As the highly anticipated “Big Game” approaches, many of us are eagerly preparing for a feast of epic proportions. And what better way to complement our favorite football fare than with a selection of delicious craft beers? In this article, we will explore some of my personal favorite beer and food pairings, highlighting why these combinations are a match made in culinary heaven, regardless of which team you’re rooting for. So, grab a seat at the table, because we’re about to embark on a gastronomic adventure!
Let’s start with a classic: pizza. While pizza can pair well with various beers, I find that the hoppiness and fruitiness of a pale ale truly enhance the overall experience. This pairing creates a delightful contrast between the saltiness of the pizza and the subtle sweetness of the beer, resulting in a sensational salty-sweet explosion with every bite. The mildness of pale ales makes them versatile enough to complement a wide range of toppings, from the traditional pepperoni to veggies and even pineapple. There’s just something magical about the combination of gooey mozzarella cheese and the tropical and citrus notes of a pale ale. Recommended options for this pairing include Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale, and Harpoon Rec League.
Next up, we have the humble cream ale, a style of beer popular in the Rust Belt of Western New York, Western Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Despite its name, cream ale does not contain any cream and is more akin to an American lager. However, this old-school drinking beer is a refreshing choice that cleanses your palate after each spicy bite. If you know someone who typically favors macro light lagers, introducing them to a cream ale might bring unexpected joy as they discover the similarities between the two. Some recommended cream ale options to explore are Prison City Cream Ale, Genesee Cream Ale, and Little Kings Cream Ale.
It’s time to give some love to the underappreciated brown ale, a beer style that has sadly fallen out of favor in recent years. However, don’t let its decline fool you – it is an excellent choice when it comes to pairing with food. There are two types of brown ales: English brown and American brown. English brown ales offer a slightly nutty and fruity flavor profile with subtle notes of toffee and pear, while American brown ales tend to have a more chocolatey character. Whichever variation you choose, both pair wonderfully with the saltiness of a mini hot dog nestled in a delectable flaky pastry, accompanied by your dipping sauce of choice, whether it be cocktail sauce, ketchup, or something entirely unique to your taste buds. Consider trying Bell’s Brown Ale, Brooklyn Brown, or Newcastle for an unforgettable brown ale experience.
While many believe that light lagers lack the complexity to accompany any food, their subtle sweetness can create an incredible synergy with certain dishes. One particularly delightful pairing involves indulging in a bag of crispy potato chips alongside a refreshing light lager. This combination results in the perfect balance of saltiness and sweetness, satisfying both our savory and sugary cravings. If you prefer to support local and independent breweries, don’t fret – numerous craft breweries now offer their own light lager options. Look out for beers like Night Shift Nite Lite, Rhinegeist Cincy Light, or Short’s Local’s Light for a tasty experience that supports the community.
Moving on to the realm of IPAs, specifically West Coast and American IPAs, we discover a pairing that accentuates the spiciness found in various dishes. While the higher bitterness of these IPAs can be overpowering for some, the introduction of hazy IPAs adds a new dimension to the experience. Hazy IPAs possess a lower bitterness, allowing the hop flavors to coexist harmoniously with the spiciness of the food. Additionally, they bring forward delightful flavors of tropical fruit, orange, and tangerine, providing a refreshing palate cleanser before diving back into the fiery flavors. For this pairing, I recommend exploring beers such as Tree House Julius, Alarmist Le Jus, or Samuel Adams Wicked Hazy.
As we raise our glasses to toast the upcoming “Big Game,” let’s also raise our expectations for the food and beer we indulge in. The art of beer and food pairing opens up a world of flavors and sensations, elevating our dining experiences to new heights. Whether it’s the hoppiness of a pale ale with a slice of pizza, the unexpected delight of a cream ale cleansing our palate, or the surprising harmony found in a light lager and potato chips, there’s something remarkable about finding the perfect balance in our culinary adventures. So, as you enjoy the game responsibly, may your taste buds be tantalized and your memories be filled with the joy of exceptional beer and food pairings. Cheers to an unforgettable experience!
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