One of the best parts about shopping at Cold Town Beer is the “Build Your Own 24-Pack” feature. It’s a rare opportunity to curate your own crate of craft beer—tailored to your taste, the season, or the type of gathering you’re planning.
But with so many styles and flavors on offer, how do you build a box that’s balanced, crowd-pleasing, and full of fun surprises? Here’s a flavor-matching guide to help you create the perfect mix—whether you’re sipping solo or stocking up for your next BBQ, dinner party, or game night.
Step 1: Know the Core Styles
Cold Town’s core range is crafted to be approachable, bold, and packed with character. Understanding the base styles helps you select the right mix.
- Cold Town Lager: Clean, crisp, and easy-drinking. A classic choice that suits all occasions.
- Cold Town Pale Ale: Hoppy with citrus and floral notes. Great for food pairings and daytime sipping.
- Cold Town NEIPA (New England IPA): Juicy, hazy, and full of tropical fruit flavor. A hit with modern craft beer fans.
- Cold Town Chocolate Cake Stout: Rich, dark, and indulgent with dessert-level depth.
- Cold Town Passionfruit Pale: Fruity and refreshing with a hint of tang—ideal for summer sessions.
These form a solid foundation—then you can layer in specialty brews or limited LAB releases for variety.
Step 2: Match Flavors to Occasions
Every pack tells a story. Here are a few occasion-based themes to guide your picks.
For a Summer BBQ
- Lager x6: Crisp and refreshing to beat the heat
- Passionfruit Pale x6: Fruity notes pair beautifully with grilled chicken or veggie skewers
- Pale Ale x6: Versatile with everything from burgers to slaw
- NEIPA x6: A juicy hop bomb that keeps the energy high
Tip: Serve lagers and fruit-forward beers well chilled; IPAs slightly cooler to release the aroma.
For a Cosy Night In
- Chocolate Cake Stout x6: Pairs perfectly with desserts or fire-side sipping
- NEIPA x6: Smooth and hazy with just the right warmth
- Pale Ale x6: A balanced option that goes well with home-cooked meals
- LAB Series Stout or Porter x6: Try something seasonal or small-batch for variety
Tip: Include at least two richer, darker beers for cold evenings or after-dinner moments.
For a Tasting Party
- Lager x3
- Pale Ale x3
- Passionfruit Pale x3
- NEIPA x3
- Chocolate Cake Stout x3
- LAB Series (random selection) x9
This is a great way to experience the range of Cold Town styles and let guests vote for their favourites.
Add printed tasting notes or scorecards for fun. Cold Town often includes helpful info on their cans or website.
For Gifting or Sharing
- Mix recognizable crowd-pleasers (like Lager and Pale Ale) with a few surprises (such as a limited-edition sour or LAB series release)
- Choose a range of strengths (from sessionable to bold)
- Aim for eye-catching variety—Cold Town’s can art is colourful, clean, and great for gift packs
A well-balanced 24-pack is a thoughtful, practical gift for birthdays, housewarmings, or thank-yous.
Step 3: Think About Balance and Repeatability
Even if you’re not building by occasion, aim for a mix like:
- 6x Lager or light beers
- 6x Pale or Fruit-forward beers
- 6x IPAs or hop-driven styles
- 6x dark or experimental options (Stout, LAB Series, or sours)
This approach gives you flexibility depending on mood, food, or company—and keeps the experience interesting.
Final Tips for Your Build
- Check ABV: Mix lower-ABV “session” beers with a few stronger options.
- Use the LAB Series for discovery: These one-off brews are your chance to try something new before it hits the core range.
- Save your faves: Make a note of what you love—Cold Town rotates stock, and some brews may only return seasonally.
Ready to Build Your Box?
Head over to the Build Your Own 24-Pack section on Cold Town Beer’s site and start mixing. Whether you’re planning for a party or just stocking the fridge, you’ll have a custom pack full of flavour, fun, and something new to try each time.
Because beer tastes better when it’s personal.