A Guide to Pairing Craft Beer and Seafood: Tips from Timoti's
Calling All Craft Beer Enthusiasts and Fish Lovers Alike!
Northeast Florida is blessed with great seafood and amazing craft breweries. It only makes sense that we want to take advantage of both of them at the same time.
People often think of pairing white wine with seafood, but you might be surprised how well beer matches up with the delicious flavors of seafood and how the perfect bite can enhance your beverage. It’s a combination as old as time, from fish and chips in old world pubs to a refreshing light beer to help wash down a plate of fish tacos at your favorite seafood shack.
Follow along as we highlight a few of our favorite Jacksonville area independent breweries and find just the right menu items from Timoti’s Seafood Shak to craft an unforgettable meal.
Amelia Island Brewing Company Monroe Blonde
First up is a local favorite from the Amelia Island Brewing Company: the Monroe Blonde. Ales are an extremely versatile beer that fits alongside nearly every dish on the menu. For example, a brown ale can be a great pairing for grilled salmon or other fatty fish. The nutty, caramel flavors of the beer complement the richness of the fish.
The fruity, spicy notes of a Belgian-style ale like AIBC’s Monroe Blonde is a wonderful selection with the briny flavors of mussels or clams. Order up a basket of fried clam strips or oysters and tuck in!
Dog Rose Brewing Co. Lions Head Honey Sour
If you’re willing to travel a bit further afield, Dog Rose Brewing Co. in St. Augustine is always worth the effort. Sour beers might not be the first beer that comes to mind when thinking about a tasty seafood dinner, but they can actually be a great pairing for some dishes. For example, try pairing a sour beer with ceviche when it’s on special or other citrusy seafood dishes. The tartness of the beer can balance the acidity of the dish.
Our famous T’s Wrap is topped with an invigorating black bean mango salsa and a pleasantly spicy jalapeño aioli. A sip of Dog Rose Brewing Co.’s Lions Head Honey Sour is a surprisingly potent combination with Timoti’s fresh take on the classic seafood wrap.
Mocama Beer Company Cosmico IPA
IPAs are a popular choice among craft beer enthusiasts, and for good reason. Their bold, hoppy flavors can stand up to strong seafood dishes. Mocama Beer Company’s signature Cosmico IPA pairs well with a dish like spicy seafood gumbo or a hearty seafood chowder—available daily at Timoti’s Seafood Shak.
The bitterness of the hops can balance out the richness of the dish, while the citrusy notes of the beer accentuate the natural flavors of the seafood. This is a great choice during the winter months, but also on those chilly, coastal summer nights.
Bonus Brew: Narragansett Lager
Lagers are a light, crisp beer that pairs well with a variety of seafood. They’re refreshing palette can balance out the richness of some seafood dishes. One of our favorite combinations is enjoying a pilsner or Narragansett Lager with grilled shrimp or fish tacos. The clean, light flavors of the beer won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the seafood.
This lager may come from up in Narragansett, Rhode Island, but it has been a constant mainstay of the beer list at our Fernandina Beach and Nocatee locations—come see why for yourself today!
Grab a Bite and a Brew at Timoti’s Seafood Shak
Next time you’re looking for wild-caught seafood and the perfect beer to match, make your way over to Timoti’s Seafood Shak. With locations in Fernandina Beach and Nocatee, we’re never too far from wherever in northeast Florida you might be when the cravings hit!