Beer and BBQ. Does it really get any better? I think not! Well, maybe just a tad when you add a few friends to the mix: can’t have a family feast without the fam!
Photography by Jeffrey Chan courtesy of Samuel Adams Beer
A group of us recently had a chance to devour mouthwatering BBQ at Smoque N’ Bones while sipping on a very special beer: one that helped launch the craft beer revolution back in the 1980s. Still independently run, still using the same family recipes perfected by generations of brewers. Yup, I’m talking about Samuel Adams. More specifically, their Boston Lager — a rich, full-bodied brew — which I’m convinced pairs well with just about everything (from savoury and spicy to smoky and sweet).
Photography by Jeffrey Chan courtesy of Samuel Adams Beer
As often is the case when gluttons gather under one roof, a whole lot of eating and drinking took place at the Queen West BBQ joint. Drawing inspiration from the four pillars of BBQ (Memphis, Texas, Kansas and the Carolinas), Smoque N’ Bones really busted out the southern hospitality for us…
Peppercorn Beef. Photography by Jeffrey Chan courtesy of Samuel Adams Beer
Grilled corn with smoked paprika, cheese and lime. Photography by Jeffrey Chan courtesy of Samuel Adams Beer
I was a huge fan of their back ribs: fall-off-the-bone, smoked to perfection and served naked (oh hello). I devoured a few pieces, slathered on some of the tangy sauce and then paired it with the Boston Lager which really enhanced the smoky notes…
That’s me and Meghan in the background stuffing our faces as Rey slathers sauce on his meat. Photography by Jeffrey Chan courtesy of Samuel Adams Beer
Mac N’ Cheese topped with pulled pork. Photography by Jeffrey Chan courtesy of Samuel Adams Beer
Cobb salad (chicken, tomato, egg, corn, bacon, red onion, avocado, blue cheese). Photography by Jeffrey Chan courtesy of Samuel Adams Beer
Chicken Wings tossed in Crazy Hot Sauce. Photography by Jeffrey Chan courtesy of Samuel Adams Beer
But my favourite pairing was the Boston Lager with the BBQ beef brisket: the sweet notes of the beer added depth while the hop cut through the richness of the meat. A match made in heaven…
Beef Brisket. Photography by Jeffrey Chan courtesy of Samuel Adams Beer
I made sure to try every single dish on the table with the brew (let’s just call it research) — from the assertively-flavoured BBQ and southern sides (creamy coleslaw, collard greens, cornbread and baked beans) to the salads and desserts. The Boston Lager paired well with everything! In my opinion, the versatility of the beer is its greatest strength and perhaps the reason Samuel Adams has won more awards around the globe than any other brewery. The malty sweetness, hoppy spiciness and smooth finish makes for a refreshing beer that plays nice with pretty much any type of food. I’m basically going to pair it with everything now (more research… of course). Do you have a favourite beer pairing that I should try?
Photography by Jeffrey Chan courtesy of Samuel Adams Beer
The feast and post were sponsored by Samuel Adams Beer. As always, all reviews and opinions are entirely my own.
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