Focus on the meat when choosing a beer for a meal cooked on a grill, said Jonathan M. Katz in FoodRepublic.com. Chicken or fish calls for a light pilsner or saison; ribs or burgers go nicely with a porter or brown ale. In every case, choose “something accessible and not overpowering” like one of these:
Aprihop, Dogfish Head Brewery Too much hoppiness can overwhelm grilled meats. Fortunately, hops take a back seat to the taste of fresh apricot in this “remarkably refreshing” IPA from Delaware.
Hogwash, Fullsteam Brewery (N.C.) This hickory-smoked porter is tailor-made to be paired with North Carolina–style barbecued pork and ribs; it has “just enough power to cut through the fat.”
Prairie Hop, Prairie Artisan Ales This lightly hoppy, slightly peppery Oklahoma ale is “one of the best American-made saisons.”
