It’s Fall and anytime is the right time for beer. So, let’s break out of our comfort zone and do something different with beer, like drink it at an unexpected time of the day or pair it with something other than a slice of pizza or a bag of chips. It was Ralph Waldo Emerson who said that “foolish consistency was the hobgoblin of small minds”. The point is, don’t settle. And, as we celebrate the 2nd most popular American holiday, Halloween
aka Samhain, (pronounced saw-win), a centuries old Harvest Festival invented by the Irish
…let’s expand our minds, and chase away those hobgoblins, who just might be preventing you from finding your next great beer experience!
Beer goes with EVERYTHING.
Beer and Brekkie –
Beer, it’s not always for breakfast, but when it is, you want something that’s easy drinking like a Heffe. Don’t get fooled, they aren’t just summer beers. Brands like Hoegaarden or Allagash White go great with a pile of pancakes, smothered French Toast or a breakfast sandwich. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot of lager being poured at Fadó on a Saturday morning while the footy’s on and that’s ok. But, I encourage you not to settle. Your eggs deserve better than that.
Beer and Lunch –
Keep this option simple. You’ve got an hour for lunch (maybe 90 minutes if the boss is out for the day) and, all those Huffington Post articles tell us that we should absolutely get out of the office for a little ME time. So, on that notion, Guinness is the premier choice of beer for lunch. Given its lower alcohol content (4.3%) and lower calories per pint (a can of coke has twice as much), Guinness is an ideal Tuesday beer. Just one with a pub soup and sandwich and you’ll head back to the office, fighting fit and ready for those afternoon conference calls.
Happy Hour –
No one needs to be told that a beer goes well with happy hour, but you may want to consider that this is actually the PERFECT time to try something you may not have otherwise tried. You are likely only staying for a couple so why not get the type of beer that you can only drink one or two of. Many craft brewers pride themselves in packing a bit of a waloop in just a few ounces and, despite what the beer snobs claim, American-made Belgian craft ales are a fantastic place to start. Schafly Grand Cru, fish tacos and Happy Hour …next level stuff.
Beer and Dinner –
No great story ever started with SALAD! Well, that’s only because you weren’t washing it down with a Fadó Jameson and Ginger. Not in the mood for wine with dinner? Over the past year or so this beer cocktail has become a favorite at the pub. It’s sweet and goes down like a dream but light enough to pair with a salad and a little protein. I promise that you won’t be disappointed with a Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer and a little pop of Jame-O. Dangerously tasty (as they say), so consider this your appetizer for your late night.
Beer ….your before AND Afters.
Beer and dessert. Just the idea of it makes me happy. Of course some beer IS dessert, like a Lindemans Framboise. They call this the beer for non-beer drinkers. That’s because its sweet and fruity and is such a treat. You’ll impress your date if you order this for dessert (well, you’d impress me anyways) and that’s because it comes in a big bottle, poured in a pretty little glass and is good for sitting and chatting just a wee bit longer at the table. Of course, if you aren’t on a date and just have a straight up sweet tooth, please don’t put down your beer after dinner. It’s a proven fact that chocolate goes great with beer. [According to me] most any beer out there pairs with chocolate. Here’s a fun article to back up my claims, but try for yourself. Any style works. Lagunitas IPA and a warm chocolate brownie ….Happy Endings http://bit.ly/1nXKJz0
The Post-work out Pint
The first time I ever had a Magners Irish Cider was after a Sunday league soccer game. It was a gorgeous Fall afternoon, I ran (enough), had no afternoon plans and was definitely up to join the guys for some food and a few drinks at the Pub after the game. One of my teammates ordered a Magners (over ice) and made claims to “pure magic in a glass”, which of course pushed me over the fence to give it a try. That was a few years ago now and cider is still my go-to beer after a work-out. Not suggesting that you booze it up every time you work out, but on the occasion, after a round of golf or an evening run, a couple of Magners Ciders or Stella Cidres ….pure magic in a glass.
Happy Beer Season!
*photo courtesy of perfectlyhappyman.com