The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better time to treat yourself to delicious holiday treats and exceptional craft beer. At Side Launch Brewing Co., we’re passionate about crafting beers that perfectly complement your favourite holiday flavours, whether you're indulging in rich chocolate desserts, festive cookies, or a cozy winter feast. This season, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to beer pairings, featuring some of our most popular brews. Let’s explore which Side Launch beers will elevate your holiday spread!
1. Vanilla Porter: The Sweet and Smooth Companion
Where to Find It: Available at Side Launch Brewing locations and LCBO.
Our Vanilla Porter is a rich and aromatic brew with a perfect blend of roasted malt and smooth vanilla notes. The result is a smooth, creamy beer that’s perfect for pairing with the sweeter side of your holiday treats. With its subtle sweetness and satisfying mouthfeel, this porter is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Best Pairings:
- Gingerbread Cookies: The spiced warmth of gingerbread perfectly complements the vanilla sweetness of the Vanilla Porter, creating a balanced and festive flavour profile.
- Chocolate Cake or Brownies: For a richer pairing, the Vanilla Porter’s vanilla undertones blend harmoniously with chocolate cake or brownies, creating a perfect dessert duo.
- Sugar Cookies: The subtle sweetness of the Vanilla Porter enhances the sugary glaze of classic sugar cookies, making this pairing a holiday favorite.
If you love smooth, comforting flavours, the Vanilla Porter is the ideal beer to pair with your holiday baking.
2. Northbound Lager: A Crisp and Refreshing Classic
Where to Find It: Available at Side Launch Brewing locations and LCBO.
Our Northbound Lager is a bright, crisp beer that’s as refreshing as it is flavourful. Light in body yet full of character, this lager’s malt-forward flavour with a hint of hops is the perfect partner for a variety of savory and sweet holiday dishes.
Best Pairings:
- Roast Turkey or Chicken: The Northbound Lager’s clean finish is the perfect complement to the rich, savory flavors of roasted poultry. Its crispness cuts through the richness of the meat, making it a refreshing pairing.
- Cheese Platter: This lager is a great choice to pair with a selection of cheeses, from sharp cheddar to creamy brie, balancing both the saltiness and richness of your cheese board.
- Crispy Potato Dishes: Whether you’re serving roasted potatoes or crispy fries, Northbound Lager’s light body and refreshing character are the perfect accompaniment.
If you’re looking for a beer that’s versatile enough to pair with everything from appetizers to entrees, Northbound Lager is the way to go.
3. Hazy IPA: A Bold and Fruity Holiday Treat
Where to Find It: Available at Side Launch Brewing locations and LCBO.
For those who love a hop-forward beer with bold, juicy flavors, our Hazy IPA is the perfect choice this holiday season. Bursting with tropical fruit and citrus notes, this IPA offers a smooth, hazy body and a refreshing finish that stands up well to both sweet and savory dishes.
Best Pairings:
- Spicy Holiday Dishes (like chili or spicy sausage): The bold flavours of the Hazy IPA balance out the heat from spicy dishes, while the beer’s tropical fruit notes refresh the palate.
- Fruitcake and Candied Nuts: The fruity, citrus-forward notes of the Hazy IPA enhance the sweetness of fruitcakes and candied nuts, making it an excellent pairing for those indulgent treats.
- Cheese and Charcuterie Boards: If you're serving a mix of salty, savory meats and sharp cheeses, the Hazy IPA’s hop bitterness and tropical flavours make it a perfect match to cut through the richness.
For those who enjoy bold, flavourful beers, the Hazy IPA will bring an exciting twist to your holiday feast.
4. Mocha Stout: A Dark and Decadent Holiday Indulgence
Where to Find It: Exclusively available at Side Launch Brewing locations in London and Collingwood.
Our Mocha Stout is a decadent, rich brew with the perfect combination of roasted coffee and velvety chocolate flavours. This smooth stout is perfect for those chilly winter nights when you want to indulge in something extra special. It’s the ultimate holiday beer for anyone who loves deep, dark flavours.
Best Pairings:
- Chocolate Desserts: Whether it’s a flourless chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, or a simple chocolate truffle, the Mocha Stout’s coffee and chocolate notes make it a perfect match for any chocolate lover’s dream dessert.
- Tiramisu: The rich, coffee-soaked layers of tiramisu are wonderfully complemented by the Mocha Stout, bringing out the dessert’s full range of flavours.
- Candy Canes: Opposites attract, so this duo shouldn’t seem unusual. Chocolate and peppermint are each other’s hype men, so the chocolaty malt flavours of stout and porter are natural BFFs (best flavour friends) for candy canes, whether you’re enjoying them straight-up or in chocolate bark.
If you're a fan of dark beers and indulgent desserts, the Mocha Stout is your go-to beer this holiday season. Note: This beer is only available at our London and Collingwood locations, so be sure to grab a bottle while you're visiting.
Get Your Holiday Beers at Side Launch Brewing
From Vanilla Porter to Hazy IPA, Northbound Lager, and the exclusive seasonal Mocha Stout, Side Launch Brewing has everything you need to make your holiday season extra special. Whether you're shopping for a festive beer to pair with holiday cookies, planning a cozy winter dinner, or looking for the perfect beer to gift to a beer lover, we’ve got you covered.
Visit us at Side Launch Brewing Co. in Collingwood and London, or head to your local LCBO to pick up your favourite holiday beers today!