Today, with the rise in popularity of craft beers, the ability to enjoy the right beer with your meal is possible.

This Good Food Ballarat, The Mallow is giving locals to have their beers specifically chosen for a five course degustation lunch.

The Mallow’s Sophie Robb said the “lazy” Sunday lunch would be similar to last year’s popular event which again gave diners the chance to experience beer with their meal.

“It’s a new concept for a lot of people but can be just as enjoyable (as wine) – that’s what we wanted to showcase,” she said.

“This time around we are changing the format – it’s a lazy Sunday degustation lunch with each of the five courses matched with a beer.

“They won’t be your run-of-the-mill fizzy yellow beers – they will be outstanding, interesting craft beers from around the world. The aim is to get people thinking how a beer can be enjoyed with a meal int he same way that a wine can.”

Talking about the ways beers are matched with food, Ms Robb said it was the different flavours and styles of beers that ultimately complimented different foods.

“A beer can taste good on its own, but when paired with the right food it can take both the beer and food to another level,” she said.

“The beer and food should balance, enhance and compliment each other. Sometimes based on a common flavour, sometimes as a contrast of flavours, sometimes based on a matching of intensities.”

For anyone who might not usually pair a beer with their food, Ms Robb said this was the chance to give it a try.

“You may just discover that not only do you like beer, but it can enhance you dining experience,” she said.

“Beer, like win, can be extraordinary … you just have to know what you are looking for.”

The degustation lunch will be held on Sunday, November 29 from 1pm. Tickets are $95 per person and can be booked by visiting themallow.com.au