The Society Dish

Culinary Companions for The Bruery’s Monthly Releases
June 2025 Edition

Whether you're a certified gourmand or a weekend snacker with refined taste, finding the perfect pairing for your favorite beer is one of life’s great joys. This month’s lineup from The Bruery offers a wide spectrum of flavors—from tart stone fruit to double-barrel decadence—each with its own ideal culinary counterpart. Let’s explore how each beer's unique flavor profile pairs beautifully with both an elevated, dinner-party-ready dish and a more casual, accessible bite.

Gray Monday – Double Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout with Vanilla Beans and Hazelnuts (20.9%)

Elevated Pairing: Hazelnut-Crusted Venison Loin with Vanilla-Parsnip Purée and Dark Chocolate Demi-Glace

The deep roast character and warming bourbon/rye complexity of Gray Monday meld effortlessly with the earthy richness of venison. Hazelnuts in both the crust and beer amplify one another, while the sweet vanilla notes of the purée echo the real vanilla beans used in the stout. A hint of dark chocolate demi-glace bridges the nutty and barrel-aged bitterness with soft tannins, rounding out each sip and bite.

Simple Pairing: Chocolate-Hazelnut Tart or a Ferrero Rocher-style chocolate

The beer’s big vanilla and hazelnut aroma pair naturally with chocolate-based confections. A chocolate-hazelnut tart mirrors Gray Monday’s dessert-like profile while letting its boozy complexity play the starring role. Bonus: the roast and alcohol cut through the sweetness, leaving you with a balanced finish.

Thrill Rider – Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout with Coconut, Cacao Nibs, Almonds, and Vanilla (13.7%)

Elevated Pairing: Seared Duck Breast with Cocoa-Spiced Mole Sauce and Toasted Almond Pilaf

The richness of duck matches Thrill Rider’s decadent mouthfeel, while a mole-style sauce pulls in cocoa and spice to echo the cacao and bourbon barrel character. A pilaf with toasted almonds adds crunch and nutty dimension, mimicking the almond notes in the beer. Coconut’s natural sweetness emerges against the dish’s savory spice for a rich yet well-structured pairing.

Simple Pairing: Almond Joy candy bar or a scoop of coconut chocolate chunk ice cream

Thrill Rider drinks like dessert, so lean into it. Almond Joy enhances the stout’s inspiration with a direct flavor echo, while coconut chocolate chunk ice cream softens the alcohol heat and brings a creamy contrast to the roasty elements.

Peach Charm’d – Sour Rye Ale with Peach, Vegan Marshmallows, and Vanilla (8.1%)

Elevated Pairing: Prosciutto-wrapped Grilled Peach Salad with Arugula, Toasted Pine Nuts, and a Balsamic Glaze

The peach and marshmallow sweetness in Peach Charm’d finds a perfect foil in the savory saltiness of prosciutto. The slight peppery bitterness of arugula contrasts with the fruity tartness of the beer, while toasted pine nuts lend earthy depth. A tangy balsamic reduction enhances the acidity of the sour ale, making every bite and sip feel vibrant and fresh.

Simple Pairing: Peach Ring Gummies or a scoop of peach sorbet with vanilla drizzle

Let the nostalgic sweetness of Peach Ring candies bounce off the tart beer for a playful treat, or opt for a cooling peach sorbet to match the fruit character and balance the acidity. The vanilla element in the beer brings a creamsicle-like finish when paired with frozen desserts.

Banana Daydream – Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout with Bananas, Vanilla, and Nilla Wafers (13.3%)

Elevated Pairing: Bananas Foster Bread Pudding with Caramel Rum Sauce and Toasted Meringue

The beer’s banana and vanilla profile makes this a natural match. Bread pudding carries the same comforting notes as the beer’s base while meringue lightens the palate. The caramel rum sauce enhances the bourbon notes in the stout, and the toasted elements play up the oak character from the barrels.

Simple Pairing: Banana Pudding Cup or Nilla Wafers with Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread

Sometimes simple is perfect. A chilled banana pudding with a whipped topping mimics the beer’s intent. Meanwhile, a handful of Nilla wafers dipped in chocolate-hazelnut spread offers crunch, creaminess, and enough richness to match the stout’s sweet, oaky heft.

Long Distance Relationship – American Whiskey Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout (13.9%)

Elevated Pairing: Braised Beef Short Ribs with Whiskey Glaze and Parsnip Purée

This classic beer style needs a hearty dish to stand up to its roasty, chocolatey depth. Slow-braised short ribs glazed with whiskey enhance the beer’s oak and spirit character. A smooth, earthy parsnip purée complements the malt sweetness and brings subtle contrast to the beer’s semi-sweet finish.

Simple Pairing: Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods or Barbecue Potato Chips

Go for a sweet and salty combo. Chocolate-dipped pretzels resonate with the stout’s cocoa bitterness while letting the barrel notes shine. BBQ chips deliver smoky, tangy notes that accentuate the beer’s savory roast.

Hoarders Cuvée (2025) – Blended Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout and Agave Wheatwine Ale (15.3%)

Elevated Pairing: Seared Foie Gras with Fig Jam, Brioche Toast, and Honey Drizzle

This complex blend deserves a luxurious pairing. Foie gras offers a creamy texture that mirrors the beer’s full body, while fig jam and honey nod to the beer’s crème brûlée and date notes. Brioche toast adds a bready element that ties the beer’s wheatwine sweetness to the dish.

Simple Pairing: Medjool Dates stuffed with Blue Cheese or a Crème Brûlée Tart

For a low-lift option, grab a few Medjool dates and add blue cheese for a sweet-savory snack that mirrors the beer’s flavor complexity. A crème brûlée tart lets the beer amplify caramelized sugar and custard notes in every sip.

Pairing beer with food doesn’t have to be complicated—but when done right, it can elevate every sip and bite into something unforgettable. Cheers to flavor, curiosity, and great company at your table.