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Beverages

Mexican Pairings for Beer Day
Beverages

Mexican Pairings for Beer Day

By Fernanda Balmaceda - 2020-08-06T18:16:39Z
The beer day is celebrated worldwide on the first Friday of August. Today we celebrate this representative drink of Mexico - let’s remember that we are the fourth largest producer in the world - with this guide of Mexican pairings so you can enjoy it with your mug held high.

Many times it is believed that the flavor and body of the beer depend on its color, whether it is light or dark. However, its main division, from which more than 100 styles emerge, is based on its fermentation type: top (ale), bottom (lager), or lambic (spontaneous).

To enhance the flavors of your beer with gastronomy, it is important to classify its style and know its essential characteristics. Therefore, we present a quick guide to Mexican pairings, with some of the most common styles from our country, to celebrate this beer day in a big way:



Ales

IPA (Indian Pale Ale)
Its origin dates back to 1790, when English brewers wanted to make a more resilient Pale for long sea voyages, especially those destined for India, and added more alcohol, hops, and bitterness. Because of this last note, it will pair perfectly with some tacos al pastor or with a chile relleno de cecina with cilantro sauce.

Blonde Ale
It is the craft alternative to industrial lager. It has more body but is still easy to drink, leaning towards malt and is well balanced. The malt gives it honey notes that will pair perfectly with some jamaica enchiladas or a delicious cazón bread.

Porter
Its origin is disputed between England and Ireland. It was a recipe created especially for workers with very heavy physical tasks, which combined three types of ales. It is dense, smells like bread and chocolate, and has a robust mouthfeel. These chocolate notes will perfectly highlight some tacos placeros de suadero or a zarandeado fish.

Stout
It was created in the United Kingdom and is the evolution of the Porter, to which the alcohol content was increased for its journeys to English colonies and northern Europe. It is very dark in color, has roasted notes and a marked coffee flavor. To pair it, seek dishes with the same strength and character. A mixed beef stew or a homemade mole poblano will be the perfect match.

Lagers

Pilsner
It is the most elaborate style in the world and originated in the Czech Republic. Its color is pale, its flavor dry, with malt presence, herbal notes, and citrus aromas. Try it with some gorditas de chicharrón or with chicken wings with mango and habanero.

American lager
All Mexican lagers are of this style. German immigrants began making it in 1830, and Americans popularized it by offering it with food, so people would drink more. Generally, they are light yellow, clear, and bright, while in the mouth, they are very refreshing. They pair wonderfully with dishes like fish and orange ceviche or some tuna salad rolls.

Vienna
It was created in 1841 in Vienna, Austria, with Vienna-style malts. Although its flavor has changed a lot since the original recipe, its color ranges from amber to copper, with malt, floral, and caramel notes on the nose, while on the palate it is balanced. Its perfect companions must play with the sweetness of its malts, like a tortilla soup or for this season: chiles en nogada.

Let’s celebrate this beer day with these Mexican pairings, cheers!


*Sources:
-Beer diploma from the Mexican Academy of Sommeliers, taught by Francisco Olachea and Nayeli Estrada.
-The book of Mexican Beer 2016.
-Brewers of Mexico.