Photo: momcilog (Getty Images)
It’s official, barbecue season is upon us. It’s time for marinated meats and flame-licked veggies because you’re the king of the grill . But, what drinks will you pair with your feast? You can’t go wrong with the classics like lemonade, soda, and hard liquor . But, beer is the grill master’s true friend. There’s nothing like standing over a grill as the smoke envelops your face while you slowly sip on a frosty brew.
Which beers are worthy to pair with the grilled meat perfection you created on your flame-covered grill? We’re glad you asked, because we created a list of the best beers to pair with your backyard barbecue.
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best bbq beers
10 Barrel Out Of Office and Spicy Chicken Wings
There’s an instant attraction between the spice of grilled chicken wings and the subtle, sweetness of this pale ale. They work so well together that this might be more than just a spring fling. We see these two staying together for a while.
Photo: 10 Barrel
Angel City Sunbather and Tangy Pork Chops
Some pairings are an acquired taste; but if it entices you, who are we to question it? This sour beer and a tangy, mustard-based marinade for pork chops is a match made in grilling heaven. The tart flavor only heightens the finger-licking sauce.
Photo: Angel City
Bell's Oberon and Grilled Chicken
Let's be honest: grilled chicken can be bland and boring. Pair it with this wheat beer made with spices and fruit, however, and it comes alive, playfully so.
Photo: Bell’s
New Belgium Passion Fruit Kolsch and Grilled Vegetables
Yes, even vegetarians can find their perfect match. A fruity Kolsch and a pile of grilled vegetables are undoubtedly attracted to each other. How could they not be? Grilled zucchini, peppers, asparagus, and mushrooms mingle well with the malty flavor of this beer. It's made with Nugget, Azacca, and Calypso hops as well as various spices and passion fruit juice.
Photo: New Belgium
Dogfish Head SeaQuench and Steamed Mussels
Steamed mussels and this salty, tangy, sour beer make for an exotic coupling. The tart flavor of the sour beer and the briny, buttery nature of mussels come together so erotically, your mouth will want to linger on the flavor combination for as long as possible.
Photo: Dogfish Head
Revolution Sun Crusher and Steak
Steak is in a class all its own. As long as it's cooked correctly, it really doesn’t matter what you wash it down with. But, this light, fruity wheat ale can hold its own when paired with a big slab o' meat on a hot day.
Photo: Revolution
Troegs Boysenberry Tart Ale and Grilled Salmon
Grilled fish can be a little extra; no surprise, then that it tends to pair well with white wines. But salmon's hookup with this boysenberry-infused ale makes for a fancy coupling that thankfully doesn't cross over into pomposity. The sour ale deftly handles the delicate, rich nature of the fish.
Photo: Troegs