With our upcoming beer dinner, we are inspired to start a new blog series focused on food pairings. All three of us enjoy cooking, and we are a bit particular about what is paired with our beer. Just ask the folks at Cork & Growler (sorry for being a pain in the ass, Carmelle!).
We’re kicking off the series with the crowd favorite, Half-Life. In case you’re not familiar with this beer, let’s start with a few flavor profile details.
We like to refer to this beer as our gateway IPA. It’s so well balanced that most people who are less familiar with beer styles are shocked to learn that it is indeed an IPA. Or they’re pissed they were only ever served IPAs that tasted like rusty nails and pine trees, as they should be.
Half-Life is an unfiltered New England inspired IPA with a mouthwatering citrus aroma. It’s not bitter like most IPAs in the market, and it finishes with a subtle and wheaty breadiness. Because this beer is so light and crisp, it pairs well with most dishes. We, of course, have a few favorites to share.
Appetizer
Ceviche. Whether it is a classic ceviche or something a little fancier with tuna or snapper, it will be a perfect pairing. Don’t judge us, but we also make our ceviche with fresh crappie from Lake Fork. It is a delicious fish!
Salad
Tomato and avocado salad served over arugula with a citrus vinaigrette. Taste this pairing for yourself at our beer dinner!
Entrée
Herby seared salmon or pan-fried chicken thighs. Both of these dishes (and Half-Life) are a weekly staple in our house, so we couldn’t pick just one.
Vegetable
Oven fried zucchini with a lemon aioli. Or French fries, because French fries are life.
There you go. Would you like us to share recipes as well? Or we can stick to the beer making and pairing recommendations. Let us know!
