5 Beers

We all know that certain types of wine complement certain types of food – but what about beer?

For centuries servers and sommeliers have helped us decide what type of wine to drink with foods like beef, seafood or chicken. However, over the last five years there has been a noticeable shift to beer pairing.  It’s probably in part due to the craft beer movement, but whatever the reason it makes a lot of sense!

With beer being both versatile and diverse; it provides a complementary and contrasting experience when paired with food, according to beeradvocate.com.  At one time beer drinkers were thought of as people who shied away from wine, or were a ‘sports fan’, but those days are long gone!

Typically lighter beers enhance the taste of lighter meals like seafood, salads and chicken, where heavier beers pair perfectly with red meat, stews and smoked foods.

Here are five common beers types and the ideal food to pair them with:

PILSNER (Light Body)

Pilsner is a type of pale lager that was first produced in the Czech Republic in 1842.

Pilsner goes great with a variety of cheese such as Muenster, Havarti, and Monterey Jack. It’s also great with salads, seafood and fish like salmon, tuna and trout.

WHEAT BEER (Light Body)

Wheat beer is usually top-fermented and is brewed with a large proportion of wheat relative to the amount of malted barley.

Wheat beer pairs perfect with light soups and salads, vegetarian dishes, sushi and citrus-flavored dishes including dessert and salad dressings.

ALE (Medium Body)

Ale has a sweet, full-bodied and fruity taste, and is historically referred to as a drink brewed without hops.

Ale’s pair great with pub food like burgers, Buffalo wings, pizza, steaks and anything deep fried.  It also goes great with Cheddar, Parmesan, or Romano cheeses.

PORTER (Heavy Body)

Porter is a dark style of beer that was developed in London from well-hopped beers made from brown malt.

A Porter pairs well with richer tasting foods like stews, chili, sausage and anything braised or smoked.

STOUT  (Heavy Body)

Stout is another dark beer that’s made using roasted malt or roasted barley, hops, water and yeast. Stouts were traditionally the generic term for the strongest or stoutest porters.

Much like a Porter, a Stout beer goes well with smoked and braised dishes, rich stews, barbecued or grilled foods, oysters, chocolate and desserts.

Happy Pairing!

- Leanne