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Our Beer Sommelier Maggie Cubbler shows how even the most mundane meals can be lifted by beer
It’s hard to be inspired by the everyday meal. Sometimes we eat something out of habit, routine or just because we’re rushing from one thing to the next and need something to keep us going. But what if we were to take the humble, down-to-earth dinner and do just one thing to make it out of this world? We’re probably already doing it anyway—pair it with beer!
Finding unexpected delights in the ordinary doesn’t require molecular gastronomy or a special occasion beer that had been aged in a gypsum cave. Indeed, exploring fantastic pairings with things that we eat all the time brings a certain beauty to that which is common and, dare we say, life. There’s a reason why certain beer and food pairings are considered classic.
There’s no secret to these pairings and we’re not telling you anything new. But, as with anything, sometimes we need a reminder to stop, savour and enjoy. So, let’s take a look at some of the Great British Dinners and see which beers from some of the UK’s best breweries transform the simple to the supergalactic.
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Great pairings with everyday foods
Meal: Fish and chips
Beer: Rooster’s Yankee
Why it works: Fish and chips don’t ask for much: just something crisp and refreshing to wash it all down. Rooster’s Yankee has a bright, juicy character, robust bitterness and drinkability that not only cleans all the greasy goodness away, but it takes any regret with it.
Meal: Bangers and mash
Beer: Harviestoun Old Engine Oil
Why it works: Creamy mashed potatoes and savoury sausages smothered in a rich gravy do best with a full-bodied beer. Harviestoun Old Engine Oil is a smooth porter with notes of chocolate but its assertive, roasty bitterness ensures this classic pairing isn’t too heavy on the tongue.
Meal: Spaghetti Bolognese
Beer: Thornbridge Tzara
Why it works: There’s no best way to make a spag bol, but a beer can make it better! Tomatoes have a sweet acidity to them, which the fruity notes in Thornbridge Tzara Köln-style beer match nicely. Bready malts complement the pasta while its crisp finish cleans away any richness.
Meal: Pepperoni pizza
Beer: Magic Rock Rapture
Why it works: Having pizza without beer is a questionable decision. Gooey cheese, sweet-and-savoury tomato sauce and a hand-tossed crust crave a flavourful, drinkable beer. Magic Rock Rapture is a hoppy, yet malt-forward amber ale with enough bitterness and body to match whatever’s piled high on the pie.
Meal: Classic hamburger
Beer: Buxton SPA
Why it works: A juicy hamburger with all the toppings begs for a refreshing beer to wash down each bite. Buxton SPA is an easy-drinking golden ale that is light and flavourful. A moderate bitterness and notes of grapefruit, orange and lemon zest are the ultimate hamburger helpers.
We have some important and exciting news from our Managing Director, Matt Lane:
Over the last few months, we’ve spent a lot of time speaking to members of our PerfectDraft community about loyalty & rewards.
Something we’re really passionate about is rewarding our most loyal customers and you’ve given us some great feedback and ideas on how we can do this.
We’re now excited to announce the launch of our ‘Spring Rewards’ program.
During pregnancy, it is recommended to a pregnant woman not to eat any raw or semi-cooked food such as meat, fish, cold meats and certain types of cheese. And above all, smoking and drinking alcohol should be stopped.
In recent years, alcohol-free beer has become a real trend in the beer market here in the UK. More and more big beer brands and small craft breweries are starting to brew it to the delight of non-alcoholic drinkers. However, there are many questions about this kind of beer.
We’re back for the second edition of ‘Must Try Kegs’. Last week we spotlighted three fantastic kegs from our MultiTRY range and this week is no different. From a personal favourite lager of mine, to a couple of flavour sensations, take a read through why we think you have to try these three.
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