with all the
progress you've made,
the only thing that's
left to do is practice.
Whoa.
Well, you're not
going to unleash
me on the unsuspecting public?
Yes, my duty to the people
of Maple Glen is over.
Well, selfishly, I
had an ulterior motive
for wanting more lessons.
What's that?
I really like spending
time with you.
I got a new idea.
It's going to put Mogul
Joe's back on the map.
Another old world classic?
Nope.
It's a hop-forward holiday IPA.
It's a twist on one of
my dad's old recipes.
It's a perfect
addition to the taps.
You really think so?
Absolutely.
You know, the first time I went
in there, I felt like a local,
even though I'd never
been there before.
You can never lose that
feeling of nostalgia.
We might be a little
too nostalgic.
Never.
A holiday IPA will bring Mogul
Joe's past into the future.
Yeah.
Well, I've got my dad's old
recipe but it's a little vague,
to say the least.
Vague?
Unfinished.
Maybe I can help you with
some flavor profiles.
No way. No.
[laughs] You're
going to have to get
to know me a little
better before I
tell you all my secrets.
It's a deal.
Wow.
Very impressive.
You asked for it, so don't
complain when I treat you
like the rest of my tourists.
Hey, Kev.
KEVIN: Hey, hey, Joy.
So, as I'm sure you're aware,
the first step in beer making
is cracking the grains.
Mm-hmm.
Oh, I love this part.
That happen on all your tours?
The cracked grains
or grist is augured
to the grist case, where it's
mixed with hot water in the mash
tun.
Come here.
We let the grains
steep like tea,
and the grains release
all their sugars.
This sweet, unfermented
beer is called wort.
Good ole wort.
[laughter]
That's in here.
The wort is sent to the
boil kettle, where we add
hops after a controlled boil.
And then when it cools,
it's sent to the fermenters,
and we add yeast.
That's what converts
it to alcohol.
When do you add the
Christmas magic?
Mm.
Great question.
After it boils, we add
any special ingredients
like, you know, cinnamon,
clove, nutmeg, pumpkin.
You don't like pumpkin?
People like pumpkin.
Well, I wanted you to see.
These are the three brews
that I'm working on.
OK, so this is where
the recipes are born.
Yep.
Something tells me that
brewing means more to you
than just the science of it all.
Yeah.
Competitive skiing was a dream
I had, and I got to live it.
But what my dad did was
bring people together.
That's the dream now.
I think it's beautiful
and important,
and I'm going to fight
to keep this place
going for as long as possible.
That probably sounded
really cheesy.
No.
It sounded real.
And if you need any help,
you just have to let me know.
I owe you for the ski lessons.
There actually is something
that I was thinking about.
sh**t.
I was so impressed with your
advanced tasting skills.
I was hoping that you might
try my three holiday IPAs
and tell me what
you think honestly.
Honestly?
I'd be honored.
Hey, let me get a picture of the
mad scientist in her lab, huh?
Yeah. [laughs]
Ready?
I don't know if you heard
but Schultz is sending me
to Colorado after the new year.
Start up a craft brew division.
That's great.
Hey, I got an idea I
want to run by you.
sh**t.
Since you're one of our best
accounts and you're hosting
the Brew-Ski event,
I thought maybe
you'd want to pour the winning
beer for Christmas week?
It would be a huge boost to
the brand and to Frosty's.
Especially if the winner is
Joy Keough from Uncle Joe's.
I heard about your
history with Joy.
Hey, whether she's the winner
or not, it's good business.
And frankly, Frosty's could
use a little variety on tap.
Have you spoken to Bob
Salamano about this?
No.
No, not yet.
I wanted to run it by you first.
Well, it would be fun to
have a festive holiday
brew on tap this Christmas.
I'll run it up the flagpole,
see if ownership salutes it.
Hey, thanks for being
such a good sport, Greg.
You need anything from
Schulz, you let me know, OK.
Will do.
[music playing]
[knocking]
Hey.
