Hops & Scotch Pairings – at Hopscotch

Beer and whisky – yes they are a pretty perfect match. But pairing the right beer with the right whisky can be the hard part.

Chef Kyle Itani from Hopscotch in Oakland is now offering a Hops & Scotch pairing menu where they do the work for you. Included are three options each at $10. That includes a 1 oz pour of scotch and bottle or pint of beer. Below is a look at the pairings, each with an explanation from Itani.

Caol Ila 12 year single malt and Drake’s IPA
The spice of this peaty Islay scotch plays really well off the hoppy bite of the local IPA.

Suntory Yamazaki 12 yr. single malt and Asahi Kuronama black lager
It’s like they were made for each other. Both have a lot of complexity but are so smooth. Your palate is excited but completely at ease.

Templeton Prohibition Rye and Coedo Beniaka (sweet potato lager)
An unlikely pair that makes an incredible impression. Caramel and spice and a little bit of funk in the oh so good way. Drinking one makes you want to go back to the other, then back again, over and over.

All scotch is served neat, with rocks and water on the side.

The new pairing menu is just part of the outstanding cocktail, wine and beer program at Hopscotch.

Hopscotch is located at 1915 San Pablo Avenue in Oakland and offers dinner Tuesday-Sunday.

Photo Credit: Suntory Whisky

It's simple. Keith Mizuguchi loves to write and write and write some more. After taking a hiatus from the journalism business, he has rekindled his passion for writing over the last two years, holding a job as both a web and on-air writer for San Francisco news radio station KCBS. While he enjoys the news business, his true passions are twofold: sports and food. Bay Area born and raised, he lives in San Jose, commutes to SF and loves every minute of it. You can follow his food adventures on Twitter @foodie_keith.