In the middle of all the holiday solicitations and preparations, chances are you’re feeling one of two ways: very generous or not very generous at all.  For those of you in the latter category, perhaps a bottle of Guinness Generous Ale is just what Santa ordered.

Launched in this country for the first time in November, “Celebrating the Holiday Spirit” is the tagline for what is known as “Arthur’s Holiday Ale,” and its marketing story revolves around honoring founder Arthur Guinness’ philanthropic good deeds. As we gather, Guinness producer Diageo wants us to drink this beer and get inspired to save small children from burning buildings, or at least throw a quarter into the pail of the Salvation Army volunteers outside the mall. (We were somewhat disappointed to find out, however, that there’s no mention of the company contributing any profits from this “generous” brew to charity.)

Does the liquid have the power to turn miserly Scrooges into benevolent Buddhas? The 5.6% ABV English Dark Mild Ale is brewed with signature British roasted barley. It drinks like a standard winter ale, with a nice medium-to-full body, a warm, tingly mouthfeel and just a hint of sweetness. The flavor is versatile enough to pair with game meats like duck to dessert like dark chocolate volcano cake or even a mesclun salad with walnuts and raspberry balsamic vinaigrette. Some palates may find it brewed a touch too roasty, or notice a thin finish with a bitter hop aftertaste that diminishes the returns of the sweetness in the middle.

But hey, don a Christmas hat, get into the spirit and after a few Generous Ales you’ll probably feel a whole lot better about the world. For a few hours, anyway. The beer is available in 11.2-oz. bottles as part of the Guinness Winter Selection Variety Pack.