Beer is for the Bird: Perfect Beer Pairings for Thanksgiving

Let’s take a look at some of the facts. It was officially documented in Mayflower voyage journals that one of the major reasons the Pilgrims decided to drop anchor in Plymouth was a shortage of beer aboard the ship. Incidentally, one of the first establishments built in Plymouth was a brewery! Needless to day, the turkey at the first Thanksgiving wasn’t being washed down with wine.

So, in the spirit of authenticity, why not put out some tasty brews to go with that fresh juicy ubiquitous bird! Whether you are having ‘Turkey Day’ at your place or you need a host or hostess gift, stand out from the crowd by bringing an interesting craft-brewed beer to the table. Beer pairs as well with food as wine does and is a good bit more affordable. And, why not make it an all-day event? Remember there’s nothing wrong with cracking open a cold one for the parade. It’s a holiday after all! Hell, you’re going to need it to put up with the in-laws, right!

Here are a few suggestions for a way to enjoy a variety of brews throughout this great American holiday:

Before Dinner (Parade Time)
Try not to start out too heavy! These beers are meant to increase the appetite. The last thing you want to do is fill everyone up before they feast! Try to stay with pilsners or light-lagers. Good Examples: Landshark Lager; Clipper City Small Craft Warning Uber Pils ; Sam Adams Boston Lager.

For Pre-Meal Snacks (Opening Kick-off)
Now is the time to up the flavor ante by choosing a beer with a slightly higher hops level. These beers will go well with chips, dips, cheeses, vegetable platters, and fruit. Pale ales and blond ales work best here. Good Examples: Three Floyds ‘Alpha King’ Pale Ale; Flying Dog ‘Doggie Style’ Pale Ale; Bell’s Pale Ale.

Dinner (The Main Event)
Let’s face it; a Thanksgiving feast is all about the fats and starches. You’re going to need a beer with a little more ‘umph’! Belgian beers, amber ales, and fall seasonals provide just that extra level of spice to shine through all those rich flavors. Good Examples: Breckenridge Autumn Ale; Goose Island Harvest Ale; New Belgium ‘Fat Tire’ Belgian-Style Ale.

After-Dinner (Everyone’s Favorite)
The trick with pairing beers with desserts is to get a beer that is going to be sweeter than your dessert. Otherwise, your beer will play ‘second fiddle’ and be lost behind your desserts sugar content.  Pumpkin ales are a natural for pumpkin pie, and rich, bold stouts go with any other dessert you can imagine. Good Examples: Saranac Pumpkin Ale; Founder’s Breakfast Stout; Schlafly Oatmeal Stout.

Although there are plenty of other beers suitable for Thanksgiving, this list should give you a good start, provide some guidelines and, I hope, some inspiration.

Cheers and “Happy Thanksgiving” from all of us at Vine & Table Gourmet Market!
-Matt Dailey
beercaveman
www.twitter.com/beercaveman