I’m hosting Thanksgiving this year and part of my job is to make sure to have plenty of good beer on hand for my friends.  No worries, I’ve totally got this, and truth be told I imagine many of my guests will bring some of their favorites as well.

MMMmmm... turkey.
MMMmmm… turkey.

As I roast up the turkey (which is currently taking up valuable beer real estate in my fridge) I’ll start with something lighter like Monday Night’s Fu Manbrew.  This Belgian-style Wit will be perfect for sipping while I snack on cheese, deviled eggs, and pickles.  Monday Night adds a kick of ginger to theirs, which compliments the Belgian spiciness very well.

Once the table is set and the turkey is carved I’ll have a nice saison with my meal.  Saison is one of my favorite styles and I will definitely enjoy some of my homebrew saison, but another great choice is Lyric Ale from Orpheus.  The Hallterau Blanc, Galaxy, and Azacca hops give this saison distinct tropical fruitiness with passion fruit, citrus, and lemongrass notes while the French saison yeast brings in a nice spicy character.

After the turkey has settled and it’s time for dessert it’s time to bring out the porters and stouts.  One I always look forward to is Terrapin Moo-Hoo, which I eagerly await the return of each Fall.  Moo-Hoo is rich, silky, and very chocolatey and is a perfect match for a slice of pumpkin or pecan pie.  Another great choice is Burnt Hickory Big Shanty, a graham cracker stout.  The brewers nailed this one and there is a lot of graham cracker flavor and honey sweetness in this bold stout.

Monday Night Bourbon Barrel Drafty Kilt - 2014 GABF Gold Medal Winner
Monday Night Bourbon Barrel Drafty Kilt – 2014 GABF Gold Medal Winner (Courtesy: Monday Night Brewing)

As we wind down the evening my “nightcap” beers will be Monday Night’s Bourbon Barrel Drafty Kilt and Burnt Hickory Charred Walls of the Damned.  Both of these beers are bold and boozy and are great to enjoy in small pours with your friends, a perfect end to an awesome holiday.

I hope everyone has an amazing Thanksgiving and you’re able to avoid being trampled while trying to get that $99 150″ 4K HDTV at Walmart… good luck out there. ~ Tim

Tim's Thanksgiving Beer SelectionsTim DennisFeaturesNewsBeer,holidays,pairing,Thanksgiving,turkeyI'm hosting Thanksgiving this year and part of my job is to make sure to have plenty of good beer on hand for my friends.  No worries, I've totally got this, and truth be told I imagine many of my guests will bring some of their favorites as well. As...Cold beer, hot conversations, stupid jokes.