Sometimes I get imaginary email from my imaginary readers.

Today’s email comes from imaginary reader Dave, who asks:

Dear Mr. Thinker,

I love your blog. You know lots of stuff about critical thinking and beer, two of my favorite subjects.

What kind of beer goes best with Cincinnati-style chili?

Sincerely,
Dave Sockpuppet

Glad you asked, Dave.

Personally, with food like a bold chili or something very spicy1 such as a jambalaya with plenty of cayenne pepper, I prefer a nice India Pale Ale (IPA). The strong bitter hoppiness can complement and compete nicely with hot and spicy dishes. In fact I just had a Bell’s Two Hearted Ale with Cincinnati chili for dinner. A wonderful combination.

==========

1Exception: for some reason, Mexican food always seems to go better with something a bit smoother than an IPA, like a nice Vienna lager. Might I suggest an Eliot Ness, by Great Lakes. (Or if you must, because you’re at a Mexican restaurant, a Negra Modelo will do in a pinch.)