Back to our normal show, Jim’s internet is limping along. We give you our Thanksgiving Show. We talk about 10 or 15 beers so get your pen and paper ready.
News
The AB/Inbev deal that we talked about on several shows is finally a done deal. Most of what had to happen was formality, there was rumors in recent weeks of some doubt that the deal could get done due to the current economic climate. The 52 billion dollar deal did close however, and the new company will be called Anheuser Busch InBev.
Thanksgiving Beer
- I am just guessing here, but most people probably have some sort of wine with the big turkey dinner. I know my family enjoys a few bottles of Asti every year. Well, believe it or not, you can substitute beer in there and it can work just as well if not better.
- The trick with Thanksgiving though is that there are lots of different situations to work with. You have the before dinner drink, the dinner drink which has to pair well with a variety of flavors, and then the dessert drink which is a completely different creature.
- The great thing about beer is that you can have bottles for each part of the meal and not only will it cost you less then the wine, but for the most part you will probably be less intoxicated as well, if you were to drink the same amounts of wine vs beer.
- Lets first deal with the pre-meal drink. Now traditionally, I do actually drink beer here, although it is usually what my family has around which is a light beer of some sort. Recently we have actually have some decent lagers around, which aren’t bad ideas. You don’t want that is really powerful or overwhelming here, because it could taint the rest of the night. Think something crisp like a pilsner or a basic lager.
- Now the meal itself is kind of difficult, so I am going to speak to my personal tastes here. Generally, the dinner is going to be a little on the saltier side, with the stuffing, mashed potatoes, turkey, and vegetables. I like to balance that out with a sweeter beer, maybe a belgian of some type like a saison. Actually the Hennipen here from Ommegang would be pretty good because the high carbonation would also help to push flavors off your tongue so that each bite is a new flavor.
- Now what about desserts? Generally, I drink coffee or some more wine with a slice of pie or two. What you are looking for then with a beer is something with a roasty, chocolaty, coffee like finish. Look for some nice porters, stouts, or even imperial stouts here.
Next Week
Alright, next week I promise we will go back to rye beer. We’ll be talking about Terrapin Rye Pale Ale and Jake will be doing the tasting for a change.
Your Next Beer 