Crisp, crunchy, and refreshing, nuts and beer have long been a standard pair in bars at and parties across the country. When enjoyed together, roasted, salted, or even plain nuts pairs nicely with a cold craft brew. There’s something about that balance between rich crunchy nuts and hoppy, carbonated beer. They go so well together, some breweries have even developed craft beer made with nuts (peanut butter brew, anyone?). And the timeless classic of beer nuts says it all, too. Whether you prefer salty, roasted nuts, raw nuts, or spiced and flavored nuts, there’s an ideal beer to pair with it all.

Nuts and Beer

Nuts and beer have long been the duo to share with friends. Cracking open a handful of peanuts and a couple beers together is the modern day equivalent of breaking bread to make friendships. Nuts are a quick and easy bite to snack on while drinking and relaxing with your pals or watching your favorite sports game. Parties without a few six-packs and a bowl of mixed nuts to snack on is a rarity. Not only is it a good idea to eat a little something while drinking, but nuts can lend a healthy hand to the activity. Rumor has it nuts and beer even out to be heart-healthy— who would’ve thought?!

Beer-Glazed Nuts and Nut-Infused Beer

You’ve probably heard of beer nuts, but how about nut beer? Nuts and beer are so harmonious that many beers are often described with notes of “nutty” flavors. That’s where the idea of nut-infused beer comes into play for many craft breweries that have made it happen. The flavors complement each other nicely and round out to a unique and refreshing taste.

Peanut butter beers were first to hit the scene, often as stouts. Porters and pale ales are also a natural selection when adding nuts to beer. Some of the nut beers that have been brewed by several breweries include hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, and pine nuts.

Nuts and Beer in Bars

Though not as much in recent years, nuts and beer have long been served in bars and pubs. Beer used to have a much more malt-forward taste and salty nuts were a go-to snack to counteract that. Contrary to popular belief, salty nuts are not always offered to entice patrons to buy drinks. Though it can make patrons thirsty, it was simply a tasty, easy-to-serve food. Ever since, it's a staple snack to enjoy with drinks in pubs and bars all over.

The St. Patrick’s Day Snack

Everyone knows that St. Patrick’s Day is a great day to enjoy a cold Irish beer. Part of the cultural holiday involves feasting on traditional Irish food and beverages like whiskey, beer, and cider. Not surprisingly, Irish beer is one of the best to accompany a handful of salty or roasted nuts. Guinness is legendary as the leader of Irish stouts because of its deep, malty and hoppy taste. Its bitterness, and even notes of coffee and chocolate, play well with peanuts or other salted nuts.

Go nuts for St. Patrick’s Day with one of these popular Irish beers:

O’Hara’s Irish Stout: A traditional, full-bodied stout.

Murphy’s Irish Stout: Lighter than most, which goes great with raw nuts.

Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale: Noted for its deep creaminess.

Harp Lager: A light pilsner-style brew.

Smithwick’s Irish Ale: Sweet, but malt-forward.

Nut and Beer Pairings

These nut and beer pairings take into account the flavor profiles of common beer styles and types. Superior Nut Company offers a range of nuts, both raw and otherwise, so you can create the nut and beer pairing of your dreams. Peanuts are an easy choice, as they've been served in pubs for decades. However, any nut and beer pairing is sure to be tasty and refreshing. If you’re not sure where to start, consider these dynamic duos:

Roasted or smoked nuts with Irish stouts: Especially with the addition of spices, the richness of a dark porter is perfect for flavored nuts.

Raw nuts with pilsners and blonde ales: Creamy cashews, pistachios, or almonds have a plain palate that’s not too heavy alongside light beers.

Salted peanuts or Mixed Nuts with ales and pale ales: American style ales cut through the salt while peanuts counteract a hoppy bitterness.

Sweet roasted hazelnuts with imperial porters or stouts: Nutty notes of toffee come through in these beers as well as sweet roasted or glazed hazelnuts.

Beer Snacks Await

While nut and beer pairings are always a safe bet, Superior Nut Company offers even more crunchy snacks to enjoy with beer. Honey Roasted Crunchy Snack Mix is a tasty combination of mixed nuts and sesame chips. The ideal beer drinking buddy always adds complementary and contrasting flavors. And the comforting combination of beer and nuts is a timeless classic! 

Sweet roasted hazelnuts with imperial porters or stouts: Nutty notes of toffee come through in these beers as well as sweet roasted or glazed hazelnuts.

Beer Snacks Await

While nut and beer pairings are always a safe bet, Superior Nut Company offers even more crunchy snacks to enjoy with beer. Honey Roasted Crunchy Snack Mix is a tasty combination of mixed nuts and sesame chips. The ideal beer drinking buddy always adds complementary and contrasting flavors. And the comforting combination of beer and nuts is a timeless classic!