We're excited to announce Van Otis' first beer collaboration with Manchester's own Great North Aleworks!

Since 1935, the taste of Van Otis chocolates and caramels have been synonymous with New Hampshire traditions. And since the genesis of craft beer culture, Great North Aleworks has been at the forefront of the industry. When the chocolatiers at Van Otis met with the brewers at Great North to brainstorm some concepts for a new beer, the conversation was as if Willy Wonka and the McKenzie brothers were in the same room.

Consideration had to be given to the type of beer that would be made. After all, Van Otis’ rich chocolates and handmade caramels have strong flavor profiles that need to be paired with just the right beer. The resulting beer is a chocolate pecan inspired ale, named Nuts About You after a spirited brainstorming process. This limited-release brown ale is brewed with cocoa powder, lactose (milk sugar), and comes in at 5.6% ABV.

The goal of the collaboration was balance, designing a recipe that has beer character while offering a rich, chocolatey experience. Nuts About You pours deep brown with ruby highlights and tan foam. Aromas of milk chocolate and caramel are immediately noticed, leading the way to flavors of dark chocolate and malty sweetness. The finish delivers a touch of cocoa with a hint of roast for the perfect balance.

You can find Nuts About You at Great North Aleworks' tap room as well as at the following locations (as of 3/27/25):

Concord: South Main Quick Stop
Dover: Smiley's Discount Beverage
Epping: Greg and Jane's Beer and Wine
Epsom: Common Man Roadside
Hooksett:  Common Man Welcome Center, The Packie
Laconia: Case N Keg
Manchester: The Packie
Milford: AR Smoke Beer & Cigar
North Conway: Beer & Wine Nation
North Hampton: Prost! Specialty Beer & Wine
Plaistow: City Tobacco & Beverage Center
Portsmouth: City Tobacco & Beverage Center
Rindge: West of the Border
Rochester: City Tobacco & Beverage Center
Seabrook: City Tobacco & Beverage Center
Tilton: Smoke N Barley
West Lebanon: Discount Beverage King
West Ossipee: Kevin's Discount Center

About Great North Aleworks:
Great North Aleworks is an award-winning production brewery and tasting room located in Manchester, New Hampshire. Founded in 2015 by Rob and Lisa North, the brewery’s goal has always been about producing quality beer and supporting the community.