Wow.
Oh, you're not used to seeing
me without a ski helmet
or a beer apron, huh?
No, I am not.
[laughs] Come on in.
I got us set up over here.
I didn't know you were going
to go all Martha Stewart on me.
What?
I just made cookies
as a palate cleanser.
OK, I need you to declare one of
these holiday IPAs as perfect.
Otherwise, it might just be
game over for Mogul Joe's.
That bad, huh?
Well, now that I know the
stakes, let's do this.
Hoppy aroma.
Maybe a little too malty.
The nutmeg and the
cinnamon are getting lost.
That's what I was afraid of.
Not Christmassy enough.
Mm-hmm.
[music playing]
Hmm.
I definitely detect
the spices in here,
but it might overwhelm any...
any food it's paired with.
Maybe too Christmassy?
Yeah, maybe.
[music playing]
It's hoppy, but man, it's
not too overpowering.
Yeah, I can taste the nutmeg,
ginger, and the cinnamon.
This is nice.
This has got a
really good balance.
Oh yeah, this is it.
I was hoping that
you'd choose that one.
But what's the
secret ingredient?
How do I describe it?
It's... man, it's
like being outdoors
in the winter or sitting
by the Christmas tree.
Well, it's not pine, is it?
I'll never tell.
It's pine.
[laughs] It's so subtle.
It really just evokes a feeling.
Yeah, the feeling of Christmas.
It's a perfect way
to describe it.
Nobody gets pine right.
I can't believe that
you could detect it.
That's my superpower.
OK, well, let's just keep
the secret between us, OK?
You have my word.
OK, so I guess we just
need a catchy name.
Yeah.
Catchy name.
OK, how about Mistletoe Magic?
Hmm.
I'm thinking more something
like a Jumping for Joy.
- Please.
- What?
I'm serious.
No.
OK.
How about something a little
more universally Christmas?
Happy holidays, I.
No.
No.
No. That's it.
Not happy, hoppy.
Hoppy holiday.
- Hoppy Holiday...
- Hoppy Holiday.
- ... IPA.
- IPA.
Yes.
Yeah, what's... whoa.
Look who has two left skis now?
Every bit of light
shines through
And it may be your
hopeless dream
But I dream of
Christmas with you
Walking through
the village green
Feeling so blue and all alone
Stars above, I wish upon
Please bring my baby back home
Good night, Kevin.
Good night.
Oh, Joy, someone
left this for you.
What is this?
[laughs] "As Christmas draws
nigh, we turn grain into grist.
A hoppy cheer you will cry,
buried up to your wrist."
You... you have a
good night, Joy.
[laughs]
(SINGING) Like a
child on Christmas Day
Every bit of light
shines through
It may be your hopeless dream
But I dream of
Christmas with you
And it may be your
hopeless dream
But I dream of
Christmas with you
How do I look?
You look beautiful.
It's not what I was going for.
- But professional.
- OK.
Yeah.
[laughs] Come on.
Have a seat.
Bringing a little buzz
around Hoppy Holiday
is going to make
all the difference.
I can't believe you know
people at CraftBrew.biz.
Well, my job comes with some
really good connections.
OK, and we are rolling.
Hey, friends.
I'm here with Vermont's
hottest new brewmaster.
She is from Mogul Joe's
pub in Maple Glen, Vermont.
Joy Keough, tell us
about your new brew.
A Hoppy Holiday IPA
is something that I
started with my dad years ago.
And we brought it back this year
specifically for the Vermont
Brew-Ski competition.
We think that beer connoisseurs,
as well as everyday folks,
will really love
Hoppy Holiday IPA.
There's notes of
cinnamon and nutmeg,
and there is a special
ingredient, which you'll
have to taste for yourself.
It's sort of like unwrapping
a Christmas present.
Hmm.
It really is.
[laughs] Hurry up, folks.
Get to Mogul Joe's and grab a
Hoppy Holiday IPA while you can.
