Corned beef is a delicious and hearty meal that has been enjoyed for centuries, especially on St. Patrick’s Day. And what better way to complement this classic dish than with a cold, refreshing beer? But with so many different types of beer available, it can be hard to choose the perfect one.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best beer for corned beef, so you can enjoy a perfectly paired meal. Whether you prefer a light lager or a dark stout, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and find the ideal brew for your corned beef feast!
Types Of Beers To Pair With Corned Beef
From George Killian’s Irish Red to Wexford Cream Ale, this guide breaks down the best types of beer to pair with traditional corned beef.
George Killian’s Irish Red
Honoring its namesake, George Killian Lett of Enniscorthy, county Wexford in Ireland (est 1864), this full-bodied American amber lager is a multi-award winning beer. With a roasted and toasted caramel malt balanced with an ale-like aroma, it’s not hard too see why it has become one of the most iconic red beers around.
The addition of noble hops providing subtle bitterness help make this beer truly unique and flavorful pairing for corned beef.
Newcastle Brown Ale
Newcastle Brown Ale is a great beer to pair with corned beef. With notes of caramel, coconut, and chocolate that add subtle sweetness, this English-style brown ale has an inviting aroma and taste.
The maltiness of the beer is balanced by hops that provide just enough bitterness to cut through the richness of the dish. Newcastle Brown Ale also stands up nicely against some spicier sides like BBQ beef or pork ribs.
This ale pairs well with handmade cheddar cheese due to its nutty flavor as well as other starchy sides like potatoes and root vegetables.
Witnica Black Boss Porter
A Baltic Porter brewed by the BOSS Browar Witnica S.A. in Poland, Witnica Black Boss Porter has a rating of 85 with 645 ratings.
The porter features an aroma bundle of fresh raisins accentuated by sticky, sweet tobacco and molasses giving it its distinctive signature flavor profile that pairs incredibly well with corned beef due to its richness and sweetness content.
It is brewed from a selection of roasted malts that gives it its depth, black malt for smokiness as well as caramel malt for sweetness all balanced out by bitter hops making it an excellent choice for pairing beer with food.
Murphy’s Stout
Murphy’s Stout is an Irish dry stout. It has a deep, dark color and its flavors consist of roasted coffee, zesty hops, chocolate-y malts, and faint notes of smoke. This type of beer offers the perfect balance between sweet and bitter while also providing both lightness and full-bodied complexity.
Murphy’s Stouts carbonation helps to cut through the fat in corned beef while its malty sweetness complements the savory notes in the meat.
Lord Hobo Life Sessions IPA
Lord Hobo life sessions IPA is a light, crisp American Imperial Red Ale bursting with tropical hop aromas. The sweet and earthy malt flavors of this beer balance expertly with the savory saltiness of corned beef for an enjoyable flavor experience and ultimate food pairing.
Best served chilled between 44-48°F in the Lord Hobo branded Goblet glassware, Life has been recognized as one of Beer Advocate Magazine’s “Exceptional” beers and was awarded 87 points out of 100 by Ultimate Beverage Challenge.
Samuel Adams Wheat Beer
Samuel Adams Wheat Beer is a classic American wheat beer crafted with real orange and lemon. The flavor is light and refreshing, featuring hints of wheat, barley, grapefruit zestiness, and malt sweetness.
This beer has low hop bitterness and pairs especially well with corned beef due to its citrus notes that bring out the richness of the dish.
The brew process for this sweet and sour wheat ale begins with using high quality grains like two-row malts as well as flaked barley before they are fermented with Samuel Adams’ signature house strain of ale yeast.
Not only is it an excellent pairing option for corned beef but also great for adding extra dimension to a range of other dishes too; from stews to salads or grilled burgers.
Best Beers For Cooking Corned Beef
For a delicious dinner, why not try some of the best beers around for cooking corned beef? From Guinness Draught to Smithwick’s Red Ale, check out this complete guide to see which options work best for your dish.
