Choosing the Ideal Beers for Your Summer Barbecue
With summer just around the corner, barbecues will be on the rise. A barbecue is the ideal occasion for good food, great company and refreshing drinks. Choosing the right beers to complement your barbecue can take your event from a simple meal to a gourmet experience. Whether you're looking to buy craft beer for your next barbecue or just want to impress your guests with a perfectly paired selection, here's a guide to choosing the ideal beers to serve alongside your summer grill favourites.
Understanding Beer and Food Pairings
The key to choosing the perfect beer is understanding how different beers interact with contrasting types of food. Beers can complement or contrast flavours, enhancing both the meal and the drinking experience. For instance, hoppy beers can cut through fat, sour beers can cleanse the palate, and darker beers can enhance the smoky flavours of grilled meats.
Light and Refreshing for Starters
You should begin your barbecue with light and refreshing beers to welcome your guests without overwhelming their palates. A crisp lager or a gentle blonde ale is perfect for starting the day. These beers are thirst-quenching and also easy to pair with snacks or lighter dishes like salads and grilled vegetables.
Hoppy Beers for Bold Flavours
As you move to heavier dishes like burgers, sausages, or steaks, choose beers that can stand up to strong flavours. IPAs, with their hoppy bitterness, work well by balancing the richness of fattier foods. A great choice could be Martson’s Old Empire IPA, known for its robust hop character and citrus undertones, making it an excellent match for meats with spicy rubs or zesty marinades.
Amber Ales for Smoky Dishes
The caramel notes in amber ales can complement the smoky flavours of barbecued meat. These beers offer a maltier backbone with enough hops to cut through the smoke and spice. Amber Ale pairs wonderfully with smoked pork or barbecue ribs, bridging the gap between the sweetness of the meat and the robustness of the ale.
Wheat Beers for Seafood and Chicken
If your barbecue menu features seafood or chicken, wheat beers are a fantastic choice. Their light bodies and often citrusy notes add to the delicate flavours of grilled fish and poultry without overpowering them. For a refreshing twist, consider serving a wheat beer with a slice of lemon or orange to complement the bright flavours of your grilled dishes.
Stouts and Porters for Dessert
When it’s time for dessert, dark beers like stouts and porters can be the highlight of your barbecue with their rich, deep flavours of chocolate and coffee. These beers are perfect for sipping alongside or even pouring over desserts like ice cream or chocolate cakes. Go for a Stout that boasts rich coffee notes that will enhance the flavours of sweet treats.
Consider the Crowd
When selecting beers, consider the preferences of your guests. Not everyone enjoys hoppy or bitter beers, so it’s a good idea to have a range of styles available. Include a mix of lagers, ales, and perhaps some specialty beers to ensure there’s something for everyone. Take into account any dietary restrictions or preferences, such as gluten-free options or non-alcoholic beverages.
Chilling and Serving
Serve your beers at the right temperature to maximise their flavour profiles. Lager should be chilled, while ales are ideal for warmer weather. Always provide clean glassware to enhance the drinking experience, allowing the aromas and flavours to fully develop. Consider pairing your beer choices with snacks or nibbles to elevate the overall tasting experience for your guests.
Looking to Buy Craft Beer Online in the UK?
Whether you're cooking up classic burgers or experimenting with gourmet smoked dishes, there’s a craft beer that can enhance every meal. When planning your next summer barbecue, consider exploring our range at Fletcher Drinks to find craft beers that will satisfy your guests and complement your cooking. The best beer for your barbecue is one that suits the food on your grill and the preferences of your guests.
At Fletcher Drinks, we take great pride in offering an extensive selection of products, ranging from Wine, Sherry, and Port to Champagne, Liqueur, Spirits, Cider, Beer, and local Ales. We now offer same-day alcohol delivery in the UK for nearby customers, as well as a 1-2 day delivery service throughout the rest of England & Wales.
Our commitment is to provide high-quality brand names at competitive prices, enhanced by a range of special deals to guarantee great value for your money. To place an order, visit our website or drop by one of our three locations in Brierley Hill, Stourbridge, or Kidderminster.
