Beer Department: Beer and Food Pairing: Tacos Al Pastor with Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock

In addition to beer, here at Jungle Jim’s we’re also ardent food lovers. Combining food with beer is an easy way to create a special occasion and elevate your appreciation of the individual elements. Beer is a remarkable companion to food and I’m going to introduce you to one of my favorite pairings – tacos al pastor with Ayinger Celebrator, my absolute favorite doppelbock. If you’re familiar with doppelbock, you might balk with the idea of pairing Mexican food with a rich, malty mahogany hued lager from Germany. Mexican food is usually put alongside things like Corona or Dos Equis that are mild enough so as to not clash with the food but they don’t do anything to actually create a dynamic and harmonious pairing. Doppelbock, however, creates many complementary and contrasting flavor profiles. The rich, marinated pork is a perfect companion to the deep, dark fruit and nuttiness of Celebrator. The tacos’ spicy salsa is adequately quenched by the sweetness of the doppelbock across the mid-palate. The pineapple and citrus fruits used in the taco also pair nicely against the fruit notes of the beer. Even the doughy, biscuity malt flavors of the beer find harmony in the tortilla. What I like best about Celebrator as compared to other doppelbocks is that it doesn’t finish nearly as sweet as its counterparts. This drier, chocolaty finish invites you to have another bite of those delicious pork tacos.

Hmm, now I’ve gone and made myself hungry and thirsty. Until next time, cheers!

Cheers!
Eric, Eastgate