Make Your BBQ Shine with These Perfect Beer Matches
We spent the weekend dragging out the BBQ, giving it a good post winter scrub, and firing it up for the first sizzle of the season. You never know how long the summer is going to last, so we are determined to make the most of it. While beer and BBQ are already a perfect match, there’s always room to level up. Let us help elevate your BBQ experience with our guide to the best beer and BBQ pairing.
1. Loop Head Pilsner – The Crisp Companion
A sunny BBQ’s best friend. Pilsners are all about balance — light malt sweetness, a subtle herbal hop character, and a snappy bitterness that makes them endlessly drinkable. They shine alongside simpler builds: think classic burger patties with Swiss cheese, pickles, and maybe a swipe of mustard or aioli. Also, ideal for creamy coleslaws, mayo-rich potato and egg-based salads as their high carbonation scrubs the palate clean after each bite, and the crisp bitterness balances the creaminess without clashing with the vinegar tang.
Why it works:
• Aroma: Light floral and herbal notes bring freshness to each bite
• Mouthfeel: High carbonation lifts the palate and keeps things crisp
• Taste: Gentle bitterness and a dry finish balance salt and fat without overpowering
2. County Clare Pale Ale – A Classic Crowd-Pleaser
Next up is an old reliable. A solid pale ale brings a citrusy, floral hop aroma that dances around the smoky char of a grilled burger. The light-to-medium body doesn’t overpower the beef, and that crisp bitterness cuts right through the richness of the meat and cheese.
Why it works:
• Aroma: Bright, zesty hops lift the overall experience.
• Mouthfeel: Clean and refreshing; resets the palate after each bite.
• Taste: Bitterness balances the umami bomb that is a good beer burger.
3. Atlantic Irish Red Ale – A Toasty Hug in a Glass
Pulled pork and red ale is a match made in BBQ heaven. The slow-cooked richness of pork shoulder, especially when coated in a sticky BBQ glaze, calls for something with warmth and depth. Enter the red ale — all toasted malt, subtle caramel sweetness, and a touch of balancing bitterness. It mirrors the smoky, savoury notes of the meat while keeping your palate refreshed between bites.
Why it works:
• Aroma: Nutty and caramel notes complement smoky, slow-roasted pork
• Mouthfeel: Smooth and mellow with enough body to stand up to the richness
• Taste: Sweet malt echoes BBQ glaze, bitterness keeps it from getting too heavy
4. Blue Jumper IPA – Bold Meets Bold
Burgers aren’t shy, and neither is a proper IPA. If your burger’s loaded with jalapeños, blue cheese, or crispy bacon, you need a beer that can hold its own. An IPA’s punchy hops bring out hidden depths in the toppings while its bitterness scrubs the palate clean.
Why it works:
• Aroma: Big citrus and pine notes amp up the intensity.
• Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied with a dry finish that keeps you coming back for another bite.
• Taste: Bitterness contrasts and complements all those rich, salty, spicy elements.
Pairing beer with BBQ is all about balance — whether you’re grilling burgers, smoking pork, or serving up sides like creamy slaw and potato salad, the right beer can bring it all together. With the weather finally promising to play ball here in Ireland for the foreseeable, there’s no better time to dust off the grill and make the most of those long, bright evenings.
So next time you’re firing up the BBQ, don’t just reach for any cold one — elevate the experience by trying out a few of our beer pairing suggestions. Trust us, your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you.