Learn the Basics of Pairing Beer and Food With This Illustrated Guide
We’ve shown you some of the best beer pairings before , but this handy guide explains three fundamental principles of beer and food pairing so you can come up with your own great pairings.
The illustration below, provided by John Peter Laloganes, author of The Wine, Beer and Spirits Guide and Lead Beverage Management Specialist at Kendall College , explains the complexities of beer and food flavor matching. It all boils down to three fundamental principles:
- Weight balancing : Lighter, more delicate beers go well with lighter foods rather than fatty foods.
- Comparison and Contrast of Ingredients : Beers with a sweet taste will contrast well with spices and bitterness and complement more sweetness.
- Combining flavors: the taste of the American pale ale can be combined with a dish of chicken with rosemary, juniper and pine.
Like wine, pairing the right beer with the right food can turn a good meal into a delicious one. Study the picture below to find out more.
Three Foundations of Beer and Food Pairing | Kendall College