Eat & Drink

Bill White, beer expert

beercanada (Jul.08.08)

Should I be pairing certain types of beer with meals like I do with wine?

Stacey D. emailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca; and our beer expert, Bill White, answered:

Beer is not only a great refreshing beverage but it’s also the most versatile beverage for pairing with food. With the tremendous growth of Canadian craft brewed beers and imports, there is a beer for almost every moment and occasion.

A light North American wheat beer like Big Rock’s Grasshopper will quench thirst and pair nicely with salty snacks on a hot summer day. For a twist, discover the hint of fruit in beers like McAuslan Apricot Ale or Great Lakes Orange Peel Ale. Add some fruit to your salad and experience how wonderfully they match.

For a little more adventure move up to a European wheat beer. Experience a Weihenstephan Hefe Weissbier from the oldest brewery in the world. The yeast in this style of beer produces a spiciness similar to cloves and provides a hint of banana to both aroma and taste. Malt and yeast round out the flavour to make a perfect match with fish or chicken.

Now that the BBQ is hot and red meats are sizzling on the grill the sweet and spicy sauces demand a bolder flavour. The hops in a pilsner of pale ale will provide a little more intensity and the light malt notes will cleanse the pallet. But even better would be a darker red, amber or brown beer like Black Oak Nut Brown Ale. The malt will add a hint of nuttiness, caramel or even mocha that will pair beautifully with the slight char of the grill and fullness of the BBQ sauce.

Give it a try. You’ll be surprised and excited with the great adventure in taste.

Cheers!

Bill White has 33 years of experience in the brewing industry as a brewmaster, teacher and champion of beer and has been Knighted by the Confederation of Belgian Brewers.

Tags: eat & drink, Ask an expert, city living

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