Festive beers

Beer can get consigned to the bottom of the festive booze hierarchy. Yet seasonal beers are so much more than cans of lager guzzled on a festive night out. Louise Treseder of The Driftwood Spars reveals standout sips to pair with every stage of the big feast

Prepare the palate

For an aperitif choose a refreshing pilsner. Go for something light in flavour such as EDISON British Pilsner by Bath’s Electric Bear Brewery.

Saison starter

With a light chicken or vegetablebased starter drink an earthy saison. Try Cornish Saison by St Austell Brewery.

Fruit with fish

If you’re having a fish course I’d recommend Summerset by Yeovil Ales. This blonde ale with a light rounded mouthfeel has a tangerine fruity hop finish. Or, if you’re treating yourself to oysters, go for a stout such as Skinner’s Brewery Penny Come Quick.

Rich roast

To go with turkey, opt for a delicious full bodied IPA such as Quintet by Wiper and True which is made with an ever-changing combination of five hops. It’s a beer of immense character, flavour and depth. If you’re having nut roast try a dubbel or something dark and rich from Belgium. Chimay Blue is my favourite and it’s also great with cheese.

Decadent dessert

With a rich Christmas pudding, plump for something like Pudding Ale which we brew at Driftwood Spars Brewery. It’s deep red in colour with a fruity richness and the alcohol content provides a bit of sweetness. Cheese choice Try Raw by Moor Beer Company. It has a freshly-baked bread malt character with herbal hops to beautifully offset the contents of your cheeseboard.

Cheese choice

Try Raw by Moor Beer Company. It has a freshly-baked bread malt character with herbal hops to beautifully offset the contents of your cheeseboard.

www.driftwoodspars.co.uk