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  3. The Best Beers for Your Favorite Chili

The Best Beers for Your Favorite Chili

By Darcy Lenz
September 10, 2015
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Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell
The perfect brew can either make or break a chili dinner. 
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Brews For Your #ChiliBowl

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

An ice-cold beer is sure to tame the flame when savoring spicy comfort food. But should you have a drink that's light, sweet, warm, or nutty? Learn which ales complement the bold, fiery flavors of your chili bowl. 

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Colorado Green Chili

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell

This stew is slightly thinner than typical beefy chilis and defined by the tart tomatillos that make up its base. Sip on a drink that's hoppy but not too alcoholic, like a pale ale.

Our Favorite Brews:

  • Big Sky Brewing Co. Trout Slayer Wheat Ale
  • Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
  • Bale Breaker Brewing Company Field 41 Pale Ale

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Classic Beef and Two-Bean Chili

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell

For the beloved hearty classic, go for a rich dark and toasty beer—try a porter.

Our Favorite Brews:

  • Wingman Brewers P-51 Porter
  • Founders Brewing Co. Porter
  • Highland Brewing Company Oatmeal Porter 
  • Almanac Bourbon Sour Porter

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Vegetarian Chili

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell

For a veggie-filled, savory stew, you'll crave a lighter beer with defined acidity. Grab a pilsner!

Our Favorite Brews:

  • Tröegs Brewing Co. Sunshine Pils
  • Sixpoint Brewery The Crisp
  • Left Hand Brewing Company Polestar Pilsner

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Cincinnati Chili

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell

An easy-drinking, less-complex beer pairs well with the traditional, aromatic spices that make up a Cincinnati chili. Consider cozying up with a mellow amber ale.

Our Favorite Brews:

  • Full Sail Brewing Co. Amber Ale
  • Bell’s Brewery Amber Ale
  • Ballast Point Calico Amber Ale 

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Texas-Style Chili with Brisket

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell

Deep smoky chili calls for a dark robust beer like a stout.

Our Favorite Brews:

  • Maine Beer Company Mean Old Tom American Stout
  • Sierra Nevada Stout
  • Bell’s Brewery Cherry Stout

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White Chicken Chili

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell

A bright and refreshing sour beer will complement the vibrant acidic and herbaceous notes from fresh lime and cilantro often found in white chili.

Our Favorite Brews:

  • Side Project Pulling Nails Blend #1
  • Allagash Brewing Company Confluence Ale
  • Bruery Terreux Sour in the Rye 
  • Deschutes Brewery The Dissident
  • New Belgium Brewing Company La Folie

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1 of 7 Brews For Your #ChiliBowl
2 of 7 Colorado Green Chili
3 of 7 Classic Beef and Two-Bean Chili
4 of 7 Vegetarian Chili
5 of 7 Cincinnati Chili
6 of 7 Texas-Style Chili with Brisket
7 of 7 White Chicken Chili

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The Best Beers for Your Favorite Chili
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