Samuel Adams

From beer's simple beginning, it has been enjoyed at meal time. The idea of pairing beer with different foods has been around for centuries, but for many its just being discovered. With so many layers of flavor in beer there are endless possibilities. From the classic burger to a rich chocolate dessert there's a beer to create the perfect pairing. Consider the intensity of the beer's bitterness, sweetness, richness, and strength and how those flavors work with those in your dish. The fun part comes in the exploration of creating those tastes. Here are a few things to consider in making your choice.

Choose a beer style and see what foods complement it.

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Start with a dish and see what styles of beer pair well with it.

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Pairing Principles

Contrast to create balance – Consider how the elements in the beer play against those in the dish to create a harmony. Hop bitterness can cut through the creaminess of a cheese while the sweetness of the malt can mellow the heat of a spicy sauce or rub. The flavors should work together to enhance the overall taste of the meal.

Match strengths – The delicateness or richness of a dish calls for a beer of equal strength. The flavors need to stand up to one another without being overpowering. For instance the subtle flavors of grilled fish call for a beer with equally delicate flavors like a wheat beer while the bolder flavors of a steak need a flavorful and balanced beer like Samuel Adams Boston Lager®.

Find commonalities – The ingredients and flavors in beer are mirrored in many foods. Look for these commonalities to match together like the deep roasted character of a Black Lager with the grilled flavors of barbeque or the earthy and biscuity notes of a pale ale paired with a rustic nutty cheese.

Classic combinations – Another place for inspiration comes from classic beer drinking nations and timeless flavor combinations. The roasted malt of an Octoberfest brings out the savory sweetness of a classic German sausage. Other classic flavor combinations create new expressions in beer as well. Like cherries and chocolate—try pairing the bittersweet chocolate notes of a Cream Stout with the sweet tartness of a cherry cheesecake.