Hoppy Thanksgiving: A Turkey Day Guide to Beer Pairing
This Thanksgiving, trade your grapes for hops.
This Thanksgiving, trade your grapes for hops.
If you dare to serve appetizers before the most celebrated meal of the year, pair your pre-dinner bites with a British-style bitter beer. Complementary to a wide range of foods, the low carbonation and alcohol content makes these brews a great way to welcome guests without the risk of getting too full (and too drunk) before the main event.
Recommendation: London's Calling by Freewheel Brewing Company
Miller High Life may be the "champagne of beers", but the bubbles of a Saison will kick off your dinner with style and class. Effervescent and bright with notes of citrus, these pale ales are the perfect way to toast family and friends.
Recommendation: Sofie by Goose Island. If you’re in the Bay Area try Devil's Canyon Brewing Company Belle Bière Brut - not technically a Saison, but it has all the trappings needed for a good toast.
An all-American meal deserves an all-American Brown Ale. This darker ale will stand up to the evening’s rich and hearty spread without overpowering and drowning out the tastebuds.
Recommendation: Brekle’s Brown by Anchor Brewing
Dessert and beer? Why, yes of course! This is where the Scotch ales shine. Hearty, robust and with notes of scotch and caramel, these darker beers pair perfectly with the sweet and creamy likes of pumpkin and pecan pies.
Recommendation: Full Boar Scotch Ale by Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company
Room for one more? Nothing rounds out an evening of gluttony with a rich Barley Wine. It easily overpowers most foods so this one is best sipped for sipping's sake.
Recommendation: Old Thunderpussy (yes, that is it’s real name) by Magnolia Brewery