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Beer and the Bird: 7 Thanksgiving Pairings

Foodies give thanks. It’s finally the time of year when feasting becomes an American art form. But are you prepared to bring the joy of beer to your table? This Thanksgiving, we’ve rounded up seven fall inspired beer pairings that are sure to impress your family and friends. Now who’s ready to grab a beer and start prepping?

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During the harvest season, you’re bound to encounter squashes of all shapes and colors. Why not match them up with a squash-inspired beer? The malty sweetness and the exciting mix of spices in a Pumpkin Ale will compliment the natural sugars and flavors of certain squash dishes like butternut squash soup.

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Fall desserts are rife with rich and earthy flavors, making them a natural fit for a darker beer like the Doppelbock. This bigger-bodied and fairly sweet beer often contains notes of caramel, toast and fruit, which will compliment the succulent ingredients in the pies nicely.

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Though the leaves on the trees might be changing colors, it’s harvest time for some of your favorite fresh salad greens. The fruity and spiced flavors of the Hefeweizen will sync up well with a fall salad, especially if topped with citrus fruits, apples or cranberries.

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The apple orchards and cranberry bogs are calling this time of year. As you reach for cranberry dishes, consider sipping a slightly sweet Belgian Dark Ale for some nice contrast to the tart berries. Or, pair your Belgian Dark Ale with a slice of apple pie. The apple flavors mingle well with the spice and caramel flavors of the beer.

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Most fall dinners center around a favorite main dish of caramelized meat. Oktoberfest beers have just enough toasted malt character to accompany the browned meat without being overpowering. Sweeter meats like glazed ham will also harmonize with the toasted malt profiles of Oktoberfest Beers.

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The crisp and slightly hoppy finish of a Pilsner plays nicely against these semi-sweet and often buttered vegetables, cleansing the palate and leaving you refreshed for more.

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No fall feast would be complete without earthy ingredients like sweet potatoes, mushrooms and gravy. Their savory flavors make them a perfect match for the toasty and nutty Brown Ale. Typically, this malty beer also contains a subtle taste of hops, providing just enough bitterness for a clean finish.