Hello Foodie Friends, every year on September 7th, beer enthusiasts from around the world raise their glasses in celebration of National Beer Lover’s Day. This delightful holiday pays homage to one of the oldest and most beloved beverages known to humanity – beer. From the ancient Egyptians to the craft beer aficionados of today, beer has consistently held a special place in our hearts and culture. So, grab your favorite brew, settle in, and let’s explore the rich history and enduring appeal of beer on this special day.

National Beer Lovers Day is observed every year on September 7th in the United States. The origin of this holiday is unclear, but some sources suggest that it was created by a group of beer enthusiasts in 2008 as a way to promote and appreciate the craft beer industry.

The history of beer stretches back thousands of years. It’s believed that beer was first brewed over 5,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq and Iran). Back then, beer was often considered a staple of daily life, consumed as a source of nutrition and hydration. It was even used as currency in some ancient societies.

 The brewing process evolved over time, and beer spread throughout the world, taking on unique regional characteristics. As exploration and trade expanded, beer found its way to new corners of the globe, leading to the diverse beer culture we know today.

Today, the world of beer is more diverse than ever before. Craft breweries have exploded in popularity, offering an incredible array of beer styles and flavors. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and sour ales, there’s a beer to suit every palate.

National Beer Lover’s Day is the perfect occasion to explore new brews and revisit old favorites. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just dipping your toes into the world of beer, there’s always something new and exciting to discover.

Beer has a remarkable ability to bring people together. It’s not just about the liquid in the glass; it’s about the experiences and connections that happen over a pint. Whether it’s sharing stories with friends at a local pub, attending beer festivals, or enjoying a cold one at a backyard barbecue, beer often serves as a catalyst for social interaction and bonding.

Another exciting aspect of beer culture is the art of food pairing. Just as wine enthusiasts carefully select wines to complement their meals, beer lovers have embraced the idea of pairing different beer styles with various dishes. The range of flavors in beer, from citrusy and crisp to dark and roasty, makes it an excellent companion for everything from spicy tacos to decadent chocolate desserts.

To celebrate this special date, I share with you some perfect pairing for different beer styles and flavors:

India Pale Ale (IPA)

IPAs have been a dominant force in the American beer scene. Here are some perfect food pairings for IPAs: Spicy Foods: IPAs’ hoppy bitterness and citrus notes can help cut through the heat of spicy dishes. Try pairing them with spicy Indian, Thai, or Mexican cuisine. Think chicken tikka masala, spicy tacos, or a plate of buffalo wings. Burgers: IPAs are fantastic with burgers, especially those with strong flavors like blue cheese, bacon, or spicy sauces. The hoppy bitterness contrasts with the richness of the meat and cheese. Barbecue: The smoky, savory flavors of barbecue dishes, such as smoked ribs, pulled pork, or grilled sausages, pair well with the hoppy and slightly bitter profile of an IPA. Fish and Seafood: IPAs complement grilled or fried fish, as well as seafood dishes like shrimp scampi or fish tacos. The citrusy notes in the beer can enhance the flavors of the seafood. Pizza: IPAs and pizza are a classic pairing. The hoppy bitterness contrasts with the cheese and complements a variety of pizza toppings, from pepperoni to vegetarian options.

American Pale Ale (APA)

APAs are known for their balanced flavors, moderate hop bitterness, and often feature a blend of citrus and floral hop aromas. Here are some perfect food pairings for APAs: Grilled Chicken: The light hop bitterness and malt sweetness of APAs complement grilled chicken’s smoky and savory flavors. Marinate the chicken with herbs or citrus for added depth. Salmon: APAs work well with the mild and slightly sweet flavor of salmon, whether grilled, baked, or pan-seared. A citrusy APA can enhance the fish’s natural taste. Grilled Shrimp: The slightly bitter and citrusy notes of an APA can pair nicely with grilled shrimp, especially when served with a light garlic or herb butter sauce. Grilled Vegetables: For a vegetarian option, try pairing APAs with a platter of grilled vegetables, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs and Parmesan cheese. Pasta Dishes: APAs can go well with pasta dishes that feature cream sauces, seafood, or pesto. The beer’s balanced profile works with a variety of pasta ingredients.

