You’ve just received your first delivery of Bright Barrel Appalachian Pale non-alcoholic beer. We know you are as excited to crack open the can and just start swilling it… but wait! Let us give you some tips and pairings to make the experience even more enjoyable!
Chill it…
First, put that case in the fridge and let it chill to the 35 degree temperature of your fridge. Or even better, put a couple of cans in a mesh bag and chill them in a mountain-chilled stream, preferably somewhere in the Appalachians – the birthplace of Bright Barrel beer.
Then let it warm up, a tad…
About 15 minutes before dinner set the cans out along with the glasses you’ll pour them into. You want the beer to warm up to about 45 degrees Fahrenheit… the temperature of autumn nights under the stars. This is the perfect temperature for the malt and hops to balance, releasing a rich aroma of citrus and tropical fruit when you crack open the can.
Perfect Pairings…
Our hazy pale ale, with its hoppy pine and citrus flavors, pairs exceptionally well with a variety of dishes that draw inspiration from Appalachian cooks. Here are some pairing suggestions:
For Breakfast: Beer and Cornbread Pancakes
It's become a cliché now in the non-alcoholic drink-loving space, but the freedom to drink good beer with breakfast is reserved for those who chose non-alcoholic options. Grill up some fluffy cornbread pancakes in frying pan over your morning fire and drizzle them with maple syrup. The sweetness of the syrup and the hearty cornbread flavor complement the beer’s citrus notes and slight bitterness, providing a balanced start to your day.
For Lunch: Spicy Chicken Fajitas with Guac and Chips
Dock your kayak and head into town to a local “Cocina”, or try out this spicy fajita recipe at home. Dip your tortilla chip into tangy guacamole, and then take a big swig. The creaminess of the guac, the crispness of the chip, and the fruity punch of the pale ale make for a heavenly match. Then when the main course comes, the beer’s slight bitterness and grapefruit flavor counter the spiciness of the chicken, while its fruity undertones complement the grilled onions and peppers.
(Oh and do us a favor and recommend to the owner of the store on the way out that they start to carry a good NA beer… our company name is “barril brillante” in Spanish.)
For Mid-Afternoon Snack: Pickled Veggies
Reach into your backpack for a pack of crunchy, tangy pickled cucumbers, carrots, onions, and radishes. The tanginess and crunch of the pickled vegetables enhance the citrus and tropical fruit notes in the beer, making for a refreshing snack. You can also just drop a pickle in your NA beer to become part of a trending social media movement...
For Dinner: Grilled Rainbow Trout with Lemon Herb Butter
At night, over the glowing embers, grill some freshly caught rainbow trout to perfection and top it with a buttery lemon herb sauce. If you happen to be a true gourmet you’ve probably roasted up some root vegetables, but if not… your NA beer will serve you up a dose of healthy polyphenols and electrolytes that should replenish your body just fine.
The delicate, slightly sweet flavor of the trout and the citrusy lemon butter complement the beer’s crisp and refreshing character. The roasted root vegetables add an earthy element that pairs well with the piney notes.
For Dessert: an Apple Stack Cake
Ok so for this one you’re going to need an oven so if you're in the woods you'll need to do an apple crisp, but for the rest who like to just pretend, try out the Appalachian tradition: a cake made with layers of thin, spiced cake filled with sweet, cooked apples.
The spiced apple filling and the rustic cake layers complement the beer’s tropical fruit and citrus flavors, making for a perfect end to the meal.
Conclusion
Whether you're kicking off your morning with cornbread pancakes or wrapping up the day with an apple stack cake, Bright Barrel Appalachian Pale makes every meal a memorable adventure. So, get outside, gather 'round the campfire, and savor the crisp, refreshing taste of our non-alcoholic pale ale. Here’s great company and a beer that’s as wild and wonderful as the Appalachian mountains themselves. Cheers, y'all!