Choose Your Brew

6.5.11

Choose Your Brew

Increase your bottle knowledge with this primer, courtesy of beer sommelier Christina Perozzi, coauthor of The Naked Pint: An Unadulterated Guide to Craft Beer.

American Lager
Flavor: Delicate and crisp with heavy carbonation
Best for: Poaching chicken; brines; breads

Pilsner
Flavor: Light and crisp; slightly more bitter than lager
Best for: Creamy soups; pizza dough; braising veggies such as cabbage

Pale Ale
Flavor: Rich, with a dry, bittersweet finish
Best for: Cheese fondues; fish batter; marinades for meat or poultry; stir-fries

India Pale Ale
Flavor: Lots of oomph, with lingering bitterness
Best for: Mexican food; marinating game meats such as bison

Amber Ale
Flavor: Slightly sweet and woody; between a pale ale and a stout
Best for: Steaming shellfish; gravy; French onion soup

Porter
Flavor: Smoky and crisp, with nutty or licorice undertones
Best for: Barbecue sauces; beef or pork stews; baked beans

Stout
Flavor: Roasted, with chocolate and coffee notes; typically the darkest beer
Best for: Chocolate desserts; roasted meats; chili

Wheat/Belgian White Ale
Flavor: Light and citrusy
Best for: Poaching and steaming seafood; pancake batter; salad dressings

More from WH:
Cooking with Beer
Delicious and Healthy Beer Recipes
The Best Light Beers