Issue link: http://southshoremagazine.uberflip.com/i/165447
Boston thinking, "Where are all the women?" I couldn't be more wrong now as the population of women beer drinkers has increased and their attendance at beercentric events has also increased. These social settings are perfect to meet someone who has something in common with you… a love of beer! Beer fans are easy to get along with, the first to arrive and the last to leave a party—and hopefully if they are a true fan will bring their own brews to trade and share with the party host. Let's explore some beer flavors of the season and how they pair with summer dishes. Remember that beer can be a better pairing for food than wine due to the higher carbonation and greater number of flavors, dynamic to subtle. White ale, Belgian wit, American wheat, all three of these styles are a perfect match for your first course, often including fresh greens and peppers. The crisp flavors of fresh cut lettuce pair nicely with the snappy, lemon-fruity flavors of a wheat based beer, local or foreign. Lager style beer is the quintessential addition to any summer outdoor event. As this article gives the heavy nod towards craft ales, let's remember the popularity of a well-made American style lager. When I say 'American style' I mean brewed here in the 'ole USA and using primarily American grown hops and malts. Let's face it, these beers are easy to drink and very refreshing. That is the goal of the hardworking lager yeast strain, crisp clean flavors and a medium bodied mouth feel. A tough yeast that is put through almost thirty days of 40-48 degree fermentation temperatures, then lagered even cooler at 30-34 degrees for another two to four weeks, adding more flavor and body, a true labor of love. Let us appreciate this style of beer for what it is, low in alcohol, crisp and dry in flavor a true thirst quencher. Salads and fruity dishes pair well with this style, however it will also battle the heat of a spicier dish with the higher carbonation moving the temperature off your tongue, literally. Summer equals grilling. I love this time of year, slowly sipping malty amber ale in the hot sun, grilling a serious slab of meat on a smoky grille. Amber ales, pale ales and brown ales all pair well with savory, salty burgers and grilled sausages. Tom Powers weighs in, "Spicy foods are great with summer beers too. The fruity beer balances out the heat and the low alcohol allows you have a couple more." The caramel, sweet flavors of the beer enhance the savory, meaty flavors of a hamburger or hotdog. Also, take it easy on the grilling spices, these can definitely overpower the beer, a pinch means a pinch. Desserts…child and adult alike there is always room for a slice or a scoop. Bring yourself back in time with your parents piling into the minivan and driving to the local ice cream shop. Adults, this trip can be accomplished at home by drinking a chocolate stout! Soft, creamy, coffee, chocolate flavors of an imperial stout or a chocolate stout will put a smile on your face. Some of the beers are actually brewed with chocolate, some using the slow roasted flavors of kilned malt to trick your palate into tasting a childhood favorite flavor. I'd suggest adult beer floats, simply add one heavy scoop of vanilla bean ice cream into your pint glass full of dark, sweet beer and we have a winner! I hope I was some help to those looking for summer beer options. I encourage you to bring a new style of beer to the party, gamble on a new four- or six-pack that you haven't heard of and wow your friends with your crafty beer knowledge. Branch out and grab life by the cans! Canned craft beer has been around for years, but is now in full swing. Lighter and easy to recycle, aluminum keeps the light out and the beer colder for longer, viva la can! Life is hard, beer is easy. Cheers. 64