An entry to beer for the chicks
While I’m a die hard foodie and that will forever be my jam, I also love and appreciate the art of matching food with variations of alcohol. It truly elevates the experience overall, like a lil side dish but better.
This is because you can take a savoury food like Dumplings for example and pair it with a sweeter wine like a Riesling or take a sweeter food like Pulled Pork served with Charred Corn and pair it with a bitter beverage like Beer! To me, the process is an art form and nailing it, glows up any eating experience!
So… straying away from strictly food related content for a minute, I wanted to create a post that speaks to all things beer, where to start if you’re new to the beverage and how to break down the ‘beer’ drinking stereotype, that would likely reference a heavier drink like a lager.
I get it, beer is definitely something you either love or hate. However, I do feel there can be a misconstrued idea that drinking beer is associated with a certain type or style of beer, like the one I mention above. Don’t get me wrong, I love a draught lager because I’m used to its flavour, but as introduction, I probably wouldn’t recommend starting with a beer like this, if you want to come back for more.
Rather, craft beers are a great introduction because they are brewed in varying ways and with different ingredient combinations, evidently producing unique beers and flavours.
There are SO many cool independent breweries in Australia and abroad, who offer a whole range of beers with unique flavours. Think Sours, Pale Ales, Indian Pale Ales (IPAs), Dark Ales, Rice Lagers, Pilsners, Stouts and more. I honestly believe, as a fellow beer drinker, my positive perception is a product of my experience at these breweries and an exploration of what they have to offer - beer wise and beyond!
In my opinion, it’s all about the experience! I love and recommend nothing more than seeking out your local brewery and ordering yourself a tasting paddle. What is that might you ask? The paddles are boards that feature tasting size glasses, usually between 4 to 6, that give you a real insight into the variety of beers that are available and flavours that can be achieved in the brewing process.
Stuck on what to order? Ask the staff! I ALWAYS do this & honestly, it’s broadened my horizons so much more, because I’ve tried beers I probably wouldn’t have ordered myself. Not only are the staff likely the brewers themselves, but they have a wealth of knowledge. So, let them know you’re new to beer and they’ll be able to tailor a tasting paddle with that in mind.
To harp on just a little more, breweries are great because they’re a one stop shop for trying out beer! Check their website ahead of going. This is because many run brewery tours, which is a great insight into the brewing method, history of beer, their unique approach, as well as navigating the ever expanding world of craft beers.
As I said earlier, I am obsessed with the art of matching food with beverages for the ultimate experience. So, make sure to check out the food they offer, because it’s often curated, with recommendations for beer pairings to the food - chef’s kiss!
If I haven’t convinced you to give beer a go, that’s fair enough, it’s not for everyone, but you’d be missing out if you were toying with the idea after reading this. Presented with the right one and you’ll be on the beer bandwagon before you know it - so happy tasting !
