When it comes to pairing beer with hearty and savory dishes like stews or casseroles, there are a few key things to keep in mind. The richness and complexity of these dishes call for beers that can complement their flavors without overpowering them. Here are some beer pairings that work well with hearty and savory dishes:
1. Brown Ales
Brown ales are a versatile choice for pairing with hearty and savory dishes. Their malt-forward profile with hints of caramel, toffee, and nuts can complement the richness of stews and casseroles without overwhelming them. The slightly sweet and nutty flavors in brown ales can enhance the savory notes in the dish.
- Newcastle Brown Ale
- Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale
- Bell’s Best Brown Ale
2. Porter
Porters are another excellent option for pairing with hearty and savory dishes. These dark beers often have flavors of roasted malt, chocolate, and coffee, which can add depth to dishes like beef stew or shepherd’s pie. The roasted notes in porters can complement the charred and caramelized flavors in casseroles.
- Founders Porter
- Anchor Porter
- Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter
3. Stout
Stouts are bold and robust beers that can stand up to the heartiest of dishes. With flavors of dark chocolate, espresso, and sometimes even hints of smoke, stouts can bring out the umami flavors in stews and casseroles. The creamy mouthfeel of stouts can also help balance out the richness of the dish.
- Guinness Draught
- Left Hand Milk Stout
- Sierra Nevada Stout
4. Belgian Dubbel
Belgian dubbels are malty and complex beers with notes of dark fruit, caramel, and spice. These flavors can complement the sweetness and depth of flavor in hearty dishes like beef bourguignon or chicken and mushroom casserole. The effervescence in dubbels can help cleanse the palate between bites.
- Chimay Red (Premiere)
- Westmalle Dubbel
- St. Bernardus Prior 8
5. Amber Ale
Amber ales offer a good balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness, making them a versatile choice for pairing with a variety of dishes. The caramel and biscuit notes in amber ales can complement the flavors in stews and casseroles while the moderate bitterness can help cut through the richness of the dish.
- Alaskan Amber
- Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale
- Brooklyn Lager
6. Scotch Ale
Scotch ales, also known as wee heavies, are rich and malty beers with flavors of caramel, toffee, and dark fruit. These sweet and full-bodied beers can enhance the flavors of hearty dishes like beef stew or sausage casserole. The malt-forward profile of scotch ales can provide a nice contrast to the savory notes in the dish.
- Belhaven Wee Heavy
- Founders Dirty Bastard
- Traquair House Ale