Attention Beer Lovers. I need your help!

JoniBologna
JoniBologna Posts: 653 Member
in Recipes
Tonight, I am attempting to make carne guisada (aka spicy beef stew) for dinner. I have a bottle of New Belgium 1554 Black Ale and a bottle of Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale. So, which should I use for the stew?

In general, I'm worried about bitterness when using an ale, but I figure I can offset that with a little brown sugar. I have a few other beers including various IPAs (which I assume would be WAY too bitter) and some cheap beers, like Coors Light and Corona Light (which I assume wouldn't be as flavorful). Thoughts?

Thanks for your help! :drinker:

Replies

  • maleva720
    maleva720 Posts: 165 Member
    I'd use the Belgium Black Ale but I'm sure either one would work.
  • Emma_Problema
    Emma_Problema Posts: 422 Member
    I'd actually been told that making chili with corona is absolutely delicious and is obviously a significantly cheaper. I'm not sure if that applies to your beef stew but I'd say it's likely. Why waste the good (and often very caloric) stuff in a stew? I'd rather use Mexican piss beer if it makes it tastey for less.
  • havetubawilltravel
    havetubawilltravel Posts: 649 Member
    When ready to cook, assemble all other ingredients.
    Open both beers.
    Taste.
    OPTION ONE:
    Put the one with the more robust, less bitter flavor in the the food.
    Drink the other
    OPTION TWO:
    Keep tasting while trying to decide.
    When gone, open two more.
    Then two more.
    While still able to speak coherently, use phone to order pizza delivery, and put ingredients away.
    .
    Glad to help.
    And I'm just kidding.
    About option one.
  • JoniBologna
    JoniBologna Posts: 653 Member
    My initial reaction was the 1554. I could see using a cheap Mexican beer if it was chili, but this is stew. I feel like it's different. Oh, and Option 1 definitely seems like a logical way of making a decision. Option 2 seems more fun, but probably not very nice considering this is a birthday dinner. Thanks for the suggestions!
  • agataarchangel
    agataarchangel Posts: 292 Member
    LOVE beer and I would definitely go with the Black/Dark Ale.... it would compliment beef nicely and would add a nice, complex, rich flavour.

    It'll MAN UP the stew and make it a winner and cold-weather warmer, IMO.
  • maryloo2011
    maryloo2011 Posts: 446
    How did it turn out?
  • JoniBologna
    JoniBologna Posts: 653 Member
    It turned out great. I decided to go to the liquor store to get us some red wine, and I ended up buying a single Stone Smoked Porter w/ Chipotle Peppers. Thought it sounded perfect. I'd never had carne guisada before but my boyfriend says it turned out perfect!!

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