Beer column: Santa’s mysterious B-Team makes up holiday mixed pack full of surprises

Last week I talked to you about craft beer advent calendars, and if you bought one like I did you’ll be cracking it open for day one in less than 24 hours.

This week’s column is also about a holiday-themed mixed pack, but it’s not an advent calendar, so you can go pick one up and break into it tonight if you’d like!

It’s the Reinbeer mystery eight pack from Phillips Brewing in Victoria, which has replaced the brewery’s Space Case on store shelves this year.

If you’re unfamiliar, Phillips released the Space Case over the past few holiday seasons, which contained 12 brand new mystery beers (I wrote about it last year).

They were all unique creations from the brewery, which remained a mystery until you cracked open the box, and your only chance to try them was by buying a Space Case.

Unfortunately, the Space Case has been replaced this year, but I’m happy to say that this new version is just as exciting for craft beer lovers.

The Reinbeer mystery eight pack is essentially the same concept, but with eight mystery beers instead of 12.

And while you’re getting four less beers, the cost reflects that and more, as the Reinbeer pack is around $25 and less than half of the cost of the typically $60-70 Space Case.

Before the Reinbeer pack hit shelves a few days ago, the brewery teased all eight creations, one per day, with a fun little contest where people could guess the type of beer it is for a chance at prizes.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Phillips Brewing Co. (@phillipsbeer)

Labelling all eight reindeer mascots as “Santa’s B-Team,” Phillips provided each of their names, pictures and ABV (alcohol by volume) along with a brief description of their crime.

Once the eight-day reveal ended, the Reinbeer mixed pack hit store shelves around British Columbia.

Now, I’ve already bought one, which isn’t surprising because I love pretty much everything Phillips does, and I’m going to reveal what’s inside.

Hopefully I don’t get a cease and desist letter from the brewery! (This is also your warning not to scroll down any further if you don’t want to ruin the surprise for yourself)

• Thrasher - Single Hop IPA (7.2%)
• Goner - Dark Mild (4%)
• Hellga - Kviek IPA (6.5%)
• Sprocket - Saison (6%)
• Rocket - Red Rye Kolsch (5%)
• Masher - Japanese Rice Lager (4.8%)
• Slaybell - New Zealand Pils (5%)
• Plummet - Wee Heavy (10%)

Josh Duncan is the NowMedia news director and a craft beer lover. Reach him at [email protected]. His beer column appears every Saturday afternoon in this space.