What I’m Drinking Thanksgiving Edition
Turkey is traditionally the main course for a Thanksgiving dinner, which is nothing new. What has changed from the traditional Thanksgiving main course, is how the bird is prepared. No matter if your Turkey is baked, grilled, smoked, deep fried or done in some other manner, the typical Thanksgiving meal includes a wide variety and a diverse array of flavors and tastes which potentially makes selecting a beverage to go along with the meal a challenge. Have no fear! The best part of having an entire day dedicated to gathering and celebrating with family and friends means there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy more than one selection of drink. Some of our experts are here to lend a hand and offer up their favorite beverages for the big meal (and day)!
Mike Allesee, District Sales Manager, Craft Beer – Toledo
Oven Roasted Turkey
Pavlov’s Barking Mad Red Ale
“Similar in flavor intensity & carmelization.”
Deep Fried Turkey
Rhinegeist Cheetah
“Light in flavor & high carbonation to wash the turkey’s fattiness off your tongue for the next bite.”
Stuffing
Thirsty Dog Labrador Lager
“Similar breadiness in the stuffing & the beer.”
Cheesy Potatoes
Great Lakes IPA
“Hop bitterness cuts through the fattiness of the cheese & has similar flavor intensities.”
Pumpkin Pie
Earnest Brew Works Pumpkin Bliss
“Pumpkin spiced dark lager with the same spices as the pie to complement the flavors.”
Ernest Brown, Vice President of Sales/GM WIne Trends
Georges Duboeuf
Beaujolais Nouveau
“This wine will be released the Thursday before Thanksgiving November 18. Vibrant red fruits such as strawberries and currants on the palate makes this wine a perfect accompaniment for traditional holiday fare.”
Loosen Brothers
Dr. “L” Riesling
“Medium dry and low in alcohol. This wine is crisp, clean, and refreshing and will surely please a crowd.”
Titus Vineyards
Napa Cabernet
“Our friend Eric Titus produces this wine with his brother Phillip. If you’re looking for a Cabernet Sauvignon with lots of structure, balance acidity and fruit this wine will for sure not let you down.”
Joe Hayden, Field Sales Manager – Kentucky
Guinness Nitro Cold Brew Coffee
“Thanksgiving Morning, I’ll start my day with this! At 4% ABV, with notes of espresso and chocolate, this is the perfect brew to set the tone for the upcoming festivities.”
Gravely La Bamba
“For appetizers, you need something light to save space. At only 5% ABV, this beer pairs well with just about any snacks on the table prior to the main event.”
Rhinegeist Truth
“This outstanding brew hits the mark with our deep-fried turkey. Truth is the perfect counterbalance to the fried spiciness of the bird.”
Fretboard Brewing Fugee Breakfast Ale
“Dessert – I’ll be drinking my dessert this year! This Brown Ale weighing in at 6.1% ABV has notes of maple, vanilla, and cinnamon and will be sure to assist in sending me to that inevitable post Thanksgiving dinner nap!”
Steven Lilley, Craft Beer Brand Manager – Columbus
Homestead Beer Co.
Tenpenny Amber Ale
“Perfectly balanced amber ale that can pair with any food.”
Saucy Brew Works
Juicy ASAP IPA
“Easy to drink juicy IPA that is great for anytime and any holiday.”
Taft’s Ale House
Frisch’s Pumpkin Pie Ale
“Great complement to any dessert, especially pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving.”
Brent Wagener, Executive Vice President – Wine
Yves Leccia
Blanc Ile De Beaute IGP
“Great summer wine, but also super for an aperitif for the holidays! Mostly Vermentinu and it has these beautiful layers of apricot, orange peel, minerality, along with salinity.”
Dom Gros Nore
Rosé Brandol
“Great wine for Thanksgiving dinner! This wine is heavy on Mouvedre, which allows it to show fresh orange & strawberry, fresh cut herbs, etc.”
Château Bel Air,
Cuvée Jean & Gabriel
“We import this wine through our Heidelberg Vineyards portfolio. A super complex dark wine, with an intense fresh bouquet, toasty notes, enhanced by powerful black fruit with some mouthfeel and tannins! Drink now or hold for 5 years!”