Guinness Draught
Guinness Draught has become a popular choice among home cooks when it comes to cooking corned beef dishes — and for good reason.
Its rich, roasted flavor complements the salty and briny notes of corned beef incredibly well while adding depth to the already robust flavors of this Irish dish.
The nitrogen content in Guinness also helps tenderize the meat during the cooking process, resulting in a moist and succulent final dish.
Plus, its creamy head adds an unparalleled level of smoothness that cannot be achieved with other beers or even just using water alone.
With its unique fermentation process, starting from barley grains which are malted before being mashed together with hops & brewer’s yeast, Guinness imbues all its beer with distinctively smooth taste without sacrificing any bold undertones.
Smithwick’s Red Ale
Smithwick’s Red Ale is a classic Irish red beer that has become closely associated with celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, being enjoyed by many to mark the special occasion and bring an extra touch of luck and cheer.
In addition to this flavor complimenting nature, Smithwick’s can also help add additional layers of richness thanks to its caramel notes in liquid form – something that enhances slow cooked dishes such as corned beef.
Harp Lager
Harp Lager is best known for its light, crisp and slightly bitter taste. With its malty sweetness, it’s the perfect accompaniment to corned beef.
The subtle caramel aroma of this lager brings out the savory flavors of a good boiled beef dish.
The natural bubbling effect elevates the richness of tartar sauce when used in cooking as well as adding flavor to mashed potatoes or cabbage dishes.
It pairs wonderfully with classic Irish dishes like lamb stew or bacon and cabbage, but also complements corned beef with great ease.
Its light golden color is a nice contrast against the rich mahogany-red hue of a slow cooked brisket, bringing out all its delicious flavors and giving them an even more complex finish.
In terms of cooking techniques that include beer in their recipes such as braising or boiling corned beef, Guinness Draught may be one’s go-to.
However, Harp Lager offers unique benefits due to its lower ABV percentage which reduces alcohol burn while still tenderizing meat properly so that it falls apart perfectly upon contact with a fork – something very desirable in slow cooked meats!
This makes it a great choice for those who wish to cook their corned beef without fear of making their dish overly alcoholic while still benefiting from tasty results since not everyone likes beer drinking nor can tolerate too high levels of alcohol!
Belhaven Scottish Ale
Belhaven Scottish Ale is a malty, deep amber colored beer that is popular among beer lovers and renowned for its smooth and sweet flavor.
It has strong hoppy notes combined with fruity aromas of toffee caramel apples, toasted breads and spices.
Its dignified taste comes from a variety of malts including pale ale malt, Crystal Malt 60L, Carastan 30-37L, Black Patent Malt 120L Spring Barley malt as well as our own unique blend of hops for bitterness.
With an ABV level ranging from 4.6% – 5%, this beverage packs just the right amount of punch needed to pair perfectly with your corned beef dinner!
Not only does it add outstanding flavor and aroma to the dish but also helps tenderize the meat by breaking down the tough fibers over time – making it one of the best beers for cooking corned beef.
Smithwick’s Red Ale
Smithwick’s Red Ale is an Original Irish Red Ale with a smooth malty, lightly sweet flavor and chestnut red hue.
It’s the perfect beer to pair with corned beef! Smithwick’s has been brewed in Ireland since 1710, making it one of the oldest breweries in all of Europe.
Celebrating St Patricks Day at home? This is your go-to choice – it’s light, refreshing nature complements both the salty briny flavors and the tenderness of corned beef.
Your dinner guests will love its supple yet firm body that cuts nicely through rich fatty dishes like this traditional Irish fare.
Magners Original Irish Cider
Magners Original Irish Cider is an amazing beer to pair with corned beef. It’s slightly sweet flavor complements the hearty, salty and briny notes of the dish.
The amber-colored cider also acts as a counterbalance to the richness of corned beef, making it more palatable without overpowering its traditional flavors.
Rich in fruity and floral aromas like apples and spices, Magners Original Irish Cider has a pleasant aroma that will whet your appetite for more. Its smooth texture helps tenderize the meat while adding complexity to overall cooking process.
