Greetings from BrewEngland.com! In celebration of Thanksgiving, we decided to review and recommend four New England craft beers that would pair well with all of your feasts.
Recommendation #1:
Mayflower Brewing Co. - Plymouth, MA
Cooper's Series: Thanksgiving Ale
Packaged on 10/18/10, 1pt 6oz
This beer was Mayflower Brewing Co.'s take on an English-style Old Ale. Per the brewery's website, this is a combination of an American Strong Ale and English Old Ale. Though we don't have any English-style old ales to use as a comparison, we think you will be pleased with this beer.
This brew pours a magnificently amber fluid, with a nice touch of cranberry. The head is lightly reddish, but is minimal and doesn't hang around very long. But that's okay, because it's so inviting you'll want to go right in for a sip.
The aroma is sweet, malty, and has a little hint of maple. This is likely as the beer is aged on toasted American white oak (likely chips, or in wood barrels). The flavor accentuates the nose as the maple really shines through. It's sweet, but not overpowering. It has a bit of tart cranberry flavor at the finish. Undertones of clove and nutmeg coat the tongue. It has a full mouth feel and a smooth full body, without being too strong.
It's definitely a drinkable beer, and would probably go best with the turkey. Enjoy a pint at the beginning of your meal. We think an addition of sweet potatoes would be splendid with the beer as well.
Recommendation #2:
Long Trail Brewing Co. - Bridgewater Corners, VT
Brewmaster Series: Centennial Red
Imperial Red Ale, 7.9% ABV, 1pt 6oz
We first tried this beer two weeks ago when we visited the Long Trail brewery & pub. It is the latest edition to the Brewmaster Series of beers, that also includes the Coffee Stout, Double IPA, Imperial Porter, and Pollenator Pale Ale. We must say, it's an excellent addition.
The beer pours a dark amber red, is lightly carbonated, and has a nice fluffy head. It lingers for a little while, and coats your glass as it dissipates.
This beer is full of aroma! It features a caramel and malty scent, with an earthy essence. It's body is rich and malty, and is somewhat on the bitter side; however, it's not overpowering like some pale ales and IPAs. As indicated, it's 7.4% ABV, so it packs a punch. It does mellow out a bit, as it warms.
It has a medium mouth feel, and isn't all that dry. But, we think that's good as you'll definitely want to keep sipping on this enjoyable Red.
We feel it will pair best with your appetizers. It would be great with some sharp cheeses, and also some pepperoni.
Recommendation #3:
Wachusett Brewing Co. - Westminster, MA
Wachusett IPA
5.6% ABV, 5o IBU, 12 oz
We actually featured this beer as our Tuesday Night Tasting on August 4th, which you can read here, but we felt that it would be an excellent addition to your holiday drinking choices. It's bold, flavorful, and just a fine craft beer.
Enjoy it before, during, and after your meal!
Recommendation #4:
Harpoon Brewery - Boston, MA & Windsor, VT
Harpoon Helps: Grateful Harvest Cranberry Ale
5.9% ABV, 25 IBU
While searching for swag to give away at Blogtoberfest, we stopped into the Boston brewery where were lucky enough to sample this beer just prior to its release. On top of that, we enjoyed a pint while visiting the Riverbend Taps and Beer Garden, located within the Windsor brewery two weeks ago.
The bottle pours a glowing, warm chestnut hue. It has a medium head, and slowly dissipates. It has a slightly sweet aroma, with a nice hint of fruitiness. In fact, it's similar to a fruity, aromatic red wine, with a hint of berry. It's possible to notice tones of shortbread as well.
The flavor is light in its body; however, it is definitely flavorful! It doesn't way you down, and finishes smooth. It has a great, slight tart/cranberry ending, but is not - I repeat NOT a typical "fruit" beer.
If you can find it in your local package or liquor store, definitely get a six pack. It's a limited release, not to mention a charitable beer, and will go great with your entire meal from start to finish!
We hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving! If you've had these beers before, or you decide to get any of these beers, please let us know how you enjoyed them!
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2 comments:
Where can you get the Mayflower beer?
Hey Marcel,
I'm not entirely sure where on the North Shore you can find it, but I'm fairly sure Kappy's would be a good place to start. If you're close to Marty's in Newton, that is a likely solution too. I checked the Mayflower website, but unfortunately they don't confirm the locations. If you find it though, I really think you'll enjoy it!
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