With large format beers* becoming rapidly more available, it can be just as fun to bring a great ale or lager to a holiday party as it is wine. Beer, with its diverse ingredients, flavors and styles, is easy to pair with almost any dish. Headed to a cocktail party? Look for styles that are either approachable, or bold and flavorful and lend best to slow sipping. For dinner parties, look to pair beers with the meal in a supplementary way (a chocolate stout with a flourless chocolate cake), or in a complimentary way (a chocolate stout with a raspberry tart and ice cream). No matter the occasion, here are a few big bottles that are sure to make the holidays a bit more festive.
Firestone Double Jack The look of this beer is clear gold. A white head opens up the smell of peaches, spring flowers and honey. The higher alcohol of this double IPA lightens the mouth feel of the rich, almost English malt backbone that tries to fight off the huge hoppiness of this West Coast-style ale.
Substitute this bottle for a pre-meal cocktail. Brasserie Dupont Bière de Miel A beautiful Belgian ale, this honey beer has a cloudy, marigold color and a foam cap. Barnyard funk backed by a wild orange blossom honey note and a delicate pear undertone, this ale is soft, lively, inviting and unique. The honey adds depth and complexity.
Substitute this bottle for an oaked Chardonnay. Unibroue Maudite Pale whisky in color, the eggshell head makes for a pretty beer. Lime, dried tropical fruits and fresh strawberry jam make for one great aroma. A balanced, medium body of light toffee and graham crackers is finished by a medicinal hoppiness and Belgian acidity.
Substitute this bottle for a pinot noir or Burgundy. Stone Imperial Russian Stout Intimidating, big and bold in the glass, the mahogany head is rare for these big stouts. Mocha fudge brownies, morning coffee, oatmeal and black licorice hit your nose before the roasted espresso, black cherries and cocoa nibs wake up your tongue. The alcohol is present, but in the right amount. This is one of the best, non-barrel-aged stouts available.
Substitute this for an after-dinner whiskey. * Large format beers include any sold in a 22-ounce or larger bottle. While often referred to as bombers, a bomber is actually a U.S.-style that is 22 ounces. Most European and some American breweries are using Champagne- or Belgian-style bottles that tip the scale at 750 mL, or 25.4 ounces.
This article appears in December 2012.