Murphy’s Stout
Murphy’s Stout is a classic Irish dry stout that stands apart for its bold flavor and slightly sweet hints of roasted barley.
A preferred choice in pubs around the world, Murphy’s Stout has also become well liked by home chefs as an ideal beer to cook corned beef with.
Its smooth body pairs harmoniously with the briny and salty notes of corned beef while enhancing its hearty flavors significantly.
Despite being only 4% ABV, Murphy’s Stout is robust enough to tenderize the meat during cooking and it imparts a dark, rich finish that balances out any richness in your recipe perfectly.
Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA
Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA is an Imperial IPA style beer with a score of 95 and 16477 ratings and reviews.
This beer has a reddish-brown color, develops an off-white head which is thick with tiny bubbles, and was named America’s best IPA by a magazine due to its growing demand.
As part of the guide for perfecting the art of beer pairing with corned beef, it makes sense why this highly rated craft brew is recommended as one of the best beers for cooking corned beef.
The high bitterness associated with IPAs helps cut through the richness of fatty textures such as those found in briny corned beef brisket.
Its higher alcohol content works to tenderize both the meat itself and kick up seasonings like salt or vinegar used in marinades or sauces served alongside it.
In addition to helping counterbalance more decadent flavors in each bite, there is also something special about how caramel notes can be enjoyed between sips – allowing every mouthful seasoned just right without masking out its unique flavor profile.
Moreover, since nitrogen has a very fine texture that won’t alter food’s flavors too much while gently making them smoother on your palette.
Using this particular variety adds another level of smoothness when incorporated into any type of braising liquid you may use while preparing your own corn beef at home blend.
Deschutes Obsidian Stout
Deschutes Obsidian Stout is one of the most recommended beers for cooking corned beef. It boasts a rich and complex flavor profile, including notes of chocolate and espresso that stand out from its roasted malt base.
This robust flavors go perfectly with the savory score flavoring used to season corn beef. Deschutes Stout utilizes a special type of nitrogen called “Nitrogen Dispense” in order to achieve an extremely fine head on their beer.
Not only does this give their Stout an attractive look but it also contributes additional body and creaminess which helps to bring out the flavor in your dish even further.
Wexford Irish Style Cream Ale
Wexford Irish Style Cream Ale is an excellent option for pairing with your corned beef creations. It’s a light-colored ale brewed in the classic Irish tradition. This smooth, creamy beer has light caramel and toffee notes with just enough of a bitter bite at the finish.
It’s not too sweet, making it an ideal companion for savory corned beef dishes. The recipe uses pale malt plus various sugar syrups that result in its uniquely creamy mouthfeel without being overly heavy or cloying as some other cream ales can be.
Wexford Cream Ale pairs perfectly with rich and salty flavors of corned beef to bring out all its delicious nuances while balancing out any excessively fat muscles.
Molson Canadian
Molson Canadian is a refreshing choice for those looking for a good beer to pair with corned beef.
With its crisp, light flavor and slightly sweet undertones, it can help to bring out the savory flavors of the meat as well as refresh the palate during consumption.
This appealing combination makes Molson Canadian an ideal accompaniment to slow-cooked corned beef, but not necessarily suitable for cooking it because of its light body and weaker ABV or alcohol content.
Compared to stouts or porters which finish off with bolder roasted aromas and are higher in alcohol levels, Molson Canadian won’t have enough bitterness or kick needed when braising your cut of beef before consumption.
Despite this limitation though, Molson Canadian still remains a popular choice due to its ability lift up lunchtime sandwiches, burgers and other simple dishes that features firmly cooked cornbeef.
Understanding The Flavor Profile Of Corned Beef
Gaining an understanding of the salty, briny, tender, and fatty flavors of corned beef is crucial for creating a harmonious pairing with beer.
Salty And Briny Notes
Corned beef has a unique balance of salty and spiced flavors with briny, sour notes. These bold characteristic flavors are perfectly suited for pairing with beer.