It's a limited batch.
The legend lives on in
Maple Glen, Vermont.
Hottest new brewmaster, huh?
Like I said, creating
a little buzz.
Man, they're going to love you.
How could they not?
Hey, Rosie.
Thank you so much
for doing this.
My pleasure.
Really, I wouldn't miss it.
Hey, I heard you got an
offer to play at Frosty's.
Nobody would blame you
if you took the gig.
I would never, ever work there.
Your father gave me a shot
when no one else would.
He saw something in me,
and I won't forget that.
Well, my mom and I
both appreciate it.
You guys are like family to me.
Same to you.
Hey, break a leg tonight.
Thank you.
Hey, Bob, Zac Chase.
Yeah, I've been thinking about
our Christmas Brew-Ski contest.
What if we kick off
our new initiative
by pouring the winning brew at
Frosty's for Christmas Week?
Yeah, I talked to Greg about it.
He's excited.
Absolutely, Bob.
These are the kind of
relationships we want
to build for the new division.
Hey, great.
Thanks.
[music playing]
OK.
Does everybody have one?
- We're ready.
- OK.
We're ready
You guys, it's two
weeks to Christmas,
and Joe's has a brand new beer.
To Hoppy Holiday IPA.
Hear, hear.
And to the return of Mogul
Joe's Christmas mug club.
May the members grow
to a thousand strong.
Hear, hear!
[laughter]
[music playing]
You did it, sweetie.
(SINGING) In a
one-horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go
Laughing all the way
Bells on bobtails ring
Hey.
Sorry I missed the first toast.
It was great.
Check out this crowd.
We might make it out of the red.
Wow.
You want a beer?
Do you have to ask.
Mm.
Even better off the tap.
You enjoy.
I'll be back.
(SINGING) In
one-horse open sleigh
Hey
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh
Take my hand
And spin me round
Hold me close
Baby, don't let me down
Open my heart
Hey, dance with me.
Are you kidding me?
We're way too busy.
No.
Oh, go on.
Dance with him.
One dance.
(SINGING) First of many
Our first dance
Our first kiss
Our first chance
So it's hit or miss
To share this
I have to admit, you
are a much better
dancer than you are a skier.
[laughs]
(SINGING) Take my hand
These last couple of weeks
have been pretty awesome.
For me too.
And thanks to you, I get to
ski with my dad this Christmas.
You have no idea
how much that means.
Pretty sure I do.
He's going to love you.
What?
You're talking like you're not
going to leave this spring.
You're going to be halfway
across the country.
I can't even think
about that right now.
Just let me get
through Christmas,
and then I can
take a deep breath.
[music playing]
Greg, you make a wrong turn?
You know, we only
serve real beer here.
MARY: Be nice, Kevin.
In fact, I'd like to buy
this man a Hoppy Holiday.
Thank you, Mary.
That's why I'm here.
Let's see what all
the fuss is about.
Enjoy.
[music playing]
(SINGING) Our first dance
Our first kiss
Our first chance
So it's hit or miss
So what's the secret ingredient?
Oh.
(WHISPERS) It's pine.
- It's a secret.
- It's a secret.
Secret.
[applause]
Excuse me.
Yeah.
Hey, Greg.
Congratulations.
Hoppy Holiday IPA,
it's really good.
I'm impressed.
Thank you.
So I assume you're going
to enter the contest.
Yeah, of course.
We could use the publicity.
What are you doing here?
Can't a friend
congratulate another friend
on a job well done?
A friend could.
Sure.
Can we speak in private, please?
Of course.
[music playing]
What do you need, Greg?
You and Zac are looking
pretty cozy out there?
Is that why you're here?
To check in on me and Zac?
Because that's none
of your business.
He's leaving for
Colorado in two months.
And I'll deal with
that when that happens.
But I'm here now.
You know, I thought when
you got back and settled,
things might go back the
way they were between us.
Are you seriously
rehashing this again?
You betrayed my father, the
man who gave you your start.
