18 replies to this topic

[ChefLamont]

So I am sure like most of you, I am "the beer advice guy" (as well as a foodie)in my peer group at work. This time of year at least one person always asks my opinion on thanksgiving friendly beer. So I try to make a list of beers that are reasonably commercially available for people to try with their family and friends. It would be a-hole of me to say westvleteren abt 12 is the best, but you cant get it here. This year it was my boss who asked. So I gave him a list of three to get.I wondered what yall are suggesting/having this year.Mine were decidedly Belgian:1. Goulden Draak2. Chimay Blue3. Corsendonk Abbey BrownFor extra credit, I added:a good tripel and some triple cream brie for a "beer pairing starter"for an interesting desert selection I recommended1. Ommegang Three Philosophers 2. oud beersel kriekThey were the first two that came to mind as an afterthought.

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

I think it depends what you are having for the meal. Since our turkey will be smoked I tend to enjoy something like a stout or a porter that has a little roastiness. I think a good all around style would be an american pale ale or maybe an american amber. Pretty boring compared to your suggestions

[Fatman]

I like your idea of Belgians to spice up the normally basic flavors of Thanksgiving staples.I think you can also go with some high alcohol stuff, given how much people usually eat. Maybe Dubbel/Triple and a Quad with Desert.I whipped up some simple cider - apple juice, wild yeast, backsweeten with concentrate - for Turkey day, and I'm also bringing a bottle of Lindeman's cuvee renne gueze, Allagash's Curieux (bourbon barrel tripel), and a few of my medicore brown ale.

[ChefLamont]

I think it depends what you are having for the meal. Since our turkey will be smoked I tend to enjoy something like a stout or a porter that has a little roastiness. I think a good all around style would be an american pale ale or maybe an american amber. Pretty boring compared to your suggestions

That is a good point. I am assuming the traditional oven roasted turkey. Mine would be way off base for a smoked bird (now my mouth is watering - thanks).

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

That is a good point. I am assuming the traditional oven roasted turkey. Mine would be way off base for a smoked bird (now my mouth is watering - thanks).

I have yet to find some really high gravity belgians that I like. I just find them to taste too strong for me. I can take a lot of extreme tastes in beer but extreme alcohol just doesn't sit well with me.

[EWW]

Negro Modello (or any Mexican dark/Vienna) is a great middle of the road beer that fits most peoples' taste buds and menu over the holidays

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

Negro Modello (or any Mexican dark/Vienna) is a great middle of the road beer that fits most peoples' taste buds and menu over the holidays

I can see that going nicely with savory food.also - another good smoked turkey pairing would be TTTHHHHEEEEE TUMBLER!!

[gumballhead]

I think you can also go with some high alcohol stuff, given how much people usually eat. Maybe Dubbel/Triple and a Quad with Desert. Allagash's Curieux (bourbon barrel tripel)I'm Hoping Santa Rolls past Chicago and ppicks me up some Curieux I've heard it is an outstanding beer.in the mean time I'll have to settle for some Brother's T from North Coastand perhpas an Old Rasputian w\ rasberry cheescake.

[ChefLamont]

Tumbler is an interesting idea.When you said that, I also thought of DFH Palo Santo. That could be an interesting beer that might stand up well to the smoked foods. BUT that one would also be a sipper not a chugger. Every time I have that beer I end up horizontal.

[Mynameisluka]

franziskaner dunkel

[japh]

Think of cranberry sauce - a combination of sweet and tart. I think that's the general direction you'd want to go with your beer too - something with some sweetness behind it, and not overpowering on the hops. Same theory behind not going overly dry on your wine for Thanksgiving.

[Mya]

Think of cranberry sauce - a combination of sweet and tart. I think that's the general direction you'd want to go with your beer too - something with some sweetness behind it, and not overpowering on the hops. Same theory behind not going overly dry on your wine for Thanksgiving.

Jubilale

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

franziskaner dunkel

never had theirs but can't argue with the brand or dunkel.

[jayb151]

I actually picked up some duchesse de bourgogne and Left Hand Milk Stout.My family doesn't drink beer that doesn't have the word "Lite" in it... so it's more for me. Actually though, I've never had the Duchesse and I'm thinking it may be a touch sour, so maybe the wine drinkers will get down on some...Happy turkey day everyone!

[cavman]

I actually picked up some duchesse de bourgogne and Left Hand Milk Stout.My family doesn't drink beer that doesn't have the word "Lite" in it... so it's more for me. Actually though, I've never had the Duchesse and I'm thinking it may be a touch sour, so maybe the wine drinkers will get down on some...Happy turkey day everyone!

I was going to reply to japhmi about sweet and tart and recommend the Duchesse de Borgogne but I never post from my phone. The Duchesse though tart and barnyard funky has a definite sweetness to balance it out. A great beer on it's own but in my mind an even better beer as far as introducing newbs into the sour world. The only sour I have for T-day is Monk's Cafe but I do have Orval, Del Dolle Ara Bier, Del Dolle Bos Keun, Guulden Draak, Corsedonk Brown, Monschoff Schwarz, Baltika 6, Long Trail Imperial Red(a new one to me had the others before) a sixer of LH Milk Stout and some homebrews.ETA have some Ithaca Flower Power and Cele for the hops as well.

Edited by cavman, 24 November 2010 - 11:25 PM.

[DgNt]

I drink what I like and/or are in the mood for vice trying to pair up with food (though if I know I'm having a certain food that will detract from the beer or vice versa, I will adjust the beer). When out drinking socially (ie, not trying a flight or doing analysis), I tend to drink the hoppier and heavier brews first and then downshift to lower gravity/IBU beers.... against conventional wisdom I know but it's what I prefer.That said, Thanksgiving involves in-laws so I recommend an easy drinking high alcohol brew. This year I'm thankful for yeast and their [almost] unconditional love. Happy Thanksgiving to you all. Cheers!

[Malzig]

I think a Dunkle or Schwarzbier would be nice. Maybe a Porter or Stout. I think Deus would be a great fit for such a special occasion, if you're feeling particularly flush.

[MolBasser]

Tumbler is a great pairing suggestion for smoked turkey.I also, being a hophead, think that big hoppy beers go great with all the rich gravy with the bird, so I'm thinking Pliny or Torpedo or Cele.MolBasser

[Mya]

Tumbler is a great pairing suggestion for smoked turkey.I also, being a hophead, think that big hoppy beers go great with all the rich gravy with the bird, so I'm thinking Pliny or Torpedo or Cele.MolBasser

Tumbler is alas gone supplanted by Celebration at least at my local store