A good beer will have complementary flavor notes like caramel or toasted grains which offer contrast to the saltiness of the corned beef and help balance out its rich taste.
When it comes to selecting beers for corned beef dishes, malty ales work best due to their sweet and biscuity characteristics, such as Newcastle Brown Ale or Murphy’s Stout.
Darker-style beers also pair well since they provide complex layers of deep roasted malt which cut through the richness without overwhelming it.
These generally include porters and stouts such as Lord Hobo Life Session IPA or Wexford Irish Style Cream Ale.
Tender And Fatty Texture
The tender and fatty texture of corned beef plays an important role in beer pairing.
On its own, the salty and briny notes of the meat are well complemented by a light-colored beer such as a pilsner that refreshes the palate between bites.
The fatty flavor is also enhanced by robustly flavored beers like Guinness Stout or Newcastle Brown Ale.
The sweetness of these beers helps to bring out new depths of flavor in the meat while it balances out subtle bitterness from adding salt during preparation.
Rich And Hearty Flavors
Corned beef is known for its deep, robust flavor – a combination of briny and salty notes combined with tender and fatty texture.
But it isn’t just the taste that makes corned beef such an enduring favorite – it’s also the hearty flavors that make this quintessential Irish dish so versatile when pairing beer with food.
From lighter ales to dark stouts, certain types of beer complement these rich flavors perfectly.
Pairing George Killian’s Irish Red or Newcastle Brown Ale will enhance corn beef’s sweet caramel notes while Witnica Black Boss Porter or Murphy’s Stout can add complexity and depth to the umami profile.
If you’re looking for something a little fruitier, Lord Hobo Life Session IPA brings out hints of citrus while Samuel Adams Wheat Beer highlights some herbal nuances without overpowering the subtle tastes in corned beef.
The Science Of Pairing Beer With Food
Understanding how different types of beer interact with food is an essential part of creating the perfect pairing.
Factors To Consider
When it comes to choosing the perfect beer to pair with corned beef, there are several key factors to consider. Firstly, you need to have an understanding of the flavor profile of both the beer and your corned beef dish.
Corned beef usually has a salty and briny taste combined with a tender and fatty texture, as well as rich hearty flavors. You’ll want to select a beer that can cut through this richness while still maintaining complementary flavors.
Beers made with roasted malts such as stouts or porters work perfectly in this regard as they bring out certain savory elements of the dish while providing balances sweetness.
How Different Types Of Beer Interact With Food
Pairing beer with food is an art form and a science. In order to create the perfect meal for any occasion, it’s important to understand how different types of beers interact with food.
Carbonation and bitterness play a big role in how a beer pairs with details: carbonation helps cut through fattier dishes while bitterness can accentuate or detract from flavors depending on the pairings.
Depending on the intensity of flavor in each dish, one should consider light-bodied lagers or pilsners that offer crispness or heavier stouts or ales that bring out more richness when pairing them with a particular dish such as corned beef.
For example, when cooking corned beef, Guinness Draught – which has nitrogen bubbles instead of carbon dioxide for extra creaminess, would be an ideal choice because its malty notes will balance nicely against the salty and briny flavors familiar in corned beef.
Adding Guinness to your cooking process can also help tenderize meat making it incredibly delicious by imparting some bitter roast character while still allowing other seasoning profiles great way to achieve tenderness without drying out the meat too much like heat would do alone!
On another end of the spectrum are Smithwick’s Red Ale’s floral aromas and delicate flavors, making them complementary additions sweet notes rather than overwhelm them.
In conclusion, understanding how different types of beer work together —from pale yellow American wheat beers up through deeper stronger beers like stouts—is key creating harmonious harmony between complementary ingredients something every master chef looks for their creations.
Why Beer Complements Corned Beef
Beer serves as an ideal foil for the robust and salty flavors of corned beef, refreshing the palate while enhancing all the sublime flavors.
