For Thanksgiving, Think Beer and Cider
The holidays are right around the corner and people are already strategizing what beverages to pair with their Thanksgiving meal. Sparkling wine, Pinot Noir, and Cognac are on many customers' minds right now, but there are plenty more options to choose from. Beer and cider are excellent choices as well that can make any holiday shine, and we have some that will go great this Turkey Day.
Ciders
Producer Spotlight: Haykin Family Ciders
A small family cider producer creating world-class, complex ciders that would be deeply enjoyed by sparkling wine/Champagne lovers.
Haykin Family "McIntosh" Cider $12.99 From the producer: "Discovered by John McIntosh at his farm in Canada in 1811, the McIntosh apple has a distinctive vinous aromatic and flavor profile that persists through fermentation. It is crisp, perfumed, and smooth, reminiscent of cream soda, peach rings, and lemons. 100% McIntosh apples from Uncle John's Cider Mill. 2023 Vintage. This cider is semi-dry."
2023 Haykin Family "Caville Blanc d'Hiver" Cider $24.99 From the producer: "A French eating apple that dates back to the early 1600s, at least. The apple evokes the high-pitched and heady aromas and flavors of grapefruit, pine-needle freshness, and lemon zest, finished with a kiss of sweetness. 100% Calville Blanc d'Hiver apples from Heirloom Orchards in Hood River, Oregon. 2023 Vintage. This cider is semi-dry."
Other great cider choices:
Gowan's Heirloom Ciders are so phenomenal ciders from Northern California. They make one of the best spiced apple ciders in the market.
Gowan's Heirloom Ciders "Spiced Apple" Cider, California (500ml) $13.99
Gowan's Heirloom Ciders "1876 Heirloom" Cider, California (500ml bottle) $11.99
Gowan's Heirloom Ciders "Gravenstein" Cider, California (500ml) $11.99
Gowan's Heirloom Ciders "3 Bottle Gift Box" Cider, California (3 X 500ml bottle) $49.99
Etienne Dupont "Jus de Pomme" Petillant (Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Apple Juice) $6.99 A wonderful sparkling, non-alcoholic cider option.
Beers
Producer Spotlight: The Alchemist
One of the most sought-after breweries from the east coast sent us a care package for the holidays! Grab them while you can.
About this Vermont brewery: "The Alchemist is a family run brewery specializing in fresh, unfiltered IPA. John and Jen Kimmich originally opened The Alchemist as a 60 seat brew pub in the village of Waterbury in 2003. After eight years of success and growing popularity, they decided to open a small production brewery. Today The Alchemist currently operates two breweries in Vermont and distributes Heady Topper and Focal Banger throughout the state."
The Alchemist "Heady Topper" American Double IPA $5.99 According to John Kimmich, the brewer of The Alchemist, Heady Topper is a unicorn beer built specifically for the can. “All that carbonation is coming out, the CO2 is escaping, the aroma, the hop essence, and oils,” Kimmich said. “When you drink it out of the can, the beer is perfectly preserved. There’s a layer of CO2 riding through that can, and when you pour the beer into an empty glass, you’re immediately accelerating the expulsion of all that goodness.”
The Alchemist "Focal Banger" American IPA $5.99 From the producer: “Focal Banger is an American India Pale Ale. We have a real love for IPAs here at The Alchemist and we strive to offer you the best hop experience that we possibly can. The beer is brewed using Citra and Mosaic hops and our favorite British malts. Truly an abundance of malty goodness.
Freshness and control have always been my main concern when it comes to our beer. We are committed to providing you with an unfiltered and unpasteurized hop experience. Why do I recommend that you drink it from can? Quite simply, to ensure a delightful hop experience. The act of pouring it in a glass smells nice, but it releases the essential hop aromas that we have worked so hard to retain.
If you MUST pour it into a glass, you may find that some of the hop resins have settled to the bottom -- leave them in the can when pouring. This beer is perishable and at its best when it is young, fresh, and hazy. Keep it cold, but not ice cold. Drink this beer today, you could be dead tomorrow ... -- John Kimmich”
Other great beer choices:
Brouwerij St. Bernardus "Abt 12" Quadruple $5.99 From the Producer: “One of the best known Quadrupels available on the market, the St. Bernardus Abt 12 has earned its place in the spotlight. The current release is based on one of the original recipes from the Trappist Monks of Westvleteren, which was given to the cheese-making abbey of St. Bernardus. The beer is dark and full-bodied, with a fruity nose and complex palate, striking the perfect balance between malty, bitter and sweet.” 10.5% ABV
Orval Trappist Ale $7.79 From the producer: “"Sunset-orange color; a fruity and slightly acidic bouquet, firm body, profound hop bitterness, and long, dry finish." 6.9% ABV