Independent brewer launches special-edition Christmas beers in cask and keg
Independent brewer Vocation is giving pubs and bars plenty to celebrate this Christmas with a festive line-up of seasonal specials available in both keg and cask. From dessert-inspired stouts and comforting winter ales to hop-forward IPAs, the range is designed to help operators boost sales and create memorable festive moments for guests.
“Christmas is all about emotion – people aren’t just buying drinks, they’re buying into a feeling,” says Chris Mitchell, Marketing Manager at Vocation Brewery. “Our festive beers are designed to capture that sense of occasion with something bold, flavourful and extra special for Christmas. They create choice and talking points, while also helping pubs and bars drive trade with beers that feel worth paying a little more for.”
Keg highlights include a seasonal selection brimming with festive flavours and big character:
- Naughty & Nice Chocolate Orange Stout (4.5% ABV): Available in keg and cask, this smooth and indulgent stout is inspired by the classic festive chocolate orange. Roasted malts bring depth and richness, while oats and lactose give a soft, creamy texture. Finished with real orange peel and natural cocoa.
- Party Animal Hazy IPA (5% ABV): Vibrant and hazy, with Simcoe, Ekuanot and Superdelic hops delivering layers of stone fruit, lime, papaya and tropical candy sweetness. Its smooth and pillowy body is balanced by a gentle, refreshing bitterness.
- The Nutcracker Chestnut & Vanilla Winter Ale (5.5% ABV): A rich, full-bodied winter ale with smooth notes of roasted chestnut and soft vanilla for a seasonal finish. It offers layers of biscuit, caramel and gentle spice, with a touch of earthy bitterness for balance.
- Snow Pines Cold IPA (6.4% ABV): Crisp and pine-forward, combining bright citrus, resinous pine and a hint of tropical fruit. It’s light-bodied, clean, dry and ultra-refreshing.
- Bread & Butter Pudding White Stout (7% ABV): A golden dessert stout inspired by the flavours of bread-and-butter pudding. Vanilla custard, dried fruit and gentle spice unfold over a soft and bready malt base, finished with sultanas, nutmeg and Ceylon cinnamon.
Vocation’s festive cask range delivers the character and craftsmanship pub-goers appreciate, with seasonal twists:
- Winter Bloom Session Pale Ale (3.8% ABV): A bright, refreshing winter pale. Rakau, Mosaic and Citra hops deliver juicy tropical fruit, citrus and stone fruit balanced by a gentle bitterness, supported by a smooth, light malt base that finishes clean and crisp.
- Deck the Palms Blonde Ale (4.2% ABV): A vibrant blonde ale offering soft citrus and stone fruit notes with Motueka, Galaxy Spectrum, Vic Secret and Rakau hops bringing lime, tropical fruit, passionfruit, peach, and delicate floral notes.
- Chop & Change Barbe Rouge Pale Ale (4.5% ABV): The latest in Vocation’s single-hop cask series, showcasing Barbe Rouge hops for festive red berry and subtle stone fruit flavours – perfectly balanced with a touch of caramel sweetness.
“Brewing festive beers is always something we look forward to,” says Rob Beck, Head Brewer at Vocation. “We’ve captured flavours like cocoa, orange peel, roasted chestnut and seasonal spices to create distinctive brews that people naturally associate with Christmas, while keeping the balance and drinkability pubs need for broad appeal.”
These seasonal specials will be available to pubs and bars nationwide from November in 30L kegs and 9G casks, including through the brewery’s own Vocation & Co. bars in Manchester, Halifax, Sheffield and Hebden Bridge.
