Double IPA food pairings

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J & T Brews
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Double IPA food pairings

#1 Post by J & T Brews » Tue Jan 12, 2016 5:15 pm

This Thursday is Double IPA tasting night!

Whatcha gonna bring for food?

Double IPA food pairings mean strong food for strong beer. You could have a highly hopped IPA, or strong boozy IPA overwhelm food pairing choices. The flavors of Bitter, Sweet, and Hoppy are going to be greatly intensified. Salt will work well, so if you have any leftover Ham from the holidays, bring it! Bitterness can increase the sensation of salt and umami in food, hop flavors could enhance clove tastes, and you may also find peachy and pineapple flavors slightly enhanced too. Maybe we will try an Avery Maharaja?

Lagunitas Hop stoopid and Russian River Pliney the Elder are great compliments to charcuterie and sausages. These highly hopped beverages boost the meaty umami and salt and seem to make fat taste disappear. Grilled meats and a Saucy BBQ are excellent. Also is a char grilled steak, works with the malt sweetness and bitterness of the hops. Grilled pork chops wrapped in bacon where fruity flavors of malt and hops shine. Maybe we get to sample a Victory Hop Wallup?

Sweater IPA’s, my preference like Dog fish Head 90 minute IPA are great with BBQ meats. The more sweetness in the tomatoes, brown sugar based sauce the better. The caramalization of meat and enhanced fruit flavors in the sauce make this a great choice.

Maybe you like strong cheese? Sharp cheddar, Stilton, Blue Cheese pair intensity with the hops of the double IPA. Salt and bitter cheese leaves a creamy mouth coating which will be cleared away with Hops and alcohol. Maybe we get to sample a Bells Hop Slam, or a Founders Double Trouble?

Deserts should pair caramel, salt and spices, think Ricotta Cheesecake with a ginger and caramel and pecan sauce! A double IPA with hops leaning toward spicy and lighter citrus notes works well.

Are you hungry yet? Are you thirsty yet? Bring it Thursday Night!

James
J & T Brews

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