Imagine savoring a slice of perfectly charred bar pizza, its cheddar cheese and laced crust melding into a symphony of flavors. Now, picture washing it down with a craft beer that complements every bite, enhancing the experience with its unique notes and aromas. As a beer enthusiast, I’ve often pondered what makes a beer truly exceptional when paired with pizza. It’s not just about the hops or the malt—it’s about the story each brew tells and how it dances with the flavors on your plate.
In New England, the craft beer scene is thriving, offering a dizzying array of options to explore. This region’s love for both pizza and beer has led to some unforgettable pairings that I can’t wait to share with you. Join me as we dive into the world of New England’s craft beers, discovering twelve that make the perfect match for a classic bar pizza experience.
Exploring New England Craft Beers
Diving into the craft beer world of New England feels like embarking on a flavorful adventure. Each beer tells a story that speaks of its origin and the craftsmanship behind it. When I think of the perfect pairing, nothing beats savoring these beers with a slice of bar pizza, where the crisp crust and rich toppings complement the beer’s complex profiles.
1. Castle Island Brewing Company – Hi Def
Their South Boston Brewery has Bardo’s Bar Pizza inside of it, so this place literally pairs craft beer and South Shore Bar Pizza! Definitely worth checking out.
Hazy DIPA: Emanating from the tanks with a juicy burst of tropical hops, Hi-Def hits with huge flavors of fresh melon, papaya, and tangerine. A touch of honey malt and heaping doses of Citra, Mosaic, and Idaho 7 keep this year-round crusher beautifully balanced for a seriously smooth sip. (8.4% ABV)
2. Canned Heat Witch Doctah Imperial Pale Ale
Witch Doctah – At 8.7%ABV This is a great pumpkin ale to try. Canned Heat is located in Fall River, serving great beer and great bar pizza. Definitely worth checking out!
3. Black Hat Brew Works Bridgewater Blonde
A great brewery located in Bridgewter MA, these guys have Mike and Lenny’s Bar Pizza Food Truck stop by almost monthly, and I visit every time. Great vibe and great beer!
4. Lawsons Finest Liquids Sip of Sunshine
This Vermont-based brew is packed with tropical hops and a hint of sweetness, ideal when enjoying a spicy pepperoni pizza. The balance between heat and refreshment creates a tantalizing duo.
5. The Alchemist Heady Topper
Heady Topper is a bold double IPA from Vermont, renowned for its rich hop character. I find its robust flavors match beautifully with a meat-laden pizza topped with crispy bacon.
6. Tree House Julius
With its distinctively juicy and fruity notes, Julius from Massachusetts’s Tree House Brewing is like sunshine in a can. Pairing this with a margarita pizza heightens its citrusy, refreshing taste.
7. Maine Beer Company Lunch
This balanced IPA with a slight pine flavor is perfect with a classic cheese pizza. It’s as if the hops and cheese are engaged in a delightful culinary dance.
8. Allagash White
This wheat beer boasts of coriander and orange peel, making it an excellent partner for white pizza. When I take a sip, I feel the spices elevate the subtle garlic and cheese flavors.
9. Bissell Brothers Substance Ale
Substance Ale, a popular choice from Portland, Maine, pairs nicely with a pizza loaded with veggies. Its hoppy taste melds with the fresh flavors of tomatoes, spinach, and mushrooms.
10. Night Shift Whirlpool
From Everett, Massachusetts, comes Whirlpool, a pale ale that surprises with notes of peach and grapefruit. It’s an unexpected but fantastic match with BBQ chicken pizza, amplifying the smoky sweetness.
11. Trillium Congress Street IPA
Trillium’s flagship IPA boasts citrus and tropical fruit notes that I love enjoying alongside an artisanal pizza garnished with prosciutto and arugula. The blend of flavors never fails to impress.
12. Hill Farmstead Edward
This American pale ale has a moderate hop bitterness that pairs beautifully with a sausage and onion pizza. The interplay of savory, spicy, and hoppy flavors creates a memorable dining experience.
As I sip and nibble my way through New England’s craft beers and bar pizzas, I’m consistently reminded of the rich diversity in brewing and culinary artistry. Each combination offers its own little piece of perfection that keeps me coming back for more. These brews don’t just define the taste of New England; they reflect a culture of innovation and passion for flavor.
Understanding Bar Pizza
Bar pizza holds a special place in New England’s culinary culture, offering a distinct experience that pairs excellently with craft beer. It’s not just a side dish; it’s the embodiment of local tradition and flavor.
Characteristics of Bar Pizza
Bar pizza, distinct in its compact size and crispy crust, is a staple in many New England bars. Unlike traditional large pizzas, bar pizza is roughly 10 inches in diameter and baked in a pan, making it perfectly shareable with a pint of craft beer. The crust is typically thin yet dense, providing a solid base for the diverse toppings that range from typical cheese and pepperoni to more creative offerings like BBQ chicken or my wife’s favorite pickle & feta. Bar pizza is generally baked in a well-seasoned 1×10 metal pan, resulting in that characteristic laced edge.
Unique Ingredients
Cheese is where bar pizza often distinguishes itself, commonly utilizing a blend with American cheddar for a distinct taste. This choice sets it apart from more common mozzarella-based pizzas. Toppings highlight locally loved flavors and include homemade sausage and pickles at some establishments, ensuring each bite is a unique local feast. Incorporating craft beer into the dough, like Castle Island Keeper IPA, adds a tangy dimension that complements the toppings, making the combination of craft beer and bar pizza a truly harmonious pairing.
Bar pizza along with craft beer offers a unique slice of New England life, reflecting the region’s rich traditions and innovative spirit.
