mightynintendo

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As craft breweries become ever increasingly popular, I am hearing more and more "pair this beer with that food." This topic is so prevalent that some upscale restaurants that offer an extensive beer list will even have beer pairing guidelines right on the menu. In fact the brewer's association even made this extensive pairing table: http://www.craftbeer.com/attachments/0000/0533/beerandfood.pdf

As a devout beer and food lover, I find myself in absolute disagreement with this. I don't just disagree with the chart and choices, I disagree with the concept of pairing food and beer entirely.

Don't get me wrong here, I'm not entirely against having a beer with a meal. I think some beers are awesome when consumed while eating. If you were to ask me, "should I have a beer with my meal?" my answer is always a resounding YES. Any beer with a light palate and flavor is an awesome beverage with food. Other, more complex, beers should be enjoyed by themselves, BEFORE or AFTER eating. I have never enjoyed mixing the flavors of IIPA's with pizza. GROSS.

android

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i agree that IIPA wouldn't go well with pizza, but get me some blue cheese and an IPA/IIPA... now we're talking. in general though, i think you can highlight or cut through flavors if you pair the right beer with a meal, but I also agree that I would prefer to enjoy the beer on its own.

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wildwest450

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Taste buds are like snowflakes, just because yours don't agree with beer and food pairings....

terrapinj

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so you do like pairing food with beer

drkaeppel

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A lot of the pairings on the chart actually sound pretty good to me.

Pizza is actually one of only a few foods I really enjoy with an IPA. I usually enjoy heavier beers (imperials, double IPAs) by themselves, though.

Taste is subjective. Eat and drink what you like!

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"Give a man a beer, he'll drink for the day.Teach a man to brew, he'll be drunk the rest of his life." -Anonymous

mightynintendo

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It's more how you go in to it. I disagree with the notion that if I'm eating a steak, I should pair it with something specific. If I have beer on hand, I will probably drink it with my food. If I have an option, I will go with something light. Ultimately, I much prefer beer by itself and food with water.

HollisBT

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IPA + spicy pho = tasty bliss IMO.

scotched

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I've always like hoppy beer with spicy foods

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bernerbrau

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The notion of any drink being the "right pairing" for any food is pretty subjective... but the basic idea is that people who spend decades of their lives studying food and drink are making a recommendation as to a certain pair of things that a majority of people are likely to find more enjoyable when enjoyed together.

Disagreeing with a recommendation = no harm no foul.
Disagreeing that a recommendation should be made at all =

DarthMalt

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OP: I'll have to disagree (and I'm sure MANY others as well.)

I find a good porter paired with a filet mignon is simply delectable.