Best Beers of the World and Their Perfect Pairings

Let's start with the legendary Pilsner Urquell from the Czech Republic.

This crisp, golden lager has a balanced bitterness and a clean finish.

The perfect pairing?

A plate of traditional Czech svíčková—tender beef in a creamy vegetable sauce with bread dumplings.

The beer’s carbonation cuts through the richness, while its maltiness complements the dish’s sweetness.

If you can’t find svíčková, try it with roasted chicken or a buttery pretzel.

Germany’s Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier is a wheat beer with notes of banana and clove.

It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and incredibly refreshing.

The best pairing?

A classic Bavarian weisswurst with sweet mustard and a fresh pretzel.

The beer’s fruity esters enhance the sausage’s mild spices, while its effervescence cleanses the palate.

If you’re not into sausage, try it with a banana bread dessert or a light goat cheese salad.

Belgium’s Chimay Blue is a rich, dark Trappist ale with deep caramel, dried fruit, and spice notes.

It pairs beautifully with aged gouda or a creamy blue cheese.

The beer’s malty sweetness balances the cheese’s sharpness, creating a luxurious combination.

If you prefer something heartier, try it with slow-braised short ribs.

The beer’s complexity enhances the dish’s deep, savory flavors, making every bite and sip unforgettable.

Guinness Draught from Ireland is a world-famous stout with roasted malt, coffee, and chocolate notes.

The best pairing?

A hearty beef and Guinness stew.

The beer’s bitterness enhances the stew’s rich, slow-cooked flavors, while its creamy texture complements the tender meat.

If you want something simpler, try it with fresh oysters.

The stout’s roasted character contrasts beautifully with the briny, delicate seafood, creating a classic Irish pairing.

Japan’s Sapporo Premium is a crisp, dry lager with a light malt sweetness and a clean finish.

It pairs perfectly with sushi, especially nigiri or tempura rolls.

The beer’s subtle bitterness balances the delicate flavors of fresh fish, while its carbonation refreshes the palate between

bites.

If sushi isn’t your thing, try it with grilled yakitori skewers.

The beer’s light body complements the smoky, umami-rich flavors of the grilled meat.

The United States’ Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is a hop-forward classic with citrus and pine notes.

It pairs exceptionally well with spicy buffalo wings.

The beer’s bitterness cuts through the heat, while its malty backbone balances the spice.

If wings aren’t your thing, try it with a sharp cheddar burger.

The beer’s hoppy brightness enhances the cheese’s tanginess, creating a bold and flavorful combination that’s hard to beat.

Mexico’s Negra Modelo is a smooth, malty Vienna lager with caramel and toasted bread notes.

It pairs beautifully with tacos al pastor.

The beer’s slight sweetness complements the marinated pork’s smoky, citrusy flavors, while its crisp finish refreshes the palate.

If you’re looking for another option, try it with mole poblano.

The beer’s maltiness enhances the dish’s rich, chocolatey sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

The Netherlands’ La Trappe Tripel is a strong, golden Trappist ale with fruity and spicy notes.

It pairs wonderfully with roasted duck.

The beer’s sweetness complements the duck’s rich, savory flavors, while its carbonation cuts through the fat.

If duck isn’t available, try it with a creamy seafood pasta.

The beer’s effervescence and spice enhance the dish’s buttery, garlicky sauce, making for an indulgent and satisfying pairing.

Scotland’s BrewDog Punk IPA is a bold, tropical fruit-forward IPA with a crisp bitterness.

It pairs perfectly with fish and chips.

The beer’s citrusy hops cut through the fried batter’s richness, while its carbonation refreshes the palate.

If you want something different, try it with spicy Thai curry.

The beer’s bitterness balances the heat, while its fruity notes enhance the dish’s aromatic spices, creating a vibrant

and exciting pairing.