And I apologized
for that already.
I was just doing my
job, trying to get
Schultz in at the ski resort.
I had no idea that we were
going to bump Mogul Joe's tap.
Yeah, well, they did.
And you should have.
Joy, I hate the way
things ended between us.
How things still are between us.
I just want another chance.
I can't have this
conversation with you.
OK look.
We can... we can talk
about this another time.
But I can't leave here
thinking that we're
not at least still friends.
Greg...
Come on.
Friends?
Friends.
Oh, no.
Zac!
[music playing]
Hey.
We didn't get a
chance to say goodbye.
I got a couple
accounts to check on,
and you guys look like
you need a little space.
What you saw between me and
Greg is not what you think.
OK.
There's no reason
to give us space.
There's nothing going on.
Does Greg know that?
No.
But that's part of the problem.
We broke up two years ago.
Look, Joy, it's fine.
Really.
No, it's not.
We live in a small town.
When your ex is
your competition,
it's hard to make a clean break.
Last thing I want to do
is make you uncomfortable.
It's not you making
me uncomfortable.
It's Greg.
I did get the
distinct impression
he didn't want me around.
Maybe I shouldn't
complicate things.
I want you to complicate things.
Hey, Joy, the Hoppy
Holiday keg just kicked.
Whoops.
When you get a sec, Kevin
wanted me to tell you...
sorry.
Anyway, that's what
I wanted to tell you.
As far as I'm concerned, there's
no us between me and Greg.
Now I know.
Thanks for the dance.
It was nice.
Good night, Joy.
Good night.
Bob, Greg Harris.
Listen, Zac Chase was pitching
me that we should pour
the winning beer
from the Brew-Ski
competition here at Frosty's.
Yeah.
I may have a better idea.
You're cutting it close, Joy.
Last chair is 4 o'clock sharp.
I know.
I've been flat out.
Proud of you, Joy.
It's a mighty fine brew.
Go get 'em.
[music playing]
What in the world?
[laughs]
[phone rings]
(BRITISH ACCENT) The
queen of diamonds, is it?
Good evening, your majesty.
[laughs] I want to thank
you for my necklace.
You had me going
there for a minute.
These diamonds almost look real.
Almost?
But the clerk assured
me they were genuine.
I'm going to have to march
over to the Quick Mart,
get my $10 back.
[laughs]
ZAC: In the meantime, please
lock the crown jewels in a safe.
I promise.
Uh-oh.
They're kicking me out.
Must be closing early.
OK, I got to run.
See you tomorrow, your highness?
I'll see you tomorrow.
[music playing]
(SINGING) Candles
glow by the fireside
You curl up with me so tight
And the stars,
they're shining bright
And everything is all right
Because it's you and
me at Christmas time
For we make the perfect rhyme
ZAC: That was really good.
JOY: It was really good.
(SINGING) So let's
hold each other tight
Just you and me
at Christmas time
Hello.
Zac, how's it going out there?
It's good, Bob.
You know, crazy
busy, the holidays.
I've been thinking about that
new initiative you proposed
for the winner of the
Brew-Ski event and I think
we have an even better plan.
Schultz has our own
new holiday craft brew.
Wait.
What?
Hold on, Bob.
I got to step outside.
Season of Spice IPA is on
its way to as we speak.
And I think by
winning this contest,
it'd be the perfect way
to kick off the new brand.
How can we do this.
Schultz is sponsoring
the contest.
It's a complete
conflict of interest.
BOB: It's a blind taste test
with independent judges.
Zac, I'm doing this for you.
For the prestige of being the
best craft brew in Vermont.
Bob, these kind of
rollouts take time.
Careful planning.
We had to keep it under
wraps until we were sure we
could get it out on time.
By the way, rumor has it, you've
been spending a lot of time
at Mogul Joe's and
with its owner.
What does that have
to do with anything?
Need I remind you, they
don't even pour Schultz.
