From Turkey to Pumpkin Pie: Whiskey Pairings for a Thanksgiving Feast to Remember
From Turkey to Pumpkin Pie: Whiskey Pairings for a Thanksgiving Feast to Remember
When planning your Thanksgiving meal, many questions arise. But for some of us the biggest question is not what sides to serve or pies to bake, but which whiskey pairs best with the bird of the day this Thanksgiving.
The first question to consider when pairing a whiskey with a holiday meal is: What is the actual flavor of turkey? Some describe it as a mild, savory flavor that is slightly sweet, with a leaner and more delicate taste compared to chicken, especially when referring to the breast meat; the dark meat has a richer, more earthy and meaty flavor. And wild turkey can have a slightly “gamey” taste.
The relatively neutral taste of turkey makes it a “blank canvas” for flavors, allowing for diverse seasoning options. You’ve also got dark meat and light meat, which offer differentiating flavors. Dark meat, like that from the legs and thighs, has a more pronounced flavor with more fat, while the breast is leaner and milder. How you cook your turkey — brined, baked, roasted, or deep fried — also matters. Different cook types will add different flavors into the mix. The sides you serve will make an impact as well: brown gravy versus mushroom gravy, sweet potatoes versus mashed potatoes. There’s a lot going on in the world of flavors at a Thanksgiving meal, but, usually, the flavors of the main course are going to be earthy and hearty.
Here are five American whiskeys (in a range of styles) that are sure to please the whiskey fans at your table and hopefully win over a few to the darker side. Darker spirits, that is.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon – Wild Turkey Rare Breed is always a winner in our book, but it’s particularly good for the holidays. Being a barrel proof bourbon with intense vanilla, marzipan, and brown sugar with a spicy finish, Rare Breed will stand up to a deep fried bird, pan drippings and butter all over everything, stuffing, and hopefully a decadent mac and cheese. With hints of smoke and maple on its big, rounded profile, you can’t go wrong with this combination. Two birds, one meal, perfection. 116 proof. $63
Brother Justus Cold-Peated American Single Malt Whiskey – Continuing the hearty meal trend. With roast turkey and brown gravy, dark meat will pick up gamey flavors that match the this whiskey’s notes of minerality, dark chocolate, caramel, and bold roasted nuts. Don’t let the abv fool you. Brother Justus’s Cold-Peated American Single Malt is rich and bold with an umami profile that enhances every bite. You’ll find no peat smoke here, no iodine. Brother Justus instead uses a patent pending process to filter their whiskey with Minnesota peat. No fire and no smoke, hopefully in your kitchen too! 86 proof. $100
WhistlePig Piggyback 100% Rye – If you’re more of a juicy turkey breast fan along with sweet potatoes and buttery biscuits, then a rye whiskey will do the trick well. WhistlePig’s Piggyback 100% Rye is a great complement to sweet, buttery, and earthly flavors with its spicy dry oak, pepper, and cinnamon intertwined with sweet maple, vanilla, and brown sugar. Coming in under 100 proof, this whiskey is going to add to the total flavor experience with food rather than be a dominating source of flavor. The spice is bold, but not too bold when paired appropriately. The contrast with sweet potatoes is especially killer. 96 proof. $50
Middle West Straight Wheat Whiskey – While we’re discussing white meat turkey, if you’re looking at lighter fare this holiday, might we suggest a wheat whiskey out of Ohio? Middle West offers a small batch straight wheat whiskey that has an abundance of flavor in a lower abv, allowing you to enjoy a full-flavored whiskey with lighter dishes. This whiskey has a soft and creamy texture with sweet flavors of cherries, custard, sugar cookies, and big vanilla bean. The vanilla in specific is an excellent pairing for vegetables like green beans, carrots, corn, or a salad — alongside light, white turkey meat. 92 proof. $47
Barrell Craft Spirits Barrell Dovetail – Last but certainly not least, you’ll need a whiskey for dessert because after your nap or a game of football, what is better than pie? Maybe whiskey? Barrel Craft Spirits offers a dizzying array of finished whiskeys which have garnered countless awards since their inception. Dovetail is a gem in their portfolio and a thrilling choice for dessert pairings. Finished in Dunn Vineyards Cabernet casks, Late Bottled Vintage Port pipes, and blackstrap molasses rum casks, the resulting flavors are out of this world. Expect molasses, stewed stone fruits, citrus, and floral flavors intertwined with cocoa and woodiness. Pour a dram, slap ice cream on top of that pie, and put your feet up as you enter whiskey heaven. You’re welcome. 122 proof. $80
