Yo, what’s good? It’s your boy Dan, and I’m here to drop some knowledge on how to perfectly pair beer with cannabis. Trust me, these two go together like peanut butter and jelly, and when you do it right, the flavors and effects are amplified like crazy.
First things first, let’s talk about the terpenes. You know those compounds that give your weed that dank aroma and flavor? Well, turns out they’re also present in beer. Yeah, that’s right. The same terpenes responsible for citrus, pine, and floral notes in weed can also be found in different beer varieties.
Now, let’s break down beer a bit. The flavor of your favorite brew is the result of several elements that work together to create a well-rounded finished product. Beers are made by fermenting a mash bill (a mix of grains), which automatically gives it certain flavors. Hops are also added to many beers, which adds bitterness and some terpenes but not as strong as in weed. Some brewers even add fruit or wood chips to their beers for an extra layer of flavor.
So, what makes a good pairing? Well, first off, you gotta think about the flavors. It might seem overwhelming at first to figure out which beer goes with which strain, but it’s all about experimenting and having fun with it. Start with rich, distinct beers and flavor-famous strains like Strawberry Cough or Mango Kush that highlight clear tasting notes.
Another thing to consider is the alcohol content and strain effects. Don’t mix high ABV beers with strains that have high THC levels unless you want an unpleasant crossfade experience. Plus, if you’re looking to relax on the couch with a beer and some bud, steer clear of heavy indica strains that will make you even more sedated.
Now let’s get into some popular pairings. One style of beer that consistently pairs well with most cannabis strains is sour beer. Its tart yet fruity notes offer a more refreshing experience than hop-driven IPAs and rich stouts that can cause cotton mouth.
Speaking of IPAs, if you’re looking for an aromatic explosion of pine and citrus flavors, pair them with strains containing pinene and limonene terpenes like Jack Herer or Jack The Ripper.
If you’re into stouts or porters with their notes of chocolate and coffee, balance out the sweetness with muskier strains like White Widow.
And for a mild and drinkable option, try pairing pilsners with a new strain you’ve never had before. Pilsners are a great palate cleanser after a long day at work.
But wait, there’s more! You can now take your beer and weed game to the next level with cannabis-infused beer. These bad boys don’t contain psychoactive THC but instead infuse cannabidiol (CBD) into alcohol for a terpene-forward taste and potential health benefits against physical pain and emotional anxiety.
Just remember to pair responsibly. A beautiful pairing can inspire continued love for brewing and cannabis while binge drinking can put a bitter taste in your mouth and a fog in your memory. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the flavors and effects of beer and weed in harmony.