Why Beer Should Be Your Go to Choice This Thanksgiving?

Wine is great for certain occasions, but when the family gets together for Thanksgiving, beer is the way to go. Beer's wide range of flavors, alcohol, and color characteristics make it an ideal drink for all celebratory occasions. 

But this is not a new idea. 

It was the Pilgrims, who originally settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, because they ran out of beer and were unable to continue their journey further south, who said it first. 

On their first Thanksgiving, they were supposed to enjoy a cup of ale, but instead they were served cider and water. 

History of Thanksgiving 

When was the first Thanksgiving celebrated? 

The first Thanksgiving was celebrated by the Pilgrims in November 1621. The feast lasted 3 days and marked the beginning of one of the most important celebrations in the culture of the Americans. Let's learn more about it. 

What did the Pilgrims actually drink on the first Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is not only about getting together with family and friends and giving thanks, but also about eating delicious food. For most people, the Thanksgiving dinner revolves around the famous turkey, which usually comes with classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie for dessert. 

But while these foods are now deeply ingrained in the Thanksgiving tradition of most American families, they bear little to no resemblance to the dishes the Pilgrims ate on this very holiday.

The three-day-long feast consisted mostly of: venison, water fowl, and regional staples such as clams, lobsters, cods, eels, turnips, and various leafy vegetables, according to NPR. Historical evidence suggests that there probably was no turkey at all, and the only pumpkin that may have been on the table was not pie but buckwheat. A Wampanoag stew also contained corn, root vegetables, beans, squash, and meat.

With so much food, the pilgrims must have had something to drink during this three-day-long feast.

Was it wine or beer?

The Washington Post reported that while the Pilgrims were known for their love of beer, they actually were not able to drink beer because they ran out of it by the time they arrived at Plymouth Roc, historian Elizabeth Pearce told ABC station WGNO. 

On the first Thanksgiving, two types of drinks were served: water and cider. 

Not only was there no barley or hops available, but there wasn't enough time to brew everything by the first Thanksgiving. However, as the Pennsylvania Cider Guild points out, many Pilgrims did not trust water and relied on cider for Thanksgiving. (and all year round), Pierce told WGNO that the Pilgrims harvested apples from available crops and fermented the juice. Along with water, it became one of the primary drinks served at the first Thanksgiving. 

Enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner with these tasty beer pairings

Centuries later, Thanksgiving is celebrated by millions of people all across the US and even though the food served on our tables now may not be the same as the one the Pilgrims ate, it is definitely delicious.

Continuing the love the Pilgrims had for beer, we wanted to share with you some pairing suggestions for your Thanksgiving dinner as well as some delicious beer pairings. 

• Turkey and Tripel:

These beers are a fantastic match, especially because of their high carbonation, making them ideal for cleansing your palate after each bite of delicious turkey and gravy. With a golden hue and a blend of spice and pear flavors, the Tripel introduces a delightful salty-sweet contrast to the main dish. Plus, with an alcohol content of around 9.5% ABV, they offer a wine-like richness without being overly boozy. Cheers to a perfect complement to your Thanksgiving feast!

• Stuffing and American Brown Ale:

The nutty goodness of the stuffing pairs perfectly with a sweet American brown ale. Don't overlook these underrated ales—they're fantastic with various dishes, especially during the harvest season. Try them with mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese.

• Cranberry Sauce and Saison:

Saisons, with their golden color and spicy notes, complement the tartness of cranberry sauce excellently. This Belgian-style beer adds a refreshing touch to your Thanksgiving meal. For an elegant touch, go for a 750mL bottle like Saison Dupont, complete with a cork/cage topper.

• Pumpkin Pie and Scotch Ale:

Elevate your pumpkin pie experience with a Scotch ale, known for its caramel and toffee flavors. This dark and rich beer contrasts the spice of the pie, creating a delightful combination that cuts through the sweetness and harmonizes with the flaky crust.

• Apple Pie and Barleywine:

For the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert, apple pie, opt for a high-ABV barleywine. This UK-origin beer, rich in toffee, caramel, and dark fruit flavors, pairs wonderfully with the apples and cinnamon. Barleywines are a perfect way to conclude your festive meal.

As you savor these pairings, remember to celebrate responsibly and cherish the company of your loved ones. Cheers to a wonderful holiday season, and don’t forget to give thanks to those close to you!

From Pubinno’s team, we wish you a happy Thanksgiving!