HAMBURGER BEER . . . IT’S A THING

WELL THIS IS A FIRST: a beer that doesn’t just pair with a burger, it actually tastes like one?! Red Robin’s Grilled Pineapple golden ale (which debuted at the Great American Beer Festival in early October) contains no actual beef, but is modelled on the burgers from their Banzai Burger, which includes teriyaki glaze and pineapple on top. The brewery has said that though they have a number of burgers on their restaurant menu, this one had been selected because of its “unique flavor profile”. Made in association with the Innovation Brewer Dave Glor at the New Belgium Brewing Company, he explained that the brew was given its distinct flavor by infusing the it with molasses and pineapple as well as “apple smoked malt to give the beer its umami and meaty-ness.” Sadly, the burger beer is only in Colorado for the present but should it prove to be a hit the chain’s beverage development manager Katie Burkle said: “If it turns out they [consumers] love having their burger and drinking it too there’s always the possibility of ‘crafting’ another innovation in the future!” A Beantown Burger Beer has a nice ring to it! And there is good news for vegetarians as they will also be able to drink it, too.