Thanksgiving Weekend has a pretty tough reputation. Awkward high school friends, tense family situations and kitchen nightmares have overshadowed the true nature of the holiday: giving thanks, then digging in to a stupor-inducing feast. Finding beer pairings for your dinner isn’t too hard these days. Luckily for you, we’ve come up with a beer guide to get you through any and all holiday strangeness this week.
Thanksgiving Eve
Beer: 1/2 Ale
You’ve made it through the horrifying travel corridor of your choice, and now you’re headed to the bar with your friends from high school (half of whom are mysteriously dating one another.) It’s a long-legendary night of running into old acquaintances, enemies, long-dormant crushes, and at least two old teachers trawling for free drinks. Stick with 1/2 Ale to stay refreshed while keeping your stories from rambling and your secret romantic dreams from being blurted across the bar.
Cooking Time
Beer: Brooklyn Lager
The perfect Thanksgiving feast is relatively simple, but tends to devolve into the sort of opinion-charged debate that only Norman Rockwell could smooth over. The key is taking a deep breath, a small sip of something fortifying, and smiling your way through the barrage of loved ones arguing over string beans. Snag a Brooklyn Lager to keep your cool and provide inspiration. Plus, you can dump half of it into the roasting pan when Uncle Ted claims the turkey “looks” dry.
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The Family Inquisition
Beer: Insulated Dark Lager
You know it’s coming a moment before the question springs: you’re cornered by a well-meaning relative, curious to know what you’re doing with your life, if you’re seeing anyone, and– if you’re particularly unlucky– what you think of the current political climate. Some questions you can answer honestly, but others may result in family shouting matches or unyielding existential terror (honestly, why are you still single?) Take a moment’s retreat with Insulated Dark Lager and consider your response carefully. If you really need an out, point out how well it pairs with the turkey and stuffing.
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The Postgame Nap
Beer: Black Chocolate Stout
You’ve made it through the most rigorous part of the holiday. The meal is done, all questions have been answered or dodged, and a few of the more experienced family members are already drowning out the football game with their snores. You’ve more than earned the rich, decadent Black Chocolate Stout you hid in the crisper drawer. Then, get in there and do your share of the napping.
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Black Friday
Beer: Defender IPA
If you’re waking up for the doorbusters, stop. Go back to sleep. You’ve got at least another few hours of turkey digestion to snooze through before you can be trusted out there. When you wake up around lunchtime, defend your decisions with a Defender IPA and a leftover sandwich big enough to make your hands tired. If you really want to catch the deals, you’re better off waiting for Cyber Monday and shopping in your pajamas, or hitting our Online Store. Trust us on this one.