Best Beers for Thanksgiving
By Guest Blogger Lisa Nichols, Instagram at @PorkandPintsBoston
2017 may not have been your year. Tired of the workplace drama, the never ending new cycle of tragedies, oh…and also there is that other thing, politics. I promise not to give you my opinion on whether Russia meddled with the elections, or which shade of orange President Trump is. But I will give you my opinion on which craft beers I think would be a perfect addition to your holiday feasting.
Thanksgiving traditionally has the reputation of being pair with wine, but beer is also a fantastic partner to your day of gluttony. Just as wine has different styles that pair perfectly with different courses, beer is the same way. What to pair and what to buy? I’ve got you covered on each course!
When you arrive at Thanksgiving you want to start off with something both refreshing and light. Gose is a perfect introduction to the day. Generally tart, this style starts the glands to salvate. Just like people begin their meal with oysters, why not start with a beer brewed with oysters.
-Harborside, Night Shift Brewing. Gose style sour ale with coriander and Island Creek Oysters.
If a gose isn’t your thing. A light and crisp pilsner or lager will be a great way to start your holiday.
–House Lager Bier, Jack’s Abbey Brewing. It’s sweet and golden with a full malty body that comes from using a traditional German malt variety.
So now you’ve wet the palate and psyched yourself up for the big game. Let’s look at which beer pair best with foods. Farmhouse ales and saisons This style is bright, spicy and crisp.They pair perfectly with salty crackers and full bodied, funky cheeses. Also works great with other first courses like salads, lighter soups, or my favorite stuffed artichokes.
-Allagash Interlude, Portland Maine
When it comes time for turkey, one great pairing is a brown ale.The subtle caramel and chocolate note will complement your Thanksgiving feast while letting the food remain the star of the show. This style won’t overpower any palate.
-Old Brown Dog, Smuttynose
-Indian Brown Ale, Dogfishhead Brewery
Belgian Golden Ale, another perfect style. This is a substitute for Chardonnay, because Belgian golden ales can stand up to the rich flavors of a turkey leg and not overpower the subtle flavors of cranberry sauce.
–Duvel, Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat NV
–Delirium Tremmens, Brouwerij Huyghe
If a gravy laden plate is your, style pair that with a quadrupel. This style is earthy and a complex malt-forward beer. Equally effective as a dessert pairing with caramel- or baking spice-forward desserts like pecan pie this brew is one to savor from the main course on.
Now, the beer doesn’t have to end when the desserts come out. Beer is a great pairing with pie.Some beers can bring out the cinnamon and nutmeg in your dessert, while others can highlight the caramel and nut flavors. Some are richer than espresso and cream, some are buttery, and others are refreshing enough to make dessert feel light.
-Everett Porter, Hill Farmstead
-Coffee Pot and Kettle Porter, Trillium Brewing
Happy Holidays and Cheers!
Another couple of beers to add to the list would be from Spencer Brewery as they are the only Trappist brewery in the USA and they are right here in Spencer, MA.