MY FAVORITE BEER PAIRING IS RETURNING.
Remember when that was a thing? I can’t say suggesting what beers should accompany any particular dish is anything I’m compelled to recommend – any enthusiast worth their salt has a good idea of which brew is the right tool for the job. But allow me to share a somewhat forgotten pairing that can’t be beat. There is a bit of preparation involved, so let me take you through it:
Step One: You will need to get dressed, this may or may not need to be combined with taking a shower first and administering the appropriate grooming (this is a highly subjective area so use your best judgement). This first step is much like riding a bike and will be second nature once you get started – pants go on one leg at a time, but remember: Underwear FIRST. Garnish with socks, shoes, shirt and jacket and you’ve successfully ticked off this first step.
Step Two: Chart a course for your local pub.
Step Three (Optional): Invite additional company. If you feel confident and inherently gregarious, you can make this trek solo and see what new adventures greet you. Otherwise some friendly accompaniment is the classic approach.
Step Four: Sidle on up to the bar and order that beer! Give your bartender a hearty hello and offer warm eye contact, they’ve missed you!
Step Five (The payoff): Pair that beer with conversation. Engage your bartender. If you’re alone, also offer a hello to those seated next to you. Take in the theater of the world around you. Enjoy in between sips of that delicious brew. Be a good listener. Peruse the food menu and have a nibble. Repeat these steps and see if a smile doesn’t appear on your face automatically. Being a good bar citizen is easy. Much like putting on those pants, your muscle memory will kick in and this will all come back to you.
Clearly I’m feeling very bullish on the health of NY State right now, and am knocking on wood furiously as I type this that this trend will remain and become even more favorable. But regardless, please exercise caution if you plan on visiting anyone elderly or in compromised health after socializing. Testing is reasonably easy these days, so keep that in mind too if you have any concern. And regardless of freer mandates, by all means please continue to mask up if that gives you peace of mind – Whatever it takes to get out there!
Finally, the home version is a great alternative too. Just remember to turn off that smartphone and engage with another person. This time honored pairing always offers rejuvenation and keeps the proverbial glass a very welcome half full, which is much more than can be said for the typical social media experience.
’Til next time, cheers – Rich
RICH BUCETA
Founder & Chief Creative Officer, SingleCut Beersmiths
