FOOD & BEER PAIRING

For centuries, beer and food have been enjoyed together as part of the good life. Being grain-based, beer can be considered a food. Beer's broad range of flavors, aromas and textures makes it a perfect match for nearly any kind of food, whether it is sausages or the most elegant, gourmet meal. The Brewers Association, along with several beer and food experts, has suggestions we believe will make your experiences more enjoyable and successful.

Match strength with strength pairing delicate dishes with delicate beers and strongly-flavored foods with assertive beers. Seasonality also plays a role. Heartier foods in the winter months work best with stronger beers while the lighter foods of summer pair better with the lighter beers.

Find harmonies in food and beer combinations when flavor or aroma elements are shared. Combinations often work best when food and beer share some common flavors. Think of the nutty flavor of an English-style brown ale and a cheddar cheese or the roasted flavors of an imperial stout and chocolate truffles.

Also consider sweetness, bitterness, carbonation, heat/spice and richness in your selections. Specific characteristics of food and beer interact with each other in predictable ways. Taking advantage of these interactions ensures that the food and beer will balance each other, creating a desire for a taste of the other.

Lastly have fun and enjoy. Practice makes perfect. Not every pairing works as expected and the unexpected may be quite a treat. Build on the things that work and keep seeking those magic combinations. Enjoy!