New research suggests that turkey is losing its appeal as a traditional staple of the Christmas meal, writes Lotte Peplow, European craft beer ambassador for the Brewers Association. If this downward trend continues, 2025 could mark the first year since the 1950s that less than half of all UK families dine on turkey this year.
Other meats, such as gammon and beef, are gaining in popularity, which begs the question… what beer to pair with them?
Whether you’re looking at turkey or an alternative this festive season here’s a guide to finding a winning Christmas combo using beers from renowned American craft breweries.
Turkey
Traditionally roasted and stuffed with herb/sausagemeat, turkey cries out for a beer with equally robust flavour characteristics, such as a pale ale with citrus and/or pine/cedar notes. This style of beer will complement the flavours of the stuffing and offer crisp refreshment between mouthfuls, while not overpowering the delicate flavours of the turkey. Try Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.
Beef
Rich and hearty, with strong meaty flavours, beef is the perfect partner for a bold imperial stout or porter that’s dry, roasty, and full flavoured. Avoid anything barrel aged or overtly sweet to avoid clashing with the savoury character of the dish. Try Virginia Beer Co’s Rob Your Head imperial red ale.
Gammon
Gammon may be smoked and glazed with honey or brown sugar. The caramel malty sweetness and spicy hop character of a beer like Sam Adams Boston Lager harmonises beautifully with the smokey, salty flavour of the meat. Any charred caramelisation of the skin will echo the Maillard reaction that takes place during the brewing process (a chemical reaction that gives browned foods, or beer, its distinct flavour) and pair perfectly with the beer.
Fish
A light and delicate white fish, such as cod or halibut, pairs with a classic Belgian-style witbier such as Allagash White. A refreshing balance of citrus and spice, with wheat, coriander, and curacao orange peel, this beer will elevate your Christmas dining experience when paired with fish. For richer, more oily fish, such as salmon or tuna, go for a fuller flavour, higher-strength Belgian style, such as Allagash Tripel.
Nut roast
With growing interest in reducing meat consumption, vegetarian dishes at Christmas need their own beer pairing partner. Nuts roasts are an ideal canvas for a wide variety of beers, but the additional ingredients of the dish will dictate the best match. A refreshing easy-drinking pilsner or helles would play well with a simple nut roast recipe, or a dry and spicy saison/farmhouse ale would interact harmoniously with something more complex.
With so many beers from all over the world to choose from what makes American craft beer special? There are several reasons:
- the number of medals the above beers have won at prestigious international beer competitions judged by renowned experts proves their world class positioning (Allagash White alone is the most award-winning wheat beer in the world!)
- American craft brewers have a unique advantage over other brewing nations due to their close proximity to some of the world’s premier hop growing regions, allowing them to select the freshest, highest quality, most sought-after hops available.
- The combination of access to quality raw ingredients and technical brewing expertise has allowed American craft brewers to push boundaries by developing new flavours, pioneering new styles, and reaching new audiences. It is this attitude towards innovation, integrity, and authenticity that continues to help American craft beer stand out among the crowd.
So, this Christmas, whether you’re serving traditional turkey or ringing the changes, there’s a beer for every feast and every flavour!
Calling all brewers
UK brewers are invited to compete on the global stage and register for the World Beer Cup 2026, the largest and most prestigious beer competition in the world. Registration is now open, with winners crowned at the annual Craft Brewers Conference, in Philadelphia, on 22nd April. Find out more here.
About the author
Lotte Peplow is the American Craft Beer Ambassador for Europe for the Brewers Association and is based in London. She is a certified cicerone, BDI-accredited beer sommelier, beer writer, author, beer communicator, international beer judge, homebrewer, and beer lover.
