Beer and food matching: Roast turkey
The classic Christmas dinner, roast turkey with all the trimmings, had some of our beer and food matching experts scratching their heads when it came to coming up with a cracker of a beer to accompany it.
However, like Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer on that foggy Christmas Eve, when the chips were down, the panel dug deep into their stockings to some up with the goods.
- Ben Bartlett, catering development manager, Union Pub Company:
The problem with many ales is that the flavour is so distinct, it would mask the flavour of the turkey, which isn't as strong as that of many other roast meats. However, Jennings Cumberland Cream (four per cent ABV), a superb golden-coloured beer, with all the flavour and character of a traditional Cumberland ale, would do the job. It's a smooth, refreshing pint, brewed with Maris Otter barley, aromatic hops and pure Lakeland water. Since Cumberland Cream is served cooler than a standard ale, it will also help to refresh diners should a roast turkey dinner with all the trimmings prove to be tough going.
Kamini Dickie, product development, BRi:
Like many customs and traditions, Christmas celebration centres on the enjoyment of food and drink with family and friends. For many people it just would not be Christmas without the traditional roast turkey served with a succulent chestnut stuffing, crispy roast potatoes and parsnips, and delicious fresh seasonal vegetables. For me the word Christmas conjures up images of white snow, sparkly lights, and the aroma of spices, fruits, and roast chestnuts - and I've found these in the perfect drink to accompany the Christmas dinner. A lovely crisp, fresh tasting, white beer. Full of honeyed biscuity notes. Wonderfully fruity with apples, lemons and spices. Something new to complement tradition. A truly special beer to be served in champagne flutes for a very special occasion: Kronenbourg Blanc. Enjoy!
Fuller's head brewer, John Keeling:
I wouldn't normally recommend a bitter-style beer to go with white meat, but all the accompaniments to a Christmas turkey are powerful in flavour, and I feel that Fuller's ESB would match that intensity with its bitter orange flavour and provide a very interesting dining companion. Don't forget to get a bottle of Fuller's 1845 in too, to go with your afternoon tea. After all, it has been described as Christmas cake in a bottle.
Ben McFarland, beer writer of the year, and still under a Grotto Exclusion Order after the strange things he said to Santa last year:
At Christmas, you need a beer that copes with every potentially disastrous gastronomic eventuality. If the turkey ends up drier than a pensioner's elbow, if the sprouts resemble charcoal and if you set fire to the pub using too much cheap brandy on the Christmas pudding, then a refreshing, thirst-quenching lager is the first thing your parched palate will be wanting in its Christmas stocking.
I suggest a dainty lager called Lapin Kulta. Brewed by female brewers in the upper reaches of Lapland, Lapin Kulta is Santa's local beer and is perfect for drinking after a hard day harrying elves, gift-wrapping and putting up with spoilt little eight-year-olds. It's also a festive alternative to the chewy charms of the full-bodied Christmas ales so often sipped at this time of the year.
John Bexon, Greene King head brewer:
Old Speckled Hen bursts with character and aroma - it makes the perfect partner for a traditional Christmas dinner. The toffee characteristics cut through the turkey's dryness, and makes a sublime accompaniment to its subtle sweetness. The beer's malty blend complements rich, flavoursome gravy. The fruity notes which come from late-hopping with fuggles create a richness which lifts the turkey. When this combines with nutty, fruity, stuffing it generates a taste explosion revealing a new dimension to the classic Christmas meal.
Michael Tuckwood, patron chef at the Stag in Aylesbury, and Craft Guild of Chefs member:
When matching a beer with turkey it is important to chose a beer that has a really light and refreshing flavour. A beer that is too strong or overpowering tends to mask rather than complement the taste of turkey. I find that Kronenbourg Blanc is a perfect match as it has a fruity and light taste that really enhances the flavours of turkey. Kronenbourg Blanc is a white beer imported from France, which is sold in cream bottles and is quite cloudy in colour. Peroni and Corona are also good accompaniments to turkey. As you would with wine, I do believe it is important to drink different beers with different courses. A really good beer that perfectly complements desserts at Christmas or at any other time of year is Young's Chocolate Stout. And to perfectly complete the meal, I suggest finishing it off with a glass of port.
Next month, the panel will be starting 2006 on a sweet note with beers to match the classic pub dessert, apple pie or crumble. If you'd like the panel to suggest beer matches for a dish on your menu, please email your request to chosbbq@gurchoyvpna.pbz .
