Beer-pairing tips for Super Bowl Sunday

Bocks, which are separated into several categories, some of which are lighter than others, are lagers with heavy flavors and are quite filling on their own.

In fact, legend has it that monks used to brew these beers to sustain themselves through long fasts. As such, you might think they're un-pairable, however this beer can be paired with heavier flavors, especially appetizers made with pork or game.

Examples: Spaten Premium Bock, Amstel Bock, Shiner Bock

Try these buffalo jalapeño poppers to pair with a bock >>

Wheat beers are ales. Wheat, in and of itself, doesn't add much flavor to the beer. Instead, the brewmaster adds additional flavors, often fruits, which give the wheat beer a crisp flavor and smooth finish. Wheat beers are extremely flexible, as they come in a variety of flavors. Traditional Bavarian hefeweizens, for example, have flavors of banana and clove. Many American wheat beers are flavored with citrus. Traditionally considered summer beers, many breweries are now producing fall and winter versions featuring favorite cold-weather spices, like clove, nutmeg and cinnamon.

Examples: Blue Moon (almost any variety), Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat, New Belgium Mothership Wit

Try these orange-cumin shrimp tacos with an orange-flavored wheat >>

Dark ales come in two categories: porters and stouts. Porters have a rich flavor that ranges from a subtle malt to fully roasted. Porters pair well with heavily flavored foods, like steak or game.

Examples: Anchor Porter, Fuller's London Porter, Boulevard's Bully Porter

Pair your porter ale with a perfectly cooked steak >>

Stouts are almost black in color and may have a variety of roasted flavor profiles, including chocolate, coffee, milk, oatmeal and even oyster! They can seem tricky to pair, but are actually quite versatile. Stouts are generally best when paired with heavier meats, but because they're often silky and creamy, some also pair well with chocolaty or creamy desserts.

Examples: Guinness, Young's Double Chocolate Stout, Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout

Try your favorite stout with this easy Texas chili (followed by some rich chocolate cupcakes) >>