How To Host Your Own Beer Flight And Food Pairing
A beer flight is, very simply, a beer tasting that gives you an opportunity to sample as many different beers in one afternoon or evening as possible. Beer flights have become so popular in recent years that many restaurants, bars, and breweries in most large and small cities host them on a consistent basis. And while there’s a lot to be said for standing around a bar and making no other effort than to drink until your heart’s content, hosting your own beer flight and small plate food pairing in the comfort of your home is a fun way to socialize and learn about various beers and the foods that complement their flavors.
Andrew Gerson, chef and head of culinary programming at Brooklyn Brewery, suggests selecting varying styles that cover beers’ full range of possibilities, which will ensure you will have something for everyone. “What I love most about these type of pairing experiences is that you really get a chance to celebrate beer’s versatility,” Gerson says. “You will begin to notice how many of these styles and flavor profiles tend to lend themselves to so many of these pairings. Each beer will bring out varying nuances, either harmonizing flavors, cutting through dishes, or creating an experience greater than the sum of its parts. Either way, making flights at home is a fun way to avoid the cold and drink in sophistication, in your pajamas.”
Plan your home beer flight using these beer flavor categories, which Gerson recommends pairing with complementary cheeses, appetizers, entrees, and even desserts. In an effort to test out these combinations, I hosted a beer flight using as many Brooklyn beers as possible (if only because they’re delicious), with a few additional beer types thrown in for good measure.
2px); width:calc(100% 2px);”>
Flavor: Crisp and Clean
Beer: Brooklyn Lager
Gerson says: “Pair Brooklyn Lager and aged cheddar cheese, Cabot clothbound two-year cheddar. Beer and cheese is a perfect match, the nutty caramelized notes of this cheese harmonize with the malt base of this Amber Lager while crisp dry hopping balances the sharp bite from the cheddar.”
My experience: A sliver of cheddar was light on the tongue and had a saltiness that complemented the crispness of Brooklyn Lager.
2px); width:calc(100% 2px);”>
Flavor: Sour, tart and funky
Beer: Brooklyn Bel Air Sour
Gerson says: “Bel Air Sour, Discreet Charm of the Framboise, or “k is for Kriek” sours and wild ales are some of the most interesting and flavorful beers. You can go with a triple crème cheese, or an oozy buttery and delicious brie. Kind of think of it as a blank canvas to allow the fruity and tart or funky notes to shine. You can go the dessert route with fruit sorbet or even a lactic tart frozen yogurt. I like seafood crudos and dry aged beef tartare with sour tart beers if you’re feeling like a savory alternative.”
My experience: Holy yumness. The Sour is equal parts sweet and bitter. The brie was creamy and rich, and as a result they each seemed to be covering different taste buds. A sour beer is a must to include in your beer flight.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
