A cold craft beer and a hot plate of your favorite dish—what could be better? At Brook & Pines, Kasauli’s first microbrewery, we believe that great food and great beer should complement each other to create an unforgettable dining experience.
Pairing food with beer isn’t just about trial and error—it’s about balance, contrast, and enhancing the flavors in every bite and sip. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or just here for a good time, this guide will help you match your meal with the perfect brew at Brook & Pines.
1. Golden Ale + Tandoori Delights
Our Brook’s Golden Ale is one of our most popular and easy-going brews. It’s light, crisp, and just the right amount of malty, which makes it incredibly versatile when it comes to pairing with food.
Perfect Pairing:
- Tandoori Chicken Tikka
- Paneer Tandoori Skewers
- Grilled Veggie Platter
The mild bitterness and smooth texture of the Golden Ale beautifully cut through the smoky and spicy tandoori flavors, offering a refreshing finish after every bite. This combo is perfect for a sunny afternoon on our outdoor deck.
2. Pine Hill IPA + Spicy & Bold Flavors
The IPA (India Pale Ale) is all about intensity. With its strong hoppy bitterness, citrusy notes, and bold character, it’s the beer that makes a statement.
Best Paired With:
- Spicy Chicken Wings
- Peri Peri Fries
- Fiery BBQ Pizza
Spicy and zesty dishes can stand up to the bitterness of the IPA, while the beer’s citrusy undertones bring out the best in fiery flavors. The IPA also works wonders with dishes that have tangy sauces or a bit of heat.
3. Misty Wheat + Fresh, Light Fare
Our Misty Wheat Beer is smooth, fruity, and slightly sweet, making it the go-to drink when you want something easy, chill, and refreshing.
Top Pairings:
- Crispy Tempura Prawns
- Lemon Herb Chicken Salad
- Forest Special Veg Pizza
Wheat beers go great with dishes that are herb-forward, citrus-based, or delicately spiced. The Misty Wheat also helps cleanse your palate between bites, especially when eating something crisp or lightly fried.
4. Stout Valley + Rich, Savory Dishes
Our Stout Valley is a dark, creamy, and deeply flavored beer with hints of coffee, cocoa, and roasted malts. It’s full-bodied and smooth, making it an ideal companion for heartier meals and indulgent dishes.
Recommended With:
- Brook’s Signature Burger
- Grilled Lamb Chops
- Creamy Butter Chicken
The richness of the stout pairs beautifully with meaty, smoky, and creamy flavors. It also makes a fantastic end-of-meal beer, especially when paired with dessert—yes, dessert!
5. Beer & Dessert? Absolutely!
Think beer is just for savory dishes? Think again! At Brook & Pines, we love exploring how beer can elevate your dessert game.
Try These Sweet Pairings:
- Stout + Chocolate Beer Cake
The roasty bitterness of the stout highlights the richness of the chocolate and creates a mocha-like magic. - Wheat Beer + Fruit Tart
The fruity tones of the wheat beer bring out the sweetness and tang of any berry-based dessert. - Golden Ale + Cheesecake
A subtle ale balances the creaminess of cheesecake, especially with a citrus glaze.
6. Sharing Platters + Tasting Flights
Can’t decide on just one dish or one beer? Go for a sharing platter and pair it with our beer tasting flight. You’ll get small servings of four different beers so you can explore which pairings hit your taste buds just right.
Our Favorite Combos:
- Meat Lover’s Platter + IPA & Stout
- Veg Platter + Wheat & Golden Ale
- Pizza Sampler + Ale Flight
It’s also a fun way to turn dinner into a little tasting adventure with your friends, especially if you’re visiting for the first time.
7. Pro Tips for Food & Beer Pairing
At Brook & Pines, we encourage guests to explore and enjoy. But here are some quick tips to help you pair like a pro:
- Match intensities: Bold dishes need bold beers. Light dishes go better with light beers.
- Look for contrasts: Spicy dishes pair well with sweet or creamy beers to cool the heat.
- Balance sweet and bitter: Sweet desserts can tone down a beer’s bitterness and vice versa.
- Ask our team! Our servers and bartenders love sharing pairing recommendations. Don’t hesitate to ask for their favorites!
8. Beyond Beer: Cocktail & Food Pairing
While our microbrews are the stars, our signature cocktails also pair wonderfully with food.
- Rose Martini + Grilled Fish – floral and delicate.
- Mountain Mule + BBQ Chicken – spicy and punchy.
- Sangria Beer + Nachos – sweet, fizzy, and fun.
If you’re in the mood for something different, we’ve got the creativity to keep things fresh.
Conclusion
At Brook & Pines, every dish has a brew to match. Whether you’re diving into spicy wings, a creamy curry, or a slice of chocolate cake, there’s a perfectly crafted beer (or cocktail!) to go with it. Pairing your food and drink not only enhances the taste—it brings your whole dining experience to life.
So next time you visit us in Kasauli, don’t just order a drink—pair it, savor it, and enjoy the harmony of flavors crafted just for you. At Brook & Pines, we believe good food and great beer are better together.
