As Thanksgiving approaches, we always start hearing the same question at the bar: “So… what should I drink with all this food?” It’s a fair question. Thanksgiving is a marathon of flavor—rich sides, roasted vegetables, bright sauces, buttery rolls, endless plates passed around the table. The right drink doesn’t just sit beside the meal; it brings the whole spread to life.
For us, it’s all about versatility. Acidity is the most important quality for wine at Thanksgiving because it refreshes the palate, cuts through rich and fatty foods, and balances the diverse flavors on the table. Wines with bright acidity are considered “food-friendly” as they prevent the palate from becoming overwhelmed by heavy dishes, making each bite enjoyable.
Meanwhile, the right beer can be a quiet hero at the Thanksgiving table. The bubbles lighten buttery, indulgent bites, the gentle bitterness balances rich sides and gravy, and the malt character pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, herbs, and caramelized holiday flavors.
So this year, rather than handing out generic pairing rules, we’re giving you the inside scoop. These are the beers our team is reaching for when they sit down with their own families. Think of this as the Blackbird Brewery crew quietly sliding you our personal Thanksgiving drink list—what we’re drinking, why it works, and how you can bring the same flavors home.
The Beers We’re Taking Home
Bayou Boogaloo — Dark Lager
Bayou Boogaloo is our nod to a beloved New Orleans brewery that once mastered the art of dark lagers. Brewed with roasted, caramel, and chocolate malts, it’s smooth, layered, and wonderfully balanced. This is the beer we reach for when the green bean casserole hits the table. That dish is already a whirlwind of textures and flavors—creamy mushrooms, toasty fried onions, and earthy vegetables—and Bayou Boogaloo complements it without crowding the plate. It’s supportive, warm, and quietly confident, making it a perfect pairing for a Thanksgiving classic.
Perry’s Epiphany — Hefeweizen
Our hefeweizen is built on true North Carolina roots. Half the wheat comes directly from Perry Family Farm just four miles from the brewery, and the malt is crafted by Epiphany Craft Malt in Durham. After a traditional, labor-intensive mash process, the result is soft, bready, naturally carbonated, and wonderfully classic. While it’s usually paired with a warm pretzel, this time of year we love it with the simplest part of Thanksgiving: fresh rolls and biscuits. The beer’s gentle grain character mirrors the warmth of the bread basket and lets its subtle esters shine through. Now available in cans.
Cool Runnings — Cold IPA
Cranberry sauce is bold. Punchy. Tart. Sweet. It’s the flavor that announces itself before it even touches the plate. Pairing with it can be tricky, but Cool Runnings is up for the job. Clean and crisp from its cold fermentation with lager yeast, yet bright with Motueka, Citra, and Galaxy-derived tropical character, it cuts through cranberry sauce with refreshing contrast. Every sip resets your palate, letting the fruit shine without overwhelming your taste buds. And yes—it’s now available in cans for you to take home.
Yellow Submarine — Hazy IPA
We heard you. You wanted Yellow Submarine back before the holidays, and your wish came true. Double dry-hopped, creamy, lush with layers of Citra expression, this is the beer our regulars dream about. And honestly? Pair it with whatever is on your plate. Turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, dessert—it doesn’t matter. Yellow Submarine is the “drink it with anything” beer of the season, and we’re right there with you. Yellow Submarine will be packaged Wednesday, November 19.
Point Break — West Coast IPA
Point Break is what our hop lovers will be drinking with their mac and cheese this year. Citra brings bright lemon and grapefruit, Mosaic adds a resinous undercurrent, and together they slice right through the richness of a gooey, cheesy casserole. If your family uses sharp cheddar, even better—the citrus-dank combo lifts every bite. It’s bold, refreshing, and exactly the kind of balance an indulgent dish deserves. Point Break will be packaged on Friday, November 21.
The Wines We Can’t Wait to Pour (and Take Home)
South African wine is one of the great surprises of the wine world. It’s “New World” by geography, but the soul of the winemaking feels old—rooted, expressive, shaped by centuries of tradition dating back to 1659. Modern South African producers balance that legacy with fresh, vibrant styles that make these bottles perfect for a Thanksgiving table.
You’ll be able to taste all four of these wines at our Elephants Corner Wines Tasting on Wednesday, November 26, then take your favorites home for the holiday.
Bruyere Family “Legkaart” Riesling, 2022
Dry, bright, and layered with grapefruit, lime, green apple, minerality, and subtle spice. It’s a stunning match for turkey, roasted vegetables, and anything herb-forward.
Pasarene “Bright” Chardonnay, 2022
A beautifully balanced Chardonnay with ripe stone fruit, citrus zest, and clean minerality. Only 10% new oak gives it structure without heaviness—ideal for creamy sides.
Lost Boy Cinsault, 2024
Crafted with Beaujolais techniques, this aromatic, elegant red has cherry, bubble gum notes, soft tannins, and remarkable depth. A fantastic all-around Thanksgiving red.
Pasarene “Midnight” Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022
Bold, complex, and deeply expressive. Black fruit, spice, and smoky undertones make this a great companion for richer dishes or late-night leftovers.
All wines will be available to-go—bring a bottle (or three) to your feast.
Thanksgiving Hours and Events
We’re here for you all week:
Wednesday, 11/26 (1–10 PM)
We’re opening early on Wednesday to kick off the holiday stretch, and we’ve got something special lined up: a relaxed South African wine tasting from 3–6 PM hosted by Jim Soffe of Elephants Corner Wines. If you’re looking for Thanksgiving bottle inspiration—or just want to explore some beautiful Old-World-meets-New-World flavors—stop in, sip around, and enjoy the warm buzz of the taproom.
Thursday, 11/27 (3–10 PM): Thanksgiving
On Thanksgiving Day, we’ll be open from 3–10 PM, with Lexie behind the bar carrying on her annual tradition of hosting the holiday with warmth, good conversation, and a steady hand on your favorite pour. Bring the family, bring the friends, or slip away for a moment of calm—we’ll have a seat waiting for you.
Friday, 11/28 (12–11 PM): Black Friday
We’re opening an hour early for a full day of good drinks, good vibes, and good deals. Join us from 12–11 PM and ease into the weekend with:
- 10% off beer to-go
- 10% off merch (including glassware)
- 10% off all bottles of wine to-go
- DJ Al-Ski Love spinning from 3–6 PM
Whether you’re shopping for gifts or grabbing a few favorites for the weekend, this is your moment to stock up and kick back.
From Our Table to Yours
Thanksgiving has a way of slowing the world down just enough for us to savor the things that matter—good food, great company, and the perfect drink to bring it all together. Whether you’re stopping by for a pre-holiday pint, picking up cans and bottles to share at your table, or joining us for Wednesday’s tasting, we’re grateful to be part of your celebration. From our family to yours, here’s to a holiday filled with flavor, warmth, and a glass that never stays empty for long.
