It’s that wonderful time of year again when we put grievances aside and sit down to stare at our extended families.  Luckily, we have alcohol to ease the pain. If you are anything like my family when you get together for a holiday the drink of choice is probably wine. Most likely a table wine that comes in large quantities for next to nothing so your large family can drink many gallons and not break the bank while they all get blackout like the Pilgrims wanted. However, Fall is a lovely time to drink beer, so lets focus on that instead of “2 buck chuck.”  Don’t worry, we will still get inebriated and guide you through the best Thanksgiving beers.

Dinner

1. Sam Adams Boston Lager – This is craft beer 101. You want solid drinkability through your meal with a brew that cuts through the gravy, yams, and green been casserole. This is that kind of beer with its distinct and well-rounded taste of malt and hops.
2. Blue Point Toasted Lager  – A staple for me and a go to and easy craft beer selection. A brew that even your Budweiser swilling uncle, and Natty Light butt-chugging college freshman cousin will BOTH understand and enjoy. It’s well balanced, and light enough to drink several even though you’re eating 5000 calories in 3 hours.  If you’re in a market that doesn’t have this, substitute with Yuengling Lager. And if you’re in a market that has neither, maybe you should move.
3. Sam Adams Octoberfest – Let’s face it – this isn’t the best oktoberfest Märzenbier – it’s a little uninspired, and they don’t even spell Oktoberfest right…but it’s roasted and malty, and the first craft beer I really loved.  Yes, it has been technically “out of season” (even though it’s still Fall) for a few weeks and has been replaced by the vastly inferior Winter Lager.  Regardless, you probably have a couple rolling around in the bottom onion drawer of your fridge, so bust em out and bring em on over to Grandma’s.  It can be served during or pre-meal, and it appeals to a broad audience.
4. Magners Irish Cider – Fine, it’s not really a beer, but you’re just plain wrong if you don’t think this is necessary on Thanksgiving.  Apple cider is going to be on the table anyway.  So bring a hard cider and move up from the kiddy table.  For a real treat, mix the nice dry finish of Magners in a pitcher with regular apple cider, and cinnamon whiskey.  Then tell your children to drink it so they shut their mouths and go to sleep.  Kidding.  Drink responsibly
5. Woodchuck Fall Harvest – Okay, I know what you’re thinking another cider.  As previously stated about Magners and I will reiterate, tThanksgiving is the heart of cider season. If you could put the taste of fall in a bottle this drink would take the cake. I remember my first sip years ago, it was as though I literally took a drink of fall, minus the rotting leaf mid-palate. Quite amazing  – a must try for this time of year. Don’t plan on drinking too many, they are quite filling, just like the meal itself.

Dessert

1. Stone Smoked Vanilla Porter – Vanilla, chocolate, coffee, and a great smoke finish.  What’s not to like?  No flavor is overpowering.  Although a lot of BL smoothie drinkers are gonna avoid anything labeled stout, I would describe the body and flavor as light, if that makes sense.  This is gonna pair great with your apple pies, pumpkin pies, and chocolate chip cookies.
2. Boulder Shake Chocolate Porter – Another dessert beer, but this time it’s one that screams of a classic soda shop egg cream.  Great paired with something nutty or caramelly (like Pecan Pie) to really bring dessert home.
3. Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin Ale – This will save your “Friendsgiving” if some jagoff decides to “forget the pumpkin pie.” It’s basically liquefied pumpkin pie that gets you drunk real fast with its 9% ABV. It’s a brew even the Native Americans we destroyed w/small pox can appreciate this holiday.