From chocolate to pumpkin, the nation's top brewers are venturing where craft brewers have experimented for years -- flavored brews --even if it's only for a few months at a time.

Miller Brewing Company recently announced it's selling a holiday-themed beer named after its founder. Frederick Miller Classic Chocolate Lager will sell in six Midwestern markets through year's end.

Miller spokesman Pete Marino says the holidays are the perfect time to indulge.

This season Anheuser-Busch Companies is is rolling out a chocolate beer for its Michelob Celebrate line, which was introduced last year with a vanilla oak flavor. It also has a line of pumpkin ale for the fall and vanilla-flavored bourbon ale for the winter. Those brews will be released for the first time this season in bottles.

Mintel Research Analyst Felicia McClain says manufacturers are looking to rejuvenate the alcohol category, which has recently been dominated by wine and spirits.