If you're anything like us here at ELiquid, you too probably enjoy indulging in the vast array of experiences spirits and stimulants may offer for your personal pleasure. Especially when faced with a multitude of flavored variants to choose from, the possibilities of coloring your experience with any and all subsequent evocations a given option may treat you with is boundless. As both an enjoyer of different kinds of vape juices and an amateur connoisseur of craft IPA beer, a recent on the spur decision to pair each of my choices together has taught me how you too can add an extraordinary new dimension to these two amazing worlds. Of course any trained and seasoned lover of both vapes and craft IPAs would know their personal tastes best, but for those looking for somewhere to start, let me offer you some good pairings to begin with.
BEARD No 32 - Cinnamon Funnel Cake / Voodoo Ranger Imperial
The first recommended pairing is BEARD's No 32 Cinnamon Funnel Cake alongside Voodoo Ranger Imperial. Featuring a robust sweetness with just the right amount of cinnamon flavor, Beard's No 32 acts as an ideal contrast to the bitter citrus & peach notes of Voodoo Ranger Imperial. Together, the two create a nice even dynamic between the dessert flavored juice and subtle fruity bitterness of the beloved IPA. The sweetness of the cinnamon in Beard's No 32 brings out a rich, comforting warmth that complements the bold hop bitterness of the Voodoo Ranger Imperial, creating an almost savory contrast. As the spice from the funnel cake lingers, the hoppy sharpness of the IPA cuts through, refreshing the palate with each sip. The combination heightens the flavors, making each bite and drink feel like a carefully balanced dance of sweet and bitter, with the complexity of the IPA amplifying the depth of the dessert's flavors.
Jam Monster Apple / Hazy Sculpin by Ballast Point Brewing
Up next is Jam Monster's Apple flavor with Hazy Sculpin by Ballast Point Brewing. The classic tart of Jam Monster Apple presents an interesting companion to Hazy Sculpin's layered tangy juiciness and soft bitterness, offering a highly unique fruit palette that ultimately doesn't get too sweet for those seeking an explosion of different fruit flavors at once. As the crisp apple notes from Jam Monster meld with the juicy, tropical flavors of Hazy Sculpin, the tartness of the vape complements the beer's smooth yet vibrant citrus and stone fruit undertones. The soft bitterness of Hazy Sculpin helps to temper the bold apple flavor, creating a harmonious balance that excites the taste buds without overwhelming them. Together, the pairing evokes a refreshing, orchard-like experience, where each puff and sip builds on the fruitiness, leaving a satisfying, subtly bitter aftertaste that lingers just long enough to make you crave more.
Sadboy Shamrock Cookie / Heady Topper by The Alchemist
For those with a sweet tooth, you can do far worse than pairing Sadboy's Shamrock Cookie flavor with the legendary Heady Topper by The Alchemist. Shamrock Cookie features a robust chocolate & minty flavor that lingers in the mouth after every hit (to the dislike of some) but this is where Heady Topper's signature crisp hoppiness and clean bitter palate come to even that out, making for a nice counterbalance between overt sweetness and nicely distributed refreshing flavor. The rich, creamy chocolate and cool mint of Sadboy’s Shamrock Cookie give way to a smooth indulgence that’s countered perfectly by Heady Topper’s hop-forward bite, which cuts through the sweetness with each sip. As the minty freshness from the vape swirls in your mouth, the beer’s bold bitterness offers a cleansing contrast, enhancing the mint without overpowering the cookie's depth. The result is a pairing that feels decadent yet balanced, with the sweetness from the vape providing a comforting base while the beer refreshes and elevates the experience, almost like a sophisticated dessert after a hearty meal.
Vapetasia Killer Kustard Blueberry / Pliny the Elder by Russian River Brewing
Of course this list only begins to scrape the surface of what's really a behemoth iceberg of potential flavor pairings. For starters, my approach was to find nice contrasts or counter effects, but for those who know and trust their palettes better, much more personal pairings may be curated together to best serve the whims of each.
- Yellow Rose by The Lone Pint Brewery
- Susan by Hill Farmstead Brewery
- Nelson by Alpine Beer Company
- Tropicalia by Creature Comforts
