How To Pair Food & Beer (Plus The Best Combos)

Beer’s love affair with crisps and nuts is over. Once destined for one another, the future of their relationship is in turmoil with new flavours on everyone’s lips. 

Herein lies the dilemma. We all deserve someone who will bring out the best in us. So, what sort of food does beer truly deserve to be paired with?

Hoppy beers with birds 

American Pale Ales (and Brown Ales) have, historically, been bold enough to stand alone, rather than alongside a particular dish. But in recent years, it’s strayed from single life – having found a food companion that counteracts its bouncy bitterness. 

Enter: game bird. The fatty texture of duck and quail confidently contrast the hoppy bitterness of ales, with the dark flavours complementing the roasted aromas in return. 

They always said there was someone out there for everyone. Try a Brixton Brewery Reliance Pale Ale with roasted quail and experience true chemistry. 

IPAs with spice

If you love a curry with a good kick, you need a drink that can wash away the spices without taking away the flavour. Most lagers simply swirl the seasoning, but Indian Pale Ales have the rich taste to supplement and soothe your taste buds even after an encounter with the hottest dishes on the menu. 

There’s enough bitterness in a good IPA to balance out the zest of oriental cuisine, offering a well-rounded, flavourful experience. 

Next time you cook (or order) yourself a spicy dish, sample a Camden Town Off Menu IPA alongside it and you won’t look back. 

Wheat beers with salads

While its appearance may be hazy, the flavour of Wheat beer is anything but. The colour of the brew can range from light yellows to deep oranges and notes of citrus make light meals the perfect pairing.  

The fruity taste of these beverages is what makes them such a fantastic side drink for salads and shellfish – adding weight and flavour to a healthy lunch. What’s more, it’s one of the easiest beers to brew at home. 

To make that Sunday afternoon salad in the sunshine even more refreshing, grab yourself a bottle of Schneider Weisse Tap 7

Porters with puddings

Porters are an acquired taste. Distinctive, robust and sophisticated, they’ve traditionally dominated taste buds when paired with food. Yet dessert dishes, with a thick, strong flavour, are key to keeping these drinks in check.

Chocolate puddings are perfect in this regard with the coffee-like flavour of a quality porter helping to wash away the dense, dark crumbs of cake and leave a warm sensation on the tongue. 

Next time you’re after something chocolatey, crack open a Orbit Beers Dead Wax London Porter and maximise the decadence. 

The Beer Hunter catalogue is bursting at the seams with flavourful pilsners, porters and ales, so whatever feast you’re whipping up, an impeccable accompaniment for your palate is ready and waiting. Browse by countrystyle or brewery today. 

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