A New Era for Beer Can Chicken: Craft Brews on the Grill
As grilling season heats up, a delicious twist on the classic beer can chicken is making waves. In May 2023, Perdue, in collaboration with New York’s Torch & Crown Brewing Company, introduced an intriguing new craft creation: a honey double-citrus summer ale. Dubbed Beer Can Chicken Beer, this brew features lemon and orange puree, honey, rosemary, thyme, sea salt, and pink peppercorn. It’s crafted with a specific purpose—not for sipping, but to elevate your chicken grilling experience.
The origins of beer can chicken are as tasty as the dish itself. Emerging in the southern United States during the 1980s, the method involves slow-cooking a chicken upright on a can of beer, allowing it to steam and infuse the meat with flavors from the beer. Traditionally, inexpensive lagers were the go-to choice, until the world of craft beer began offering more flavorful alternatives. And now, BreweriesNearMe.us is here to guide you to the best craft breweries showcasing this culinary delight right in their taprooms.
The Craft Beer Revolution: From Bottles to Cans
Back in the late 1990s, craft beer was gaining traction across the U.S., yet most were only available in bottles. Steven Raichlen, a James Beard Award-winning writer, was instrumental in popularizing beer can chicken, particularly with his 2002 book dedicated to the subject. But options were limited—craft brew aficionados often had to settle for what was readily available.
Everything changed with the introduction of Oskar Blues Brewery’s Dale’s Pale Ale in 2002, which came in a can. The real breakthrough arrived in 2011 with The Alchemist’s Heady Topper, sparking a trend that saw other breweries quickly following suit. By the mid-2010s, cans became the vessel of choice for craft beers, paving the way for a delicious fusion of craft beer and grilling traditions.
IPAs Take the Lead in Flavorful Grilling
Craft beer and culinary fans soon realized the potential of IPAs for beer can chicken. Stone Brewing from California encouraged grillmasters to try their Stone Enjoy By IPA for its fresh, aromatic profile, perfect for chicken infused with chipotle and lime. Kansas City’s Boulevard Brewing Co. added its Space Camper Cosmic IPA into the mix, further proving the IPA’s dominance in this arena.
For those seeking inspiration for their next backyard BBQ, BreweriesNearMe.us can connect you to nearby taprooms where experimental brews like Fort Collins’ New Belgium’s Voodoo Ranger Juice Force IPA make grill time a flavorful journey. Whether it’s a West Coast classic or a juicy hazy IPA, savoring this pastime with a craft twist is a definite recipe for success.
Exploring Beyond IPAs: Diverse Craft Styles on the Grill
While IPAs often take center stage, the style debate is far from settled. Perdue and Torch & Crown’s collaboration suggests a lighter, summery ale might be the ultimate choice for beer can chicken, whereas New Hampshire’s Woodstock Inn Brewery advocates for its Honey Lemon Blonde. On the other end of the spectrum, Delaware’s Dogfish Head and Dan-O’s seasoning team up for a dark lager, enhancing the richness of grilled chicken.
Experts like Steven Raichlen continue to explore a variety of craft beer styles, mentioning favorites like New Belgium’s Fat Tire and Brooklyn Lager as excellent choices. Whether you opt for a Belgian-style ale or an iconic stout from the tap, the intricate flavors of craft beer promise to transform your grilling experience. As you embark on this culinary adventure, BreweriesNearMe.us is your ultimate guide to discovering the best local brews for your beer can chicken endeavors.
Get inspired, get grilling, and join the craft beer revolution in your backyard.
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