Sweet Spot for Pairings

Few snack foods are as All-American as Girl Scout cookies. Since we've talked recently about dessert wines for Valentine's Day, we thought this would be a good time to discuss Girl Scout cookie pairings. These will be in no particular order.

Caramel de-Lites /Samoas: Schlafly's Bière de Garde has toffee notes and a subtle spice from the farmhouse ale yeast that pairs nicely with the caramel and chocolate in the Samoas. The rich maltiness and aromas of oak and vanilla from many barleywines complements the toasted coconut of these cookies wonderfully. Make sure to let these beers warm up a little for maximum intensity. Another great choice: Founders Dirty Bastard. If you prefer a wine, look for a Port, like Fonseca Bin No. 27.

Tagalongs/Peanut Butter Patties: Try a big, fruit-forward beer such as Big Lushious from Founders Brewing Company. When the cookie has chocolate, grab a bottle of red wine. Tagalongs are no different – find a fruity red wine such as Georges Dubouef Beaujolais or Gnarly Head Zinfandel.

Lemonades: The shortbread texture of the cookies and lemon flavors in the icing make an excellent contrasting duo for a citrusy IPA such as Ballast Point’s Sculpin IPA. An unfiltered wheat beer can add depth and balance to the flavors of the cookie with its citric zing.

Shortbread/Trefoil Cookies: Stick with tradition by pairing these classic cookies with traditional beer styles such as the cheek-warming Baltic Porter from Smuttynose Brewing Company with notes of dark fruits and coffee or a Scottish ale such as Oskar Blues Old Chub with notes of cocoa and coffee and a dash of smoke. Alternative pairing: Choose your favorite IPA to contrast with the buttery biscuit-y goodness of these cookies. Alternatively, try Pinot Project Pinot Noir or Gruet Brut.

Thin Mints: Great Divide's Yeti Imperial Stout. Dark coffee and chocolate on the nose with caramel toastiness from the malts deliver a mouth-feel that pairs well with the crisp, minty crunch of the wafer cookie (especially if you keep your Thin Mints in the freezer).

H/T VA Viper blog and Beerandbrewing.com