Thanksgiving is a celebration of flavors, traditions, and togetherness, where every dish on the table is a thoughtful expression of comfort and warmth. And just like food, a carefully chosen whiskey can elevate your Thanksgiving meal, enhancing flavors and adding depth to each bite. From the savory taste of roasted turkey to the sweet finish of pumpkin pie, here’s a guide to perfectly pairing whiskey with each Thanksgiving dish.
1. Roasted Turkey + Bourbon
Suggested Pairing: Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, or Four Roses
The star of the Thanksgiving table, roasted turkey, has a mild yet juicy flavor that calls for a whiskey with a bit of character. Bourbon is an ideal match, bringing rich caramel, vanilla, and toasty oak notes that complement the savory, herby flavors of the turkey without overpowering it. The smooth sweetness of bourbon, combined with its hint of spice, balances well with the bird, particularly if you’ve used a bit of brown sugar or honey in your turkey glaze.
2. Mashed Potatoes + Rye Whiskey
Suggested Pairing: High West Double Rye, Bulleit Rye, or Woodford Reserve Rye
Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes are often seasoned with garlic, herbs, or even cheese. Rye whiskey, known for its peppery, spicy profile, cuts through the creaminess of the potatoes with a bit of warmth. The spice from the rye balances the potatoes’ richness, while hints of citrus and herbs complement any garlic or rosemary seasoning, making each bite more dynamic.
3. Stuffing + Spiced Whiskey
Suggested Pairing: Knob Creek Smoked Maple or Crown Royal Salted Caramel
Stuffing, with its mix of bread, herbs, vegetables, and sometimes sausage, has deep, complex flavors that deserve a whiskey pairing with equally bold character. A spiced whiskey, infused with flavors like maple, cinnamon, or caramel, enhances the stuffing’s richness and adds a festive, slightly sweet kick. Look for whiskeys with subtle, natural infusions rather than overly sweetened options, as they’ll enhance rather than overpower the stuffing.
4. Cranberry Sauce + Tennessee Whiskey
Suggested Pairing: Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 or Gentleman Jack
Tangy and slightly sweet cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving classic that benefits from the smooth, mellow profile of Tennessee whiskey. The charcoal-mellowed smoothness and mild sweetness of Tennessee whiskey pairs well with the tartness of the cranberries, balancing the sharp flavors and offering a subtle caramel and vanilla note. It’s a refreshing contrast that complements the sauce’s bright, fruity character.
5. Green Bean Casserole + Canadian Whisky
Suggested Pairing: Crown Royal or Canadian Club
With its creamy sauce, crunchy onions, and savory green beans, this classic casserole pairs well with a smooth Canadian whisky. Canadian whiskies tend to be lighter and slightly sweeter, allowing them to blend seamlessly with creamy dishes without overwhelming them. The subtle spice and caramel notes enhance the earthy flavors of the green beans, making for a harmonious pairing that won’t overpower the dish.
6. Sweet Potato Casserole + Wheat Whiskey
Suggested Pairing: Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey
Sweet potato casserole, often topped with marshmallows or pecans, is a side that borders on dessert. A wheat whiskey, known for its softer and slightly sweet flavor profile, is the perfect match for this dish. Wheat whiskeys are generally lighter and smoother, with notes of honey, vanilla, and gentle spice, which pair well with the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and any added brown sugar or marshmallows.
7. Pumpkin Pie + Single Malt Scotch
Suggested Pairing: Glenlivet 12 Year, Glenfiddich 15 Year, or Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year
The rich, spiced flavors of pumpkin pie, with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, are complemented beautifully by the complex profile of a single malt Scotch. Look for a Speyside or Highland single malt with notes of honey, vanilla, and dried fruit, which play well with the pie’s earthy and sweet flavors. The smokier and richer single malts, like those from Islay, can also be a good match for pumpkin pie, adding a layer of depth that enhances each spiced bite.
8. Apple Pie + Irish Whiskey
Suggested Pairing: Jameson or Redbreast 12 Year
The warm, spiced flavors of apple pie with its cinnamon and caramelized sugar are a natural pairing for a smooth, slightly fruity Irish whiskey. Irish whiskeys are known for their triple-distilled smoothness, with hints of vanilla, honey, and fruit. They bring out the apple pie’s sweetness without overpowering it, adding a creamy, mellow character that lets the pie’s flavor shine.
Final Thoughts
Pairing whiskey with your Thanksgiving dishes doesn’t need to be intimidating. By focusing on complementary flavors, you can elevate each dish and enhance your dining experience. Whether you stick with classic bourbons, experiment with spiced whiskies, or dive into the world of Scotch, there’s a perfect whiskey to pair with every bite this Thanksgiving.
This year, toast to family, friends, and great flavors—cheers!
