About This Beer
Vocation The Nutcracker Chestnut & Vanilla Winter Ale is a festive delight brewed for the colder season. Created by Vocation Brewery in Hebden Bridge, this limited-edition release brings together sweet chestnut character, smooth vanilla, and rich malt complexity. It’s a warming, balanced ale that feels luxurious without being overly heavy — ideal for sipping on a winter’s evening.
Pouring a deep amber brown with a creamy head, this seasonal release is a wonderful showcase of malt-forward craftsmanship. The Nutcracker’s nutty sweetness and subtle vanilla undertones work in harmony with gentle bitterness, making each mouthful both satisfying and moreish. As part of our Red & Brown Ale range, it’s one of the standout winter ales available for fans of bold yet balanced beers.
Tasting Notes
• Appearance: Deep amber-brown with a smooth, creamy head.
• Aroma: Roasted nuts, vanilla, toffee, and gentle malt spice.
• Flavour: Chestnut sweetness, caramel depth, and a soft vanilla finish balanced by subtle bitterness.
• Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied, velvety, and smooth with a warming finish.
About the Brewery
Established in 2015, Vocation Brewery is an independent English brewery known for its creative, high-quality beers. From hop-forward IPAs to rich stouts and seasonal ales, Vocation consistently delivers bold flavours crafted with precision and care. The Nutcracker is a perfect example of the brewery’s innovation — a winter ale that balances dessert-like sweetness with drinkable smoothness.
Vocation’s brewing philosophy focuses on flavour, balance, and integrity. Every beer is made using carefully selected ingredients and a meticulous process that ensures consistency and quality. Their limited-edition releases like The Nutcracker highlight their passion for creativity while maintaining a connection to traditional brewing roots, making them a firm favourite among craft beer Dublin drinkers and beyond.
Food Pairings
The Nutcracker pairs wonderfully with hearty, seasonal dishes. Try it with roast turkey, glazed ham, or nut roasts for a festive feast. It also complements rich desserts such as sticky toffee pudding, Christmas cake, or dark chocolate truffles. The chestnut and vanilla notes bring out the sweetness in roasted vegetables and caramelised glazes alike.
For more warming winter styles, explore our Red & Brown Ale collection or discover darker, richer alternatives in our Stout & Porter range.
Browse our Belgian Beer, German Beer, Irish Craft Beer, or Beer Kegs to explore more world-class brews.
Shop the best of craft beer Ireland and from around the world online with TheCru.ie, or visit our Dublin craft beer store, Carry Out Tyrrelstown in Dublin 15.