Figuring out  which beer to pair with what food can be daunting.

But some Vancouver chefs are making it easier. Five local chefs have collaborated with R&B Brewing Co. to produce its new Chefs Series of 650-milliltre "bomber" bottles tailored to the food they serve.

The first beer, made in collaboration with Forage chef Chris Whittaker, is being released in his restaurant and in private liquore stores today (May 27). Every six weeks through this summer and fall, a new beer will be released in collaboration with another Vancouver chef.

According to a news release, R&B Brewing Co. head brewer Todd Graham invited chefs Whittaker, Burdock & Co.'s Andrea Carlson, Butter on the Endive's Owen Lightly, Campagnolo's Robert Belcham, and the Acorn's Brian Skinner to develop their own beers.

"Participating chefs were asked to choose a beer style and unique ingredients that they personally connect with," states the release. "The result [is] five incredibly diverse beers that reveal a little bit about each chef and pair perfectly with some of their favourite dishes."

Whittaker designed a light summer ale to pair with halibut. Brewed in California common-style, his beer incorporates local nettles, ginger, and mint.

Upcoming releases include:

• a "black ESB with burnt citrus filtered with pig bone charcoal" from Campagnolo's Belcham
   
• a "balanced pale ale conditioned with locally harvested spruce tips" from the Acorn's Skinner
   
• a "light, end-of-summer ale fermented with organic burdock root and sunchokes" from Burdock & Co's Carlson
   
• an "ale that tastes like the sea, conditioned with oyster shells and seaweed" from Endive's Lightly