Refreshes The Palate
Beer is the perfect accompaniment to any meal, and a great match for corned beef in particular. The carbonation of beer, as well as its unique bitterness, can help to cut through richness of flavors brought on by the presence of fat or salt.
For example, when paired with a traditional Irish stew made from corned beef and vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, an American Golden Ale like Bell’s Two-Hearted Ale has just enough body to balance out the dense flavor profile of this hearty dish.
Its signature floral notes will bring out herbal notes from ingredients like celery or thyme for added complexity.
A good choice for St Patrick’s Day would be an Irish Dry Stout like Guinness Draught which contributes smooth roasted maltiness that works nicely with savory dishes such as bacon-wrapped corned beef brisket and cabbage.
Enhances The Flavors
Beer is the ideal companion to corned beef, adding flavor and complexity. Beer can help bring out the natural flavors of corned beef, with its combination of malt sweetness to offset any salty or briny overtones.
Different beers boast different flavor profiles, from lightly fruity ales to crisp pilsners, robust porters and heavily hopped IPAs.
Newcastle Brown Ale has a creamy malty body spiked with hints of dark fruit that complements the rich fat content in corned beef.
Murphy’s Stout is great for braising as it will impart sweet notes that neutralize some of the saltiness.
Harp Lager brings subtle bitterness which helps cut through any fattiness and intensity across each bite.
Lord Hobo Life Session IPA offers citrusy-hoppy contrast against the savory richness.
Balances The Richness
Adding beer to a classic corned beef dinner enhances the flavors, textures and aromas of the dish.
Beer’s carbonation helps to cut through the salty, fatty notes in the beef while its bitterness can balance out any sweetness from added ingredients like onions or carrots without making it overly dry.
The lighter lagers that are commonly used for meats such as corned beef can bring out more delicate flavors and really let perfectly tenderized meat shine—think Irish Red Ale and German Pilsner.
For those looking for something with a bit more of tanginess, Belgian Wheat Beer pairs nicely with heavier dishes like Corned Beef & Cabbage while dark stouts help intensify richness.
How To Incorporate Beer Into Your Corned Beef Recipe
Incorporating beer into your corned beef recipe can add a unique flavor profile and give the dish an extra layer of complexity.
Using Beer In The Cooking Process
Beer can be a great addition when making corned beef. Not only does it add flavor to the dish, but beer also contains acids and tannins that can tenderize meat, giving it a more enjoyable texture.
Beers like Guinness or an Irish Stout are best for adding a complex flavor to the corned beef.
They should be simmered in either a slow cooker or Dutch oven together with other aromatics such as onions, garlic, carrots, and cabbage to help create an even coating of crunchy texture on the outside of the meat.
Heavier beers such as brown ales, Belgian-styles ales and stouts work especially well due to their strong malts which bring out sweet flavors during cooking while light colored beers like pilsners bring delicate notes that help elevate the savory flavors of corned beef.
Pairing Beer With Your Corned Beef Meal
When it comes to enjoying your corned beef and cabbage, the perfect beer pairing can take a traditional Irish dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
To uncover all the delicious flavor combinations possible with beer and food, understanding the basics of how different types of beer interact with food is key.
Each type of beer has its own unique flavor profile that either enhances or contrasts with certain dishes, so selecting the right brew for you Corning Beef meal is essential.
For example, stouts tend to add a nice complexity to heavier meals like corned beef as they bring in notes of maltiness while cutting through any richness present in foods such as a smoked brisket.
Similarly ales are great in recipes such as Guinness-glazed ribs because their slightly sweet note pairs well with sweetness on the palate without overpowering other flavors.
If you’re looking for something crisp but still rich enough for Corned Beef then lagers offer just what you need—their moderate hop notes balance out stronger spices and salty flavors present in cured meats like corned beef, making them an ideal complement.
Or if wheat beers are more your style then look no further than Sam Adams Wheat beers which will bring those lightly floral aromas perfectly together with warmly fragrant spices like paprika or cumin used when cooking this very recipe!
