| FOOD PAIRINGS |

BY MELISSA DOWLING

Burgers and beers are a match made in heaven , but with so many different styles of craft brews and unique twist on the humble beef patty , pairings can be a little more complicated . Time to call in the experts at Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer , with locations in Anaheim , CA ; Las Vegas ; Nashville ; and two in New York .

Given its name — which refers to those black tap handles found in craft beer bars — Black Tap clearly knows its way around burgers and brews . Black Tap ’ s beverage director Christian Orlando shares his picks for some local beers and the burgers to enjoy with them .

BEER : SIX POINT BENGALI IPA Tasting notes : A hoppy and flavorful IPA with citrus and piney notes , balanced by a moderate bitterness . Burger : The Mexico City Why it ’ s a great pair : The hoppy bitterness of the IPA cuts through the richness of the burger ’ s pepper jack cheese and chipotle mayo , adding a zesty contrast .

BEER : MONTAUK BREWING EASY RISER WHEAT BEER Tasting notes : A light and refreshing wheat beer with subtle citrus and wheat flavors . Burger : The Texan Burger Why it ’ s a great pair : The Easy Riser Wheat Beer ’ s crispness and mild citrus notes complement the barbecue flavors and bacon in the burger .

BEER : BROOKLYN LAGER Tasting notes : A medium-bodied amber lager with a balanced taste of malt and hops , offering a crisp finish . Burger : The All-American Burger Why it ’ s a great pair : The Brooklyn Lager ’ s maltiness complements the prime burger and the special sauce , enhancing the overall flavors .

BEER : BEARDED IRIS BREWING , HOMESTYLE IPA Tasting notes : Notes of cereal , berries and grapefruit really make this an enjoyable single hopped / hazy IPA . Burger : Peri Peri Turkey Burger Why it ’ s a great pair : Served at our new Nashville location , this beer is a local hometown favorite and personally one of mine as well . Super crushable , and very balanced , it ’ s a match with the burger ’ s white American cheese , corn salsa , watercress , avocado jalapeno crema and spicy peri peri sauce .

WWW . CHEERSONLINEATHOME . COM CHEERS @ HOME • FALL 2023 | 13