Big Beers.

Bigger can sometimes be better. Now before you run out and buy that forty ouncer of Steel Reserve "High Gravity" or that 30 pack of a well known "fine pilsner beer", you need to know that I am not writing to extol the virtues of quantity, I am referencing beers with a "bigger" profile. Namely: Barley Wines, Eisbocks, Baltic Porters, Doppelbocks, Strong Old Ales, Belgian Tripples and what can best be described as "Extreme" versions of traditional styles such as "Imperial" Stouts, Porters and Pale Ales.



Bigger beers run the gamut from having a rich malty profile reminiscent of a Ruby Port, one that perhaps suggests "dessert" to a sharp, citrus, hop profile that suggests a very dry white wine. Now before anyone gets their knickers in a knot about this comparison of beer and wine, please consider that while advocating good beer it is sometimes essential to provide a point of reference. As you explore new styles and tastes do not overlook the chance to try the occasional Big Beer. Consider the following suggestions:



As an aperitif to "whet" your guests appetite pair that summer salad with an Imperial Pale Ale. Served up in a white wine glass the sharp hop profile will stimulate the appetite, and the inevitable citrus flavors and aromas will compliment the greens and the vinegar based dressing. If spicy food is on the menu offer up more of the same as the strong profile is more than a match for fiery chilies.



When serving a rich buttery cheese, such as Brie, Gouda, Havarti or Swiss, consider offering your guests a Doppelbock or an Eisbock served in a Burgundy glass. The huge, rich malt profile will compliment the cheese nicely.



When you might serve a Port or a Sauterne as a dessert wine consider an "Old Ale" or a Barley Wine. Or try it matched with some Stilton or Maytag Bleu and some Crusty bread. Why not?



Have I piqued your curiosity? Next time you are in a good beer store consider purchasing some big beers to add to your larder. My recommendations are Victory "Old Horizontal" Barley Wine; North Coast Brewing "Old Stock Ale"; Smutty Nose Brewing "Big A" Imperial Pale Ale, Heavyweight Brewing "Old Salty" Barley Wine and "Perkuno's Hammer" Baltic Porter; Sam Adams "Double Bock" and "Scotch Ale"; Aventinus "Weizen Eisbock"; Samuel Smith's "Imperial Stout" Hint: If you have a cool, dark place in your home you may wish to lay some of these beers down to mature a bit more in the bottle.



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