The sun is back, and so is barbecue season. And beer? It’s simply perfect with your grilled dishes. In this article, Carole Beal, director of WhiteFrontier Brewery in Martigny, shares some easy, local, and delicious beer and food pairings you can try at home—or directly at the Taproom. Discover how to enhance each grilled bite with the right beer style.
Why is beer perfect for a barbecue?
Beer is fresh, fizzy, light or bold, and comes in an endless variety of styles. It uniquely refreshes the palate, balances fatty dishes, and enhances grilled, smoked, or marinated flavors. Bitterness or acidity from certain beer styles cuts through fat, while the bubbles cleanse the palate between bites. In short, it’s the ultimate social and flavorful drink for summer gatherings.
Recommended pairings
Sausages & Merguez
Go for a Pale Ale or American Pale Ale—light bitterness refreshes and balances the richness of the meat.
Try: Martigny Vice (WhiteFrontier), Levit (WhiteFrontier), Funky Squeeze (Dr Brauwolf), Folklore (Drunken Bros), or Citra Jukebox (Galbeer).
Marinated Chicken
A Witbier or Wheat Beer is perfect—light, citrusy, and sometimes spiced. Ideal with yogurt, lemon, garlic, or ginger marinades.
Try: Pillows (WhiteFrontier)
Ribeye / Entrecôte
For bold red meat, go with either a fruity, bitter IPA or a caramelly amber ale. They stand up to intense flavors and bold marinades.
Try: Can Pigs Fly (L’Apaisée), Log Out & Live (WhiteFrontier).
Grilled Fish (sea bream, trout, salmon)
A light Lager or fruity Gose won’t overpower the fish and adds refreshing zest.
Try: Salut à Toi (Hoppy People), Pulpe Sour (Dr Brauwolf), Crea Tu Vida (WhiteFrontier).
Grilled Veggies (zucchini, peppers, eggplant)
Vegetables pair beautifully with a rustic, dry Saison or a mildly tart fruity Sour.
Try: Memento Vivi (WhiteFrontier), Acid Kid (Drunken Bros), Pomelo Saison (L’Apaisée).
Melted Cheeses (halloumi, camembert, feta)
A white beer or a smooth, round Belgian-style blonde complements the salty richness of melted cheese.
Try: La Salamandre (BFM), L’Échappée (Domaines Rouvinez).
Fun idea: blind tasting
Spice up your barbecue with a blind tasting: 3 dishes, 3 beers, and everyone rates their favorites. A great way to discover your tastes and surprise your guests.
Bonus: Sunday BBQs at WhiteFrontier
Every summer Sunday, the WhiteFrontier Taproom in Martigny becomes a barbecue haven: street food, burgers, draft beer, entertainment, and good vibes. The perfect setting to test these pairings in a festive atmosphere.
Barbecue is a way of life. And beer? Its most loyal partner. Whether you’re into meat, fish, or veggies, there’s a beer for every dish and every palate. Dare to explore, pair, taste, share... and most of all, enjoy!
Find all the beers mentioned and more at whitefrontier.ch
