With this being Houston Beer Week, it made perfect sense when it was announced that, as of yesterday, Houstonians can now get a Smashburger (or chicken sandwich) that is specifically paired with a selection from Houston hometown brewery Saint Arnold.
Smashburger founder Tom Ryan (right in photo) recently sat down with Saint Arnold founder Brock Wagner (left in photo). With a line-up of brews and burgers in front of them, they worked their way through potential pairings until they found the ones they liked the best. In truth, there are a few Saint Arnold beers, such as the amber ale, that I think could go with just about anything. But having said that, there were some standout pairings that I think are particularly well suited to each other. Besides, it will make your lunch or dinner even more fun.
The Classic Burger paired with the aforementioned amber ale was the definition of what it means to have a burger and a beer. The flavors were clean and simple, and the fresh lettuce and tomato really came to life. My other two favorites, believe it or not, were chicken sandwich selections. I’m not a huge IPA (India pale ale) fan, but when the Saint Arnold Elissa is paired with the Crispy Buffalo Chicken, it all works. There are lots of strong flavors here, but that’s a pro, not a con.
The Spinach and Goat Cheese Chicken sandwich is, I think, Smashburger’s truly unique option. The sandwich is creamy (be aware that it might want to slide apart on you), and Saint Arnold’s Fancy Lawnmower ale is delicate enough to dance alongside this Greek-influenced sandwich.
This is a great opportunity for Saint Arnold and a nod of recognition for Houston’s oldest brewery to be hand-picked by an now-international chain to be its star beer. (Smashburger opened its first international location in Kuwait earlier this year. Check this out: The Kuwait Burger has hot pepper cheese; grilled jalapeños with hawaij, a Middle Eastern seasoning; labneh, or cheese made from strained yogurt; baby spinach, tomato and cucumber on a spicy chipotle bun. I’d love to try one of these someday, wouldn’t you?)
It was a remarkably smart move on Smashburger’s part to reach out to a local brewery. They’re doing this all over the country, so each city will get its own hometown favorite. Craft beer is a hot and still-growing market. This makes Smashburger seem less like an impersonal chain restaurant and more like a company that wants to stay in touch with the communities where it does business. I say more power to them.