Beer & BBQ Pairings to Try This Summer
As summer draws near, there’s nothing quite like the enticing aroma of sizzling BBQ wafting through the air, accompanied by the refreshing taste of a perfectly paired craft beer. Recently, our CowgirlQ team recently hosted a dinner event for our friends at the Ronald McDonald House with AleSmith Brewing, featuring the perfect beer + BBQ pairings that will knock your boots off! Whether you’re firing up the grill in your backyard or planning your next summer gathering, continue reading to see the event menu highlights so you can build your own locally-curated spread:
Up In Smoke Grazing Board + Nut Brown English Brown Ale
The Up In Smoke Grazing Board is a carnivore’s dream come true, featuring succulent pork belly, juicy hot links, and tender St. Louis spare ribs, all smothered with CowgirlQ spicy BBQ sauce. Paired alongside the meat, the board also includes an array of cheddar and smoked gouda, grilled vegetables, stone fruit, smoked almonds, and freshly baked cornbread with honey-sage butter. With its rich malt-forward profile and hints of biscuit, cocoa, and earthy hops, the Nut Brown English Brown Ale brew perfectly complements the hearty and smoky flavors of the Up in Smoke Grazing Board.
Asian Grazing Board + Italian Pilsner
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Asian Grazing Board, featuring Thai spicy pork sausage, BBQ pork, chicken skewers, five-spice apple compote, mandarin oranges, pickled veggies, kimchi, wasabi peas, and rice crackers. Paired with AleSmith’s Italian Pilsner, this beer blends herbal and earthy flavors with a hint of citrus zest, perfectly complementing the array of Asian-inspired delights on the board.
Coastal Creations Baja Grazing Board + Clasico Mexican Lager
Transport yourself to the sun-soaked shores of Baja with our Coastal Creations Grazing Board. Featuring fresh whitefish ceviche, Agua Chile shrimp, and more, this board encapsulates the essence of coastal living. Accompanying this seafood feast was AleSmith’s Clasico Mexican Lager, a refreshing brew that embodies the laid-back vibes of Southern California. With its subtle hop aroma and crisp finish, it elevated the flavors of the Baja board, offering a taste of seaside bliss with every sip.
Sweet Station Dessert Buffet + Currently Trending Cold IPA (only paired with mini pastries)
No event is complete without a decadent dessert buffet, and we pulled out all the stops with our Sweet Station offerings. From indulgent S’mores Bars to tangy Lemon Bars and an assortment of mini pastries, there was a sweet treat to satisfy every craving. Pair the mini pastries with AleSmith’s Currently Trending Cold IPA, a hop-forward brew bursting with notes of citrus, pine, and tropical fruit. The clean finish of this IPA provides the perfect counterbalance to the sweetness of the desserts, leaving you craving just one more bite.