Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones to share a bountiful meal, but once the turkey has been devoured and the stuffing cleared from our plates, it’s time to turn our attention to the crowning jewel of any Thanksgiving feast: dessert. While pie is often the star of the show, the question of what to drink alongside it can perplex even the most seasoned hosts. This article explores a unique approach to dessert pairings that can elevate your Thanksgiving celebration—craft beer.
Many people default to wine or coffee as the go-to beverages for dessert, but beer offers a vibrant spectrum of flavors and aromas that can beautifully complement traditional pies. With the impressive range of craft beers available today, there is something to enhance the sweetness, spice, and texture of your favorite fall desserts. Plus, incorporating beer into your Thanksgiving gatherings not only sparks lively discussion but also invites adventure as everyone samples new combinations.
One of the quintessential Thanksgiving desserts, pumpkin pie, often boasts a rich and creamy texture balanced by warming spices. For a perfect pairing, consider a Scotch ale, specifically a “wee heavy.” With its robust sweetness and notes of caramel and toffee, this beer can harmonize beautifully with your pumpkin pie while enhancing its warm flavors. The thick body and slightly smoky finish of a wee heavy also stand up to the spice blend typically found in pumpkin desserts. Ideal options include Oskar Blues Old Chub, Orkney Skull Splitter, or Duck Rabbit Wee Heavy. However, be prepared for spirited debates around the table when it comes to toppings!
Pecan pie, characterized by its rich and sugary palate, calls for a drink that can balance its sweet extravagance. Enter the English barleywine—a delightful option that warms the heart with its high alcohol content and nuanced flavor profile. English barleywines deliver notes of dark toffee and sometimes subtle oak from barrel aging, perfectly mirroring the sweet nuttiness of pecans. Unlike their American counterparts, English barleywines contain a gentler bitterness that allows the natural sweetness of the pie to shine. Recommended selections include Revolution Straight Jacket, JW Lee’s Vintage Harvest Ale, and Fox Farm Copestone.
A Classic Twist: Apple Pie Meets Trappist Quad
The traditional apple pie deserves an equally classic companion, and what could be better than a Trappist quad? This robust Belgian beer, known for its high alcohol content and rich complexity, features flavors of dark fruits like apple and pear, along with brown sugar and hints of cocoa. The carbonation of a quad can cleanse your palate after each indulgent bite of apple pie, allowing you to experience both the dessert and the beer fully. For a truly exceptional pairing, explore Rochefort’s offerings—each variation (6, 8, or 10) brings its unique charm.
Sweet potato pie, with its cozy spiciness that can evoke memories of warm family gatherings, finds its perfect match in a Baltic porter. These marvelous brews, often brewed in Poland, carry notes of treacle and bittersweet chocolate that complement the warmth of cinnamon and vanilla in sweet potato pie. The bold flavors and higher alcohol content in Baltic porters also help to cut through the richness of the dessert, making them ideal for after-dinner enjoyment while cozied up with family as the evening unfolds. Look for Zywiec Baltic Porter or Black Boss Porter to beautifully accompany this Thanksgiving favorite.
Lastly, for those devoted to chocolate desserts, an imperial stout is the perfect companion for a rich chocolate mousse pie. These beers are known for their intense flavors, often packing a punch in terms of dark cocoa and roasted coffee notes. The high ABV and robust malt profile serve to balance the sweetness of the mousse while accentuating its chocolatey goodness. A toast to the fond memories of family traditions, pair this dessert with Sierra Nevada Narwhal or Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, and reminisce about the times spent around the Thanksgiving table.
Final Thoughts: Cheers to New Traditions
This Thanksgiving, consider stepping outside the usual realm of dessert pairings by bringing craft beer into the mix. Not only can these selections elevate your palate, but they can also spark new familial traditions around the table. Enjoy responsibly with friends and family, and embrace the festive spirit as you explore these delightful pairings that transform your Thanksgiving feast into a memorable culinary experience. Cheers to a fulfilling season and the joy of good company!
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