Stout and Brunch Matchmaking Game

The key to a killer stout and brunch combo is finding that point where the flavors complement each other. You don't want one flavor to overpower another; you want them to dance together in perfect harmony. So how do you do this? It's all about understanding the nuances of each beverage and dish.

Stouts 101

Stouts are known for their bold flavors, often with notes of coffee, chocolate, and roasted malt. A quick rundown of the stout types you may consider is as follows:

• Oatmeal Stout: Smooth and creamy, often with a hint of sweetness.
• Milk Stout: Similar to oatmeal stout, only stronger because of greater lactose addition, which makes them sweeter, more decadent in flavor.
• Imperial Stout: Rich, bold, and with complex flavours such as dark fruit and dried coffee.
• Dry Stout: Crisp, light-bodied, and most of the time, more bitter.

Brunch Essentials

Now, on to brunch. Flavor profile, sweetness, and texture, in that order, are the most important things a dish can take into consideration when pairing is in order. Here are a few of the more well-liked brunch options that pair quite nicely with stouts:

• Pancakes and Waffles: Fluffy pancakes and waffles pair relatively well with stouts possessing chocolate or coffee notes. You can never go wrong with rich chocolate milk stout paired with a chocolate chip pancake.
• French Toast: Sweet, eggy flavors from French toast are a perfect complement to the rich roasted notes of milk stout.
• Eggs Benedict: While traditionally a brunch item, it goes well with stouts, too. You should try it with dry stout for a truly balanced taste.
• Breakfast Burritos: A dark stout can really hit the spot with spicy breakfast burritos. The bitterness of the stout helps cut through the richness of the burrito.
• Breakfast Sandwiches: Whether one is into bacon, sausage, or veggie patties, breakfast sandwiches really offer a great canvas against which stouts can be paired. Think about a creamy oatmeal stout against a savory sausage sandwich.

Pro tip: Taste the stout separate from the brunch item at all times. This allows you to know the leading flavor and how they could possibly interact.

And now, some great pairings you can try!