There’s something almost magical about the way smoke-kissed meat and a cold beer go hand in hand. It’s not just about flavour — it’s about culture, tradition, and the kind of memories that are made when fire and hops come together.
Across the Pacific: The American BBQ and Beer Story
In the United States, BBQ and beer have long been inseparable companions. From the hickory pits of the Carolinas to the mesquite smoke of Texas, you’ll find a frosty bottle or pint close at hand. American BBQ is bold, regional, and fiercely proud — and the beers served alongside reflect that same spirit.
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In the South, sweet and tangy sauces find balance with crisp lagers and wheat beers.
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In Texas, smoky brisket often shares the table with hop-forward IPAs or smooth amber ales.
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Midwestern BBQ joints lean on easy-drinking pilsners to cut through the richness of ribs and pulled pork.
Beer isn’t just a beverage at an American BBQ — it’s part of the ritual, a refreshing contrast to long hours at the pit and big plates of smoky meat.
Down Under: Australia’s Take on Beer and BBQ
Here in Australia, beer and BBQ is practically a national pastime. Our BBQ traditions might differ from the US, but the bond between grill and glass is just as strong. A summer arvo around the barbie isn’t complete without a cold one in hand.
What’s changing, though, is the rise of craft beer alongside the BBQ revival. Just as Australians have embraced brisket, low-and-slow cooking, and smoky rubs, they’ve also embraced small-batch breweries offering everything from citrusy pale ales to malty porters. Pairing isn’t just “grab a lager anymore” — it’s become a way to explore flavour:
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A lemony pilsner to brighten up lamb skewers rubbed in Feedlot Grasslands.
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A robust stout with Feedlot Black Angus smoked brisket, where the roasted malt mirrors the deep bark of the beef.
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A crisp pale ale with Feedlot Forager BBQ chicken, the hops cutting neatly through the smoky skin.
Why It Works: Smoke Meets Sip
BBQ brings smoke, fat, spice, and sweetness — all big, bold flavours. Beer, with its carbonation, bitterness, and wide flavour palette, cleanses the palate and enhances the experience. Where wine can feel heavy, beer feels playful and refreshing, ready to go toe-to-toe with sticky ribs or fiery wings.
Bringing It Together
Whether you’re at a tailgate in Texas or a backyard in Sydney, beer and BBQ belong together. They’re not just food and drink — they’re part of what makes BBQ such a communal, joy-filled tradition. At The Feedlot, we love exploring those connections: our rubs, sauces, and jerky are built to stand up to smoky meats and the beers that go with them.
So next time you fire up the pit, don’t just think about what wood or rub to use — think about what’s in your glass. Because the right beer can take your BBQ from great to unforgettable.