Thanksgiving Beer Pairings for a Tasty Feast
Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings, delicious food, and gratitude. While wine often takes center stage on this holiday, let's not forget about the wonderful world of beer and how it can elevate your Thanksgiving feast to a whole new level. Whether you're hosting a big dinner or just enjoying a meal with close friends, there's a beer style that can perfectly complement every dish on your table. In this blog post, we'll explore the world of Thanksgiving beer pairings, from appetizers to desserts, to help you craft a memorable culinary experience.
Appetizers: Light and Refreshing
Pilsner: When guests arrive and you're serving up appetizers like cheese platters, deviled eggs, or shrimp cocktail, reach for a crisp and refreshing pilsner. The light maltiness and balanced bitterness of a pilsner cleanse the palate, making it an excellent choice to enjoy with these early bites. A classic like Czech Pilsner or a local craft pilsner will work wonders.
Wheat Beer: If your appetizer spread includes salads with vinaigrette dressings or dishes featuring goat cheese, a wheat beer is a fantastic choice. Its slightly fruity and citrusy notes complement the tangy flavors of these appetizers. A Belgian Witbier or an American Hefeweizen would be spot-on.
Bottle Theory Suggestions:
from Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. Unfiltered lager mild in body, light in color, and clean to taste.
Juniper Kolsch from Tobacco Wood Brewing Company. Light, crisp and easy drinking with a pleasant hint of piney/citrus juniper sweetness.
Main Course: Versatile Options
Amber Ale: If you prefer a malt-forward beer with your turkey, an amber ale is a great choice. Its caramel and toffee flavors complement the roasted bird and savory sides. An American Amber Ale or an English Bitter can add warmth and depth to your Thanksgiving dinner.
Saison: A farmhouse ale like a saison brings a touch of spice and earthiness that can enhance your meal, especially if you have dishes with herbs or root vegetables. Its effervescence can cut through the richness of the meal, leaving your palate refreshed for the next bite.
Brown Ale: When serving dishes like sweet potatoes or roasted brussels sprouts, a brown ale's nutty and malty characteristics are an excellent match. This beer style can add a comforting and cozy element to your Thanksgiving spread.
Bottle Theory Suggestions:
Gordgeous
Gordgeous from NoDa Brewing Company. This amber ale is flavored with real pumpkin, brown sugar, ginger root and hand-cracked spiced including allspice, cloves and cardamom.
Ideas American Brown Ale
Ideas American Brown Ale from Hopfly Brewing Co. This brown ale is light ABV (5.5%) and won’t overwhelm your palate.
Side Dishes: Flavorful Companions
Stout or Porter: If you have a rich and hearty side dish like mashed potatoes with gravy or a deeply flavored mushroom stuffing, a stout can be a delightful companion. The roasted and chocolatey notes of a stout complement these dishes exceptionally well. An Imperial Stout is especially bold and robust.
Ginger Beer: With the rich flavors and seasonings of a Thanksgiving feast, a slightly spicy but refreshing ginger beer is our go-to. The herbaceous tartness of the ginger beer will mirror the flavors on your plate and the natural acidity will brighten up the palate. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free for your guests with dietary restrictions. Look for a cranberry herb or original ginger flavor.
Bottle Theory Suggestions:
Cranberry Herb
Cranberry Herb from Ginger's Revenge. If you only serve one beer at Thanksgiving, it should be this one. The cranberry and herb flavors pair with the rich, flavorful foods and the ginger is light and refreshing on the palate.
Darwin’s Forehead Salted Brown Porter
Darwin's Forehead Salted Brown Porter from Fonta Flora Brewery. A touch of residual sweetness and a luxurious mouthfeel balanced with NC sea salt for increased quenchability.
Desserts: Sweet Treats and Beer
Stout/Porter: Moving on to dessert, let's not forget about those decadent pies. Pecan, chocolate, and pumpkin pies can all find a friend in a porter. The roasty and chocolatey flavors of a porter complement the richness of these desserts splendidly. You can also experiment with a Coffee Porter to enhance the pairing further.
Barleywine: For those who love a big and bold dessert like bread pudding or fruitcake, consider a barleywine. This high-alcohol beer style has a sweetness that matches well with these intense desserts. English-style barleywines, in particular, have a caramel-like sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with holiday treats.
Cider: While not technically a beer, a sweet or slightly-sweet cider can be the perfect end to a great meal. Light in body, ciders can be a good contrast after a full meal.
Bottle Theory Suggestions:
CinnaSwirl
CinnaSwirl from Hopfly Brewing Co. A delicious milk stout packed full of cinnamon & vanilla, tasting like a cinnamon bun with loads of vanilla drizzle - this could be your entire dessert course!
Cinnaswirl from Hopfly Brewing Co. A delicious milk stout packed full of cinnamon & vanilla, tasting like a cinnamon bun with loads of vanilla drizzle - this could be your entire dessert course!
Black Widow Cider
Black Widow from Original Sin. Black Widow is fruit-forward, yet tart, with a tantalizing complexity, made with blackberries and freshly pressed New York apples.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is all about enjoying good company and indulging in delicious food. While wine is a popular choice for pairing with the Thanksgiving feast, beer offers a versatile and flavorful alternative. From appetizers to desserts, there's a beer style that can complement each part of your meal.
Remember, these beer pairings are just suggestions, and the world of craft beer is incredibly diverse. Feel free to stop in Bottle Theory and ask us for suggestions to discover unique beers that might become your new Thanksgiving tradition. As always, drink responsibly, and don't forget to toast to the joys of the season with your loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!
References:
HomeBrewersAssociation.com: Perfect Thanksgiving Beer Pairings. https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/beer-food/tips-for-the-perfect-thanksgiving-beer-pairings/
SeriousEats.com: Serious Beer Pairings for Thanksgiving https://www.seriouseats.com/serious-beer-pairings-for-thanksgiving
MensJournal.com: Great Craft Beers to Pair with Your Thanksgiving Feast https://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/best-craft-beers-thanksgiving
About Bottle Theory
Bottle Theory is a bottle shop and taproom in Apex, NC, selling fine wine and craft beer. The bar also serves wine by the glass, rotating selection of draft beer and cider, coffee, and tea. Locally owned and operated by Pavel and Kelly Chtcheprov, Bottle Theory is pet-friendly and family-friendly, and hosts food trucks, trivia, and seasonal events. Whether you’re catching up with neighbors over a juicy IPA or picking up a bottle of wine for your dinner party, we strive to provide something special. Located on the Apex-Cary border in the Green Level Market, Bottle Theory has both indoor and outdoor seating, and is steps away from the Greenway. Visit www.ApexBottleTheory.com to learn more.