Principles of Pairing Beer and Food
For centuries, beer and food have been enjoyed together as part of the good life. The grain-based nature of beer makes it a food in itself, and the huge range of flavors, aromas and textures makes it a perfect match for nearly any kind of food, from a handmade sausage to the most luxurious gourmet dish; choosing beers and foods that enhance one another means paying attention to the qualities of both.
Balancing flavor intensities
3-C’s
Adjusting to proteins, cooking methods, spices and even flavors in the beer.
Understanding of the 3C’s is foundational to Food & Beer Pairing Knowledge & Skill.
CUT: Palate-cleansing provided by Alcohol, Bitterness and Carbonation “ABC” in beer. This step must be understood before explaining the beauty and importance of complementary and contrasting flavor profiles.
COMPLEMENT: Similar texture, temperature, aroma and flavor profiles that allow one another to taste better due to their similarities-complements can:
CONTRAST: Opposite texture, temperature, aroma and flavor profiles that allow each other to taste more rewarding because they are opposites.
Complementary & Contrasting Flavor Profiles- Pairing Goal: TO FIND HARMONY AND BALANCE BETWEEN COMPLEMENTS & CONTRASTS THAT ARE DELICIOUS.
Principles of Pairing Beer and Food
Read more: Experiencing Craft Beers with Different Courses and Foods

