Great Lakes Holiday Mix

This is a 12-pack of canned beer sold as a seasonal holiday variety, labeled as a Great Lake mix and listed under Massachusetts, United States. Because it is a mixed pack, the lineup is not a single beer. Which styles are inside, and their ABV and IBU, is not stated here, so check the carton or can labels before planning around a specific profile. Holiday variety packs typically rotate through a few cold-weather styles. Expect a range that might include a malt-forward amber or brown ale with caramel and toast notes, a spiced or winter ale leaning on cinnamon, nutmeg or orange peel, and a roasty porter or stout. A crisper lager or pale ale is often included as a lighter counterpoint. If the cans differ in style, drink them from lightest to heaviest so the roastier, spiced beers don't flatten the hop character of the paler ones. Serve lagers and pale ales at about 38 to 45°F. Amber, brown and spiced ales open up closer to 45 to 50°F, and stouts and porters are best at 50 to 55°F, where roast and chocolate notes are clearer. Pour every can into a glass rather than drinking from it, since the aroma of spices and malt is a large part of these beers. A nonic pint or tulip works for most of the styles, and a snifter-style tulip suits the darker, stronger ones. For food, malty ambers and browns go well with roast turkey, ham, glazed pork and root vegetables, while spiced winter ales suit cheddar, gingerbread and baked apple desserts. Porters and stouts pair with smoked meats, aged cheeses and chocolate. The crisp styles are better with fried appetizers, charcuterie and salty snacks.