Spring is right around the corner! So today, I thought I’d talk about pairings for some lighter beer styles.

Kölsch
Originating from Cologne, Germany, this pale, gently hop-accented style has a subtle, delicate flavor and a mild fruitiness. Kölsch is fermented with ale yeast at ale temperatures followed by a lagering period, which promotes extra clarity.

Cream Ale
Similar to Kölsch, cream ale is mild, pale, and light-bodied, with low hop bitterness and aroma. Cream ales are often lagered as well, adding to the crisp and refreshing quality.

Blonde Ale
Blonde, or golden, ales are generally crisp, dry, light-bodied, with light malt sweetness or fruitiness and low hop bitterness. Blonde ales are common in many countries (particularly in the United States, Belgium, and France), probably due to their popularity.

The similarities between these three styles are pretty obvious. Light, crisp, delicate, a little of this, a little of that. Subtlety is key. So you’ll need to pair these styles with equally delicate foods. Otherwise, they’ll be overpowered.

Sounds pretty perfect for spring, doesn’t it? Outside, the sun is beginning to shine, temperatures are becoming milder, with a gentle breeze carrying the fresh scent of blooming flowers… The weather is just screaming for lighter foods.

The first thing that comes to mind for me is a fresh, springy salad. Maybe with some grilled or sautéed chicken breast or white fish (nothing blackened, please).

For a cheese pairing, a young, light, nutty cow’s milk cheese like Monterey Jack would be perfect. Fresh, light Brie spread on a slice of baguette would be lovely.

A nice fruit salad would pair well for dessert. Or try some angel food cake topped with berries.

Take home message:
The delicate, subtle flavors in these beers call for light, fresh, and delicate foods. Anything heavy would overpower the beer. Additionally, a more flavorful beer would overpower any of these foods. Match strengths!