For a place bathing in excess humidity and heat nearly year-round, it’s no surprise that Cajun country loves beer. As evidenced by the numerous successful local breweries that have sprung up throughout the state, Louisiana loves beer of all varieties. The reasons they love it are the same as anyone: it’s delicious, diverse, cool on a hot day, and pairs perfectly with the foods that made the region famous.

 

Pale Ales and IPAs

Years ago, Pale Ales weren’t too strongly associated with Louisiana or its cuisine. The rich flavors of Cajun or Creole cooking don’t often require the strong floral and bitter notes that define pale ales of England and Western Europe and their more fragrant Eastern cousin, the India Pale Ale (IPA). In recent years, however, there has been a marked trend of their popularity increasing as Louisiana-based brewers experiment with blending local flavors with classic pale ales. To balance out the aromatic notes of Pale Ales and India Pale Ales, try pairing it with some of these options:

• Fried foods (cracklins, french fries, fried crawfish tails, fried alligator)
• Barbecue (ribs, barbecue pork, barbecue chicken)
• Smoked sausage and smoked boudin 
• Burgers

Not only does a pale ale or IPA pair well with smoky and savory foods that are straight from the grill—they’re a refreshing way to sip yourself through the hot grilling process!

 

Brown Ales and Dark Beers

Rich and bold flavors are what Louisiana is all about—so it’s no surprise that dark, flavorful beers are a popular choice in and around Cajun country. The slightly sweet notes of caramel, chocolate, or coffee are often married with notes of roasted barley and toasted notes for a flavor profile that’s both complex and very palatable. Darker beers can range from anything to a simple brown ale or amber lager to a full-bodied stout or porter. Try pairing your favorite with one (or all) of the following:

 

• Steaks
• Beef roasts
• Oysters
• Game Birds such as cornish hens

 

American Lagers

Perhaps the most oft-consumed style of beer in Louisiana (and maybe even the United States), American lagers fit the cultural and meteorological needs of the region perfectly. American Lagers are characterized by their light color, clean taste and high carbonation. These pale beers are best served ice cold to help combat the oppressive heat, they’re light and easy to drink, and they’re typically the cheapest option as well.

• Crawfish pies
• Fried frog legs
• Hearty foods like pork roasts and po-boys
• Chicken and Turkey

 

Pilsners

Slightly sweet with notes of wheat: pilsners are one of the world’s most popular brews for a reason, and they pair marvelously with many local classics! Pilsners are a kind of pale lager with origins in the Czech Republic. With its slight hoppiness, malt sweetness and crisp finish, pilsner is especially good at balancing out spice, of which Cajun cuisine has no shortage! Pair your next pilsner with one or all of the following:

• Seafood boils (crawfish, shrimp, crab)
• Tasso
• Cheese and Jalapeno sausage
• Pepper jack boudin balls and roll-ups
• Grilled shrimp or fish

 

Keep it Local

Local beers are always the preferred brews to pair with local Cajun foods—and there is no shortage of those! In addition to its long culinary history, Louisiana is famed for its wide variety of local craft breweries that include some of America’s most unique and well loved brands. Naturally, they all make brews that pair perfectly with Cajun and Creole cuisine, and most are available in local stores. Be sure to try them all:

• Parish Brewing – Broussard, LA
• Abita Brewing Company – Abita Springs, LA
• Bayou Teche Brewing – Arnaudville, LA
• Adopted Dog Brewing – Lafayette, LA
• Gnarly Barley Brewing Company – Hammond, LA
• Urban South Brewery – New Orleans, LA

When you’ve got a good beer and good food, pairing is a secondary priority—almost every good brew goes together well with our boudin, cracklins, and other Cajun delights. If you have a preferred pairing, tag us on Facebook or Instagram next time you have some boudin and a brew! If you’re somewhere without access to Louisiana beer, try ordering some of our food to be delivered anywhere in the US and pairing it with your favorite local brews! Cheers!