Look, whatever is going on
with you and the competition,
this is a trade secret.
Understood?
Frosty's is serving
a holiday IPA.
Oh, Jiminy Christmas.
You've got to be kidding me.
[music playing]
Joy, uh, there's something
I need to talk to you about.
What is this?
That's what I
wanted to tell you.
Schultz is coming out
with a Christmas IPA.
You knew?
No, I just found out.
Schultz doesn't
have a craft brew.
You are the craft beer guy.
I swear, I didn't know.
Season of Spice.
And they're serving
it at Frosty's.
Joy, I promise I didn't have
anything to do with this.
You guys believe me, right?
I got to taste that beer.
(SINGING) Deck the halls
with boughs of holly
Fa la, la, la, la, la, la
'Tis the season to be jolly
Fa la, la, la, la, la, la
Don we now our gay apparel
A Season of Spice.
Yeah. Yeah.
Keep it open.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Season of Spice, please.
Hey, Kevin.
Ha!
Greg!
Great sweater.
Oh, thanks.
Thanks.
You know, I... I never could
resist an ugly sweater contest.
Have you tried
Season of Spice yet?
Yeah... no.
Not yet.
GREG: Hoppy Holiday is going to
have some serious competition
at the Brew-Ski event.
Here, let me get you one.
A Season of Spice, please,
for my very good friend here.
On the house.
Thank you, sir.
Mm.
So what do you think?
You know, I think it
tastes exactly like...
like the kind of beer
you want at the holidays.
I'm so glad you think so.
Why are you pouring
Hoppy Holiday?
How'd you get the recipe?
It's not Hoppy Holiday.
It's Season of Spice.
And we got it from Schultz.
You should know,
you took the order.
Oh, that's how
you're playing it?
You stole the recipe from Joy.
What are you talking about?
I can almost understand
why you'd want to hurt me
in my position at
Schultz, but why would
you want to hurt Mogul Joe's?
I'm going to get to
the bottom of this.
[cheering]
["Kevin" chant]
I can't believe you did this.
There's only one way to know
if there's any funny business
going on here.
And I won 200 bucks.
Nice.
Yeah.
Thank you.
[music playing]
See?
I can even taste the pine.
The only thing that's
different is the name.
Question is, what
do we do about it?
Zac knew about the
secret ingredient.
And he was there last night
at the ugly sweater contest.
No.
He wouldn't.
Would he?
Bob, the only thing
different is the name.
What?
Do you think this is the
first holiday-themed craft
beer that's ever been brewed?
It is for Schultz.
You know as well
as anybody, we've
been losing market share to
craft beers for too long now.
Bob, I tasted it.
It's the identical recipe.
Why does this matter
so much to you?
Because it's my
reputation on the line,
and I thought we'd be
better than stealing
Hoppy Holiday from Mogul Joe's.
Nobody stole anything.
The recipe came to us
from a reliable source.
If it is who I think
it is, it's personal.
Probably illegal.
Do you have any proof of this?
No, but I don't need proof.
Then you shouldn't be
hurling accusations
at your best customer.
Hey.
Joy.
How could you do this?
It's our recipe.
I know.
I tasted it.
No one knew the secret
ingredient except for you, Zac.
You gave me your word.
Wait.
How could you possibly think
I'd have anything to do with it?
Because there is no
other explanation.
Joy, I care about you,
your mom, Mogul Joe's.
What possible reason
would I have to hurt you?
This is just like
Greg all over again.
He betrayed my dad's trust
to get ahead in business.
And you are doing
the exact same thing.
Joy.
Hey.
What are... what are you doing?
No.
You can't take that one down.
No, I was going to frame it.
KEVIN: Oh.
I see.
I don't know what
we're going to do.
Yeah, I know.
I know.
Any progress on Hoppy gate?
No, Zac denies it,
but he's the only one
who had means and opportunity.
But where's the motive?
I don't know.
If you ask me, there's no
way Zac had anything to do
with this but Greg didn't.
