Allagash Variety Pack

This Allagash variety pack brings together several beers from a Maine brewery known for Belgian-inspired ales, with a listed ABV of 5.0%. That is a moderate strength, so the beers should be easy to drink back to back. Packs of this kind usually pair the brewery's flagship wheat-style ale with other Belgian-leaning beers and a seasonal or rotating release. The exact lineup can change between packs, so check the carton for the beers inside. Expect the flavor to run across the Belgian-influenced spectrum. A witbier-style beer typically shows soft wheat, orange peel and coriander, with a light, fluffy body and little bitterness. Beers fermented with Belgian yeast tend to add peppery spice, banana or clove, and a dry finish with lively carbonation. Hop bitterness in these styles is generally restrained, so the yeast and spice do most of the work, and any seasonal beer in the box may lean fruitier, maltier or more bitter depending on its style. For food, start with the lighter beers and match them to lighter dishes. Citrus-driven wheat ales suit mussels, steamed shellfish, goat cheese salads and fish tacos, while the spicier, drier styles stand up to roast chicken, soft-rind cheeses, charcuterie and mild curries. A maltier seasonal pairs better with roasted vegetables, pork or aged cheddar. Serve these cooler than room temperature but not ice cold, around 4 to 7°C (40 to 45°F). Colder temperatures mute the spice and fruit esters that define the style. A tulip glass or a stemmed Belgian-style goblet is the right choice, since the rounded bowl and flared rim hold the head and concentrate the aroma. A wheat-beer glass or a standard pint works if that is what you have. Pour with a gentle tilt, and for any bottle-conditioned beer in the pack, leave the last bit of sediment behind or swirl it in, depending on preference.