The menu starts with Crab Cocktail, a twist on the classic which adds a horseradish and wasabi spiciness. My choice here is a weissbier, even though I usually don’t drink much weissbier in the winter. I’m not usually a big fan of Belgian-style whites, I’d be tempted to try one of those since the slightly citrus taste of the beer should compliment the shrimp nicely. An alternative would be a nice full-bodied lager, like a Prima Pils from Victory or even a Thai or other Asian lager to match the wasabi.

Moving on to the entreé, we have a Crown Roast of Pork with Onion and Bread-Crumb Stuffing (yum) with sides including Gougeres, Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta, Cauliflower Gratin, Candied Carrots, and Yorkshire Pudding. This is a big, hearty meal which, in my mind, calls for a big, hearty beer. I’m thinking a good, dry porter or brown ale, or even a dry stout – nothing too fancy or too hoppy, just a good solid beer which holds up to but doesn’t compete with the roast. I have a Cream Porter from St. Peter’s in the basement which I’d try with this, or maybe the Duchy Estates Brown Ale I wrote about a little while ago. Given the flavorful side dishes, I’d also consider a Belgian Ale, particularly as there are a few Flying Fish Grand Cru in the basement calling my name.

For dessert, Tracey went Italian on us, with Panettone and Eggnog-Panettone Bread Pudding. My wife loves bread pudding. In any case, this one’s a little tricky, since it lacks the sweetness of some other desserts, but I think I’d stick with the classic dessert beer, a really big stout. I’m thinking Brooklyn Chocolate Stout or maybe a Samuel Smith Imperial Stout. I’m intrigued by the idea of an Altbier as well, but would probably steer away from anything Belgian, which I think would compete too heavily with the Panettone.

After dinner, if you’re not ready to burst, most beer writers would recommend a barleywine. I love beer, but a nice single malt scotch does it for me, and hell, it’s really just distilled beer anyway!

I’m somewhat new to this world of matching beer with a full menu, so if you think you have a better match let’s hear about it!

Post from: EveryJoe

Christmas dinner (with beer!)