This IPA has an abundance of culinary potential, especially when it comes to food pairing with appetizers, starters, and main courses. Snacks or ingredients with salty and/or smoky notes—such as black olive tapenade, salted nuts, or smoked halibut—pair perfectly with Van Bulck IPA & Szechuan. The fresh fruity aromas and pleasant bitterness soften all salty and/or smoky flavors, restoring balance to the taste. Bitter notes in a dish, such as those found in endive, lamb’s lettuce, celery, or asparagus, blend nicely with the bitterness of the beer, bringing other flavors forward. Be cautious with strongly sour or sweet flavors, as both will damage the beer’s taste, causing you to miss much of its flavor and character.
The beer also pairs easily with snacks and dishes that have a full flavor, such as moussaka, or creamy textures like veal blanquette or cauliflower gratin. Its freshness and bitterness cut through the creaminess and richness of dishes, restoring balance between all the flavors. Just be careful with very strong dishes, such as risotto with Gorgonzola or preparations with intense flavors like spicy chili appetizers, as these will dominate the flavor palette.
By Sofie Vanrafelghem – Master Beer Sommelier
