Usually I don't drink a beer for the first time while I'm eating. I eat with beers that I've had, either something generic or one that pairs with what I'm eating. Tonight I had the Enjoy By 5.17.13 while snacking on some spicy chips, figured they would pair well but the beer was much less enjoyable than the last Enjoy By I had (4.1.13). I guess what I'm asking is if people go into a review or tasting while eating or is it better to go in with a clean palate? Have you had a beer on it's own that you liked but when you had it with a meal the flavor of the food really affected the taste of the beer?
Of course it affects the flavor of both the beer and the food never had beer with food and hated it but I'd rather enjoy a good beer on its own.
If you are going to review a beer, or if you are going to drink something special, you should go into it with a clean palate. Also be aware of a fatigued palate, drink 3 or 4 DIPAs and it would be tough to fairly taste anything. But I have no problem trying a beer for the first time if I am eating. If it tastes off, I usually relate it to what I am eating and try it again another time.
I've got to second Mr. Wonka on this one. I would probably be okay standing, just don't ask me to walk straight. Driving would be entirely out of the question. There are certain types of beers that I really enjoy with food, particularly Pale Ales, but also some stouts and porters depending on the meal. If I'm going to be drinking IPAs then I'll try to fit it in before, or a little after dinner. I don't like food getting in the way of my IPAs. Beer with spicey chips? No way.
I usually drink the first half or so with a clean palate, but I usually get everything I need for tasting notes/reviews by that point, so I munch while I drink after that point. It's interesting to see what beers pair well with what kinds of foods, so I have a better idea of what to order with dinner when dining out. I have noticed that if a beer is very light or very heavy in flavor, I tend to not want it with food, but beers in the middle almost always make me want to nosh.
Enjoy your beer food combinations as they can be very tasty sometimes. But go into the review without food. The flavors of the beer and food will influence each other and so you'll be doing a review that is off from what you'd get if you did it without food.
I like to start drinking on an empty stomach but then pair with food as I move along. But of course the type of food can ruin the beer experience and vice versa. I once had the hot wings at Monks and it ruined the Pliny and Blind Pig I had ordered with them. (Will stick with the Mussels next time).
