Thanksgiving is almost here and we’ve got the official Blackbird approved beer pairing guide to bring your favorite brewery to your table this year! Lately our brewers have been creating an incredible variety of tasty brews and we’re here to help guide you through our recommended Thanksgiving pairings.
Munich Dunkel & Mashed Potatoes
Mashed Potatoes can act as a blank, perhaps starchy, flavor canvas. Butter, which is typically added, tends to lead the flavor profile and helps create a creaminess. The simplicity of mashed potatoes allows for the complexity of our Munich Dunkel to truly shine. The caramel maltiness of this amber lager works incredibly with fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes.
You’re Toast, Mate! Pub Ale & Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Casserole combines the freshness of green beans with creamy mushroom sauce topped with crisp fried onions. The flavor of green bean casserole is already complex between the juxtaposition of rich mushroom cream, the toasty and umami flavor of the fried onions, and the classic vegetable. You’re Toast, Mate! Pub Ale pairs perfectly while not distracting from the dish. The beer has its own toasty, maltiness similar to a baked baguette and is light and easy drinking. The profile of the pub ale further highlights the similar attributes of the casserole dish, but won’t overpower the existing flavors.
Bro Montana New Zealand Pale Ale & Stuffing
Stuffing is an absolute Thanksgiving dinner staple. Depending on the preparation, stuffing can be quite different in style. The breading used (white, wheat, cornbread, etc.) and the cooking method (stovetop vs. the traditional stuffing of the turkey) makes a huge impact on the final dish. Despite any variety that may come from differences in preparation, stuffing will usually taste bready, rich, herbal, and moist. To counter these flavors, we chose to pair our Bro Montana New Zealand Pale Ale. This beer is a clean, dry, hop forward pale ale. The brightness of the hops pair with the bready, herbal stuffing in a way that complements this favorite side. Plus who doesn’t want to drink a Bro Montana while watching Thanksgiving Day football.
Kanpai Rice Lager & Cranberry Sauce
Both sweet and tart, cranberry sauce has its own very distinct flavor. Rather than compete with the fruit, we chose our light, simple Kanpai Rice Lager. This easy drinking beverage lets the impactful flavor of the cranberry sauce take center stage. It’s an easy sipping beer that will cleanse the palate between each bite.
Grodziskie Oak Smoked Wheat Lager & Mac n Cheese
Everyone craves a side of creamy, gooey Mac n Cheese at Thanksgiving dinner. This southern staple is extremely cheesy which is why we think our Grodziskie would excellently match with this rich side. The Oak Smoked Wheat Lager demonstrates a smoked prosciutto like flavor while also being light with a hint of a citrus finish. The smokiness with creamy Mac n Cheese creates an incredible sensory pairing.
NIGHT OF THE LIVING PEANUT BUTTER PORTER & Pecan or Pumpkin Pie
When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, there always has to be a dessert and typically on the day in question, that dessert is a pie. There’s so many different types of pies, but we decided to pair our porter with either the classic Pecan Pie or Pumpkin Pie. These felt the most traditional for the holiday, plus we know they would be easily elevated next to our NIGHT OF THE LIVING PEANUT BUTTER. This porter is a dessert in its own right dosed with peanut butter, cacao nibs, and marshmallow, yet is still surprisingly light and easy drinking. Together this combo really satisfies that end-of-dinner sweet tooth.
Any Blackbird Beer & Turkey
When we think about Thanksgiving dinner, the main meal that comes to mind is the king of the table… the Turkey. Turkey as the centerpiece isn’t the most flavorful of the dishes, but it’s still the main event as the dish that brings the entire meal together. With this in mind, truly any beer you choose for this special day will be delicious. It’s not which beer you’re drinking, but who you’re drinking with. Beer is the beverage that brings us together and we’re happy to be invited to your table for this special day.
Thanksgiving Hours at Blackbird
We will be open every day of Thanksgiving week, but with some adjusted hours.
- Wednesday, November 27 (Thanksgiving Eve) 12-10pm
- Thursday, November 28 (Thanksgiving) 4-10pm
- Friday, November 29 (Black Friday) 12-11pm
For those who don’t have a place to go on Thanksgiving, our doors are open and a seat is waiting. Don’t forget to stop by and pick up some Blackbird beer to share with the family. All are welcome to come spend the holiday with Lexie and Rishi who will be spreading some Thanksgiving cheer at the brewery.
Happy Thanksgiving!
