A Civil Thanksgiving

​With everyone’s favorite stuff-your-face holiday approaching, we here at Civil Life thought you might be looking for some fine beverages to fill out your table. You need something to balance out your Uncle who only drinks fine scotches or your Cousin who just insists this $3.00 wine is possibly the best she ever had. What goes with all those fine thanksgiving foods? The stuffing, the pumpkin pies, mounds and mounds of potatoes? To me, Troy, brewer here at Civil Life, the answer is obvious: English Beer!”
 
Now you might be saying to yourself, wait a minute, this is a traditional American meal. Why would I drink English beers? The basic answer is that the many of Civil Life’s malty, slightly bitter, low-ABV beers are the perfect complement to the rich, decadent, Thanksgiving foods that we wolf down every year. Here are a few of my suggestions to round out your Thanksgiving table.
 
Now, my favorite part of my family’s Thanksgiving meal actually comes out first: the cheese board. Cheese is a fine pairing for many beers, but if you are going to have a variety of cheeses out, Civil Pale is a versatile choice. Our newest offering, Civil Pale is an equally fine accompaniment to sharp cheddars, creamy bries, and tangy goat cheeses. A citrus and woodsy hop character balances out your cheese board’s nut and dried fruit accouterments while the crisp bitterness cuts through the fat of the copious amount of cheese you (I) plan to eat, making your palate ready for more!
 
As you move on to main course, there are a couple different beers that you might pair with your classic Thanksgiving sides. I always look forward to stuffing. Why it isn’t a regular item year round, I’ll never know. The toasted, turkey soaked breadcrumbs pair perfectly with the rich English malts in Civil Life’s Best Bitter while the peppery hops bring out the spices that make each bite of stuffing so satisfactory.     
 
Next, reach for the Best Bitter’s big sister, ESB, to help wash down your mashed potatoes. You need something a little stronger to help cut through the heaviness of the pools of butter and salt that is often laden on top of the starchy, creamy potatoes.
 
If you’re wondering why I waited this long to talk about the TURKEY, it’s because I intend to cheat with this pairing and suggest that you gulp down some of our classic American Brown with everyone’s favorite holiday bird. The crispy browned skin from the roast will sync up perfectly with the toasty, nutty notes of Brown, while the relatively high hops flavor will cut through the richness of a the gravy, making every bite of turkey taste as good as the first. That is, until you eat so much that you decided that it is absolutely nap time.
 
Post nap, bring on those desserts! For the slightly gourdy, spiced pumpkin pie go for an English Porter. The roast on this dark beer will help balance out the sweetness of the pie while the rich mouthfeel brings out the creaminess of every bite. For the pecan pie, grab a CAN of our Northern English Brown! Finish off your meal by pairing this bready, toffee laced, slightly nutty beer with the rich molasses center and toasty nuts of pecan pie. 
 
Come see us the day before Thanksgiving to fill your growlers and grab a few cans to share with your family and friends at your Thanksgiving table. Tag me (@STBEDIK) with your favorite Thanksgiving pairings for the chance to win Civil Life Swag!