The Best Beers for Your Favorite Chili

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. 

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

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

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

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 

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

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