It's the third year that Asheville's Green Man Brewery has released its Holly King Holiday Ale, a seasonal brew that has been lauded for its deep, complex flavors of bourbon, vanilla, toffee, chocolate, and tobacco. The barrel-aged ale, which received a score of 95 on ratebeer.com, is perfect to stave off the chill on a cold winter's night.  This year's pre-release party is not only a celebration of the beer, which will be on sale Friday, December 4th at stores across Asheville, but also of the artist who designed the label, Rob Hunt. Hunt is the owner of Forever Tattoo (98 N. Lexington Ave) and is a renowned local illustrator and painter. His label is the perfect blend of holiday mischief, magic, and merry making.  The Holly King is a seasonal variation of the Green Man, a figure of European folklore and myth who symbolizes the energy and possibility of the forest itself. He is a powerful reminder of Europe's pre-Christian history and culture and an archetype of sylvan power.  The celebration will be held Thursday, December 3 at The Satellite Gallery (downtown at 55 Broadway) from 5-7 pm. Hunt's art will be featured, and he's offering signed archival prints of the label art for sale. Samples of the Holly King and snacks will be served. Other beers from Green Man will be available across the street at Bruisin' Ales (66 Broadway) from 6-8.  Holly King is a heavy hitter at 9.8% abv. It will be sold in 12 oz bottles of 4 packs.