This weekend, we’ll be gathered in the backyard with family. Most likely, putting together a plate of Uncle Joe’s famous dry-rubbed ribs, smoked wings, and other BBQ foods. The important question is: What the heck do we drink to wash it all down? What kind of beer goes best with barbecue?
We’re friends with Rodney Scott, a Pitmaster who has won a James Beard Award and a classic Carolina-style BBQ chef.
Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ is one of the best barbecue restaurants in the country, and Scott owns it in Charleston, SC. He also has three other locations in Atlanta, GA, Birmingham, AL, and Homewood, AL. Scott became interested in BBQ when he was eleven years old and challenged himself to cook a whole hog by himself.
Today, the flame still burns inside him. In 2018, the James Beard Foundation named Scott Best Chef: Southeast.
Plus, the legendary pitmaster has plans to open up a new spot in Tennessee in 2023. Eric Church, a country music star, will help open a six-story Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ concept in downtown Nashville. The building will have a bar and a music venue.
Overall, we couldn’t have asked for a better BBQ expert to give us a quick rundown of what makes Carolina barbecue so special, what he drinks while working the smoker, and most importantly, what kinds of beers go best with some of the most popular BBQ dishes.
As both a craft beer enthusiast and pork lover, I’m always interested in finding winning flavor combinations to take my meals to the next level Pork’s versatility – from rich ribs to lean tenderloin – allows for many delicious beer pairings But with so many styles and brews to choose from, what beer goes best with pork?
In this article, we’ll break down the key factors for pairing beer and pork You’ll learn ideal beer characteristics to complement different cuts and preparations Whether it’s backyard grilling or an elevated dinner party, you’ll discover plenty of mouthwatering beer and pork combinations.
Let’s dive in and start pairing!
Key Considerations for Beer and Pork Pairings
When matching beer with pork, keep these elements in mind:
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Pork’s flavor profile – The cut and preparation impacts taste. Leaner meat is milder while fattier ribs and chops are richer. Smoking and spicy rubs add robust, earthy flavors. Sauces range from tangy to sweet.
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Beer characteristics – Roasted malts and caramel notes mirror smoky pork’s depth. Hoppy bitterness balances fat and richness. Tart goses or sours offset sweet glazes.
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Body and carbonation – Fuller-bodied beers stand up to heavier cuts. Lighter beers complement milder chops. Bubbly carbonation cuts through fat and grease.
Beer Styles to Pair with Popular Pork Dishes
Using these guiding principles, here are some beer styles that pair wonderfully with common pork preparations:
Pork Tenderloin
- Pilsner
- Blonde ale
- Hefeweizen
- Session IPA
Lean tenderloin calls for lighter, delicate beers that won’t overpower the subtle flavor.
Pork Chops
- Amber ale
- Dunkelweizen
- Altbier
- Fruit lambic
The heartiness of chops can handle maltier beers. Fruity esters brighten the dish.
Sausages
- Märzen
- Dunkel
- Porter
- Schwarzbier
Roasty, malty lagers complement the seasoning and cut through the fat.
Ribs
- Brown ale
- Red ale
- Amber lager
- California common
Caramel and biscuit malts mirror the sticky sweetness of BBQ ribs.
Pulled Pork
- Pilsner
- Kolsch
- Gose
- Fruit sour
The acidity and effervescence of these lighter beers balances the shredded pork’s richness.
Carnitas
- Vienna lager
- IPA
- Tripel
- Doppelbock
Spicy carnitas need an equally flavorful beer that can handle the heat.
More Inspired Pork and Beer Pairing Combos
Beyond the basics, here are some more specific beer and pork pairings:
- Sticky BBQ Baby Back Ribs — American Brown Ale
- Jerk Pork Tenderloin — Grapefruit IPA
- Italian Sausage Pasta — Helles Lager
- Maple Dijon Pork Chops — Dunkelweizen
- Cuban Mojo Pork — Mexican Lager
- Porchetta — Belgian Witbier
- Green Chile Pork Stew — Vienna Lager
- Thai Pork Lettuce Wraps — Tropical Wheat Ale
Mix up marinades, global spices, and sides to discover even more tasty combinations.
Serving Suggestions for Optimal Pairings
Follow these tips for the best beer and pork pairing experience:
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Match intensities – Bold ribs demand bold beers, while milder chops pair with pilsners.
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Consider carbonation – Bubbly beers cut through fat and grease.
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Contrast flavors – Pick beers that either complement or contrast preparation.
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Account for sides – Creamy polenta pairs better with dunkel than crispy roasted potatoes.
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Temperature – Serve beer properly chilled.
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Sample different options – Have a few beers on hand to find that perfect match.
5 Can’t-Miss Beers to Enjoy with Pork
If you’re just getting started with pork and beer pairings, here are 5 surefire winning styles:
- Czech Pilsner
- Märzen
- Dunkelweizen
- Belgian Witbier
- Session IPA
What to Avoid When Pairing Beer with Pork
A few beer characteristics tend to clash with pork:
- Super bitter IPAs can accentuate gaminess in lower quality cuts.
- Booming alcohol intensifies fatty flavors.
- Extreme tartness clashes with sweet glazes.
- Strong vanilla adjuncts taste cloying.
- Ultralight beers fail to stand up to smoked pork.
FAQs About Pairing Beer with Pork
What’s the best beer for pulled pork?
Tart, crisp wheat beers or pilsners pair nicely with shredded pulled pork.
Does pork go better with light or dark beer?
It depends – lighter lagers complement tenderloin, while darker ales match richer ribs.
What about IPAs with pork?
Hoppy IPAs pair well with spicy, boldly flavored pork dishes.
Should beer be cold with pork?
Proper chilled temperatures are important for both the beer style and to refresh the palate.
Start Pairing for Pork Perfection
With this guide’s pairing tips, you can take your pork dinners and cookouts to tasty new heights. Keep these principles in mind as you sip and savor. And don’t be afraid to crack open a few different beers for sampling – that’s half the fun!
Smoked Turkey + Pilsner
“A pilsner is one of those beer styles that can pretty much go with it all,” says Scott. “It goes well with smoked chicken or can be eaten by itself on a hot summer day to cool off.” ”.
Actually, not sure we could have said it better ourselves. We love pilsners (so much so that we blind tasted thirty of them in one afternoon). They’re a versatile beer style that really do complement many different dishes.
Here, the minerality of a classic pilsner stands hand-in-hand with smoke on a blank canvas like poultry.
Hop Culture’s Beer Suggestion:
Pivo Pils Firestone Walker Brewing Company – Paso Robles, CA
If you’re looking for a clean, approachable pilsner, Pivo Pils fits the bill. We ranked Firestone Walker’s iteration seventh in that aforementioned blind tasting. Why? Well, its bready aroma, slightly spicy esters, and balanced hop bitterness made us smile. Plus, all those components nicely accompany a smoked turkey leg.
Why Is Beer and BBQ a Good Pairing?
“I mean, I think the best way to end a great BBQ is with a cold beer. It’s the most refreshing taste combination ever,” says Scott.
But really, the smells, tastes, and feelings that come from eating a barbecue dish are a lot like…well, the smells, tastes, and feelings that come from drinking a beer.
To go into more detail, Scott says, “I think it’s the hoppiness of the beer that goes so well with the heat and smokeiness of the BBQ that makes it so great.”
When it comes to beer and BBQ, there are a lot of things to think about, so we had Scott break it down for us based on six popular BBQ dishes.