Stout

Stout varieties like American Stout, Imperial Stout, and Coffee Stout have gained popularity for their rich, dark, and roasty flavors. Some, like the dessert-inspired milk stouts, offer sweet and creamy notes. Here are some perfect food pairings for Stouts: Chocolate Desserts: Stout’s roasted malt flavors pair wonderfully with chocolate. Try it with chocolate cake, brownies, or chocolate truffles for a delightful dessert pairing. Steak: The robust flavors of a stout can stand up to the richness of a well-marbled steak, making it an ideal pairing for a hearty meal. Cheese: Stout goes beautifully with a variety of cheeses, especially those with bold flavors like blue cheese, cheddar, and gouda. Mushroom Dishes: Stout’s earthy and roasted flavors work well with dishes featuring mushrooms, such as mushroom risotto or a savory mushroom pie. Chili: Stout can be a great companion to a bowl of spicy chili. Its roasted malt flavors can help cool the heat while enhancing the overall experience.

Sour Ales

Sour beers, including Berliner Weisse, Gose, and American Wild Ales, have seen a surge in popularity. They are known for their tart and sometimes fruity or funky flavors. Here are some perfect food pairings for Sour Ales: Cheese and Charcuterie: Sour ales go wonderfully with a cheese and charcuterie board. Try pairing them with cheeses like goat cheese, brie, Camembert, or blue cheese. The acidity of the beer complements the creamy and savory flavors of the cheeses, while the tartness can cut through the richness of the meats. Salads: A crisp sour ale can be a refreshing accompaniment to salads, especially those with vinaigrette dressings. The tartness can balance the acidity in the dressing and add complexity to the greens. Fruit-Based Dishes: Sour ales often have fruity notes, making them a great match for dishes featuring fruit, such as a strawberry and spinach salad or a peach-glazed pork dish. Pickled Vegetables: The tartness of sour ales complements the acidity of pickled vegetables like pickles, sauerkraut, or kimchi. The pairing can create a harmonious balance of flavors. Duck: The complex flavors of duck can be enhanced by the tartness of a sour ale. Try it with duck confit, duck breast with fruit glaze, or a duck salad.

Pilsner

Pilsners, both American and Czech-style, offer a clean and crisp lager experience, appealing to those who prefer a lighter, more straightforward beer. Here are some perfect food pairings for Pilsners: Sushi and Sashimi: Pilsner’s clean and refreshing taste complements the delicate flavors of raw fish and the umami-rich soy sauce and wasabi often served with sushi and sashimi. Chicken and Poultry: Pilsner complements chicken dishes, whether they’re grilled, roasted, or fried. It can cut through the richness of fried chicken and enhance the flavors of grilled chicken. Mexican Cuisine: Pilsner is a classic choice for pairing with Mexican dishes like tacos, nachos, and quesadillas. Its crispness complements the flavors of the cuisine. Shellfish: Pilsner’s crispness can enhance the flavors of shellfish like clams, mussels, and oysters. Enjoy it with a platter of freshly shucked oysters on the half shell. Light Appetizers: Serve Pilsner with light appetizers such as bruschetta, caprese skewers, or cucumber sandwiches. Its clean taste won’t overwhelm delicate flavors.

National Beer Lover’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a beverage that transcends time, culture, and geography. Whether you’re raising a glass to the storied history of beer, exploring new flavors at a local brewery, or simply enjoying a cold one with friends, take a moment on this special day to savor the brew that unites us all.

This blog is for all the amazing breweries we work with. Thank you for your great tasting beer and your amazing way to give us one of life’s greatest pleasures. Also, to enjoy such experiences firsthand you can visit our “Brewery Tours” link offered by Savor Our City, where you will find details about tours you can schedule to live such experiences live, I am sure you will enjoy them. In addition, we offer “Perfect Pairings experiences” where we can arrange for a local experienced beer aficionado to come to one’s home and provide a unique educational tasting/pairing experience or a beer dinner at a local brewery. To schedule such experiences click here.

We hope you have a great time celebrating National Beer Lover’s Day with your favorite beer. Cheers!

Until we eat (and drink) again…

I send you Delicious Wishes, xo

Denise