Best Beer & BBQ Rib Pairings
There are so many different beers on the market these days that it can be hard to decide which best pairs with your BBQ ribs. Of course, the best way to explore is through experimentation, but here are some simple pairings that will satisfy any palate.
Lager Beer
A lager or light beer goes best with lighter flavored ribs with a sweeter sauce like honey BBQ. The beer’s maltiness will complement the sweetness of the sauce, while the carbonation will help cleanse your palate between bites. If you like a darker flavor, try the roasted lagers that come out in late summer.
Pale Ale
A pale ale is an excellent choice for ribs with a spicy or tangy sauce. The hops in the beer will help balance out any spiciness in the sauce, while the malt will help to add some sweetness and richness.
Porter
Porters are a great style of beer to enjoy with barbecued ribs. The maltiness and chocolate flavors in porters pair well with the smoky, sweet, and savory flavors in barbecue sauce. In addition, porters have a moderate level of bitterness that helps to balance out the sweetness of the barbecue sauce.
Porters were created in England and got their name from London’s porter breweries which delivered the beer to homes via horse-drawn carts called “porters.” The brewing style was so popular that it spread across Europe, leading to several variations such as Baltic Porters made with lager yeast at cold temperatures.
India Pale Ale
A hoppy IPA pairs well with spicy BBQ sauces and tangy vinegar-based sauces. Hoppy beers have a bitter and citrusy taste that balances the spicy flavors of BBQ sauces.
Wheat Beers
Wheat beer is a good choice for those who want something light and refreshing. Wheat beers are brewed with malted wheat, which gives the beer a slightly sweet and bready taste that goes well with BBQ ribs.
Coffee Stout
The coffee-flavored stout pairs well with sweet or savory ribs. The dark roasted coffee flavor will work well with the sweet flavors of a honey-glazed rib or add extra smokiness to those smoked ribs using mesquite.
This is a favorite pairing for beer and barbecue because stouts have a lot of chocolate and coffee notes in them, which always seems like it would be excellent with barbecue.
Sour Ale Beer
Sour ales go best with slow-cooked, smoky flavors in barbecue sauce. The tartness of the sour ale cuts through the richness of the sauce and pairs well with the sweetness of the meat.
Brown Ale Beer
Brown ales are maltier than pale ales, making them an excellent choice to pair with ribs that have a sweet and sticky sauce. The maltiness of the brown ale will complement the flavors in the sauce while also balancing out the smokiness from the barbecue.
Pilsner Beer
Pilsners are light, refreshing beers that go well with grilled foods like ribs. They have a slight bitterness that helps to cleanse the pallet when you eat something rich like BBQ ribs. A Pilsner would go great with a dry rub or sweet & tangy sauce, but if it is spicy, make sure that other flavors are present in the food to help balance it out.
Porter Beer
For something different, try a coffee porter with your chocolate BBQ ribs. The coffee will complement the chocolate flavor of your ribs.
Malty, roasted, and smooth are all words that would describe a beer porter. This is why they go so well with BBQ ribs, as it balances out the meatiness or smokiness in these dishes without overpowering them while adding another level of taste to the meal.
Stout Beer
There are endless possibilities for the best beer types to pair with BBQ ribs, but one of our favorites is a Stout. The dark, roasted malts used in this beer style give off-flavors that perfectly compliment the smoky and sweet taste of barbecued ribs.
Not only does a Stout taste amazing with BBQ ribs, but it also cleanses the palate between bites, making each one even more delicious.
Blonde Ale
A light-bodied and easy-drinking blonde ale is the perfect pairing for BBQ ribs. The subtle malt sweetness of a blonde ale will balance out the smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors of BBQ ribs. Look for a blonde ale with biscuit notes, honey, or cereal to match well with ribs.
No matter what you choose, remember that the most important thing is that you enjoy it! So get out there and start pairing those beers with some delicious bbq ribs. Cheers!