CURATE YOUR OWN BEER SAMPLER PACK

BEHIND THE BREW

The NSLC has a number of beer mixer packs available in December, but you can also curate your own themed pack by combining single serve beers. Local pale ales, winter warmers and craft brews, and international classics are just a few of the possibilities. Conveniently, the NSLC offers 6-pack carriers in store, making it easy to curate.

PICKUP PROVINCIAL PALE ALES

Nova Scotia’s craft beer world is ever-expanding, but Pale Ales remain the most popular beer style. Just about every brewery from the tip of Cape Breton to the deepest corners of the South Shore have a Pale Ale amongst their repertoires. Within this broad category of ales, you’ll discover stylistic variations amongst brewers, some of whom prefer the citrusy style of West Coast Pale Ales, and others the tropical fruitiness of New England-style Pale Ale. Others still prefer classic British-style Pale Ale. Layer in sub-styles such as India Pale Ale, Double Pale Ale, Imperial Pale Ale and the increasingly popular Champagne Pale Ales, amongst others. The possibilities are endless to curate your own 6-pack within this category of local brews.

WINTER WARMERS

These robust brews are known for their sweet, malty character. While some are made without additives, increasingly brewers are adding spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg to transform them into complex beers full of baking spice aromas and flavours. These beers also make great matches to chocolate desserts and robust seasonal stews. While technically their own style, Stouts and Porters share a similar flavour profile and similar affinity to seasonal fare.

CLASSIC SELECTIONS

There would be no craft beer movement, if it weren’t for the classics. Traditional breweries such as the United Kingdom’s Newcastle Brewing Limited, famous for their brown ale, and the Czech Republic’s Pilsner Urquell are two legends of the world beer industry. Both represent the definitions of their respective beer styles, British Brown Ale and Czech Pilsner respectively. These, and other classics make wonderful additions to a holiday beer sampler pack, as they provide historical perspective and an insight on the beers that helped inspired the craft beer industry.