Beer & Jerky Pairings for your St. Patty’s Day shindig

Claire Patrick

Have plans to be Irish for a day on March 17th this year? Whether you’re determined to wear (and drink) green, or avoiding the St. Patrick’s Day party, we’ve got some beer and jerky pairings we think you’ll love!

Go green or go home:

We’re not sure where the green beer tradition started, but we’re pretty sure it’s an American thing. If you’re making green beer to toast your heritage, you’re gonna’ want to start with a beer that’s light in color (but not low on taste). 2 drops of green food coloring should do the trick. And of course, you’ll need some Jerky to go with your festive beverage.

The yellow coloring of a light lager or Pilsner lends itself to turning green. And your Heineken, Oskar Blues Mama’s Little Yella Pils, or your Lagunitas Pils would go great with the lighter side of Jerky - like any of our fish jerky varieties!

More of a Pale Ale drinker? Try your Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Deschutes Mirror Pond, or Ballast Point Grunion with something with a little kick, like Jeff’s Famous Habanero Heat Wave or our very own Jerky Dynasty Hot & Spicy. Let’s get this St. Patty’s party started!

Ye olde Irish Standards:

Green beer not your thing? Rather stick with something more traditional, perhaps a dry Irish stout? Whether it’s the old standby - Guinness, a Dry Irish Stout from Brooklyn Brewery, or a Bearded Seal from Pinthouse Pizza in Austin, TX  - the high carbohydrate level in stout helps to bring out the flavor in the jerky. Pair it with Buffalo Bob’s BBQ Wild Boar - Or Honey BBQ Old Fashioned Elk - The roasty notes of the stout provide a great flavor to accompany the sweetness of the BBQ taste.

No matter your beer style preference, you can’t really go wrong pairing any beer with ANY jerky. It’s just a tried and true combo. And regardless of your heritage or celebratory status, we hope you have a happy St. Patrick’s Day!