Brewers at Boston-based Samuel Adams and artisanal meat purveyor Jake Dickson unveil the innovative Samuel Adams Boston Lager Cut, the perfect beef counterpart for Samuel Adams Boston Lager. The partnership between the brewers and Dickson, owner of Dickson's Farmstand Meats in New York City, marks the first time a brewer and specialty meat purveyor have teamed up to design an original cut of beef. The brew's upfront malt flavor matches the caramelized flavors of the meat, and its hoppy finish prepares the palate for the next bite.
Cut from the cap to the top sirloin, the Cut has a tender texture and big beefy flavor and runs at a 45 degree angle to the rest of the muscle, yielding a tightly grained steak perfect for grilling and slicing. This carving method optimizes the Cut's cooking properties and flavor potential, enhancing the pairing capabilities. The beef and beer intersect with great caramel notes and sweetness, while the elegant hoppiness of Samuel Adams Boston Lager finishes the lingering meaty flavor of the Cut. To achieve the recommended medium-rare to medium temperature and make the most of the cut's beefy flavor, Dickson suggests searing the steak on high heat for four to five minutes per side. For a well-done cut, follow the searing with four to five minutes of indirect heat in the oven.
"Twenty five years ago, people thought the ultimate food and beer pairing was a 6-pack and a pizza, but today people think of craft beer more like wine. At Samuel Adams, we've always been committed to elevating people's perception of food and beer," said Founder and Brewer Jim Koch. "I think working with specialty food purveyors, like Jake, to isolate very specific types of food pairings, like beef and craft beer, is taking that passion to the next level."
A similar type of cut can be ordered through specialty butcher shops by requesting a three-quarter inch cut from the cap to the top sirloin. The "fat cap" should be left on to aid in cooking the cut properly. When cut correctly, it will resemble a leaner New York Strip or Shell Steak. While this cut is specially designed to be the perfect pairing for Samuel Adams Boston Lager, the full-flavored craft brew pairs well with any type of beef dish from burgers to steak and everything in between.