The idea behind food and beverage pairings is to enhance flavors. For a long time, they were reserved for different varieties of wine, but with today's beer brewers getting more creative, food and beer pairings are more common. Here at Lowercase Brewing, we offer a wide variety of different beers to suit all tastes, and we also have a taproom menu featuring some scrumptious foods, so you're sure to find something delicious.
Some of our favorite combinations include popcorn and Pilsner, pretzels and lager, curry and IPA, and Dortmunder and BBQ. We also sell our beer online and in person, so you could take a Belgian witbier home and pair it with some cheese or grab a pale ale for your next pizza or Mexican food night. Read on to find out more about some of our most loved combinations.
6 Classic Food and Beer Pairings That Will Liven Up Your Meal
1. Popcorn and Italian or German Pilsner
German pilsner, also simply called pils, is a world-famous and delicious beer made from 100% malt. With its light color and great balance, it has delighted a wide range of beer drinkers and been the starting point for a number of different creations, such as the newer Italian pilsner. Unlike the German variety, the Italian drink is lusher and more saturated, and many brewers describe it as "hoppier".
Here at Lowercase Brewing, you can try out both to see which one suits your taste the best. No matter what you end up choosing, you should order some of our complimentary popcorn to go with your beverage. The salty or sweet flavor of the popcorn will bring out the smooth malt taste of your beer even better. What's more, your pilsner won't overpower the popcorn, so you can enjoy the combination without one or the other taking over.
2. Soft Pretzels and Lager
If you're a fan of lager, you've come to the right place because we offer a number of different varieties, from Mexican lager to Heirloom corn lager. This type of beer has been brewed at a relatively low temperature, so it will taste a little malty and very light. The color can vary, and there are pale, amber, and dark varieties available. Many beer drinkers start out with this kind of drink and then branch out to others later on.
Because it originated Germany and other Northern European countries, the combination of soft pretzels and lager has a long history. The pairing works particularly well if you opt to add Hengstenberg German mustard to your pretzel because this will lend the dish some spiciness and tang. Your lager will work to balance out the vinegar flavor of the mustard, making the combination delicious and clean-tasting.
3. Curry and IPA
IPA stands for India Pale Ale, and it describes a hoppy beer that spread throughout England in the early 19th century. This type of beverage has higher hop levels than a standard lager, at an International Bitterness Level of 40-60, versus 20-40 for the lager. In the US, the India Pale Ale has been made popular by American craft breweries, who have developed new versions and made it their own.
At our taproom, you can enjoy Strata IPA, a tropical and fruity drink that includes notes of watermelon and pineapple. Why not pair it with our beef curry? The deep, rich, and fruity flavor of a curry dish calls for a beer that can handle a high level of heat and spice, and an IPA is the perfect choice. You'll enjoy the harmony between the taste of the fruity beer and the similarly sweet, yet spicy, curry.
4. Dortmunder and BBQ
One of our more unique beer choices is the Dortmunder Union Pils, which is a light lager that has been influenced by the Pilsner. If you go for this option, you'll be served a golden and moderately bitter drink that is full of character and flavor. As you can tell from its name, the Dortmunder Union Pils originated in an area of Germany called Dortmund, during a time when coal miners came to the pub looking for refreshment after a hard day's work.
For this reason, the drink's ABV is on the higher side at 5.75% but not so high that you'd be inebriated after a few glasses. With its hearty taste and crisp finish, this beer goes perfectly with a BBQ meal. It doesn't run the risk of overpowering the meat, but at the same time, it can cut through the fat and make you feel refreshed despite the heavy dish. For this reason, Dortmunder and BBQ is one of our favorite food and beer pairings.
5. Belgian Witbier and Cheese Dishes
Witbiers are generally unfiltered and therefore on the cloudy side. With their smooth and creamy taste and bright aroma, they go down easily whether paired with food or not. You can expect your Belgian witbier to taste perfumy, and there will be notes of coriander, orange peel, and occasionally some other spices. The wheat, usually oats, make the beer slightly bready.
The best pairing with this beverage is a cheese dish because it complements the beer's natural creaminess. You could go for a mild and fresh goat's cheese and garnish it with some coriander, which is also present in the drink. If you don't enjoy cheese, you can pair your Belgian witbier with seafood dishes such as fish tacos or sushi because it complements them with its slightly sweet flavor.
6. Pale Ale and Pizza or Mexican Food
Originating in England, pale ale beers are first recorded in the early 18th century, and they have been popular ever since, although the exact way of making them has changed significantly since the beginning. Today, they are made with pale malt and feature some bitterness, a medium-strong hop flavor, and a malty taste. Some types of American pale ales are produced with five different hops and five different malts, so the drink is very complex and intriguing.
Although we don't offer pizza and Mexican food here at the taproom, you can buy our beers to take home, so why not opt for a pale ale the next time you're planning a party that features Italian or Mexican takeout? In particular, a meaty pizza or spicy toppings will go well with the combination of malt and hops that this beer brings to the table, and frequently used Mexican spices like jalapeno, cilantro, and cumin also complement the beverage.
Perfect Pairings
Craft beer is designed to be enjoyed on its own, with a small snack, or as part of a full-sized meal. But not all beers go equally well with each dish, so it's worth knowing your local brewers' favorite food and beer pairings.
Get in touch with us at Lowercase Brewing in Seattle, WA to find out more about what we have to offer or to find out more about how you can enjoy your favorite beer. Our experienced brewers are passionate about what they do, so they'll be more than happy to speak to you about our products, no matter if you're a seasoned beer drinker or new to the scene.
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