Pairing beer with Thanksgiving turkey can elevate your holiday meal. For a harmonious match, consider these beer styles that complement the flavours of roasted turkey and the rich sides that accompany it:

1. Amber Ales

• Why it works: Amber ales have a balanced malt sweetness and light bitterness, which pairs well with roasted turkey, stuffing, and even the caramelized vegetables.

2. Belgian Tripels

• Why it works: Belgian tripels bring a strong yet fruity and spicy flavour. Their carbonation helps cleanse the palate, making them excellent for rich Thanksgiving spreads.

3. Saison/Farmhouse Ales

• Why it works: Saisons are crisp, earthy, and have a slight peppery finish, which can bring out the herbal qualities in stuffing and turkey without overwhelming the meal.

4. Brown Ales

• Why it works: Nutty and toasty flavours in brown ales complement roasted meats and savory sides like mashed potatoes and gravy.

5. Pumpkin Ales

• Why it works: Pumpkin ales are ideal for the season, offering spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, which echo the flavours of many Thanksgiving dishes.

6. Pale Ales

• Why it works: Pale ales provide a hoppy balance to the richness of the turkey, while still maintaining a smooth, malty backbone. They can be a more subtle pairing than IPAs.

7. Porters

• Why it works: Porters have rich, roasted malt flavours with hints of chocolate or coffee, which can be a fun contrast to the savory turkey and side dishes.

8. German Märzens or Oktoberfest

• Why it works: These lagers are malty and smooth with a slight sweetness, which complements roasted turkey and pairs well with hearty, starchy sides.

General Pairing Tips:

• Rich sides: A beer with malt-forward characteristics (like a brown ale or amber ale) works well.
• Spices and herbs: Saisons or Belgian-style beers add complementary spice notes.
• Balancing the meal: Higher carbonation beers, like saisons or tripels, cut through richness and refresh your palate.

You can mix and match depending on your preferences and how rich or herb-forward your Thanksgiving meal is!