Nothing says summer in Canada quite like that summer BBQ. Locally-raised meat and freshly farmed veggies sizzle away while your close friends and family laugh away the heat – and don’t forget to wash it down with a craft beer.

Next Saturday August 6th, my friends at Meal Exchange are organizing National BBQ Day, calling on all Canadians across the country to host a BBQ with locally-grown food in support of our local food economy.  And, if you register now, you’ll be entered to win 2 free plane tickets with West Jet (take a trip to another province to try their craft beer…)

I’ve already got my Ontario, cage-free chicken from Toronto’s Culinarium and am still pondering my craft beer choice…

When you’re deciding on the craft beer line-up next Saturday, here are some tips to help you enjoy your craft beer, local-BBQ:

1. Try a new craft beer from a different microbrewery.  If you usually buy that same old lager during the summer, seek out a new brewery and try something you’ve never heard of.  A spicy orange wheat beer or hopped-up imperial IPA may be exactly what your palette is looking for.

2. Drink your craft beer out of a glass. I know it’s tempting to stand around the BBQ with bottle-in-hand, but would you drink wine from a bottle?  Pour your craft beer into a wine glass and you’ll find that the aromas and flavours of your craft beer are much more evolved.

3. When drinking your craft beer use your senses.  It is best to smell the craft beer first because the aromas are very volatile and will soon leave. Do you smell bitterness, sweetness, or fruity notes? If you’re having a hard time putting a name to the smell, what memories does the beer evoke? Next, how does the craft beer look? What colour is it, clear or opaque and does it have good head retention?  Then (the moment you’ve been waiting for), taste. Is it bitter or malty, or maybe it is perfectly balanced? And finally, mouthfeel. Does the craft beer have a full body, is it highly carbonated and does the alcohol warm your mouth on the way down?

Remember that everyone experiences their craft beer differently and you may actually learn something from your friends. You’ll be surprised how fun craft beer tasting can be when you use all your senses!

4. Pair your local meat and veggies with a craft beer.  If you’re new to pairing just pay attention to what kind of foods and beers you enjoy. If you’re up for a little challenge there are just a few general rules to follow. First, match strength with strength.  If you’re having a highly flavorful pork chop try it with a stronger and more robust porter.  Second synchronize your beer-food pairing.  If your BBQ takes on roasty or caramelized characteristics pair it with a craft beer that has similar qualities like a sweet Belgian-style beer. And finally, why not contemplate the contrasting attributes of your pairing? Pair spicy meat with a soft pilsner and see how the flavours interact. Beer also pairs really well with high-fat foods like cheese and chocolate because the carbonation actually lifts the fats off the palate.

5. Boil your veggies or meat in mass-produced light lagers before grilling. If (god forbid) one of your well-intentioned friends brings you a 6-pack of mass-produced beer, don’t fret. Nothing beats a grilled local sausage or red potato with a yeasty-corn flavour.

6. Let this BBQ be the start of your adventures in craft beer! Make a date with your BBQ buddies to visit a local brewery, host your own beer and chocolate pairing, or try your hand at home brewing.  Once you enter the world of craft beer you never go back.

For my entire blog post and more information about National BBQ Day, check out the Meal Exchange website.

So this year start a tradition – May National BBQ Day be a celebration of what your province has to offer.  Craft beer and local food are here to stay!