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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
Driftwood Spars
Louise Treseder

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

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