Beers & Bites: A Festive Guide to Perfect Pairings this Christmas
The classics:
Poultry Poetry: A true Lager love story
Picture this… a golden brown turkey on the table, skin so crispy you’re in disbelief... and it’s all giving way to juicy, succulent meat underneath. Heaven, right? Whilst we hope there’s no dry turkeys on the table this year, you can still take your poultry centerpiece to the next level, by opting for a Märzen-style lager to pair it with! The rich malts and subtle hoppy notes, combined with the roasted undertones of the turkey, pair beautifully. Plus, there’s nothing like the crisp, clean finish of a lager to cut through a litre of gravy!
It’s Ham-glazed Harmony
The glazed ham, a tradition steeped in sweet and smoky flavors, finds its perfect partner in a hefeweizen. This brew merges the classic hefeweizen's fruity and clove-like characteristics, with a delicate hint of smokiness. Its citrus undertones balance out the sweetness of the ham, creating a beautiful symphony on the palate that you just can’t get enough of!
Christmas Pudding in flight, afternoon delight
Ah, the quintessential Christmas pudding.. a medley of fruity, zesty goodness, all topped with a beautifully boozy sauce. It’s Christmas in a nutshell! We recommend to pair this timeless treat with a beer similarly big on flavour, so as not to overwhelm any flavours too subtle in e.g. an IPA. A full-bodied Belgian beer will serve you nicely, complimenting the fruity richness perfectly, while the bitter undertones will cut through any overwhelming sweetness in the pudding. Definitely a pairing to buckle in for after a strong Christmas feast – but hey, it’s only Christmas once.
A couple of bonus pairings:
Nut Roast Rendezvous: Ale's Well That Ends Well
For the vegetarians amongst us, this is the ultimate Christmas go-to. This hearty blend of nuts and grains, simply craves a malty companion… meaning any Brown Ale steps up to the plate! With extra points going to a pint boasting sweetness and hints of caramel, you’re looking at a perfectly balanced pairing here. Missing the cranberry sauce on your roast? Up your ABV and pour a nice porter, cutting through those heavy nutty notes with a mouthful of sweetness.
Say Cheese!
We all know the crack’… whether you’re rounding off Christmas dinner with a cheesy finale.. or snacking whilst the main event is still in the oven.. it’s a Christmas staple through and through. From creamy Brie’s to aged Cheddars, finding the perfect companion is a must. This year, consider a robust Porter to complement the boldness of any aged cheese, while opting for a refreshing Wheat Beer as a pairing for any softer, creamier options such as Brie or Camembert. Feeling blue? Pour yourself a pint of any juicy, fruity IPA and you’re onto a winner!
