Perfect Pairings: Matching Your Barbecue with Beer

Matching your barbecue with beer—few things go together better. Whether you're enjoying smoky brisket, tangy ribs, or a spicy pulled pork sandwich, the right beer can enhance the flavors and elevate your barbecue experience. But with so many beer styles to choose from, how do you find the perfect pairing? We’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide to matching your barbecue with beer.

1. Brisket & Stout

Brisket is the king of barbecue, known for its rich, smoky, and meaty flavor. A bold, full-bodied beer is the best match.

Best Pairing: Stout (e.g., Guinness, Founders Breakfast Stout)
Why It Works: The deep roasted malt flavors of a stout complement the smoky and charred crust of brisket, while the creamy texture balances its fattiness.

2. Ribs & IPA

Whether baby back or spare ribs, these beauties are often coated in a sweet and tangy sauce, making them a perfect match for a hoppy beer.

Best Pairing: India Pale Ale (IPA) (e.g., Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Bell’s Two Hearted Ale)
Why It Works: The bitterness of an IPA cuts through the sweetness of barbecue sauce while enhancing the spice and smokiness of the meat.

3. Pulled Pork & Amber Ale

Pulled pork is juicy, smoky, and often doused in a vinegar or mustard-based sauce, requiring a beer that complements its tangy and savory notes.

Best Pairing: Amber Ale (e.g., Fat Tire, Alaskan Amber)
Why It Works: The malty sweetness of an amber ale balances the acidity of the sauce while bringing out the pork’s natural richness.

4. Turkey Breast & Pilsner

Smoked turkey breast is lean and flavorful, making it an excellent match for a light, refreshing beer.

Best Pairing: Pilsner (e.g., Pilsner Urquell, Victory Prima Pils)
Why It Works: Crisp, clean, and slightly hoppy, a pilsner refreshes the palate while allowing the natural smokiness of the turkey to shine.

5. Chicken & Wheat Beer

Smoked or grilled barbecue chicken tends to be lighter than other meats, making it a great match for a citrusy wheat beer.

Best Pairing: Wheat Beer (Hefeweizen or Witbier) (e.g., Blue Moon, Paulaner Hefe-Weißbier)
Why It Works: The fruity, spicy, and slightly creamy notes of wheat beer enhance the smoky and slightly charred flavors of the chicken.

6. Burnt Ends & Porter

Burnt ends are crispy, caramelized bites of barbecue heaven, deserving of a beer that can hold its own.

Best Pairing: Porter (e.g., Deschutes Black Butte Porter, Founders Porter)
Why It Works: The chocolate and coffee undertones of a porter complement the caramelized crust of burnt ends while balancing the meat’s fat content.

Final Thoughts

Pairing beer with barbecue is an art, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is to balance bold flavors with the right level of sweetness, bitterness, or carbonation. Whether you’re a fan of stouts, IPAs, or pilsners, there’s a perfect beer out there to complement your next barbecue feast.

What’s your favorite barbecue and beer pairing? Let us know in the comments below!