I'd say, look what
the cat dragged in,
but cats have better taste.
A little quiet in
here, isn't it?
What's up?
You know exactly
what's up, Greg.
Yeah, Hoppy Holiday has
some serious competition
for the Brew-Ski prize.
Wait, is Schultz
entering Season of Spice?
They're not even
a craft brewery.
They are now.
Didn't Zac tell you?
He's their new craft brew guy.
He's also the one you might
want to start accusing.
Not me.
It's my recipe.
Look, I came to
offer you a lifeline.
We'll buy Joe's.
That's if I can convince
Frosty's ownership.
They're still mad
you turned them down.
They're not used to hearing no.
Well, they'd better
get used to it
because there is absolutely...
We'd like to hear their offer.
We don't have a choice, Joy.
Why don't you and your
ownership team come
back with a firm offer in hand?
OK.
Well, see you tomorrow
night for the big
announcement of the
contest winner at Frosty's.
May the best beer win.
How could you?
How could I not?
[music playing]
Joy.
I have been right here by
your side for the entire ride.
And there's absolutely
nothing to be ashamed about.
We've done everything we could
to keep Mogul Joe's afloat.
But it's not just that, is it?
I just can't believe I
let Zac play me like that.
I've already been through
this once with Greg.
Play you?
Nobody else could have done it.
The only ones who were
back here with the recipe
were Greg and Zac.
As much as I want it to
be Greg, it wasn't him.
How do you know?
Because this recipe doesn't
include the secret ingredient.
Even if Greg saw this
when he was back here,
he wouldn't know about the pine.
Everyone would sense it, but
not know exactly what it was.
Like Christmas magic.
Exactly.
Zac's the only one besides
us who knew what it was.
Uh, what if I told you
the secret ingredient
wasn't so secret?
What?
The other night
when Greg was here,
Kevin may have inadvertently
let the cat out of the bag.
He didn't mean any harm by it.
We were busy, and he
just kind of let it slip.
What?
Oh.
Mom.
Oh, no.
Thank you for telling me.
I wish that you would
have told me sooner.
I have to go.
[music playing]
Amy, you know the guy
who always sits there.
Have you seen him?
ZAC (ON VOICEMAIL):
Hey, this is Zac.
Leave a message after the tone.
Zac, where are you?
Have you gone to
Colorado already.
Why aren't you picking up?
Please call me back.
Bye.
Lucy.
Lucy.
You know the tall guy that
I've been skiing with, Zac?
Have you seen him today?
Is he skiing?
Nope, haven't seen him.
I could check the ticket
scans if you want.
No.
No, that's OK.
Thank you.
[knocking]
Ah, man.
Not again.
That will be Greg's
problem soon enough.
I tried everything I
could think of, pops.
It turns out it worked.
People really love
Hoppy Holiday IPA, just
like you thought they would.
The only thing that didn't
work was my judgment.
The whole thing backfired,
and I drove away a guy
that I really cared about.
He did nothing wrong.
He just tried to help.
But now he's gone.
And... [laughs]
No.
No.
I'm not... I'm not
falling for that again.
Am I really supposed
to believe that Zac's
not on his way to Colorado
as fast as he can get there?
KEVIN: Hah.
It was a loose wire.
I just repainted.
It should be...
Great.
Yeah.
What was I thinking,
believing in Christmas magic?
Well, there's plenty
of magic in the world.
Especially at Christmas time.
[music playing]
[knocking]
Come in.
Zac, what are you doing here?
You got a lot of Season
of Spice to sell.
That's what I want
to talk to you about.
We're making a huge
mistake selling it.
Recipe was stolen.
Why would you think that?
Here, look at this.
This was taken the night after
Hoppy Holidays' first brew.
I know Greg saw that
recipe on the wall.
Look.
I bet he brought you Season
of Spice, what, December 12?
Compare the two.
I guarantee they're identical.
Actually, Zac, they're not.
It's missing a key ingredient
that makes ours special.
