Fancy pairing a fruity pilsner with a spicy, honeyed single malt whisky and an Indian curry or chargrilled burger? Read on for more delicious beer, whisky and food matches
As Emerson’s founder Richard Emerson has said, beer lends itself to many different occasions and flavours. So what better to pair it with than some single malt whiskies and flavoursome foods to really let it run the ropes around your tastebuds?
After all, beer and whisky share some of the same base flavours from cereal grains and malt. Here we propose a seleciton of Emerson’s beers, each matched to a single malt whisky accompanied by some tasty food suggestions. Enjoy!
EMERSON’S BIRD DOG IPA
One for hopheads, a combo of NZ and US hops gives this IPA intense flavours of tropical fruit, orange peel and heavy hops.
Whisky Match: Glenfiddich 12YO Single Malt – ripe fruits, butterscotch, cream, malt and oak
Food Match: Pair this puppy with aged cheddars and washed-rind cheeses such as taleggio.
EMERSON’S DAREDEVIL RED IPA
This distinctive red IPA boasts subtle hoppy flavours with a rich malty body, hits of fruity toffee apples, and a long complex finish.
Whisky Match: Glenfiddich 15YO Single Malt – marzipan, cinnamon, ginger and sherry oak
Food Match: Drink as a digestive after a meal, with some sharp aged cheddar and quince paste on the side.
EMERSON’S NZ PILSNER
This Kiwi pilsner is bursting with overt fruitiness and Riwaka hops, and has a hint of malty sweetness and a lengthy dry finish.
Whisky Match: Glenkinchie 12YO Single Malt – honey, sweet stewed fruits, cereal and oak
Food Match: Spicy aromatic Asian dishes like a Thai curry or fiery Chinese kung pao chicken. Also good with shellfish, fresh goat’s cheese, burgers or a BBQ.
EMERSON’S 1812 HOPPY PALE ALE
A first hit of marmalade ripe citrus and caramelised malts gives way to resiny hops and a lingering dry finish.
Whisky Match: Cragganmore 12YO Single Malt – rich, fruity and nutty
Food Match: Robust spicy dishes like a Mexican stew or Indian curry. Alternativly pair with roast chicken.
EMERSON’S LONDON PORTER
This firm-bodied and creamy porter is full of roasted malt and coffee flavours with a deliciously bitter and dryish finish.
Whisky Match: Talisker 10YO Single Malt – peat smoke, dried fruit and spice
Food Match: The coffee flavours here pair well with seared BBQ meats, Cajun fish, and chocolate and vanilla desserts.
