GROTON, Conn. (WTNH) – Today we’re Cruisin’ Connecticut to Groton, home of the Outer Light Brewing Company. But to get there safely and in style, we hitched a ride with Connecticut Beers Tours on their “Brew Bus!”

The bus takes you to different stops along the brewery tours, allowing you to sip some of the state’s most unique craft beers. Once we arrived at the Outer Light Brewing Company in Groton, we were greeted with a beer in hand, and delicious food from The Captain Daniel Packer Inne, in Mystic.

Chef Mark from the restaurant, and Outer Light brewer, Tom Drejer gave us some ideas for pairing various types of beer, with easy-to-make eats for your next holiday party.

First they paired shrimp, marinated in mango and habanero with with the Outer Light IPA, with a nice tropical flavor on the back end, which pairs nicely with the tropical glaze.

Then, the Chef Mark and Drejer pulled off an elaborate charcuterie board with cured meats and cheeses. They coupled it with the amber ale, “Lonesome Boatman Amber,” which has a little toffee taste.

What’s a holiday party without a little dessert? They paired cinnamon gelato on mini sugar cones, with “Libation Propaganda Coffee Stout. It’s actually brewed with local, whole bean coffee from Old Saybrook.

After all that tasty food, and refreshing beer… it was time for a little cat nap, aboard the “Brew Bus” on our way back to the station. A good time was had by all.

Know of cool people, places or events to check out for “Cruisin’ Connecticut?” Email me, or let me know on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat: @RyanKristafer