To start

1. Deus Brut des Flandres: Belgium

11.5 % ABV, serving temp 0°C to 4°C

This is a unique brew that was introduced to the world in 2002. It is a sparkling, honest and pure beer created with just water, yeast, malt and hops. The carefully selected yeast cultures add a mild taste of ginger.

The exquisitely balanced hop bitterness, top-quality ingredients and attention to detail – that verges on obsession – result in a beer that is halfway between beer and bubbles. It’s an ideal aperitif, perfect with canapés or smoked salmon and worth the treat.

Find it: Independent off-licences (€22.99).

Main course

2. White Gypsy American Pale Ale: Templemore, Co Tipperary

7.5 % ABV, serving temp 0°C to 4°C

This beer has good carbonation and an excellent flavour profile. Amber in colour, this is a dry, hoppy beer with some caramel flavour. It is extremely versatile and works perfectly with turkey, chicken or any poultry. If you’ve had enough of the roast dinners and are opting for something more spicy, like a curry or chilli, this will also pair extremely well.

Based in Templemore, White Gypsy Brewery is committed to making good beers from malt and hops grown locally.

Find it: Independent off-licences, SuperValu (€7.99).

3. Black Donkey Scythe: Ballinlough, Co Roscommon

4.6 % ABV, serving temp 6°C to 8°C

With a keen thirst for new experiences and flavours of all kinds, Richard Siberry and Michaela Dillon have been offering a whole new flavour from Roscommon with their Black Donkey range. This Belgian pale ale uses spicy Belgian yeast. It is dry hopped with American and New Zealand hops to give it a dry, bitter finish.

Unfiltered and all natural, the bottle-conditioned beer will go perfectly with a traditional Christmas dinner of turkey and ham as well as fish, and creamy cheese like cheddar or brie.

Find it: Independent off-licences, SuperValu (€3).

4. Longueville House Cider: Mallow, Co Cork

5 % ABV, serving temp 0°C to 4°C

Loungueville Country House has been distilling cider for over 30 years, which has led to a really unique, traditional flavour. This medium-dry artisan Irish cider is 100% natural, containing no artificial sweeteners, additives, colourings, sulphites or preservatives. This cider is a rich amber colour with a beautiful fresh apple flavour. It is best drunk well-chilled with no ice and is an ideal accompaniment to fish, poultry, charcuterie and meat cheese.

Find it: Independent off-licences (€3.99).

Dessert or later

Porters/stouts go really well with Christmas puddings and chocolates and here are two suggestions:

5. Trouble Brewing Dark Arts: Kill, Co Kildare

4.3 % ABV, serving temp 6°C to 8°C

Trouble Brewing was founded in 2010, and since then has played a key role in the new generation of craft breweries producing interesting and exciting Irish beers. This traditionally brewed porter is bursting with coffee, chocolate and caramel flavours, as a result of the complex malt profile. The hops complements the malt flavours for a beer that is smooth and well-balanced. It goes perfectly with any rich, fruity pudding or chocolate.

Find it: Independent off-licences, Tesco, SuperValu, Lidl (€3.50).

6. Brehon Brewhouse Shanco Dubh Porter: Dunelty, Co Monaghan

7 % ABV, serving temp 6°C to 8°C

Operating from a brewery on the family farm in Dunelty, Co Monaghan, this small business is producing some big flavours. Their Shanco Dubh Porter is a beautiful bottle-conditioned beer with strong notes of dark chocolate, roasted malt and liquorice. This makes it an ideal end of meal drink. It is full bodied and slightly sweet with a warm finish. This beer will also pair with smoked meats, oysters or game.

Find it: Independent off-licences, SuperValu, Aldi (€3.29).

A special treat

7. Timmermans Kriek, Brussels, Belgium

4% ABV, serving temp 0°C to 4°C

Lambic’s are fermented spontaneously by being exposed to wild yeasts and bacteria native to the Zenne valley in which Brussels lies. This process gives the beer its distinctive flavour: dry and cidery, usually with a sour aftertaste. Stoned cherries are steeped in Lambic beer to make Timmermans Kriek. It is a great beer to use as an aperitif or end of meal drink. Have it over vanilla ice-cream to really wow your guests.

Find it: Independent off-licences (€3.80).

Susan and Judith Boyle

Accredited beer sommelier, chemist and publican Judith Boyle is passionate about drinks. She is dedicated to helping people discover new and interesting beverages.

A champion of artisan produce, Judith has a keen understanding of the drinks industry from both sides of the counter.

She has a rigorous, analytical and fun approach to drinks and drinks education. Her off-licence, Boyle’s in Kildare town, has an excellent selection of thoughtfully chosen craft beers.

Together Susan and Judith are Two Sisters Brewing. They brew Brigid’s Ale, a heritage ale showcasing the very best of Kildare ingredients including honey from their own bees.

Catch up with Judith on Twitter at: @miss_susanboyle; @missjudithboyle; @boyleskildare or visit www.twosistersbrewing.com