Yeah, pine.
How did you...
of course.
Look, you can't damage our
reputation by spreading rumors.
It's not a rumor, Bob.
The recipe was stolen.
Here.
Taste it.
Then you have two choices.
One, right thing to do.
Two, my resignation.
Now, if you'll excuse me.
I have a few runs
to take with my dad.
Greg.
Joy, come on in.
Have a seat.
Let me get you a beer.
Sure, why not?
Where's Mary.
She's on her way.
[music playing]
I was surprised to get her call.
Well, the Christmas miracle
we were hoping for never came.
I don't know.
You could still win the
competition tonight.
Really, Greg?
Let me go get the paperwork.
Honestly, it's more
than Mogul's is worth,
but I wanted to be sure you and
your mom were taken care of.
See?
I'm not such a
bad guy after all.
[sighs]
Cheers.
Pretty good, huh?
Is there something that you'd
like to tell me about the Season
of Spice recipe?
I don't know what to say.
Uh, it may taste
similar to yours,
but so do all seasonal IPAs.
I can't sign that
until Mary gets here.
Actually, um, I forgot my phone.
Could you text her and
find out where she's at?
Sure.
You know what?
Just for old time's sake,
let's take a selfie.
OK.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Wow, that's a really good one.
I'm going to send it to myself.
I mean, I can do that.
Well, well, well.
What's this?
That is not what
you think it is.
You knew the secret
ingredient was pine.
I know you did.
I can explain.
Don't bother.
Just do the right thing, Greg.
And by the way, you're
drinking Hoppy Holiday.
So how'd it go?
Just like we planned.
Yay.
It's almost last chair.
Can you drop me at the ski area?
You got it.
[music playing]
That was awesome.
You were making some
really nice turns.
Thanks, dad.
Hey, how about one more run?
Sure, why not?
Let's go.
[music playing]
Nick of time. Zac?
Yeah.
Hey, Lucy, this is my dad.
Nice to meet you.
If you see Joy, can you tell
her we're up on Sleigh Ride.
She's a tough one.
[music playing]
Zac!
Sorry, Joy.
Oh, no.
Lucy, you got to let me on.
Please.
Can't.
Rules are rules.
Well, what about promises?
I promised Zac that I would
ride last chair with him.
I can't stand him up.
He's skiing with his dad.
Oh, that explains it.
Lucy, come on.
Ethan would let me.
You got to make an exception.
I'm sorry.
I really am.
But last chair's
already gone up.
Lucy, I wasn't looking for
love, but it found me anyway.
In the spirit of giving
this Christmas, please,
you have to let me
on after last chair.
You go up there and tell
that man how you feel.
Thank you, Liftie Lucy.
I love you.
Merry Christmas.
Save it for Zac.
[music playing]
Zac!
Zac!
[music playing]
Hey.
Hey.
I'm glad I caught you.
Lucy almost didn't let me up.
Joy, this is my dad,
Nathaniel Chase.
Nice to meet you, Joy.
I've heard a lot about you.
Likewise.
It's a pleasure to
meet you, Mr. Chase.
Thanks for getting
Zac on the mountain.
Greg stole the recipe.
I know.
I accused you of something
that you never could
have done because I was scared.
I'm so sorry, Zac.
Will you please forgive me?
Hey, dad, we'll meet
you at the bottom.
Will you forgive me?
I've got an idea.
Let's race to the bottom.
Loser has to forgive the winner.
Sure.
I'll give you a head start.
GREG: Welcome, everybody.
On behalf of Frosty's, We're
so glad you're all here
tonight for our inaugural Schulz
Christmas Brew-Ski competition.
[applause]
Thank you to our judges,
who had the unenviable task
of tasting more than 50 beer
entries from all over the state.
Thank you, judges.
[applause]
OK, as we all know, the three
finalists are Holly Jolly IPA
from Green Mountain brewing.
[applause]
Hoppy Holiday IPA
for Mogul Joe's.