Pairing Craft Beers with Bar Pizza
Pairing craft beers with bar pizza creates a flavor journey that takes the dining experience to new heights. The vibrant craft beer scene in New England offers an array of options to elevate your night out with the perfect pizza companion.
Flavor Profile Matches
Selecting craft beers that harmonize with the flavors of bar pizza enhances the overall enjoyment. Craft beers, with their diverse flavor profiles, complement various aspects of pizzas. Take a hoppy IPA; its bitterness cuts through the richness of cheesy pizza, creating a balanced taste. Meanwhile, a malty Amber Ale melds well with the savory notes of sausage. The robust flavors of Stout can contrast beautifully with a bar pizza topped with a rich barbecue sauce or mushrooms, offering a bolder taste experience. New England’s own Trillium Fort Point Pale Ale, with its citrusy notes, pairs delightfully with a classic Margherita pizza, enhancing the freshness of the tomatoes and basil.
Regional Pairings
Embracing regional elements adds an extra layer of uniqueness to the pairing of craft beers with bar pizza. New England’s breweries often incorporate local ingredients, reflecting the area’s terroir. For instance, pairing a Maine Beer Company Lunch, known for its pine and citrus characteristics, with a simple cheese bar pizza, creates a dynamic regional duet. This beer’s vibrant freshness complements the tangy sweetness of the tomato sauce. When enjoying a session with friends, consider a Narragansett Lager, which balances well with the diversity of toppings common in bar pizza joints across New England. Anchor yourself in local culture by choosing a Harpoon IPA with its floral and hoppy nature, pairing it with a pepperoni or meat-laden offering. This regional intertwining celebrates New England’s rich tradition of innovative craft brewing and culinary creativity, ensuring a tasteful and genuine local experience.
Top New England Craft Beers
New England’s craft beer scene is ever-expanding, offering a rich tapestry of flavors perfect for pairing with the distinctively regional bar pizza. I’ll explore criteria I consider when choosing these pairs, and dive into brewing styles that define this vibrant area.
Beer Selection Criteria
Identifying the right craft beer involves understanding the complexities of flavors each beer brings. I look at attributes like hop intensity and malt profile and think about the balance that makes a beer shine with certain pizza toppings. Craft beer and bar pizza make an excellent duo when flavors complement without overwhelming. For example, hoppy IPAs bring a refreshing contrast to the richness of cheese, while malty ales enhance the savory notes of sausage.
Popular Brewing Styles
Breweries in New England showcase an impressive array of brewing styles. Among these, the New England IPA stands out with its hazy appearance and juicy hop profile, ideal for spicy bar pizza. I find that stouts and porters bring roasted malt flavors that pair excellently with rich, hearty pizzas. Lagers offer a crisp finish, perfect for lighter, veggie-topped pizzas. Each style contributes uniquely to the craft beer experience, displaying innovation and tradition.
Craft beer and bar pizza embody the spirit of collaboration and creativity in New England’s culinary tradition, inviting exploration and offering a delectable journey one slice and sip at a time.
Iconic Spots for Beer and Pizza
Exploring the harmony between craft beer and bar pizza in New England is a delightful journey. There are numerous spots where this pairing becomes a memorable culinary experience.
Must-Visit Breweries
Several breweries in New England stand out when it comes to crafting beers that pair perfectly with bar pizza. Canned Heat in Fall River is right on the water and has amazing beer and bar pizza. If you’re closer to the city Castle Island Brewing Company with Bardo’s Bar Pizza is highly recommended. At Fox Farm Brewery in Salem, the Verdant IPA offers a fresh, hoppy profile that cuts through the richness of a cheese-loaded pizza. The Alchemist in Vermont, known for its Heady Topper, provides a robust experience that beautifully complements meatier pizza options.
Hill Farmstead Brewery, tucked away in Greensboro Bend, crafts exquisite beers like the Edward Pale Ale that enhance the subtle flavors of a classic margherita pizza (I know, not bar pizza). Visiting this brewery feels like stepping into a storybook, surrounded by rolling hills that enhance the taste of every pint. The vibrancy of Tree House Brewing Company’s Julius, a citrusy delight, pairs wonderfully with lighter vegetable-topped pizzas, embodying the sun-kissed flavors of New England’s bountiful gardens.
Notable Bar Pizza Destinations
South Shore is famous for its distinct style of bar pizza, characterized by its thin, crispy crust and savory toppings. Cape Cod Café in Brockton serves pepperoni pies that have people road-tripping from afar. Their bar pizza isn’t just food; it’s a slice of regional history.
Town Spa Pizza in Stoughton has become a pilgrimage site for bar pizza enthusiasts, offering pizzas with perfectly balanced toppings and a crispy finish. The local charm and welcoming atmosphere make these destinations more than just eateries; they are vibrant communities where stories and flavors blend seamlessly.
In New England, exploring the interactions between craft beer and bar pizza evokes a sense of discovery and nostalgia. With every bite and sip, the traditions of the region unfold, creating a culinary map that invites exploration night after night.
Conclusion
Exploring the world of New England craft beers with bar pizza has been an exciting journey through flavor and tradition. The harmonious pairing of these two beloved culinary staples showcases the region’s rich brewing history and innovative spirit. Each combination offers a unique taste experience that highlights the craftsmanship and creativity of local breweries and pizza makers. Whether you’re savoring a hoppy IPA with a cheesy slice or enjoying a malty ale with a savory topping, the possibilities are endless. So, grab a slice and a pint and immerse yourself in the delightful flavors that New England has to offer.
