This Father’s Day, we wanted to create a gift box that would knock the socks off any and all family Grill Masters.

Naturally, when Dad opens a box full of meat on his big day, he’d better find nothing short of the best steaks he’s ever put to the grill. So our 100% pasture-raised, double-aged craft steaks were the obvious choice for the ultimate Dad’s Day gift box.

But before closing the lid, we knew this box could offer something more (not exactly an easy task). Something that would capitalize on the rich, robust flavors of grass fed Ribeye, Filet Mignon, Porterhouse, and NY Strip. Something that would perfectly compliment an afternoon of Dad therapy… basking in the backyard aromas of succulent steaks searing on an open fire, culminating in the perfect dinner, painstakingly crafted with a lifetime of practice on the grill.

There was only one logical answer.

Beer.

craft beers sampled with each steak.

But not your average can of ale. No, this Father’s Day gift box is about craft perfection. It needed to be more. It needed a total flavor adventure.

It needed a professional.

Knowing exactly where to turn, we reached out to our friends Ryan and Brandon at the Craft Beer Cellar. Together, the brothers opened shop in Clayton, MO over two years ago with a passion for all things craft beverages. We told them what we wanted to accomplish with our Father’s Day Craft Steak Gift Box and asked if they’d be interested in teaming up for the cause. Turns out pairing craft beers with fine foods is one the CBC’s favorite things to do. Ryan accepted with glee, and invited his colleague Abbey along, a certified Cicerone specializing in this sort of thing.

Ryan and Abbey joined us at Leslie’s to taste steaks and a hand selected mix of craft beers on a mission to find the best pairings.

Tough job… I know.

Leslie’s husband Chris provided the skillz on the grillz, and we sat down to perfectly cooked, medium-rare grass fed Filet Mignon, Ribeye, Porterhouse, and New York Strip steaks accompanied by a spread of nuts, breads, and cheeses.

Ryan and Abbey brought an assortment of craft beers that they thought would pair well with our craft steaks:

Firestone Walker Brewing Co. | Opal, Dry-Hopped Saison
Big Sky Brewing Co. | Moose Drool, American Brown Ale
Rogue | Hazelnut Brown Nectar, English Brown Ale with Hazelnut
Schlenkerla | Rauchbier Märzen, Smoked Rauchbier
Fonders Brewing Co. | Porter, American Porter
Westmalle | Trappest Ale, Belgian Tripel

For a glimpse at our little pairing party, and Abbey’s expert guidance on the journey, check out some of the live videos. Oh, and to pick up any of these fine brews for yourself, or your choice from their bazillion delicious craft beers, I highly recommend stopping by the Craft Beer Cellar.

Here are the Craft Steak pairings accompanied by Abbey’s pairing notes. Just don’t ruin the surprise for Dad.

Craft Steaks & Craft Beer Pairings

Filet Mignon

Pairs with: Firestone Walker | Opal, Dry-Hopped Saison

This tender, delicate cut paired best with Firestone Walker’s Opal, a dry hopped Saison. The Saison’s lighter body doesn’t dominate the filet while the effervesce aids in cleansing the palate of the tender meat, leaving you ready for another bite or another sip. The peppery bite from the Saison yeast combined with the salty finish on the steak brings to mind salt and pepper, such a classic as they were made for one another. The herbaceous nose and earthy finish of the Saison compliments the steaks rich, juicy earthy umami flavors.

Ribeye

Pairs with: Schlenkerla | Rauchbier Märzen

The Ribeye paired exceptionally well with Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen, a smoked amber lager. By itself, the Märzen is a smokey, intense beer filled with flavors of umami and earth. When paired, the steak and beer meet in the middle, creating a new experience. The smokiness of the beer mirrors the smokey, meaty quality of the steak fabulously. At the same time, the slight sweet, nuttiness from the malt in the beer really cames to the forefront when put next to such an intense cut of meat. The steak tampered down the once almost overwhelming smoke characteristic of the beer. The caramelization on the steak from the grill marks really draw out those malty caramel notes in the beer, once lost in all the smoke.

Porterhouse & New York Strip

Pairs with: Big Sky Brewing Co. | Moose Drool, American Brown

The Porterhouse & NY Strip was paired with Big Sky Brewing’s Moose Drool. The American Brown ale offers a level of complexity needed for such a complex cut of meat. The malty caramel flavors from the beer are a great match for the caramelized flavors from the grilled steak. The beer’s nutty and slight dryness help clean up the intense juicy and huge flavors from the Porterhouse. The American hop bite on the finish of the beer helps cut through such a complex cut of meat, one that might overwhelm most beer styles.

Father’s Day

If you’re on the hunt for a great gift, the Craft Steak Gift Box is a treasure chest for Dads. The sample of 100% pasture raised and double-aged Ribeye, Filet, Porterhouse, or New York Strip is an adventure that grill gurus and steak lovers alike will savor. Top it off with these recommendations and a new steak recipe for Ribeye with a Sea Salt and Coffee rub, and you have yourself one appreciated Father. Till next time,

Happy & Healthy Eating!