Beer For Thanksgiving?

November 24, 2010

Beer for Thanksgiving? Sure, why not?  And I don’t mean just for drinking during the football games either! People are finding that beer is just as good, if not better than wine when pairing with many Thanksgiving foods.  Don’t rule out beer as your beverage of choice with the Thanksgiving feast.  If you do, you’re a turkey!   Beer has always been a great choice for celebrations.

Now, I’m not a beer pairing expert, but I do like to choose my beers along with the seasons.  Thanksgiving is sort of on the edge when it comes to the seasons.  Fall is just about over, and Winter is just starting to kick in.  If you were smart (I’m sure you were) you might have stocked up on some of the wonderful Autumn seasonal beers that are likely all sold out by the time Thanksgiving rolls around.  (That’s what I did!)  Here’s what’s on tap so far.

I saved up a few bottles of my favorite Oktoberfest beers from this year which I’ll be finishing off on the big day.  The  Sam Adams Octoberfest and Victory Festbier will have a spot on the table, as well for enjoying with the games.  In addition to my favorite Oktoberfest brews that I’ve stashed away, I also have a few bottles of my favorite Pumpkin Ales from Dogfish Head and Sam Adams on hand.  I’m thinking those will pair nicely with whatever dessert comes my way, especially pumpkin pie but I’m not too picky!

But, Thanksgiving isn’t only about good food and good beer right?  We’re actually supposed to stop and appreciate what we have in life, and take some time to spend with family and friends.  (Sometimes easier said than done! ) In that regard, I am thankful that I’m really the only beer lover that will be at this year’s family gathering!  Ah the small blessings!

I’m actually very, very thankful that I’m able to spend the time with my family. (even though they’re not much into beer)  I’ve come to learn that good family and good health are the two most important things in life.  Good beer is just icing on the cake!  But in all seriousness, as I get older I’ve learned to appreciate that one day, some of the people around the dinner table won’t be there anymore – we don’t necessarily know when or how, but that it will be.  So I’m thankful for the time I have with them.

So, that’s my simple Thanksgiving beer plans.  What are yours?  If you’d like, check out some of these more thought-out posts if you’re looking for more beer for Thanksgiving ideas!   Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Celebrating with Beer this Holiday Season. – Beer Advocate

Beer at the Thanksgiving Table – by Michael Jackson

Serious Beer Pairings for Thanksgiving – Serious Eats

Thanksgiving Beer Pairing Guide – Slashfood

Three Courses of Beer for Thanksgiving Day – Beer and Whiskey Bros

Thanksgiving, Pilgrims, and Beer Myths – Fermentarium

Related Posts:

• Crazy Beer Inquiries – A Year End Rant
• Your Favorite Beer of 2011
• Beer and Thanksgiving
• Trick or Treating for Beer

Posted in Other Stuff, Seasonal Beers