Let’s not lie, choosing the right beer can be quite daunting right? It feels like there’s 100s of different types of beer, not to mention the lagers, ales, pilsners, India pale ale, stout and SO many more. How do you know which one to pick- let alone one that will compliment your food perfectly?! Well after this quick read you’ll be a beer pairin’ pro.
You might not think it’s important to pair a beer with food, you might think to yourself ‘who cares I love Budweiser and it goes with anything’, and whose anyone to judge you, we just want to enhance your taste buds and unlock the flavour that you didn’t know was there! So, let’s get started…
IPA (India Pale Ale)
IPAs can be bitter and hoppy. They need to be paired with food with similarly strong tastes so as not to overwhelm the dish. The IPA that started it all… Brewdogs Punk IPA is an absolute classic when wanting an IPA. The bitterness of the IPA can also cool things off, so an ideal match would be a slightly spicier dish, such as tacos or a delicious burger with a tangy barbeque sauce.
IPAs can also act as a palate cleanser. The hoppiness of the beer can help wash away the flavours of another dish. You can drink it in-between courses, such as after an appetizer, and also before a main course.
You should also consider an IPA when eating heavy, fatty foods, such as sausage, deep-fried meats or French fries. The IPA counterbalances the salty, fried taste.
American Lager
This classic style of beer complements rich, aromatic, spicy and smoky foods such as chili, BBQ ribs, grilled chicken and beef.
With slightly more body and alcohol intensity than a light lager, the King of Beers, aka Budweiser can stand up against a bit more flavour. However, it’s most perfectly matched with medium/low intensity fatty and fried food that are a the staple of most menus.
Light American Lagers are delicious to drink with fresh summer salads. They take well to the flavours of leafy greens, cucumbers, and bean sprouts. They can handle vinaigrette or creamy dressings. The addition of some boiled egg or sliced turkey and ham won’t detract a bit from the pairing. Coors light is a great choice with a hearty chef’s salad, but go light on the stronger tasting cheeses. Stick with something more delicate like chive or fresh mozzarella.
German Wheat Beer
German wheat beers are a Bavarian specialty, so they are a go-to pairing for cured meats, sausages, and hams. The classic combination would be Franziskaner and veal and bacon sausage that is often seasoned with mace, lemon, and parsley.
Franziskaner is a fantastically versatile food beer. It’s light enough that it won’t overpower salads, but still full enough to stand up to heftier fare. The yeasty fruit and spice complement a wide range of food flavours. One place they really shine is with Mexican dishes. They work well with everything from tortillas to simple chicken to spicy beef. And high carbonation lets them cut straight through cheese and guacamole. Try Franziskaner or König Ludwig Weissbier with tacos, burritos, or flautas. The darker flavors of König Ludwig Dunkel are perfect with the darker flavors of mole-smothered dishes. Try König Ludwig Dunkel with enchiladas… you will be impressed!
Pale Lager
When pairing with pale lagers, you want to either choose a dish that’s either rich and bold, or nice and light. Bold dishes, like spicy food, American food, or herby chicken, pair nicely with pale lagers because they are crisp and light, allowing for a nice palate-cleansing contrast. The lightness in this beer also pairs well with lighter meals like fish or citrus for a more complementary approach. Peroni has a crisp and dry taste, making it an ideal pairing with dishes that have fish and white meats. It’s mild nuttiness and delicate spice notes will complement quinoa and sweet potatoes perfectly!
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