Beers and their BESTIES

Over the past decade, craft breweries have grown exponentially; in 2010 there were 1,813 breweries in operation across the U.S.; by 2021 that number had hit 9,247. But craft beer sales took a dive in 2020, when the pandemic forced bars, tap rooms and breweries to close and folks to drink at home in quarantine rather than as part of social gatherings. Brewery owners were up against supply-chain challenges and rising prices (but weren’t we all?) that forced many premature closures.

Of course, these economic issues from the pandemic still linger. But happily for beer lovers who like to get creative with new flavors and styles, the craft beer industry is pouring it on once again, with

Lager

This is beer at its most familiar—light, pale mass-brewed brands such as Budweiser, Coors and Miller. And you know what familiarity breeds; not long ago, crafters looked askance at such presumably plebeian brews. But those days are over, and the age of creative, full-flavored craft lagers is upon us.

Pairs well with: German dishes such as Bratwurst or sauerkraut; this explains why you’ll see so many lagers like pilsner at Oktoberfest (or in Berlin).

Amber Ale

American amber ales range in color from light honey to dark copper. Craft brewers love ambers for their mild, toasted malt aromas and bright hoppy flavor. An IPA (Indian pale ale) falls into this category, and is made with hops that aid in its fruity, poignant palette. Pairs well with: American pub grub, like burgers or steak and french fries.

an expected $7.4 billion in sales on tap for 2023. Now there’s even a Craft Brewers Conference held each May in Nashville, where those in the brewery biz can swap advice over a few cold ones. Clearly (or cloudily), freestyle American craft beers made by small, independently owned breweries aren’t going anywhere any time soon. These brewers know their stuff, choosing only high-quality hops, malt and yeast that are sourced locally. These ingredients lend themselves to complex, original flavor profiles, which draw in discerning zythophiles who like to switch things up. But like regular beers, crafts fall into five dependable categories. Each is delightful on its own, of course, but isn’t a brewskie even better with some grub to go with it?

Pale Ale

A red-white-and-blue interpretation of a classic English style, American pale ales sparkle in gold tones. This blond beer is loaded with floral and citrus notes and piney hops. Pairs well with: Lighter Italian dishes such as spaghetti or tortellini in tomato sauce.

Stout

Who doesn’t like coffee and chocolate? Those are the predominant flavors you’ll find in a glass of American stout ale, along with a spritz of citrus hops, a bit of dryroasted bitterness and a fluffy head of foam. Pairs well with: Asian foods that embody soy flavors, such as stir fry, sesame chicken or pad thai.

Porter

Craft brewers love a good porter, a dark malted beer known for a hue that ranges from deep ruby red to jet black. Like a stout, a porter has a pinch of chocolate, coffee and sometimes vanilla, along with fruity and nutty flavor notes.

Pairs well with: Mexican food with a little spice, such as tacos, brisket and smoked meat.