Thanksgiving dinner beer pairings that will have everyone opening another bottle

While many people might be pouring wine with the holiday meal, these Thanksgiving dinner beer pairings are perfect for the craft beer lover. From a local craft brewery to a favorite beer found tucked on the store shelf, there are plenty of food and beverage options to make the meal even more enjoyable. Ready to raise a pint?

According to the Brewers Association, there are more than 8,848 breweries nation-wide. With so many options, it can be easy to discover a great craft brewery. No one has to wait till Small Brewery Sunday to support a great local brewery.

What are some delicious Thanksgiving dinner beer pairings that will surprise you?

Recently, the Brewers Association’s Executive Chef, Adam Dulye, shared some simple guidance to picking the best beer style for the food feast on the table. From those tasty side dishes to the succulent turkey, there is a beer style that makes all the food taste event better.

IPA

While IPA beers come in various styles, the hop-forward flavor makes it a great choice for the Thanksgiving meal. Although a Hazy IPA might be a little too heavy, other IPA beers can be a great choice for the beer lover. But, if Aunt Edna only drinks light beer, this food and beverage pairing might be a little too robust for her.

One of the reasons why this pairing works is that the IPA brings herbal and citrus flavors. When enjoyed with turkey, it works well.

In addition, the same concept happens when enjoying an IPA with vegetables. That citrus note from the beer brightens the flavor. And, this style of beer can even make the gravy seem less heavy.

Berliner Weisse

For a lighter, effervescent beer, a Berliner Weisse is a great option. The lower alcohol content can make it both a great apertif as well as an after-dinner beer.

While many people bring champagne to the celebration, a Berliner Weisse is a lovely choice. From the tight bubbles to awaken the palate to the tart flavor, this food and beverage pairing might make people rethinking the champagne of beers.

Porter

Although some people see a porter and think it is a dark, heavy beer, the reality is that a porter is often a lower ABV. With the roasted malts and rich flavor, it makes for a great pairing with smoke turkey.

While the more traditional pairings are sweet potatoes, pecan pie and pumpkin pie, it doesn’t have to be enjoyed with those sweeter options. In many ways, it works quite well with even that green bean casserole.

Dubbel/Brown Ale

This beer pairing often appeals to wine drinkers. Just like that pinot noir with its jammy notes is a Thanksgiving favorite, the Dubbel or brown ale has a touch of sweetness which makes it approachable and quite enjoyable.

Consider enjoying this beer with stuffing or even that “after dinner everything sandwich” or the stuffing waffle sandwich. For that complete bite, this beer pairing is delightful.

Sour ale

Although this beer can be polarizing, a sour ale can be a great choice for someone who loves those cranberries. Or, if that stuffing is full of sausage, a sour ale can be the way to cut through the richness.

When picking a sour ale, consider the fruit flavors in the beer. If the meal ends with an apple pie, consider a little funky beer to enjoy with that slice.

Tripel

Often considered the Thanksgiving beer, this beer style is a big, bold ABV beer. From the touch of Belgian sugar to a touch of herbal notes, this beer is perfection from first bite till last crumb.

Although a Tripel craft beer might be hard to find, it is a beverage present that keeps giving. Whether making those vegetables more enjoyable to the dessert pairing that will leave people wanting more, everyone will be grateful for a Tripel and it could be the best of the Thanksgiving dinner beer pairings.

These Thanksgiving dinner beer pairings are just a few ideas from the Brewers Association. Why not grab a couple different beers from a local brewery and explore food and beverage pairing possibilities. It might be the part of the meal that makes everyone thankful.