What to Drink for Thanksgiving, Part 1

Halloween is behind us now (although the candy might not be), and that means that we have to gear our palates towards the next food holiday, Thanksgiving. Our stores will be especially busy throughout the month, so we're going to offer you some holiday beverage suggestions via social media, which should help you get in and out of our stores more quickly. (And if you shop at our Woodbridge location, don't forget about our online ordering/in-store pickup feature. Click here for details).

Today, for our first installment, we'll cover beers, ales and ciders. For those who are new to the craft beer phenomena, these are seasonal products, and we eventually run out of choices. For the best selection of holiday beverages, you definitely should shop early. These suggestions are presented in no particular order.

Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin

Weyerbacher is brewed in nearby Allentown, PA, and that makes it a nice place to visit. This 8.0% ABV pumpkin ale is the mother of all pumpkin ales. It is heartier, spicier and more “caramelly” and “pumpkiny” than its faint brethren! We have added lots of pumpkin along with cinnamon, nutmeg and a touch of cardamom and clove, giving this beer a spicy, full-bodied flavor.

This truly is an Imperial Pumpkin Ale. Perfect finisher on a cool autumn night or match it up with a slice of pumpkin pie and fresh whipped cream.

It pairs with turkey (of course), roasted duck, lamb, stuffing, root vegetables, hearty pastas and harvest foods. Also pairs well with spiced and cream desserts. Also try Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin with Comte or Gruyere cheese.

Harpoon Pumpkin Cider

When we first introduced Harpoon Cider, we spent some time in our tour room mixing it with different beers and sampling different combinations. The results were varied, but one pairing in particular – Harpoon Cider with Winter Warmer – was a standout. We recreated the combination at festivals and at our breweries for years before we were able to combine the seasonal spicing with freshly pressed apples in one bottle, which is exactly what we have done with Harpoon Pumpkin Cider.

Real pumpkin and freshly pressed apples are combined with seasonal spices to craft this pure and natural craft cider.

The aroma is all freshly pressed Northeastern Apples, traditional pumpkin pie spices and a hint of pumpkin. On the palate, it's apple forward with all the traditional Autumn flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, clove and nutmeg, and a touch of sweetness for balance. The finish is dry, light and refreshing. And Harpoon Pumpkin Cider is naturally gluten-free.

Dogfish Head Punkin' Ale

A full-bodied brown ale with smooth hints of pumpkin and brown sugar. We brew our Punkin Ale with pumpkin meat, brown sugar and spices. As the season cools, this is the perfect beer to warm up with.

Punkin Ale is named after the seriously off-centered southern Delaware extravaganza Punkin Chunkin (The contest was cancelled for 2015 due to the inability to obtain insurance for the event). In fact, Punkin Ale made its debut as it claimed first prize in the 1994 Punkin Chunkin Recipe Contest. Yes, that was a full 6 months before we even opened our doors for business!

This is one of our ultimate seasonally-brewed, limited availability items. Don't miss out! Since its debut, we've brewed Punkin Ale each and every fall. It is released right around Sept. 1 each year. When you find it, grab some extra because it's usually gone by Thanksgiving.

Tasting Notes: Malty, pumpkin, caramel, brown sugar.

Food Pairing Recommendations: Turkey, roasted duck, lamb, stuffing, dessert dumplings, sharp cheddar.

Southern Tier Pumking

All Hallows Eve is a time of year when spirits can make contact with the physical world, and when magic is most potent. It is thought that we harness this magic to brew our powerful pumpkin ale. Not so, but it is with great respect to the magic of their trade that our brewers produce this fine beer. Take a whiff of this complex ale and your journey has just begun. At first sip, a magical spell will bewitch your taste buds, yet another victim enraptured by the Pumking.

Pumpkin, pie spices, buttery crust, vanilla and roasted pecans on the nose. Malty sweetness, vanilla, clove, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg and pie crust on the palate. 8.6% Abv. Available in 4-pack (12oz bottles) or 22oz bottles. Serve in a goblet.

Southern Tier Warlock

We decided to turn things up a bit this year and brew Warlock to a Blackwater Series appropriate 10.0% ABV.

Warlock is brewed to enchant your palate on its own and also to counterpoint Pumking. Make your own black magic by carefully pouring this Imperial Stout in to a goblet.

Dark and mysterious, the Blackwater Series is serious about high gravity. Reanimate your senses with Warlock's huge roasted malt character, moderate carbonation and spicy pumpkin pie aroma.

In addition to the balance it brings to your Thanksgiving table, Warlock is particularly tasty with spicy BBQ, smoked and roasted foods. Try it as a float, with a scoop of organic vanilla ice cream, or paired with a slice of carrot cake.

The nose: pumpkin pie spices and roasted malts. The palate: pumpkin pie, laced with coffee and dark chocolate. Smooth, velvety mouthfeel, while finishing sweeter than Pumking. 22oz bottles.