Despite all the talk about the “beer revolution”, many still look down on beer – they say, a drink for gopniks in the alleyway. But it is worthwhile to study the issue a little, how the image of imaginary vulgarity disappears and it turns out that good beer is a drink hardly less refined than wine, and certainly no less gastronomic. That is why both inveterate beer lovers and those who try it only occasionally often ask themselves the question of the right choice of beer for certain dishes, or the selection of the right snack for beer. If this question has crossed your mind too, check out beer expert Randy Mosher’s advice on food choices for beer.
- Combine strength with strength… Common sense dictates that delicate beer is better suited to delicate dishes. It is equally true that rich flavors require an assertive beer. In the case of beer, flavor intensity is a combination of a number of factors such as strength, malt character, hop bitterness, sweetness, richness, and roast.
- Look for harmony… Combinations work best when food and drink have something in common in taste or aroma. The nutty flavor of English brown ale and homemade cheddar; deep, toasted flavors of imperial stout and chocolate truffles; Finally, the rich, caramel flavor of Oktoberfest lager and baked pork are examples of this harmony.
- Consider sweetness, bitterness, carbonation, pungency, and richness.… It may seem complicated at first, but it’s actually very simple – the individual properties of food and beer interact with each other quite predictably. By using these interactions, you will create a balance where the taste of one will make you want to taste the other.
- Turn to classic cuisines… The cuisines of countries renowned for their beer traditions offer many traditional food and beer combinations. The combination of schnitzel and light lager seems obvious, but who would have thought that stout pairs so well with oysters? These classic combinations can be found if you look hard enough, and they provide a good boost for further research.
- Perfection comes with practice… Not every combination works exactly the way you expect it to – and learning to enjoy the unexpected can even be fun. Start from what really works and keep looking for magic combinations.
- Consider seasonality… During the hot summer months, light food and beer are especially good, while more abundant food is appropriate in winter. Beers and food from the same season work together naturally and match the mood better.
- Contrast and complement… All food and beer combinations must take into account both of these principles. Some are more dependent on contrast, others on complementarity. Both must create a balance.
- Turn to classic cuisines… The cuisines of countries renowned for their beer traditions offer many traditional food and beer combinations. The combination of schnitzel and light lager seems obvious, but who would have thought that stout pairs so well with oysters? These classic combinations can be found if you look hard enough, and they provide a good boost for further research.
- Perfection comes with practice… Not every combination works exactly the way you expect it to – and learning to enjoy the unexpected can even be fun. Start from what really works and keep looking for magic combinations.
- Consider seasonality… During the hot summer months, light food and beer are especially good, while more abundant food is appropriate in winter. Beers and food from the same season work together naturally and match the mood better.
- Contrast and complement… All food and beer combinations must take into account both of these principles. Some are more dependent on contrast, others on complementarity. Both must create a balance.
I have prepared an infographic for you that summarizes Randy’s main tips in a convenient and visual way:
- Homemade sausages
- Boiled shrimps with dill
- Beef tartare
- King prawns in bacon
- Bretzel
- Pork ribs in honey glaze
- Pan-fried beef steak
- Grilled pork steak
- Mussels baked with cheese sauce
- Drowned
PS: For those looking to explore the beer / food mix more thoughtfully, there is a wonderful table. Knowledge of both beer and English will be useful to you.