Smoked Chicken Wings and Craft Beer: What to Eat with Special Beer

Smoked Chicken Wings and Craft Beer: A Flavor-Forward Friendship

Few things scream perfect pairing like smoked chicken wings and craft beer. The heat, the smoke, the crunch—it’s everything bold beer styles love. But wings are just the beginning. In this guide, we’ll explore other tasty snacks that shine alongside your favorite Moersleutel beers, from imperial stouts to hazy IPAs.

Whether you’re throwing a tasting night or building the ultimate borrelplank, these food pairing tips will help you match flavor with flavor.

1. IPA or DIPA + Sriracha-Lime Glazed Chicken Wings

Why it works: The bitterness of an IPA cuts through fatty foods and spice like a torque wrench through metal. Citrusy hops brighten smoky wings and balance sweet heat. Wonderful combo.

Wing pairing:
🔥 Sriracha-lime glazed smoked chicken wings – spicy, acidic, and sticky

Veggie version:
🌱 Spicy cauliflower “wings” with lime zest and sesame seeds

Best beers: Crank the Juice, Fruit Bomb, Wrench IPA

2. Imperial Stout + Honey Coffee Glazed Wings

Why it works: The roasted malts and dark chocolate notes in an imperial stout mirror the charred, smoky flavors of the wings. It’s rich meeting rich—powerful, balanced, and deep.

Wing pairing:
🔥 Honey-coffee glazed smoked chicken wings – sweet, roasted, and sticky

Veggie version:
🌱 BBQ-glazed oyster mushrooms smoked over beechwood chips

Best beers: Motor Oil or try one of our limited-edition Stout specials

3. Barley Wine + Soy Honey Garlic wings

Why it works: Barley Wine brings sweetness, booze, and dried fruit. It’s perfect with sticky wings that layer umami, caramel, and char.

Wing pairing:
🔥 Soy-honey-garlic smoked chicken wings – bold, sticky, and savory

Veggie version:
🌱 Crispy tempeh bites glazed with hoisin and roasted sesame

Best beers: try one of our limited-edition Barley Wine specials

4. Pastry Stout + Maple-Chipotle Smoked Wings

Why it works: Sweet and spicy is always a win. Pastry stouts bring dessert-like richness that boosts maple, chipotle and other caramelized glazes.

Wing pairing:
🔥 Maple-chipotle smoked wings with toasted peanuts – smoky, sweet, spicy

Veggie version:
🌱 Crispy tofu chunks in sticky sambal-maple glaze

Best beers: Try one of our beers of the Pastry Factory series

5. 5. Wild Ale + Pickle-brined Smoked Chicken Wings

Why it works: Wild ales are sharp, funky and acidic. They add contrast to fatty, tangy, or pickled wings, making flavors pop in wild harmony.

Wing pairing:
🔥 Pickle-brined smoked chicken wings with fresh dill yogurt drizzle

Veggie version:
🌱 Jackfruit “wings” brined in vinegar and grilled with za’atar

Best beers: Zomerdijk Brewing & Blending beers

6. Blond or Witbier + Lemon-pepper Smoked Chicken Wings

Why it works: Light, citrusy beers enhance brightness and herbs. They cool down spice and lift up the aromatics in peppery wings.

Wing pairing:
🔥 Lemon-pepper smoked chicken wings with olive oil and thyme

Veggie version:
🌱 Halloumi skewers with lemon zest, oregano, and black pepper

Best beers: Moersleutel Wit or Moersleutel Blond

Build Your Borrelplank: Moersleutel Style

Want the full spread? Mix and match from these categories:

Final Tip: Don’t Just Drink—Engineer the Flavor

Smoked chicken wings and craft beer are just the beginning. The best beer and food pairings are built, not guessed. Use these combos to impress friends, boost your borrelgame, and match bold Moersleutel styles with snacks that slap.

➡️ Want more food pairing options? Check out our ultimate craft beer and food pairing tips