Craft Beer for the Barbecue: Which to Choose and How to Pair It with Meat
Craft beer can turn a simple barbecue into a gourmet experience. But which style should you choose with chicken, ribs, or beef? At Maltese, we've already thought of everything: the BBQ Meat Box — 12 cans includes Keller Pils, Dunkel Bock, Heller Bock, and Hazy IPA — three cans per style, to pair each beer with the right meat.
🛒 Buy the BBQ Meat Box — 12 cans on Maltese
Practical Pairings: Which Beer with Which Meat
- White meats (chicken, turkey): Keller Pils or Heller Bock — light and crisp, they don’t overpower delicate flavors
- Lean red meats (rare beef): Hazy IPA or Pale Ale — fruity and aromatic, they contrast the savoriness
- Fatty or smoked meats (ribs, brisket): Dunkel Bock — malty and full-bodied, it balances the fat
- Spiced or marinated meats: aromatic IPAs or beers with fruity notes to complement the spices
The BBQ Meat Box includes all four styles — so you can experiment with every pairing without worries.
Styles to Know for the Barbecue
- Keller Pils: light, crisp, great for refreshing the palate between bites
- Dunkel Bock: full-bodied and malty, ideal with fatty or smoked meats
- Heller Bock: smooth and rounded, perfect with slightly spiced red meats
- Hazy IPA: fruity and aromatic, works well with flavorful or spiced preparations
Also Pair with Artisan Snacks
Before the meat is ready, keep your guests happy with artisan cured meats and chips — perfect with a cold Pils while waiting for the coals.
Want to Learn More About Craft Beer?
If you want to better understand what’s inside your beer, the Maltese Craft Beer Ingredients Course includes a video course + 6 craft beers (two per type) — the best way to become a knowledgeable taster.
