Thanksgiving Beer Pairings: A Complete Guide.
Which beers pair well with Thanksgiving dinner? It can be overwhelming to select the right choices for your friends and family, especially if you’re a host preoccupied with cooking and entertaining. But don’t let that stop you from including delicious beers on your Thanksgiving menu. Here’s a list of styles and suggested pairings that are sure to wow you and your guests.
Viena Style Lager
Viena Style Lagers go great with a variety of apps and starters. They feature earthy and stately flavors that complement almost any Thanksgiving course. We suggest pairing with:
- Seeds
- Nuts
- Sweet cheese
Rye Beer
Rye beers, which are generally malted, are considered specialty beers that are brewed with rice, corn, or wheat. They boast a deep color and sweet flavor that make them a good choice for a first-course pairing. They can stand on their own, and their flavor won’t be stifled by the meal. We suggest pairing with:
- Savory meat
- Hard cheese
Belgian Ale
With their light color and sweet, bubbly, flavors, Belgian Ales are ideal for serving with salads, desserts, or as a substitute for white wine during dinner. Often brewed with honey and pear, Belgian Ales are perfect for rounding out lighter dishes with subtle flavors. We suggest pairing with:
- Salads dressed with citrus vinaigrette
- Turkey
- Holiday pies
Amber Ale
If you had to pick one beer to serve on Thanksgiving, we suggest an Amber ale. Amber ales are delicious with roast turkey and other fowl, plus they’re typically full-bodied in flavor, but not so heavy that overpower the meal. We suggest pairing with:
- Turkey
- Duck
- Chicken
Quadrupel
Quadruples, which are earthy and complex, can actually accompany a number of dishes at your holiday table. They’re rich and meant to be savored, however, this bold choice will be a favorite among guests. We suggest pairing with:
- Nuts
- Stuffing
- Mashed potatoes
- Holiday pies
Weizenbock
Because of their deep flavor, Weizenbocks make great partners for heavier desserts. Brewed with hints of banana and clove, they’re a perfect way to end a meal. We suggest pairing with:
- Chocolate desserts
- Creme brulee
- Bread pudding
Stout
Finally, for the richest of flavors, try a stout with decadent desserts and coffee. We suggest pairing with:
- Espresso
- Pumpkin pie
- Blackout cake
There you have it. Thanksgiving beer pairings you can try at home. From all of us at Satire Brewing Company, we wish you a very happy Thanksgiving!
Satire Brewing Company brews handcrafted beers made with unique grains, yeast, hops, spices, wood, and fruit. Our menu changes daily, so be sure to ask for our latest flavors. We look forward to welcoming you soon.
Beer and menu selections inspired in part by Jessica Miller and Craft Beer.