Craft beer and food pairing is an art that can take your dishing and dining experience to a whole new level. We believe that the right combination of craft beer and food can take something that’s “meh” or “alright” into something like “holy cow” or “you gotta try this.”
Below you’ll explore some best practices for craft beer and food pairing. We’ve done our best to provide examples of food and beers to pair throughout. Of course, at the end of the day, it’s about experimentation and finding what’s perfect for your palate.
Consider Complementary Flavors In Food And Craft Beer Pairing
One of the fundamental principles of beer and food pairing is to consider working to get the flavors of each item to complement each other. Similar to blending two colors on a color palate to create something harmonious, your role is to blend flavors to complement one another.
Think about the following:
- Sweet and Sweet:
- Pairing a sweet beer, such as a fruity lambic or a malty bock, with a sweet dessert like chocolate cake or fruit tart can create a delightful synergy, enhancing the perception of sweetness in both the beer and the dessert.
- Bitter and Rich:
- Combining a bitter beer like an IPA with rich, fatty foods like a juicy burger or a plate of crispy fried chicken can provide balance. The bitterness of the beer cuts through the richness of the food, refreshing your palate with each sip.
- Sour and Savory:
- Sour beers, like a Berliner Weisse or a Gose, can pair beautifully with savory dishes such as pickled vegetables, bratwurst, or ceviche. The tartness of the beer complements the savory and tangy elements in the food.
- Spicy and Hoppy:
- The heat from spicy dishes can be balanced by hoppy beers, such as an American Pale Ale or an IPA. The hoppy bitterness and citrusy notes in the beer can cool the spiciness of foods like curry or hot wings.
- Roasted and Roasted:
- Roasted flavors in both the food and the beer can create a harmonious pairing. For example, a stout with roasted coffee and chocolate notes can complement the flavors of a grilled steak or barbecue.
- Fruity and Light:
- Light and fruity beers, like a Belgian Witbier or a fruit-infused ale, can pair well with salads, seafood, or dishes with citrus-based sauces. The fruity notes in the beer enhance the freshness of these dishes.
- Malty and Smoky:
- Smoked meats and dishes with a smoky profile can be complemented by beers with malty sweetness. A rauchbier, known for its smoky flavor, can enhance the smokiness of foods like smoked sausages or grilled vegetables.
- Citrus and Citrus:
- Citrusy beers, such as a beer with added orange peel or a wheat beer with lemony notes, can be paired with citrus-based dishes like ceviche or lemon chicken. The shared citrus flavors create a refreshing combination.
- Earthy and Earthy:
- Earthy flavors in both beer and food can create a complementary pairing. For example, a mushroom risotto can go well with a beer with earthy notes, such as a brown ale or a biere de garde.
- Herbal and Herbal:
- Dishes with fresh herbs can be paired with beers that have herbal or botanical characteristics, like a Belgian-style ale with coriander or a farmhouse ale with thyme. The herbal elements in both can amplify the overall flavor profile.
Contrast For Balance In Food And Craft Beer Pairing
Contrasting flavors can also work wonders in beer and food pairing, as they create a balance void in flavor that keeps your palate intrigued. This is when the adage “opposites attract” really rings true.
- Sweet and Salty:
- Pairing a sweet beer, like a caramel-flavored ale or a fruity Belgian dubbel, with salty snacks like pretzels, salted nuts, or cheese can create a delightful contrast. The sweetness of the beer offsets the saltiness of the food.
- Bitter and Sweet:
- Combining a bitter beer, such as an American IPA, with sweet dishes like honey-glazed ham or barbecue sauce-coated ribs can balance out the flavors. The bitterness of the beer can cut through the sweetness, preventing the dish from becoming cloying.
- Spicy and Malty:
- Malty beers, like brown ales or amber ales, can complement spicy dishes by providing a malt sweetness that contrasts with the heat. This pairing works well with spicy Mexican or Indian cuisine.
- Acidic and Creamy:
- Acidic beers, such as sour ales or Berliner Weisse, can be paired with creamy and rich foods like macaroni and cheese or creamy pasta dishes. The beer’s acidity helps cut through the richness, providing balance.
- Light and Heavy:
- Pairing a light beer, such as a pilsner or a lager, with heavy and hearty dishes like a steak or a meaty stew can create a pleasing contrast. The beer’s crispness and effervescence cleanse the palate between bites.
- Citrusy and Spicy:
- Citrusy beers with lemon or orange notes can be paired with spicy dishes, such as Thai or Szechuan cuisine. The citrusy flavors can provide relief from the heat and enhance the overall experience.
- Sour and Sweet:
- A sour beer can be an excellent contrast to a sweet dessert, like a fruit pie or a cheesecake. The tartness of the beer can balance the sweetness, preventing the dessert from being overly sugary.
- Roasted and Refreshing:
- Pairing a roasted, smoky beer, like a stout or a porter, with light and refreshing dishes, such as sushi or a seafood salad, creates a contrast in flavor profiles. The roasted notes add depth to the meal.
- Herbal and Spicy:
- Herbal beers, like those with botanical ingredients such as sage or basil, can be paired with spicy dishes that feature herbs and spices. The herbal notes complement the spiciness, creating complexity.
- Fruity and Savory:
- A fruity beer, like a Belgian ale with fruity esters, can be paired with savory dishes like a cheese and charcuterie board. The fruity notes provide a contrast to the savory elements, making each bite more interesting.
Above All Else: Match Intensity In Craft Beer And Food Pairing
Matching the intensity of the beer with the intensity of the food is a key practice in beer and food pairing. It doesn’t matter how expertly you think through complement or contrast qualities; if either the beer or the food overpower one another, you’ll be at a loss of a remarkable experience. So it goes.
Time To Dish Up Something Special?
Mastering the art of beer and food pairing can enhance your dining experiences and open a world of flavor possibilities. We encourage you to explore and experiment with different combinations to find your own perfect pairings. Whether you prefer complementary or contrasting flavors, matching intensities, or exploring regional pairings, there are endless opportunities to elevate your tastebuds and savor the incredible synergy between beer and food. Cheers to the exciting world of beer and food pairing!