Woo.
Yeah.
[applause]
And Season of Spice from
Schultz Brewing Company.
[applause]
Now, please welcome
Bob Salamano,
regional vice president
of Schulz Brewing,
to announce the winner.
[applause]
Thank you.
Thank you to Frosty's
for hosting this event.
Before I announce the winner,
I regret to inform you
that we at Schultz have
discontinued Season of Spice
and withdrawn our entry
from the competition.
Seems there was some question
of the provenance of the recipe.
So without further ado, the
winner of the first annual
Brew-Ski competition and an East
Coast distribution contract with
Schultz Brewing Company is...
Hoppy Holiday.
[cheering]
Yes!
[music playing]
We did it! We did it!
We did it!
Congratulations.
You did it.
I couldn't have
done it without you.
Get up there.
[laughter]
Congratulations.
Thank you so much,
Mr. Salamano,
but I think we're
going to have to turn
down that distribution deal.
But why?
Well, now that we're
an award-winning beer,
I think that we'd rather market
ourselves the old-school,
grass-roots kind of way.
This one's for you, Joe.
[music playing]
(SINGING) It came
upon a midnight clear
That glorious song of old
Do you think they'll still come?
Of course, they will.
It's still early.
While we got a sec, I...
I have something
for the both of you.
What?
Kevin, you shouldn't have.
These are for you.
Merry Christmas.
Thank you, Kevin.
But what in the world?
It's from the
Gerards in Chamonix.
[gasps]
They want to be honorary
members of the Mug Club,
and they enclose a
very generous donation.
I reached out to all of your
friends from around the world,
and I couldn't believe the
amount of responses I got back.
It's from Jack and
Amelia in Australia.
You know, from the second I
walked through those doors,
you guys have always treated
me like... like family.
And I want you to know how
many people feel that too.
Thank you, Kevin.
That's a very wonderful gift.
Thank you.
Merry Christmas.
Hey.
You made it.
Where else would we celebrate?
Welcome to Mogul Joe's.
We brought a little
something for the kids.
Well, thank you, Mr. Chase.
Please call me Nathaniel.
- Merry Christmas.
- Hey.
Merry Christmas.
Hi, Nathaniel.
Hey, that was really
brave, turning
down the distribution deal.
Well, I had to stay true to
myself and to my dad's memory.
Thanks to you, I think
we're going to be OK.
Actually, thanks to my dad.
Remember that little
interview we did?
He might have helped
boost the views.
He runs CraftBrew.biz.
You're kidding.
Thank you.
Hi, Mary.
JOY: Hey, Ethan,
Lucy, you made it.
For sure.
Wouldn't be Christmas
without Christmas at Joe's.
[laughter]
KEVIN: Seriously?
You're not welcome here, man.
He's welcome.
Everybody is welcome
on Christmas Day.
I'm just here to
honor Joe's memory
and to give something
to the kids.
Thank you, Greg.
I just want you to know how
sorry I am for what I did.
I dishonored you, this place,
and the memory of Mogul Joe.
Greg.
You can stay.
I can't.
No, seriously.
We forgive you.
Why?
Because it's Christmas.
It's the best time
for forgiveness.
Yeah.
Merry Christmas, Greg.
Merry Christmas.
See?
I told you, it
wouldn't be Christmas
without Christmas at Joe's.
Kevin, I need a beer.
Way ahead of you, Joy.
[laughs] To Joe.
To Joe.
To Joe.
Oh, and to all of you.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Guys.
Oh, yeah.
Thank you.
What about your
fancy job in Denver?
I decided to apply for
jobs in Maple Glen.
You're hired.
[music playing]
(SINGING) Jingle
bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
[music playing] This
Christmas, let's write a story
This Christmas, let's
make it come true
This Christmas, let's
live in the glory
This Christmas, it'll
be just me and you
Baby, this Christmas
This Christmas
This Christmas
A Very Vermont Christmas (2024)
Moderator: Maskath3