All these styles lend complexity yet refreshing balance when washed over tongue washing away any heavy fatty elements without muting delicate spice summations.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings For Corned Beef
For those who do not like beer or are looking for an alcohol-free alternative for St.
Soda Bread
Soda bread is a traditional Irish quick bread dating back to the 1800s. It’s easy to make and requires no yeast, so it’s ready in just about an hour with minimal ingredients, like flour, baking soda, salt, buttermilk or sour cream (depending on flavors desired), and butter.
Aside from being delicious and simple to make, soda bread complements corned beef perfectly as its nutty flavor balances out the bold seasoning of the meat.
To make sure that your batch of homemade soda bread comes out perfect every time there are a few tips I live by; first use soft wheat flour instead of all-purpose as it produces a better crumbly texture while adding butter adds extra richness and balance.
Kneading isn’t necessary either: simply mix up your wet ingredients before slowly incorporating them into the dry mix until everything holds together nicely – then pat it down into either one round loaf or two smaller rounds on a greased parchment sheet before popping them in the oven for 40 minutes.
Irish Breakfast Tea
Irish breakfast tea is a unique beverage that often gets overlooked as the perfect pairing with corned beef. With its full-bodied flavor profile, Irish breakfast tea provides a flavorful complement to the salty and briny notes of the dish.
Furthermore, it has just enough caffeine content to refresh the palate without overwhelming these bold flavors.
By combining it with other non-alcoholic options like soda bread and apple cider, you can create an enjoyable experience filled with rich texture and exciting flavors.
Apple Cider
Apple cider is a great match for corned beef due to its acidic yet sweet flavor profile. The acidity helps to balance out the richness of the dish and can help enhance other flavors as well.
In particular, apple cider pairs wonderfully with brisket or flat cut corned beef, providing light sweetness that enhances the overall taste.
Some popular brands of apple ciders that work perfectly with this dish include Magners Original Irish Cider and Samuel Adams Apple Oak Aged Unfiltered Wheat.
These will pair particularly well if you add them into your recipe during the cooking process—the high temperature brings out an even richer flavor than just pairing after the fact.
Of course, if you don’t want to introduce alcohol into your meal there are non-alcoholic varieties such as Mott’s Original Apple Cider which still offers a crisp refreshing taste without any alcohol content.
FAQs on Best Pairings for Beer and Corned Beef
What are the secrets to the perfect beer pairing with corned beef?
Corned beef pairs best with a rich, malty, or yeast-driven beer style such as Amber Lagers, Specialty IPA, and Porters/Stouts. The malts from these types of beers will add sweetness which complements the salty flavors of corned beef dishes.
Which beer style should I avoid when pairing corned beef?
Category 5 IPAs and Double IPAs tend to be too hoppy for most people’s palates when pairing them with corned beef dishes, so it may be best to steer clear of these strong-tasting beers unless you prefer more bitterness in your meals.
How much beer do I need for an optimal pairings?
It’s always important not to overdo it – generally speaking, a half-pint or 12 oz bottle is enough to provide that satisfying taste without being overwhelming. A full pint glass could overpower some of the subtle notes in the food and beverage if consumed together at once, so sometimes less is better!
Are there any other beverages that are good pairings with corned beef dishes?
A light witbier, sparkling cider, or rose can also work well depending on how much seasoning has been used in the dish itself; essentially, anything fruity or slightly tart can help offset any heaviness found in this type of meal while keeping it refreshing overall no matter what time of year you plan on eating it!
Final Thoughts on Best Beer for Corned Beef
In conclusion, pairing beer with corned beef can elevate your meal to the next level. With a wide variety of beers available and using the right ingredients in preparation, you can achieve delicious flavor combinations that bring out the best in each other.
Experimentation is key when it comes to finding the perfect beer for the job. From IPAs to stouts, there is something for everyone’s taste preference.
If you’re just getting started with beer-pairing, try starting off with a mild lager or IPA and work your way from there as you become more familiar with different types of beers and their ability to enhance traditional Irish dishes like corned beef.
