Dr. Bill Sysak’s Thanksgiving Pairings

October 31, 2011

Thanksgiving marks the ultimate feast in many American households, and it’s no secret that I’m rather fond of feasts. And what better accompaniment to a fine meal than a fine beverage, I say! Beer—being the most versatile of all beverages to pair with food in my opinion—allows for a veritable cornucopia of pairing options, making it perfect for any Thanksgiving celebration.

When creating pairings for a meal, it is important to note whether the food will be served in several courses or family-style. Pairing courses allows you to pair each dish with an individual beer. However, a meal like Thanksgiving dinner is usually served family-style, where the beers selected should incorporate the broad spectrum of flavors found at the table.

Traditionally, I cook a Thanksgiving dinner for around 20 family members and friends and I simply cover the table with a selection of food-friendly beers: bières de gardes, Saisons, and winter warmers. But, should you wish to offer pairings for particular dishes, allow me to offer up a few selections. While many of my suggestions are based on foreign beer styles, the beauty of the craft beer scene in the United States is that all these styles are represented by American brewers, allowing you to pair local craft beers with your dinner.

“Dr.” Bill Sysak is a Certified Cicerone and serves as the Beverage Supervisor for the Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens. More of his beer pairing guidelines and recommendations can be found in the literary tome: The Craft of Stone Brewing Co.: Liquid Lore, Epic Recipes, and Unabashed Arrogance. You can also follow him on Twitter: @MasterPairings.

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