Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and while traditional spreads of turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce reign supreme, we like to add a little something extra to our holiday gatherings: craft beer and cheese pairings! Set up an array of different cheeses with your pre-feast snacks and drinks, and let your guests decide on their favorite combinations. There’s no wrong way to pair beer and cheese: if you like it, it’s a winner! Your guest’s tastes might differ, and that can be part of the fun.

Here are some of our favorite beer and cheese pairings to get you started. Whether you’re hosting a pre-dinner cheese board, planning a full-on beer and cheese tasting, or simply looking for ways to enhance your meals, these pairings are a sure way to make your holiday gatherings stand out. Try them for yourself, or if you are feeling adventurous, check out our complete cheese pairing guide for more recommendations!

Old No. 38

Mimolette, a French cow’s milk cheese with a nutty and slightly sweet profile, brings out the stout’s earthy undertones, making it a fantastic partner. For something bolder, try pairing the stout with Maytag Blue, a tangy and crumbly blue cheese. The intensity of the blue cheese holds up to the dark beer while creating an exciting contrast.

Old No. 38 has a smooth, rich flavor and toasty character, which pairs wonderfully with creamy and tangy cheeses. Local favorite Cowgirl Creamery’s Mt Tam, with its soft and buttery texture, contrasts nicely with the stout’s bitterness, creating a balanced flavor profile. The richness of the cheese is a perfect foil for the deep flavors of the stout.

Old Stock Ale

Old Stock Ale pairs beautifully with hard, savory cheeses. Parmigiano Reggiano—the classic Italian cheese—has a nutty, crystalline texture that stands up to the malty sweetness of the beer, creating a savory, satisfying combination.

For a bit more complexity, try Mountain Gorgonzola, a creamy yet slightly tangy blue cheese. The deep, rich flavors of Old Stock Ale meld wonderfully with the strong, creamy bite of the Gorgonzola, adding a savory kick to the pairing. Both the beer and the cheese share a richness that complements each other, making this pairing a showstopper for any holiday spread.

PranQster

PranQster is a great brew for cheese pairing, with its floral notes and full fruity flavor, along with a crisp, effervescent finish that helps cleanse the palate between bites. This style of beer works well with a variety of cheeses, especially those with a sharper profile or deep, savory characteristics.

Cheddar has a tangy, robust flavor that pairs nicely with the clean, refreshing finish of PranQster. Our favorite sharp cheddar was Cabot 18 Month Sharp Cheddar. We also liked Fiscalini Cheddar, whose complex flavors enhanced the beer’s subtle sweetness.

Another excellent option is Point Reyes Blue, a local favorite blue cheese with a creamy, earthy flavor. PranQster’s effervescence contrasts beautifully with the richness of the blue cheese, while the slight sweetness of the beer enhances the blue’s tang.

Scrimshaw

Scrimshaw’s crisp, fresh taste and dry finish make it an ideal pairing for cheeses that aren’t too overpowering but still have plenty of character. Pecorino Toscano, an Italian sheep’s milk cheese, is firm and slightly salty, with a grassy undertone that pairs beautifully with the pilsner’s clean, refreshing qualities.

Gruyere, with its nutty and slightly sweet flavor, complements Scrimshaw’s subtle bitterness, making this pairing a light and refreshing option for a holiday cheese board. The pilsner’s carbonation also helps cut through the richness of the cheese, keeping the flavors bright and balanced.

Foggy Day

For guests who love bold, hoppy beers, Foggy Day IPA is a fantastic choice. The bitterness of the hops in an Inda Pale Ale can be intense, so you’ll want a cheese that can stand up to those bold flavors.

Aged cheddar, with its sharp, tangy taste and firm texture, makes a perfect match. The rich, earthy flavor of the cheddar contrasts nicely with the beer’s citrusy flavor profile, and the creamy texture of the cheese tempers Foggy Day’s punchy hop notes. It’s a pairing that works well for those who appreciate a bit of bite in both their cheese and beer. We liked Cabot 3 Year Aged Cheddar, and for our vegan friends, Miyoko’s Roadhouse Cheddar was also a great option.

Brother Thelonious

For a more decadent and smooth option, malty, rich Brother Thelonious pairs beautifully with cheeses that are equally rich and creamy. Marin French Cheese Co. Triple Crème Brie, with its soft, buttery texture and rich flavor, balances the complex malty sweetness of the beer. The sweetness and creaminess of the beer and cheese create a luxurious experience that’s perfect for special occasions.

If you’re looking for a firmer cheese to pair, Manchego (a Spanish sheep’s milk cheese) is a fantastic alternative. Its dense texture and nutty, slightly tangy flavor provide a pleasant contrast to the Belgian ale’s robust and malty character.

Other Holiday Celebration Ideas

In addition to classic beer and cheese pairings, there are plenty of ways to make your holiday gatherings even more memorable:

• Limited Release Bottles: For those looking to add something truly special to their celebration, don’t miss our Brewery Shop‘s limited-release beers. From barrel-aged brews to one-of-a-kind flavors, our collection of larger bottles are perfect to share at your Thanksgiving table. These exclusive releases also make a memorable gift for the beer lover in your life!
• Beer Brittle:  Bring out the Old Stock Ale Beer Brittle for a fun and sweet way to round out the evening. This crunchy, caramelized treat is made with our much-loved Old Stock Ale, offering a delightful way to incorporate beer into your dessert course.

Conclusion

Holiday gatherings don’t have to be complicated to be memorable. Beer and cheese are a winning combo that’ll keep things fun and help your guests pick up some cool new knowledge. Whether you’re offering a simple cheese board before dinner or hosting a complete tasting party, these pairings will bring new flavors and fun to your holiday celebrations. Raise a glass with us this season and toast to good friends, great food, and even better beer. Cheers!