Happy Summer San Diego!  With the warm and sunny days finally here, it’s time to get the barbeque out and hit the back yard and beaches. For this month’s blog I will be featuring the pairings of  uniquely American Craft brews with summer picnics foods, perfect for your next gathering and  4th of July celebration!

There are a few unique beer styles which were developed in California and in the US.  Many of these beers were developed out of circumstance—whether it was a lack of commercial refrigeration or low investment capital—early American brewers were able to carve out a path of their own.  Four major styles were developed in the States: the Cream Ale, the Steam Beer, the Blonde Ale, and the American Amber Ale.

Give this a try:  Hess Brewing Company’s Grazius
Suggested pairings: chicken, salmon, bratwurst, monterrey jack cheese

The Cream Ale was developed by American ale brewers who could not afford to invest in lager brewing equipment when the lager revolution swept America.  The Cream Ale was developed to emulate the pilsner which was becoming very popular at that time.   Enjoy a Cream Ale style beer with lighter fare—chicken, salmon or bratwurst.  It also pairs nicely with a peppery cheese like Monterey Jack.  Give Hess Brewing Company’s Grazius cream ale a shot.

The Steam Beer

Give this a try: Anchor Brewing’s Steam Beer
Suggested pairings: charbroiled steak, lamb chops, smoked salmon

The Steam Beer was developed by brewers in San Francisco who followed the gold rush of 1849 and before mechanical refrigeration was available in the area.  The name ‘steam’ comes from the pressure that was released when the beer tapped.  This hybrid beer is a lager brewed at ale temperatures—brewing lagers at warmer temperatures creates more carbonation in the beer   The name ‘steam’ is copyrighted by Anchor Brewing in San Francisco and is very closely regulated.  Other breweries use ‘California Common’ instead of Steam Beer.  California Common style beer pairs well with barbecued food like charbroiled steak, lamb chops or even smoked salmon!  You can pick up Anchor Brewing’s Steam beer in most grocery stores.

The Blonde Ale

Give this a try: Mission Brewery’s Blonde Ale
Suggested pairings: burgers, hot dogs, pizza

The Blonde Ale is a light American Ale developed by brewpubs to introduce American lager drinkers to a more full flavored beer—nicknamed the ‘Training Wheel’ beer.  This easy drinking and approachable beer does very well on its own, however, this beer can be easily paired with any of your favorite back yard meals.  Burgers, hot dogs and pizza are a great match for the Blonde Ale.  Try Mission Brewery’s Blonde Ale the next time you’re grilling in the back yard!

American Amber Lager

Give this a try: North Coast Brewing Red Seal Ale
Suggested pairings: sundried tomato

The American Amber Lager started in the early 1980’s in California brew pubs that wanted an English bitter style but not called ‘bitter’.  This style was also developed to fill the color gap between pale and dark beers.  Pair this beer with a sun dried tomato reduction sauces—the balanced hopping complements food with flavors of basil and oregano.  North Coast Brewing Red Seal Ale is an exemplary example of the American Amber Lager.  The malt and hops are married beautifully and finishes long with notes of spice!

 

- Tanya Schmidt, Resident Cicerone