Categorized under: Beer and Food

Gearing up for the feast! St Patrick’s Day beer & food pairing

Well, break out your shillelagh and four leaf clover — You’re Irish this weekend!

As St Patrick’s day approaches (4 days away, but who’s counting?), thoughts of Leprechauns with pots of gold run through our minds.   Typically only seen at the end of the rainbow, the mythical dwarf will be bringing good luck to everyone on Monday. 

Besides Leprechauns and pots of gold, we of course think of traditional Irish food and good beer!

Here are a few beer pairing tips for surviving St. Patrick’s Day:

Irish Soda Bread:  A nice, hearty bread, with basic ingredients.  Toast it up or cut a slice and slather with some butter.  We recommend pairing the Irish Soda bread with a lightly hopped Pale Ale — such as Notch Session Ale.  Locally brewed and designed to please every beer drinker, the Notch Session Ale will pair nicely with the hearty bread. 

Irish Potato & Leek Soup:  Historically, this traditional meal used ingredients available at the time.  This soup is often know for being somewhat bland, flavored with spices.  We recommend pairing the soup with an American Pilsner;  such at Scrimshaw from North Coast Brewing. The light spiced flavor of Scrimshaw will enhance the flavors of the soup, without overpowering it.

Mushy Peas:  Yes, mushy peas, for the committed Irishmen/Irishwoman.  Cooked to perfection, mushy peas leave behind a unique flavor and mouth-feel.    To properly wash down the peas, we recommend an unfiltered beer Hefeweizen.  The fruity flavors of the Hefeweizen will satisfy the yin & yang of this pairing.

Corned beef and cabbage – On to the real deal.  Stewed in a pot for hours, this tender beef, vegetable and potato combination makes my mouth water just thinking of it.  This somewhat salty and tender beef is typically cooked with carrots and potatoes.  The meat is so tender, that it can be cut with a butter knife—- Yum.   To maximize your corn beef enjoyment, I recommend pairing it with a sassy India Pale Ale, such as  Founders Centennial IPA.  With strong citrus hops, Founders Centennial IPA will balance nicely with the salty beef and vegetables. 

Irish Coffee with Baileys & Kahlua – Well, you’ve made it through the meal!  It’s time to enjoy a night cap and there’s nothing better than a traditional Irish Coffee with Bailey’s and Kahula.

Hopefully you’ve used these pairing tips to help survive St. Patrick’s Day!

Enjoy!

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