We all know beer is best enjoyed with food, but have you ever wondered what snacks or meals your craft beer is secretly wishing you'd match it with? It's not just about satisfying your taste buds; it's about finding that perfect match, like a wine pairing but without the stuffy sommelier. Here at PIG BEER, we believe that the right food can turn your beer experience into an art form. So, we’ve decided to let you in on the secret world of beer and food pairings.
In this guide, we’ll break down which foods pair best with some of PIG BEER's finest brews, and throw in a few surprise pairings that you might not expect. You’ll be left wondering why you didn’t think of these delicious combos before. Ready? Let’s dig in! 1. CHERY with BBQ Ribs
Let’s start with a classic. The fruity and subtly tart flavour of PIG BEER’s CHERY is the perfect companion to a smoky, tangy plate of BBQ ribs. The natural sweetness of the cherry enhances the smoky richness of the meat, while the tartness cuts through the fatty richness, providing balance with every bite.
Now, picture it: You’re sitting in the beer garden on a summer day, a chilled glass of CHERY in hand, with a plate of succulent ribs slathered in barbecue sauce in front of you. Every sip of CHERY cuts through the richness of the ribs, refreshing your palate, making you take another bite. This pairing works because the fruitiness of the CHERY complements the bold, savoury flavours of the BBQ while providing that crisp refreshment in between bites.
But here's the kicker: This combo works even better if you opt for ribs with a hint of sweetness in the sauce. Think honey, brown sugar, or even a tangy fruit-based glaze. The CHERY loves it.
2. BLAK with Chocolate Desserts
Now, for something a little moody and indulgent. PIG BEER’s BLAK (our signature stout) has a rich, roasted flavour with notes of coffee and dark chocolate. What better to pair it with than a dessert that complements those dark, deep flavours? Enter the chocolate tiffin.
Your pint of BLAK is basically begging for a moody dark chocolate tiffin—don’t leave it hanging. The dense, fudgy layers of chocolate and biscuit in a tiffin are a match made in heaven with the rich stout. The bittersweet chocolate flavours in the beer beautifully complement the sweetness of the dessert, while the malty undertones in the BLAK enhance the biscuit crunch.
But let’s get really bold: Try pairing your BLAK with a slice of gooey chocolate cake or a decadent flourless chocolate brownie. Trust us when we say that pairing a rich dessert with a robust beer like BLAK will leave you feeling satisfied in the best way possible. You’ll never want dessert without your stout again.
3. SAUBER with Pretzels and Mustard
PIG BEER’s SAUBER is a smooth, crisp lager with a delicate malty sweetness that’s perfect for pairing with snacks that have a salty punch. And what better salty snack is there than pretzels? The malty character of SAUBER complements the doughy, slightly salty pretzels, while the bitterness of the lager cuts through the richness, cleansing your palate after each bite.
Now, let’s make this better. Add a side of tangy mustard or even a bit of sharp cheese to dip your pretzels in. The interplay between the sharpness of the mustard and the refreshing bitterness of the SAUBER is a dynamic flavour experience. Whether you’re snacking or enjoying this as a starter to your main course, it’s the kind of pairing that’s both simple and satisfying.
4. STORM with Spicy Tacos
PIG BEER’s STORM is a bold, hoppy pale ale with a great balance of bitterness and citrusy notes. And when you think of bold and vibrant flavours, what comes to mind? Spicy tacos, of course. The combination of the hoppy bitterness and citrus flavours in the STORM cuts through the heat of spicy tacos while complementing the savoury flavours of the meat, salsa, and cheese.
Whether you're filling your taco with slow-cooked beef, spicy chicken, or even grilled vegetables, the complexity of the STORM works wonders with the spiciness of the taco toppings. The key here is balance—STORM' s bitterness and citrusy notes help dial down the heat of the taco.
For a little twist, try pairing STORM with a fish taco drizzled with a lime crema. The citrusy undertones in the beer are a match made in taco heaven, and your taste buds will thank you for it.
5. Cloud 9 with Cheese and Fruit
Cloud 9, PIG BEER’s light and refreshing IPA, is all about that perfect balance of bitterness and citrusy hops. But it’s not just about those hoppy notes; the beer also has a hint of tropical fruitiness that makes it a delightful pairing for cheese and fruit. Now, we’re talking specifically about a soft goat cheese, which has a tangy flavour that pairs beautifully with the fruity character of the Cloud 9.
Add some fresh figs, apples, or grapes alongside the cheese, and you’ve got a beautiful pairing. The tropical notes in the Cloud 9 complement the sweetness of the fruit, while the beer's bitterness balances out the creaminess of the cheese. It’s the kind of pairing that makes you feel fancy without trying too hard.
This pairing also works well as part of a larger charcuterie board. Don’t forget the crackers or baguette for a bit of crunch! And of course, Cloud 9 should be your drink of choice.
6. SESSION with Fish and Chips
Ah, fish and chips—the quintessential British dish. When you’ve got a pint of SESSION in your hand, there’s no better meal to pair it with than this classic. The SESSION is a lighter, easy-drinking pale ale that doesn’t overwhelm the palate, making it the perfect companion to the crispiness of fried fish and golden chips.
The lightness of the SESSION allows you to savour the crunchy coating of the fish without overshadowing the delicate flavour of the white fish inside. And when it comes to chips, the beer’s refreshing bitterness complements the fried, salty goodness of the chips. We recommend squeezing a bit of lemon over the fish to bring out those citrusy notes in the beer even more.
Pair this with some mushy peas on the side, and you’ve got a classic pairing that never goes out of style. Perfect for those sunny days by the seaside or when you just need a comfort meal.
7. Surprising Pairing: Doughnuts with Coffee Stout (BLAK)
Here’s a curveball for you: doughnuts and stout. Yes, we’re serious. The dark, roasted flavours of BLAK make it a natural companion for the sweet, fluffy doughnuts you know and love. The beer’s coffee notes bring out the best in a rich, chocolate-glazed doughnut, and the bitterness from the stout helps cut through the sweetness, so it’s not too overwhelming.
But, if you’re feeling adventurous, try it with a cinnamon-sugar doughnut. The spicy sweetness of cinnamon paired with the depth of the stout is a surprising yet satisfying combo that’s bound to become your new guilty pleasure.
Conclusion: Get Pairing with PIG BEER
Beer pairing isn’t just for wine enthusiasts—it’s for everyone, especially those who appreciate a good craft brew and the delicious foods that go with it. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty meal or indulging in a simple snack, the right beer can make all the difference.
At PIG BEER, we’ve made it our mission to craft beers that not only taste incredible on their own but also complement the many flavours of the food you love. From spicy tacos to indulgent chocolate desserts, our brews are just waiting to be paired with your next meal.
So, next time you’re planning a meal or snack, don’t forget to grab a PIG BEER. After all, your pint is secretly craving something, and we’re here to help you discover what that is.
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