Smoked Meats or Sausages: Rauchbier or Smoked Porter

A Guide to Pairing Rauchbier & Smoked Porter with Smoked Meats & Sausages

Rauchbier and Smoked Porter are some of the most popular types of beer to pair with smoked meats and sausages. Both have an intense smoky flavor which is a great complement to any variety of smoked meats. But what makes Rauchbier and Smoked Porter so special that they pair so well with smoked foods? The answer lies in the malts.

Rauchbier derives its unique smoky flavor from the malt used in the brewing process. A process, known as “smoking”, is used to create the unique flavor of Rauchbier. The malt is dried over an open fire that contains woods such as beech, alder, cherry and more, imparting an intense smoky flavor into the malt. A combination of this malt, and other specialty malts, is then used in the brewing process of Rauchbier.

The same smoky flavor is also present in Smoked Porter. However, in this case, the smokiness does not come from the malt, but rather from a complex combination of smoked malts. These smoked malts are typically malted over an open fire of wood, imparting similar smokey notes to the Porter. Both Rauchbier and Smoked Porter use speciality malts to enhance the smoky flavors and reap a unique taste.

Why Pair Smoked Meats & Sausage with Rauchbier & Smoked Porter?

The smoky, malty flavor of both Rauchbier and Smoked Porter make them the perfect complement to smoked meats and sausages. The roasted, smoky taste of the protein goes hand-in-hand with the beers, providing a delicious combination of flavors. Many beer enthusiasts agree that the intense smoky flavor of Rauchbier and Smoked Porter pair particularly well with milder smoked meats, such as sausages.

The combination of smoky and malt flavors in Rauchbier and Smoked Porter are also a great way to cut through the fatty flavors present in some smoked meats. This allows the richer flavors in the meats to shine through when paired with the beer. This is why these two types of beer are particularly popular choices when looking to pair with smoked foods.

A Perfect Match: Christmas & Smoked Sausage with Rauchbier & Smoked Porter

Christmas is the perfect time of year to pair smoked meats and sausages with Rauchbier and Smoked Porter. The intense smoky and malt flavors found in both styles of beer provide the perfect accompaniment to festive dishes such as smoked Goulash with Kielbasa or beer-cured smoked hams. For a truly festive celebration, pair your smoked dishes with some of the best Christmas beers; Rauchbier from Bamberg in Germany or Winter Warmer Ales from the UK.

So, no matter what your smoked meat or sausage of choice is, consider pairing it with a Rauchbier or Smoked Porter for your next family feast. With their intense smoky flavors and hints of malts, they make the perfect companion to any smoked meats or sausages.