Beer & BBQ's!

So at last the sun has arrived and suddenly everyone starts thinking about al-fresco dining and the good old English BBQ. Growing up in the 70's and 80's, BBQ's were something only the local pub did as a treat but now every back garden has one.

Instantly BBQ's are associated with a can of Fosters for refreshment, but just like the food we cook has moved on to become more adventurous, our choice of refreshment needs to change as well.

That's not to say there is anything wrong with a refreshing lager on a hot summers evening, but don't limit yourself to that when it comes to the choice of beer. So what beer's go best with a BBQ? Lighter golden beers seem to be the most appropriate as naturally we drink with our eyes so here are a few suggestions of great beers to enjoy. Somehow the heavier stouts and strong ales don't lend themselves to this, great beers that they are though!



Old Empire & Summer Lightning

Marston's Old Empire is packaged in a clear bottle and looks attractive. Be careful of light strike but this beer is a good old fashioned English IPA. A clean refreshing bitterness with good but not over powering hop. It also has a good alcohol punch at 5.7% abv so a beer to respect. You don't often see it on draught but in bottle it's a gem.

Hopback Summer Lightning is a real favourite of mine. A classic beer and one of the first golden ales. It is a CAMRA prize winner and has managed to become an all year round beer rather than just a beer for the summer. The aroma is a grassy hop and hint of lemon. The taste is hop citrus, grassy and dry refreshing savoury finish, but not at all harsh. Hoppy yes, but not for hopheads.

St Austell Proper Job is a wonderful beer, packed full of citrus hop, lemon and pineapple, the Chinook hop gives a pine resinous character while the cascade compliments with a touch of spice. One of the first real hoppy English beers in the American style, its been overtaken by many imitators now in terms of hoppiness, however the bottle in particular is really well balanced drink. Plenty of bitterness without being completely unbalanced.

All three of these beers are great with the BBQ, far more interesting than a lager but just as satisfying. Do look for other IPA's though. If you like hops then go for the American style ones but for a real balanced beer that will not overpower your dinner, the English IPA's work best.