With the ever growing world of craft beers, pairing drinks to dinner is no longer limited to wine matches. Pork is one of the most versatile meats in the culinary world, with a range of flavours from sweet and tender to savoury and rich making it a great meat for beer pairings.

1. Barbecued Pork Chops

Barbecued pork chops have a deliciously smoky, slightly charred exterior with juicy, tender meat on the inside. The smoky flavours call for a beer that complements the richness of the pork.

Best Beer Pairings:

• Pilsner: A crisp, refreshing pilsner with light bitterness helps cleanse your palate between bites and cuts through the richness of the pork.
• American Pale Ale (APA): The moderate hop bitterness and citrus notes of an APA pair well with the savoury flavours of grilled pork, adding a bit of zesty contrast.
• Amber Ale: The malty sweetness of an amber ale works beautifully with grilled pork chops, enhancing the caramelised crust and balancing the smokiness.

Try our BBQ Cajun Pork with Pineapple Salsa with an APA and the pineapple salsa will give an extra complement to the zesty flavours

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2. Pulled Pork

Pulled pork, especially when drenched in a tangy barbecue sauce, is a perfect match for a bold, flavourful beer. The sweet, savoury, and spicy notes of the sauce need a beer that can stand up to those flavours without being overpowering.

Best Beer Pairings:

• Brown Ale: The nutty maltiness of a brown ale is a great match for the sweetness and smokiness of pulled pork. The beer’s caramel and toasty notes bring out the best in the pork's sauce.
• IPA (India Pale Ale): The hoppy bitterness of an IPA cuts through the richness of pulled pork, while the beer’s bold flavours can complement spicy or sweet barbecue sauces.
• Porter: For a deeper, richer beer experience, a porter offers roasted coffee and chocolate flavours that pair well with smoky pulled pork, especially if the barbecue sauce is on the sweet side.

Try our Pulled Pork Burgers with Barbecue Sauce - nothing says beer more than low and slow BBQ and burgers!

3. Pork Belly

Pork belly is known for its rich texture, which requires a beer that can balance the taste without overwhelming the palate. This cut is often slow-roasted or braised to tender perfection, and it calls for a beer that can bring out its indulgent flavours.

Best Beer Pairings:

• Witbier (Belgian Wheat Beer): A refreshing witbier with hints of citrus, coriander, and orange peel helps cut through the fat while complementing the richness of the pork belly.
• Saison: This farmhouse ale, with its dry, spicy finish and complex flavours, pairs beautifully with the richness of pork belly, offering a balance of refreshing crispness and depth.
• Doppelbock: For a malt-forward pairing, a doppelbock's rich, sweet, and nutty characteristics provide a delicious contrast to the pork belly.

Try our decadent Caramelised Pork Belly for a real dinner party stunner with a Witbier

4. Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is lean, tender, and often served with herb-based or fruity glazes, such as apple or mustard sauces. The delicate flavours of the meat call for a more subtle beer that won't overpower the dish.

Best Beer Pairings:

• Hefeweizen: A German-style wheat beer with notes of banana and clove complements the delicate nature of pork tenderloin, especially if it's paired with fruit-based sauces.
• Pale Ale: A light, refreshing pale ale with a touch of citrus is a great choice for a more vibrant, flavourful pairing that won’t overshadow the tenderloin.
• Lager: A clean, crisp lager, especially a Vienna lager, offers a balanced, malty sweetness that goes well with tenderloin, enhancing the flavours without masking them.

Try our walnut stuffed pork with a great Pale Ale.

5. Pork Schnitzel

Pork schnitzel, a breaded and fried cut of pork, is crunchy, juicy, and often served with a squeeze of lemon. The combination of rich flavours and crispy textures pairs well with a beer that offers both refreshing qualities and a malty backbone.

Best Beer Pairings:

• German Pilsner: The crispness and slightly bitter taste of a German pilsner offer a perfect counterpoint to the fried, crispy coating of schnitzel, while the beer’s light body ensures the dish remains the star.
• Hefeweizen: With its light effervescence and hint of spice, a hefeweizen complements the crunchy breading and cuts through the richness of the fried pork.
• Vienna Lager: A malty, amber-coloured lager adds a depth of flavour that works with the rich schnitzel, while its smooth finish pairs wonderfully with the lemony accents.

Try our Ultimate Pork Schnitzel with a classic German Pilsner.

6. Bacon

Bacon is universally loved for its crispy, smoky, and savoury flavour. Whether it's used as a topping, in a sandwich, or as the centrepiece of dinner, bacon needs a beer that can complement its intense flavours.

Best Beer Pairings:

• Smoked Porter: A smoked porter amplifies the smoky flavours of bacon and provides a rich, roasted backdrop that enhances its characteristics.
• Amber Ale: The sweet maltiness of an amber ale balances the salty, fatty flavours of bacon, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Stout: A creamy stout, especially one with hints of chocolate or coffee, works wonderfully with bacon, as it complements both the richness and the savoury qualities of the bacon.

Try a homemade BBQ Bacon Hawaiian Pizza with an Amber Ale

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Pairing beer with pork is an different way to mix up your dinner party. By considering the cut of pork and the method of preparation, you can select a beer that complements and elevates the flavours of the dish. Whether you're grilling pork chops, slow-cooking pulled pork, or enjoying crispy bacon, the right beer can make all the difference. Experiment with different styles to discover your own perfect pairing, and don’t forget to have fun with the process. Cheers to delicious pork and perfectly matched brews!

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