You probably know about black and tan if you’re a fan of beer; it’s a really attractive and tasty beer cocktail. Layers of lighter beer (often a pale ale or lager) and darker beer (generally a stout or porter) compose a black and tan, layered beer cocktail. When poured properly, the resulting contrast in color and taste is both aesthetically striking and delicious. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 beers for making the ideal black and tan, so you don’t have to. Without further ado, let’s dig in and get the drinks you need for a spectacular black and tan.
1. Guinness Draught and Bass Pale Ale
Black and tans are best made using the traditional mixture of Guinness Draught and Bass Pale Ale. The combination of Guinness’s silky smoothness and the mellow maltiness of Bass Pale Ale makes for the ideal beer. In what way? The perfect black and tan to dazzle your buddies and fulfill your hunger.
2. Murphy’s Irish Stout and Harp Lager
If you’re set on drinking just Irish beers, try Murphy’s Irish Stout with some Harp Lager. The crisp and clear flavor of Harp Lager pairs well with Murphy’s somewhat sweeter taste. If you’re looking for a black and tan that’s a little easier on the stomach without sacrificing the trademark layered look; this is the one for you.
3. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout
A black and tan made with Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout are as American as apple pie. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale’s hoppy and lemony aromas provide a welcome contrast to Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout’s deep, velvety body. If you’re seeking for a tasty variation on the classic black-and-tan, go no further than this pairing.
4. Brooklyn Lager and Left Hand Nitro Milk Stout
American classics like Brooklyn Lager and Left Hand Nitro Milk Stout are also great together. In contrast to the Nitro Milk Stout’s silky smooth texture and notes of chocolate and coffee, the amber-colored Brooklyn Lager offers a malty backbone with a touch of bitterness. If you’re in the mood for something creamy, sugary, and decadent, this black and tan is for you.
5. Pilsner Urquell and Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout
The Czech Pilsner Urquell and the Russian Old Rasputin Imperial Stout make a great duo if you’re wanting to create a European brew. Old Rasputin’s robust tastes and syrupy body are tempered by the crisp, clean, and refreshing beer Pilsner Urquell. Each sip of this black and tan will be like traveling around Europe in search of new and interesting flavors.
6. Yuengling Lager and Rogue Chocolate Stout
Try mixing Yuengling Lager with Rogue Chocolate Stout for a twist on the traditional black and tan. The velvety maltiness of America’s oldest brewery, Yuengling Lager, is a great complement to the dark chocolate notes of Rogue Chocolate Stout. If you have a sweet craving and are looking for a dessert in a glass, this is the right combo for you.
7. Anchor Steam Beer and Deschutes Black Butte Porter
For a twist on the traditional black and tan, try mixing Anchor Steam Beer with Deschutes Black Butte Porter. Deschutes Black Butte Porter’s roastiness and chocolate undertones complement the gentle fruitiness and hoppiness of Anchor Steam Beer, a California Common. If you’re looking for a drink that has the best of both worlds, go no further than this black and tan.
8. Fuller’s London Pride and Samuel Adams Cream Stout
Combining the English Pale Ale Fuller’s London Pride with the American Cream Stout from Samuel Adams creates a synthesis of the two countries cultures. London Pride’s maltiness and mild fruitiness go well with Samuel Adams Cream Stout’s creaminess and roasted coffee undertones. If you’re looking for a sophisticated and tasty blend with an exotic twist, this black and tan is a great option.
9. Hoegaarden and Young’s Double Chocolate Stout
Try a black and tan with Hoegaarden and Young’s Double Chocolate Stout if you like Belgian beers. The luscious, chocolatey tastes of Young’s Double Chocolate Stout play off well against the light and refreshing Hoegaarden, a Belgian witbier with hints of citrus and coriander. Your taste buds will be doing a happy dance after experiencing this one-of-a-kind black and tan.
10. Modelo Especial and Founders KBS
Try mixing Modelo Especial, a Mexican beer, with Founders KBS, a bourbon barrel-aged stout, for a black and tan that’s equal parts daring and bold. Modelo Especial’s light and crisp taste makes a great foundation for the rich and complex Founders KBS, which has coffee, chocolate, and bourbon undertones. If you’re looking for a drink that will leave you with a lasting impression, try this black and tan.
Black and Tan Pouring Instructions
You need to know how to pour a black and tan now that you have the top 10 greatest beer pairings to use. It may take some practice before you can pour a black and tan that looks good enough for Instagram, but once you can, you won’t be able to stop bragging about it. Some pointers to get you going are as follows.
Put your pint glass in the fridge for at least half an hour before you start pouring beer to keep the layers separate and distinct.
Start by filling your glass halfway with the lighter beer by tilting it at a 45-degree angle and gradually returning it to its upright position as the beer fills it.
Invert a spoon over the glass so that the tip rests on the interior of the glass; this will create the desired layered look. Gently let the darker beer flow over the spoon into the lighter beer below. The spoon will spread the liquid out, reducing the likelihood of excessive mixing.
Take your time and pour the darker beer carefully. If you’re in a hurry, the beers can end up mingling, ruining the effect of your black and tan.
If at first, you don’t succeed, keep trying until you get it right. A perfect black and tan take work to accomplish, but it’s well worth the effort.
Conclusion
There has to be just the right amount of each ingredient for the best possible black and tan. Thanks to this helpful list, you now have access to the top 10 finest beers for making a black and tan that will not only dazzle your friends but also fulfill your hunger. Whether you’re looking for a traditional black and tan made with Guinness and Bass Pale Ale, or you want to mix things up with Hoegaarden and Young’s Double Chocolate Stout, there’s a black and tan to suit your tastes. In that case, why delay any longer? Now is the time to get out your preferred beer, a spoon, and a pint glass and begin crafting the ideal black and tan. Cheers!
I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage.
