Vocation Nutcracker Winter Ale can

Beverages for socialising are usually uncomplicated, with easily approachable flavours that don’t necessarily need to be accompanied by food. They also include beverages that suit a party atmosphere.

Pale, fresh and mild cheeses are best enjoyed with similarly fresh and mild beverages. For example, a crisp and acidic white wine, a light red wine, or a flavoursome beer.

Dark chocolate has a fairly strong flavour that goes best with a full-bodied beer or a rich – and usually sweet – wine. White chocolate has a more delicate flavour, and is therefore better paired with very mild white dessert wines.

The general rule for pairing a dessert with wine is that the wine should be a little sweeter than the food. Otherwise the flavour of the wine will be lost and it will taste very acidic. It’s also worth trying beer with desserts.