Sitting in a comfortable chair with beers and your favourite snacks is a time when life seems alright. As any beer enthusiast knows, the right combination can be a perfect symphony of flavours, enhancing the enjoyment of both. Whether you’re a fan of crispy lagers, bitter IPAs, malty stouts, or funky sours, there’s a snack that’s just waiting to be your brew’s best mate.
It’s time to elevate your snack game and find the best combinations for you – everyone is different, so try different combos because you might be surprised by the winner.
1. Light and Refreshing Beers
For those crisp pilsners and bright wheat beers, think of clean flavours that won’t overpower your brew. Fresh fruits like apples and pears are a fantastic choice, their natural sweetness a lovely contrast to the beer’s dry finish. Light cheeses such as creamy brie or goat cheese add a smooth texture that complements the beer’s refreshing character. And don’t forget hearty pretzels; their saltiness is the perfect match for the beer’s light body.
2. Hoppy and Bitter Beers
Pale ales and IPAs love strong flavours. What does this mean? Well, get out the spicy peanuts and some strong cured meats such as prosciutto and salami. Their robust taste holds up to the beer’s bitterness without faltering. Crispy potato chips are a delight, the salt and fats balancing out the beer’s sharpness. These beer styles can handle a little heat too, so don’t shy away from a spicy salsa or some jalapeno poppers.
3. Malty and Sweet Beers
Embrace the sweetness of nut butters and the creaminess of caramel popcorn. These treats harmonise with the rich, caramel notes of amber ales or barleywines, creating a dessert-like experience. For something more decadent, pair a chocolate stout or porter with high-cocoa dark chocolate. The beer’s maltiness enhances the sweetness of chocolate, creating a satisfyingly smooth tandem.
4. Dark and Roasty Beers
Think of bold snacks that can stand up to the intensity of your domestic stout or robust porter. Dark chocolate with its deep, bittersweet notes is a classic companion, the rich creaminess of the beer melting away the chocolate’s bitterness. Roasted nuts offer earthy flavours that echo the beer’s roasted malts, resulting in a complex and comforting union. To balance the richness, layer on the charcuterie with a variety of meats and textures.
5. Sour and Funky Beers
Sour beers, with their tangy and sometimes barnyard-like characteristics, love a snack with personality. Aged cheeses, particularly ones with a sharp bite, complement the beer’s tartness beautifully. Add a bit of spice with some pickles or enjoy the funk with a selection of tangy and salty treats. The key with these pairings is finding that point of contrast and balance, where the sharpness of the snack meets the beer’s acidity.
Choose the proper snacks, choose the proper beer, and have a great evening!
