Pairings?

I often get asked what type of beer pairs well with different types of food.  I usually tell people to pick what they love to drink.  If the food is heavy, I do urge a crisper beer but it all depends on each palate and what that palate likes.  What I never get asked but feel is in need of discussion is:  What do I drink if I'm smoking meats all day?

Now there is a question I can get my brain wrapped around.  All Day IPA from Founders Brewing.  Why do I love this one?  Because it lives by its name.  I sip slowly, enjoying each moment of smoke coming out of the smoker and a beer with huge flavor yet yields a power that entices me to sip it.  If someone handed me a nasty macro lite beer, it would be gone in no time and the meat I was watching would be over cooked and dried out from the inebriated mess I created.  If you took the time to put some thought and time into a great dish, being too drunk to enjoy it defeats the purpose. 

So....take your time, as my wife says "its a marathon, not a sprint." All great things take time.  Smoked meats, an elaborate meal, fine wine, great beer....doesn't make sense to just guzzle it down and lose the essence of life!