Discover the perfect flavor combinations with our guide to beer and burger pairings at Hillman Beer. Find which of our craft brews best complements our locally-sourced, house-made burgers.
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Pairing Hillman’s Award-Winning Brews with Signature Burgers: A Complete Guide
The Art of Pairing Craft Beer with Gourmet Burgers
At Hillman Beer, we believe great food deserves great beer. Our family-owned brewery has perfected both craft beers and locally-sourced pub fare, creating opportunities for flavor combinations that enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re visiting our Asheville location near Biltmore Village or our Old Fort brewery, understanding how to pair our award-winning beers with our signature burgers can transform a good meal into an unforgettable one. This guide will walk you through the complementary flavors, contrasting notes, and perfect pairings that make Hillman Beer a destination for beer and food lovers alike.
Understanding the Basics of Beer and Burger Pairing
When pairing beer with burgers, consider how flavors interact. Complementary pairings match similar flavor profiles, while contrasting pairings use opposing characteristics to create balance. The carbonation in beer acts as a palate cleanser between bites, while the malt sweetness can offset spicy or savory elements. The hop bitterness cuts through rich, fatty flavors, refreshing your taste buds for the next bite.
At Hillman, we craft beers with intentional flavor profiles that stand on their own but shine brightest alongside our thoughtfully prepared food. Our grass-fed beef patties, house-made toppings, and locally-sourced ingredients create burger experiences worthy of careful beer selection.
Our Signature Pairing: ESB & The Classic Patty Melt
Our GABF Gold medal-winning ESB (Extra Special Bitter) pairs perfectly with our customer-favorite grass-fed beef patty melt. The beer’s caramel malt backbone complements the savory beef while its moderate hop bitterness and earthy notes cut through the richness of the melted cheese. The beer’s balanced profile doesn’t overwhelm the burger’s subtle flavors but enhances them, creating a harmonious dining experience that showcases why this combination has become our signature pairing.
The patty melt’s caramelized onions bring out the ESB’s malt sweetness, while the beer’s clean finish prepares your palate for the next bite. This pairing demonstrates our approach to quality without pretension – classic flavors executed with care and precision.
Four Fat Baby Brown Ale & The Mushroom Swiss Burger
Our GABF Bronze medal-winning Four Fat Baby Brown Ale creates magic when paired with our mushroom Swiss burger. The ale’s chocolate and caramel notes complement the earthy umami flavors of sautéed mushrooms, while its nutty undertones enhance the Swiss cheese’s subtle nuttiness. The moderate body stands up to the burger’s richness without overwhelming it.
This pairing exemplifies how thoughtful beer selection can elevate familiar flavors. The brown ale’s complexity mirrors the depth of flavor in the mushroom Swiss combination, creating layers of taste that unfold throughout your meal.
Hillman Kölsch & The Spicy Jalapeño Burger
For heat-seekers who enjoy our spicy jalapeño burger, our traditional German-style Kölsch offers the perfect counterpoint. The beer’s crisp, clean profile and subtle fruit notes cool the jalapeño’s heat while its light body ensures the spice remains the star. The Kölsch’s gentle carbonation refreshes your palate between bites, preventing spice fatigue.
This contrasting pairing demonstrates how opposites attract in food and beer combinations. The technical precision of our Kölsch creates the ideal canvas for the bold flavors of the spicy burger to shine.
Seasonal Pairings: Rotating Specials
Beyond our core offerings, we regularly feature seasonal beers and burger specials that create unique pairing opportunities. Our brewing team works closely with our kitchen to develop complementary flavors that showcase the best of each season. From summer IPAs with citrus-infused burgers to winter stouts alongside robust, smoky specialties, these limited-time pairings give regulars reason to keep coming back.
These rotating options reflect our commitment to quality and creativity, allowing both our brewing team and kitchen staff to explore new flavor combinations while maintaining our focus on approachable, satisfying food and drink.
Experience the Perfect Pairing at Hillman Beer
Ready to experience these flavor combinations firsthand? Visit us at our Asheville or Old Fort locations to enjoy our award-winning beers alongside our locally-sourced burgers. Our knowledgeable staff can guide you to the perfect pairing based on your preferences, or you can experiment with different combinations to discover your personal favorite.
We’ve created comfortable spaces where quality beer, thoughtful food, and good company come together. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or simply looking for a delicious meal in a welcoming atmosphere, Hillman Beer offers an authentic experience rooted in family tradition and community connection.
Come Taste the Difference
Join us at Hillman Beer to discover why the right beer can make a great burger even better. With our family-owned approach to brewing and cooking, we’ve created a place where quality, service, comfort, and community come together on your plate and in your glass. We know that your experience here will keep you coming back for more!
Asheville Location: 25 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC (828-505-1312)
Hours: Sun-Tues 11am-9pm, Wed-Sat 11am-10pm
Old Fort Location: 78 Catawba Ave, Old Fort, NC (828-668-6372)
Hours: Sunday 12pm-9pm, Mon-Tues 11am-9pm, Wed-Sat 11am-10pm
Kitchen closes at 9pm at both locations. All burgers are made with locally-sourced ingredients and served with your choice of side.
