The best beers to match your barbecue this summer – and join our craft beer club to save big

Summer is back – and with it the beloved Aussie barbie. Here’s our expert picks to match the right craft brew with every kind of barbecue

AFTER what seems like forever, summer is finally upon us and now that we’re all able to gather in parks, back yards and beaches again, it’s time to embrace the great Aussie barbecue.

And while the sun is sweltering and the steaks and snags are sizzling, there’s also the big question of what to put in the Esky.

With the range of beers on offer wider than it’s ever been thanks to the explosion of craft breweries in years, there’s now also the chance to better match the food and the drinks.

As a rule of thumb, if the sun is high in the sky and you’re settling in for a long afternoon with some finger food or snacks, it’s best to stick to the lighter beers – it’s hard to go past lagers for pure drinkability, but a pale ale or witbier can also hit the spot.

Many dedicated barbecue enthusiasts will think long and hard about what beers will bring out the best in their culinary creations.

A juicy steak needs a beer with a lot of flavour.

One school of thought says that barbecue is best complemented with sweet, maltier beers (dark and brown ales, lagers), and another says that hoppier options (India Pale Ales, Pilsners) provide the perfect contrast to the flavours.

Even the more robust flavours of a darker, heavier beer such as a porter or a stout can go perfectly with a juicy rib-eye steak or beef brisket.

But given the fact that not all barbecues are created equal, the SMART Craft Beer Club and our resident expert, Ben Malouf, from Craft Cartel, have you covered for every scenario.

Colonial South West Sour

SUNNY DAY THIRST QUENCHER

● Scenario: It’s a summer scorcher, you’re yet to fire up the Weber, but before you do, something very cold needs to take the edge off the heat.

● Ben’s pick: Colonial South West Sour

“With a hint of fruit and best served ice cold, this beer will quench the strongest thirst.”

Brick Lane One Love Pale Ale

TO GO WITH SIMPLE SNAGS

● Scenario: Is it a barbecue without sausages? Never mind those gourmet options from the butcher, embrace the bare basics: bread, sauce, onions if you’re feeling fancy – job done.

● Ben’s pick: Brick Lane One Love Pale Ale

“Like the humble snag, this beer is versatile and packed full of flavour. A hit with the craft enthusiast and novice alike.”

Akasha Hopsmith IPA

TO GO WITH SIZZLING STEAK

● Scenario: You and your dad are fighting over the tongs while a large hunk of cow sizzles and spits on the grill. You want it so rare it’s practically still mooing, he wants to cook it until it’s pure carbon. Split your differences while splitting a beer.

● Ben’s pick: Akasha Hopsmith IPA

“A big steak needs a big beer to match. Hop forward, the Akasha Hopsmith never disappoints.”

Leishman Lager

TO GO WITH HOT DOGS AND BURGERS

● Scenario: Sure, we might have imported dogs and burgers – the easiest barbecue food there is – from the US of A, but they have imported our champion golfer turned craft brewer Marc Leishman. So, let’s call it even.

● Ben’s pick: Leishman Lager

“Not complicated, but oh so refreshing. The quintessential BBQ beer.”

Sydney Brewery Pilsner

TO GO WITH A SEAFOOD SPREAD

● Scenario: Nothing quite says Australian summer like a big bag of fresh prawns. Do as Paul Hogan suggested and slip them on the barbie if you like, but it’s hard to beat them peeled with lemon and tartare sauce.

● Ben’s pick: Sydney Brewery Pilsner

“Fresh and crisp with a subtle citrus twist, this beer will complement any seafood platter.”

Modus Barry White Beer

DON’T FORGET VEGETARIANS

Scenario: Stats released this year revealed meat consumption is at its lowest point in 25 years and vegetarians are rising in numbers in Australia, so it pays to be flexible at a barbecue. Try a black bean burger, vegie grill or some eggplant steaks.

● Ben’s pick: Modus Barry White Beer

“This beer rewards you for going a little off the beaten track. While wheat beers may not be everyone’s first choice, this beer will make you ask, why not?”

Bridge Road Magical Christmas Pavlova Unicorn

CHILLY NIGHT WARMER

● Scenario: The sun has gone down, the coals are dying down, you’re full as a tick – but there’s always room for a slice of pav. And one more beer.

● Ben’s pick: Bridge Road Magical Christmas Pavlova Unicorn

“Rich and creamy. Drink it on its own or with your favourite dessert.”

Mornington Free Pale Ale

DESIGNATED DRIVERS

● Scenarios: Non-drinkers or those who drew the short straw to ferry the crew home needn’t miss out on the fun. Many of the respected players in the craft beer scene – including Bridge Road and Hawkesbury Brewing Co – have embraced low-alcohol beers, and others including Big Drop and Heaps Normal have made a business of it.

● Ben’s pick: Mornington Free Pale Ale

“Low alcohol means low flavour no more. This cracking beer will have you checking to see if someone accidentally gave you its full strength cousin!”

Sydney Brewery Pilsner is the perfect pick for your seafood platter.

SPECIAL OFFER

Visit smartcraftbeer.com.au to join the SMART Craft Beer Club

access the following offers.

• Offer 1: Join any membership tier of the SMART Craft Beer Club and receive a $50 voucher.

• Offer 2: Grab a slab of the following beers at these best-in-market prices:

– Leishman Lager: $49 (RRP $69)

– Akasha Super Chill (case of 16): $49 (RRP $75)

– Stockade Flight Path Ale: $50 (RRP $79)

– Mornington Pale Ale: $59 (RRP $89)

• Offer 3: Buy our Top Ten Tinnies Mixed Pack, featuring a carefully curated selection of the best craft beers for $79 and receive a $20 voucher to go towards your next purchase.

Originally published as The best beers to match your barbecue this summer – and join our craft beer club to save big