The craft beer world has witnessed countless collaborations. Most involve two breweries coming together to make a beer. In most cases, it is a lot of fun to see the personality of both breweries expressed in a single beer. Other times, it feels more like a marketing angle. Then there are collaborations that involve a company that isn’t a brewery. These tend to be less common but I find them to be equally as intriguing. One that caught my attention is Troegs Brewing & Unique Snacks.
These two brands have paired up (pun intended) two years in a row to collaborate on a beer and pretzel pairing.
Not only are pretzels and beer an amazing combo, these two companies are uniquely positioned to work together which we will explore below.
Got a favorite collaboration? Comment below and tell me about it!
Why this collaboration is a perfect match
Family Owned
Both of these brands are family businesses. And while Troegs is a bit younger than Unique Snacks, they both embrace their roots and celebrate their heritage. You can see this on display on their sites where you can learn more about their history (Troegs / Unique Snacks).
In both situations, they took simple ideas, passion, and creativity then turned it into a an immensely successful brand. All while keeping the family atmosphere alive.
This is why these brands make such a good collaboration as the foundation of their success and who they are is so similar. The result is truly a perfect pairing.
Quality Products
Regardless of the cleverness of a collaboration, the taste must be the best part. Because the story and background won’t matter if it doesn’t satisfy the taste buds. But don’t worry; Troegs and Unique Snacks aren’t messing around.
I’ve often referred to Troegs as “gourmet” craft beer. What I mean by that is many of their beers have achieved a higher level of flavor that is only possible with the highest quality ingredients. Their Master of Pumpkins Ale is one of those beers.
Unique Snacks reaches the same level of quality with their meticulous attention to detail and ages old recipes. The pretzels are timeless in the best way possible. Having a high quality beer paired with a high quality pretzel is a taste of utopia.
Classic Pairing
This may go without saying but I’ll say it anyways; there is not better snack to pair with beer than pretzels. And there is not better drink to pair with pretzels than beer.
This is an opinion I am standing firm on and I don’t think most would disagree – especially those at Troegs Brewing & Unique Snacks!
The salty crunch of the pretzel compliments nearly any kind of beer in a way that other food or snacks just can’t. And with Unique Snacks, you have an entire lineup of different pretzel options to choose from to make sure you can find one that fits your preference and your beer.
Troegs Brewing & Unique Snacks Pairing
I got my hands on the Troegs Oktoberfest Lager and Perpetual IPA to pair with the Unique Snacks Sourdough Rings and Original Splits. And as you might guess, I had to mix and match to see what paired the best. The results might be predictable. I liked the Sourdough Rings with the Oktoberfest and the Original Splits with the Perpetual IPA.
The Sourdough Rings have a flavor profile that is rich and satisfying which was very reminiscent of the Oktoberfest. And I won’t lie, this time of year, it was ideal. On the other hand, the Perpetual IPA has bold hops that needed something to balance it out and the Original Splits did that. It was a nice contrast that made both more enjoyable.
If you live in an area where both of these brands are sold, you need to go pick some up and do your own Troegs Brewing & Unique Snacks pairing then let us know which pretzel / beer combo was your favorite.