Let’s be honest, Halloween is just as good (if not better) as an adult. Although this years Halloween festivities might look a little different, one thing remains the same - eating so much candy you feel sick. Whether you’re raiding your kids candy bags after they go to sleep or buying 4 extra boxes of candy because you claim there could be a huge uptick in trick or treaters this year, we see you.
We also know that Halloween often comes with a few bevvies, so why not sip on something that elevates your candy eating experience! We’ve put together a guide on some of our favourite beer and candy pairings to make the most of your Halloween candy. Check it out:
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups - Sasquatch Stout
Sometimes you just want decadence on decadence and that’s what this combo will get ya’. Smooth peanut butter wrapped in milk chocolate paired with notes of chocolate, espresso and dark roasted malts from our dark and mysterious Sasquatch Stout will take your chocolate eating experience to the next level. This pairing is so good you might even feel inspired to try dipping the peanut butter cups into a pint of our Stout…
Sour Patch Kids - Mango Hibiscus Hazy IPA
Sour Patch Kids are definitely a Halloween favourite, and pairing them with our Mango Hibiscus Hazy IPA is a real game changer. The addition of our Hazy IPA makes Sour Patch Kids slightly less sweet and even more intriguing. The Mango and Hibiscus notes pair perfectly with the fruity flavours of the Sour Patch Kids while the hops cut through the sweetness and make for a more botanical and sophisticated flavour.
Candy Corn - Cranberry Mandarin Orange Witbier
Candy Corn; some people love it, a lot of people hate it. Either way your bound to end up with some this Halloween and we’re here to tell you how to make them better. The subtle notes of bright citrus and light spice from our Cranberry Mandarin Orange Witbier give a boost to the caramelly (yes, caramelly) sweetness of candy corn. This combo seriously elevates Candy Corn and gives us alllll the Fall vibes.
Skittles - Gin Fizz Citrus Sour
We are BIG FANS of Sour Skittles, but we are not BIG FANS of our taste buds being burnt off after eating a bag. Luckily, you can get the same delicious flavours without destroying your taste buds with this combo! Our crisp, light and refreshingly tart Gin Fizz Citrus Sour is bursting with juicy botanical flavours and tastes so good paired with Skittles. It adds the sour tartness regular skittles are missing and elevates the simple fruit flavours with juicy botanicals. YUM.
Snickers - Himalayan Salted Caramel Porter
Snickers may be one of the more underrated chocolate bars. But when you take this simple combo of peanuts, nougat and milk chocolate and pair it with our rick dark and delicious Himalayan Salted Caramel Porter it’s a whole new experience. Our Porter is brewed with Himalayan salt, lactose and vanilla which add a sweet caramel finish leading to a lingering saltiness on the palate. Exactly what a Snicker bar lacks, our Porter makes up for.
Hershey’s - Moon Dance Mango Wheat
Chocolate and fruit is a classic pairing. A simple and delicious bar of Hershey’s is a perfect match for our smooth and tropical Moon Dance Mango Wheat. Brewed with thousands of vine ripened mangos, this brew is hand-crafted to have an incredibly smooth texture which allows the vibrant and tropical mango flavour to shine through. A match made in heaven.
Rockets - Black Currant Ginger Sour
Ahhh rockets, a classic Halloween candy. But after crushing a few packs of these (no shame) it’s clear that’s somethings missing, they’re sweet and sugary but there’s no tartness. Our Black Currant Ginger Sour is EXACTLY what this treat needs. As bright in colour as it is in tart acidity, our Kettle Sour has deep dark fruit flavours and a subtle sweetness from the Black Currant that really adds to this sweet and sugary candy.
These are just a few of our all time favourite pairings for Halloween, but if your favourite candy isn’t on this list and you’re looking for it’s perfect beer pairing here’s our tips on finding the perfect pairing:
Stouts and Porters will compliment most chocolate bars beautifully
IPA’s and Pale Ale’s really elevate fruity candy
Sours will add a touch of tartness when a candy is feeling a bit bland
Sometimes it’s fun to go for something more contrasting that will really clear your palette between bites, think of an IPA paired with a cinnamon forward candy!
It’s really all about experimenting and finding what combo you like best! We want to hear which Halloween Candy & Beer Pairing was your favourite this year, so make sure to tag us in your photos @oldyalebrewing!
Happy Halloween, friends!!
