Whether you’re hosting an elegant weekend dinner or dining on midweek take-out, these seven flavor profiles for beer, developed by Greg Engert, the Beer Director of Churchkey restaurant in Washington, D.C., will help you choose brews to match food.
CRISP, REFRESHING, AND BALANCED
These types of beer tend toward balance between fruity yeast esters, malt, and hops. That means a drier finish, which also enhances a sense of refreshment.
Amber Lagers and Marzens are perfect for Taco Tuesdays or Spicy Thai Thursdays.
Try crab, lobster, and lighter fish with more delicate fruity styles, such as American Blonde Ales and Kölsch beers, or with snappier, drier Pilsners and India Pale Lagers. The biscuity malt tones of Amber Lagers and Marzens also pair perfectly with chili and spicy chicken.
HOP BEERS
Hops have the last word in these brews. Earthier styles like English Pale Ale or Extra Special Bitter, as well as the bolder American India Pale Ales and Imperial IPAs, are well suited for finger-licking foods like pizza, juicy burgers, fish and chips, and barbecue.
Even in some of the maltier versions such as California Common, American Amber Ales, and American Barleywines, the hops can be king, so stick with dishes that can stand up to the hops.