I'm an ale man. I gravitate towards British bitters in general (and fresh Real Ale is to die for), but after trying 6-ish different beers for beer boiled bratwurst, I have to say it has been best with Pilsner.
I've tried:
Newcastle Brown Ale
Bitburger Lager
Beck's Lager
Fuller's ESB Ale
Pauliner Oktoberfest
Krombacher Pilsner (and a few craft brew Pilsners in the Austin, TX area)
The Pilsner (which I don't care for as a drinking beer) seems to be just right for a brat boil. Some hops flavor develops, but isn't overpowering as when I tried regular German lagers or English ales which came out a bit too bitter to my palette.
I first prick the bratwurst on two sides with a knife (three pokes each side, I've found poking all sides didn't seem to matter) then brown the brats over 350 degree grate temp, direct heat with some wood chips thrown in for light smoke flavor. Then I transfer to a disposable aluminum pan (or an enameled steel one, if I feel like doing dishes afterward) and pour in two bottles (11.2/12 oz) of beer (enough to cover the brats). I then let this boil for 30 minutes turning the brats once midway. I've heard from friends "these are the best brats I've ever had" several times.
What have you used for beer in beer bratwurst? Results? Favorites?
I've tried:
Newcastle Brown Ale
Bitburger Lager
Beck's Lager
Fuller's ESB Ale
Pauliner Oktoberfest
Krombacher Pilsner (and a few craft brew Pilsners in the Austin, TX area)
The Pilsner (which I don't care for as a drinking beer) seems to be just right for a brat boil. Some hops flavor develops, but isn't overpowering as when I tried regular German lagers or English ales which came out a bit too bitter to my palette.
I first prick the bratwurst on two sides with a knife (three pokes each side, I've found poking all sides didn't seem to matter) then brown the brats over 350 degree grate temp, direct heat with some wood chips thrown in for light smoke flavor. Then I transfer to a disposable aluminum pan (or an enameled steel one, if I feel like doing dishes afterward) and pour in two bottles (11.2/12 oz) of beer (enough to cover the brats). I then let this boil for 30 minutes turning the brats once midway. I've heard from friends "these are the best brats I've ever had" several times.
What have you used for beer in beer bratwurst? Results? Favorites?
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