Introduction:

What if your favorite cold brew and bold-flavored jerky could do more than satisfy hunger—they could elevate each other? The secret is in the pairing. Whether you’re unwinding after work or fueling up for a hike, matching beer with the right jerky enhances both flavors and the experience. A longtime food and beverage journalist friend of mine and I have explored countless tasting combinations—but few offer the balance of portability, protein, and punch that beer and jerky deliver together.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through expertly curated beer pairings for each of Big Mike’s Jerky’s seven standout flavors. Prepare for tastebud fireworks.

Why Pair Beer with Jerky?

Pairing beer with jerky isn’t just trendy—it’s grounded in flavor chemistry. The hops, malt, carbonation, and bitterness of beer can either contrast or complement jerky’s smokiness, sweetness, and heat. When done right, you get:

• Amplified Flavor Complexity
• A Satisfying, Protein-Rich Snack with Less Sugar
• Portable Pairing for Tailgates, Trails, and Tastings
• Low-Sugar Options That Fit Modern Diets

Now, let’s tap into the matchups.

Big Mike’s Jerky + Beer Pairings

1. Spicy Beef Jerky + India Pale Ale (IPA)

Why it works:

The bold heat in Big Mike’s Spicy Beef Jerky stands up to the hoppy bitterness of an IPA. Think of it like a firecracker with a citrusy chaser.

Beer Suggestion:

Try Lagunitas IPA or Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA. Their high IBU balances the jerky’s cayenne-fueled kick.

Pro Tip:

Serve both cold on a hot day for an invigorating combo that’s ideal for spicy snack lovers.

2. Peppered Beef Jerky + Porter

Why it works:

Cracked black pepper in Big Mike’s Peppered Beef Jerky draws out the roasted notes in a good porter. Smoky meets spice in the best way.

Beer Suggestion:

Sierra Nevada Porter or Founders Porter. Rich, dark, and just smooth enough to mellow the pepper bite.

Real-World Pairing:

Perfect for sipping and snacking during a backyard bonfire or cool-weather hike.

3. Original Beef Jerky + Amber Ale

Why it works:

Classic meets classic. Big Mike’s Original Beef Jerky, with its balanced savory profile, plays well with malty, slightly sweet amber ales.

Beer Suggestion:

Try Alaskan Amber or Bell’s Amber Ale. The caramel malt notes don’t overpower the jerky’s clean umami.

Special Mention:

A great “starter pairing” for those new to beer + jerky experiences.

4. Original Turkey Jerky + Wheat Beer (Hefeweizen)

Why it works:

Lighter, slightly sweet wheat beers harmonize with Big Mike’s Original Turkey Jerky, enhancing its subtle herbaceous flavor without overwhelming it.

Beer Suggestion:

Go for Blue Moon Belgian White or Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier. Add an orange slice to complete the bright pairing.

Audience Tip:

This is a go-to for those watching calories—lean turkey + wheat beer = light yet indulgent.

5. Teriyaki Style Jerky + Pilsner

Why it works:

Big Mike’s Teriyaki Jerky delivers a sweet-savory soy glaze that gets refreshed by the crisp bite of a cold pilsner.

Beer Suggestion:

Try Pilsner Urquell or Victory Prima Pils. These beers cut through sweetness and reset your palate with each sip.

Special Attributes:

Low sugar in the jerky helps avoid the cloying overload often found in other teriyaki snacks.

6. Sweet Hot Jerky + Belgian Dubbel

Why it works:

The caramelized heat of Big Mike’s Sweet Hot Jerky finds its match in the deep, fruity warmth of a Belgian dubbel.

Beer Suggestion:

Chimay Red or Rochefort 6 provide just enough dried fruit and malt richness to dance with the jerky’s fiery sweetness.

Real-World Use:

Break this combo out during a charcuterie night to wow even craft beer aficionados.

7. Original Mushroom Jerky + Pale Ale

Why it works:

Earthy, umami-packed Original Mushroom Jerky begs for a beer with balanced bitterness and mild citrus—enter the pale ale.

Beer Suggestion:

Try Sierra Nevada Pale Ale or Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale. These mid-range hoppy beers don’t overpower the fungi funk.

Plant-Based Bonus:

Perfect for flexitarians or vegetarians who still crave bold, meaty textures and full-bodied flavor.

What Sets Big Mike’s Jerky Apart?

🍖 Handcrafted in Small Batches

Every flavor is made with care, using premium cuts and seasoned to perfection—not mass-produced mystery meat.

🌿 Mission-Driven Quality

Big Mike’s Jerky is rooted in a commitment to real ingredients, quality sourcing, and bold flavor integrity.

🍬 Low Sugar, High Protein

Most varieties clock in with under 3g of sugar per serving, making them ideal for keto, paleo, and health-conscious snackers.

🧂 Tender Texture That Bites Back

Unlike some store-bought brands, Big Mike’s jerky is moist, chewy—not jawbreaking.

Are There Any Drawbacks?

Not many, but here are a few things to consider:

• Flavor Intensity: Big Mike’s bold flavors can overpower delicate beers. Stick with strong or complementary beer styles.
• Shelf Life: Once opened, jerky should be resealed and consumed within a few days for optimal freshness.
• Allergens: Some flavors may contain soy or other common allergens—always read the label.

Professional Backing

• “Pairing Food and Beer: A Sensory Evaluation Approach” – Journal of Sensory Studies
• “Impact of Hop-Derived Compounds on Food Pairing” – Brewing Science Today

Conclusion

Pairing Big Mike’s Jerky with beer transforms casual snacking into a full-flavor experience. With handcrafted recipes, low sugar content, and bold personalities, each jerky variety offers something unique to complement your favorite brews. Whether you’re packing a cooler, hosting friends, or just enjoying a Friday night treat, this guide has you covered.