Beer and Cider pairing at Gas Street Social

We went along to the Beer and Cider pairing event at Gas Street Social on Sunday. This was part of The Mailbox Sessions and as most of you may know, Gas Street Social is an independent, which makes it pretty unique for a bar situated in this area. We love the place as it’s always a great way to socialise with friends and family over a nice brew and top notch food too! As always if there’s a chance of a good feed with some beer too we’re there, Gas Street Social is also on the #BeerYetiTrail, so it was a good chance to get a couple of beer selfies too!

So how did it all pair up;

[su_row][su_column size="1/2"][/su_column] [su_column size="1/2"]Pork Crackling & Apple Sauce - Served warm & sprinkled with sea salt. Paired with Stowford Press Dry Apple Cider.What we thought: We love scratchings so this was always going to be a winner for us. The cider had a bit of a sharp edge to it which matched the saltiness of the pork. The fruitiness of the cider also brought out the richness of the pork, while making the flavours in the cider bolder.[/su_column][/su_row][su_row][su_column size="1/2"][/su_column] [su_column size="1/2"]Crispy Arancini Balls - Risotto balls with wild mushroom & parmesan, topped with truffle oil & served with roasted garlic mayo. Paired with Sharps Cornish Pilsner.What we thought: The herbal notes of the pilsner really matched the herbal flavours of this dish. As it was quite a light refreshing brew, it really cut through the richness of the parmesan, while cleansing the palate after every sip.[/su_column][/su_row][su_row][su_column size="1/2"][/su_column] [su_column size="1/2"]Salt & Pepper Squid - Deep fried crispy squid with saffron & coriander mayo & fresh chilli. Paired with Blue Moon Wheat Beer.What we thought: The coriander mayo worked well with the citrusy flavours in the brew. Also as this beer isn’t too bold flavour-wise it didn’t overpower the calamari, highlighting the flavours. As the beer goes down quite smoothly, it took the heat off the chilli too![/su_column][/su_row][su_row][su_column size="1/2"][/su_column] [su_column size="1/2"]Homemade Scotch Egg - Soft boiled egg encased in seasoned pork & black pudding, served with watercress & beer ketchup. Paired with Chieftain IPA.What we thought: The bitterness of the IPA worked well to mellow down the saltiness of the seasoned pork and allow the more seasoned flavours to surface.[/su_column][/su_row][su_row][su_column size="1/2"][/su_column] [su_column size="1/2"]GSS Meatballs - Seasoned pork meatballs in a rich homemade tomato & herb sauce. Paired with Sharps Wolf Rock IPA.What we thought: This worked well, to dampen down the spicy tank of the sauce which enriched and allowed more flavours to come through.[/su_column][/su_row][su_row][su_column size="1/2"][/su_column] [su_column size="1/2"]Chocolate Brownie - Rich chocolate brownie served warm with hot chocolate sauce. Paired with Shandon Stout.What we thought: The intense richness of this brew, matched that intensity of the chocolate brownie, allowing more flavours to come through.[/su_column][/su_row]Overall we had a cracking night, everyone that we spoke to loved it and the overall winner seemed to be the Squid and Blue Moon. It was also nice to discover that quite a few people weren't really into beer but this event had opened their eyes, bringing people together and almost acting as a bridge that leads to a new beery world. It was also great to see an independent doing so well, being quite busy on a Sunday, not just with people who had come for the pairing session.Big thanks to Vicky, you are a legend!