The American Craft Beer Thanksgiving Beer Picks

Thanksgiving is a fortunate time for beer-lovers. The shelves are still sporting the pumpkin beers and Oktoberfests from fall, and the winter ales have started to emerge. Better yet, Thanksgiving is arguably the best holiday for kicking back and relaxing with a cold brew in hand. Whether you’re slaving away in the kitchen or watching the Texans kill the Lions, we’ve got the beer for you.

In the Kitchen

It’s hard to argue the fact that the chef deserves a beer more than anyone. With a plethora of smells wafting all around you and a feeling of chaos in your veins all day, something light and refreshing like an APA will settle your senses and still leave room for turkey.

Try:

Sawtooth Ale – Left Hand Brewing Co

Moon Man – New Glarus Brewery

Couch Duty

For those holding down the couch on thanksgiving (an admirable duty as well), you’ll want something that will keep your taste buds distracted from the fact that the turkey’s not ready. An ESB Ale should do the trick, and might even make you forget about the game.

Try:

Winter ESB – Schlafly

2° Below Winter Ale – Breckenridge Brewery

Turkey Time

For the main act, anything that will hold its own against the meal but not dominate your taste buds is ideal. Cut through the strong tastes of stuffed turkey and mashed potatoes drowning in gravy with something interesting. An American Wild Ale, perhaps?

Try:

La Roja – Jolly Pumpkin

Lips of Faith – New Belgium Brewery

Dessert

No thanksgiving meal is complete without pumpkin pie, and I was surprised to learn that no pumpkin pie is complete without a malty partner. Try a Doppelbock or a Porter, and if you really want to do it right, add some ice cream to the Vanilla Porter for the perfect ending to a perfect beer-filled day.

Try:

Wolfgang Doppelbock – Great Divide Brewing Co

Vanilla Porter – Breckenridge Brewery