The holidays are a great time of year to reconnect with family, indulge in a big meal and most importantly, enjoy choice craft brews. In Pennsylvania, the options are endless when it comes to variety and brands. From sessionable India pale ales to hearty stouts, there is room for every style in the fridge around the holidays. To help you wade your way through the mix-your-own six-pack aisle, we’ve selected our six favorite styles to pair with traditional holiday fare. Dig in!
1. Amber Lager
Turkey is the obvious choice at most Thanksgiving dinners, and the perfect companion is the crisp, caramel flavor of an amber lager. Its full body and slight sweetness begs you to take another sip to explore the depth of flavors, such as toffee. Those notes are perfect for chilly nights, and especially at holiday meals that include stuffing, mashed potatoes and vegetables. Share Victory Brewing Company’s Festbier with friends and family.
2. Belgian Tripel
The sweet flavor of ham, sometimes accompanied by honey, pairs wonderfully with a Belgian Tripel. It boasts sweet notes of clove and citrus fruit that will intertwine with the glaze, creating an experience similar to putting fruit jelly on the meat. Consider Manayunk Brewing Company’s Monk From the ‘Yunk to go with your holiday ham.
3. Porter
A dream pairing with meats (especially steak), porters give smoky notes of chocolate and coffee. They typically are made with plenty of caramel and chocolate malts, which impart rich flavors to savor over the course of a long meal with family. Try GearHouse Brewing Company’s Nathan Miller Chocolate Porter.
4. Smoked Beer
Smoked brisket is best cooked long and slow, and best enjoyed alongside a smoked beer. Originating in Germany and known as a rauchbier, this style is brewed with a portion of smoked malt to lend notes of smoky wood and meat. These beers can be overpowering, but are real winners when paired with smoked meat such as brisket. Look for Spoonwood Brewing Company’s Smoke & Oats as a new-age spin on rauchbier.
5. India Pale Ale (IPA)
The light, salty flavor of seafood is best accompanied by the bitter, citrus bite of an IPA. It’s like adding an extra layer of citrus atop the meal’s lemon garnish, creating depth when served alongside fresh salmon or crab. IPAs can range quite a bit in bitterness and alcohol percentage, which makes it worth exploring a few options. Try Lavery Brewing Company’s Dulachan IPA, a sessionable 5.6% ABV option.
6. Pilsner
When sticking to veggies, it’s typically best to reach for something light and drinkable, like a Pilsner or helles lager. Crisp and clean with malt-forward flavor, these beers will accent fresh vegetables and spices with balance and a nice minerality. Hop-forward lagers’ spicy notes enhance particularly spicy vegetarian dishes in exciting ways. Locally, look for Dock Street Brewing Company’s Bohemian Pilsner.
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The Brewers of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit trade association that brings together leaders of Pennsylvania-based breweries in order to promote and protect the brewing industry in the state. Established in 2011, the Brewers of Pennsylvania serves the consuming public of Pennsylvania by encouraging brand diversity in the market. We believe in the nobility of brewing and hold dear the great traditions and history of Pennsylvania brewing.
Featured photo: Victory Brewing Company; all other photos, top to bottom: Victory Brewing Company; Manayunk Brewing Company; Steve Ilnicki; Dock Street Brewing Company