Beer and Dessert: A ‘Sweet’ Ending
November 30, 2007While traditionalists think of beer as a great complement to everything from steak to pizza, those of us who like to live on the edge have recognized the growing trend of pairing refreshing beer with delectable desserts!
In fact, pairing beer with dessert and sweet dishes can be the perfect ending to a delicious meal. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or a four-course meal, beer and dessert are a great way to end an evening and bring family and friends together.
Pairing beer with desserts doesn’t have to be difficult either. With just a few simple tips, you’ll have your guests longing for more.
In general, when pairing beer with dessert, it’s best to select harmonizing flavors to ensure the dessert does not overpower the beer. It’s important to enhance the distinct flavors of both.
Typically a beer with light, fruity flavors like a Bud Light will complement simple, lighter desserts, such as pies, pastries, tarts or even fresh fruit. A lighter beer also makes a wonderful palate cleanser; a perfect alternative to the typical sorbet.
If chocolate’s what you crave, I suggest trying a heavier, darker beer, like a Michelob AmberBock. A chocolate dessert, however, can pair well with a variety of beer styles such as stouts and dopplebocks, so don’t rule out other options.
Here are a few specific pairing suggestions to try, depending on whether rich, sweet or tart desserts get your mouth watering:
If you love sinfully rich desserts, then try a sip of smooth Bare Knuckle Stout to complement the rich flavors found in Chocolate Mocha Ganache Tart.
If you prefer your desserts a little sweeter, then pour a flute of crisp, clean Michelob ULTRA to setoff the sweet subtleties in a slice of creamy raspberry cheesecake. The light body and smooth refreshing taste create a nice balance for a super?sweet dessert, like a fruity cheesecake.
If tart desserts are your favorite, then a mouthful of Stone Mill Pale Ale will balance out the slightly tart taste of Key Lime Crème Brulee.
Because taste preferences are subjective and there are no exact rules for pairing beer with dessert, the above ideas are simply the beginning of endless possibilities. I’d encourage you to play around with your favorite beer or dessert until you find the combination you enjoy most. And remember – sometimes the perfect dessert at the end of a meal is simply a glass of beer!
Next time I’ll delve into the wonderful world of beer and seafood. In the meantime, check out www.herestobeer.com for information on beer styles and other fun beer tidbits.
Cheers!
Brent Wertz
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