Time to Say 'Thanks' and Gobble Up Some Beer

So what are my favorite Thanksgiving beers? Well, I would have to say that a bit of tradition is having a Sam Adams Cranberry Lambic. Yeah, I know it's not a real lambic-style ale, but what says Thanksgiving more than cranberries?? Almost every year -- for about the last 10 -- I've picked up a Samuel Adams Holiday Classics 12-pack. I do this because I think an American holiday deserves an American beer. This sampler includes Cranberry Lambic and another seasonal beer only found in among the classics: a festive beer made with spices called Old Fezziwig. I can remember that several years ago Old Fezziwig could be found in a large 25-ounce bottle. I haven't seen those lately and don't know why.

Of course, I'm not such a fan of the Holiday Classics that I steer away from other beers. Oh, no, I couldn't do that. Other great Thanksgiving favorites include Goose Island Hexnut brown ale, Berghoff Dark and pretty much any Octoberfest beer. Why Octoberfest? It goes very well with the turkey! If I don't have any of these beers, I'm reaching for one of my own brews, although I don't have anything that well suited for accompanying the big bird this year.

Send comments and suggestions to: marc@marcobrau.com