Beyond the Basket: Surprising Food Pairings for Your Favourite OYB Beers
Let's face it, sometimes the gravitational pull towards a basket of wings or a plate of nachos when you've got a cold craft beer in hand is STRONG. And hey, we love those classic pub pairings too! But part of the adventure of craft beer is discovering how different styles can elevate all sorts of food experiences, sometimes in ways you might not expect.
Here at Old Yale, we put passion into brewing beers with character and balance. That balance makes them fantastic companions for a wide range of dishes, moving way beyond the deep fryer. Ready to explore some slightly unexpected, totally delicious pairings for your favourite OYB brews? Let's dive in!
The Beer: Knotty Blonde Ale
The Usual Suspects: Burgers, Fries, Light Salads.
The Surprising Pairing: Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
Why it Works: Our smooth, approachable Knotty Blonde Ale is the perfect foil for a bit of heat. The subtle malt sweetness and clean finish help cool the spice from the shrimp, while the beer's light body doesn't overpower the delicate seafood. The fruity mango salsa echoes the subtle esters sometimes found in blonde ales, creating a refreshing, vibrant combo perfect for a sunny afternoon.
Think: Cool refreshment meeting zesty spice.
The Beer: West Coast IPA
The Usual Suspects: Burgers, Pizza, Anything Fried.
The Surprising Pairing: Grilled Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce
Why it Works: This might sound counterintuitive to some, but hear us out! The characteristic bitterness of our West Coast IPA is brilliant at cutting through the natural richness and oiliness of salmon. Furthermore, the bright citrus and piney hop notes inherent in the style beautifully complement the lemon and fresh dill in the sauce, creating layers of flavour rather than clashing. It's a pairing that feels sophisticated yet satisfying.
Think: Citrus meets citrus, bitterness cuts richness.
The Beer: Sasquatch Stout
The Usual Suspects: BBQ Ribs, Smoked Brisket, Hearty Stews.
The Surprising Pairing: Rich Chocolate Lava Cake (or Brownie!) with Raspberries
Why it Works: Dessert time! The deep, roasted coffee and chocolate notes in our Sasquatch Stout are a natural match for rich chocolate desserts. The beer complements the sweetness but also provides a balancing bitterness, preventing the pairing from becoming overly cloying. Adding raspberries introduces a tart fruitiness that contrasts beautifully with both the stout and the chocolate, making each bite (and sip) interesting. Trust us on this one.
Think: Complementary roasty notes, bitterness balancing sweetness.
Your Turn to Experiment!
The best part about food and beer pairing? There are no wrong answers, only delicious discoveries! Use these ideas as a starting point. Think about the core flavours of your beer:
Is it light and crisp? Try it with lighter fare or spicy dishes.
Is it hoppy and bitter? Use it to cut through fatty or rich foods.
Is it dark and roasty? Pair it with grilled meats or complementary desserts.
Does it have specific fruit notes? See if you can match those in your food!
Grab a 4-pack of your favourite Old Yale brew (or try something new!) from our Chilliwack or Abbotsford locations, whip up something tasty at home, and see what magic happens.
We'd love to hear about your own surprising OYB food pairings! Share them in the comments below or tag us in your culinary adventures online.
Cheers to delicious discoveries!