For decades, there has been nothing better than a good, hearty meal paired with a good, hearty drink. We have our usual choices of drinks, but sometimes a good meal with great friends deserves an exceptional drink. That’s when we turn to beer. There are certain meals that are made better when washed down with a stout ale or lager. With so many beers to choose from, it’s difficult to find the best pairings. Here are some of the best food/beer pairings that are to die for.
1. Pork Chops with Apple Chutney/IPA
Pork chops are a staple dinner meat for almost every American family. Whether the pork chops are baked, fried, or breaded, nothing pairs better with pork chops than apples. So, why not try an apple chutney? As an amazing accent to the meal, try a cold glass of Imperial India pale ale from places like HWC. The strong characteristics of the IPA will pair fantastically with the umami flavor of the pork fat.
2. Slow-Cooker Pot Roast/Belgian-Style Flanders
There’s nothing better than smelling a pot roast with fresh vegetables cooking in a slow cooker all day long. Bake up some homemade biscuits to sop up that pot roast gravy and you’re in heaven. While you’re enjoying your divine meal, put the cherry on top with a Belgian-style flanders beer. It will add earthy notes to your palate and enhance the savory flavor of the meat.
3. Jerk Chicken and Sweet Potatoes/Amber Ale
To take a break from the same meals, dedicate a night to cooking up a spicy jerk chicken and sweet potatoes dinner. The chicken adds a spicy and salty flavor while the sweet potatoes cool the heat. To combine the flavors, try an amber ale which will add a hoppy flavor with caramel top notes for a party on your taste buds.
4. Lobster Bisque/German-Style Hefeweizen
When your budget will allow it, nothing is better than a savory lobster dinner. The tastes of the savory butter, salty broth, and sweet lobster meat in a bowl of lobster bisque are out of this world. Combine these powerful flavors with a German-style hefeweizen to compliment the salt and sweetness. It will also cleanse the palate between bites so your next bite is as amazing as the first bite.
This is only a handful of the many pairings of food and beer available, but they are some of the best. You can experiment and create your own delicious pairings or you can find a local brewery with knowledgeable staff to give you some tips. Either way, keep your forks full and your beer glass frosty.