Craft beer pairings for your Thanksgiving feast

Most people gravitate towards wine because that’s always been the thing to do. The old “proper dinner setting” always had a glass for tea, soda or water and a wine glass for red or white wine set on the table. Well, it’s the 21st century now! We think craft beer is more appropriate.

Craft beer pairs with everything because of the great variety of styles and flavors that can complement any food and enhance both the food and the beer experience. Why not really impress your guests this year with a beer selection for every part of the meal. If you want to get ultra-snazzy, serve the beer in the appropriate style glassware!

If you’re going to start with appetizers, it’s best not to bog them down with anything heavy. There’s a huge meal coming and this is just to kick-start your guests' palates.

If you have a nice cheese platter, it needs to have a beer that’s an even match for the cheese.

With cheddars, a good pale ale:

With Gouda, Havarti or Gruyere:

There’s a lot going on here and it’s no fun swapping beer with every bite you take. We’ll target the star of the meal - turkey.

A traditional roasted turkey with herbs and spices is well complemented with a Scotch or Scottish Ale. It’s even going to pair up with that nice stuffing you’re serving.

A fried turkey with seasoned injections like a cajun spice needs a nice hoppy IPA.

Desserts open a plethora of flavors with the variety of pies, tarts and chocolate treats. Don’t let your guests go for coffee now; beer will really enhance your desserts.

After a big meal, it’s time to relax. Some will break out the brandy but you can offer beers that are just as regal and, to us, taste better! When the goblets are brought out, these beers are perfect to be poured in them.

You want big, rich beers to sip on and close the night - go for the barleywines, tripels and Double IPA’s.

There are plenty of amazing beer choices in the Triangle. Make a statement at Thanksgiving dinner this year with these great craft beer pairing recommendations. A lot of the beers recommended are in bottles or cans but some are only available as growlers. Let us know about other beers you think would work well with this seasonal feast!

We'd love to answer “What local beers do you recommend?” with a solid “All of them,” but for now just consider our suggestions above and remember to “Drink Local and Keep Your Beer Dollars in North Carolina!”