Beer blogger Rick Swartz manages our Vero Beach (Miracle Mile Plaza) store. He's Cicerone certified. You can follow him on Twitter @abcbeerrick

There are as many different holiday traditions as there are families who celebrate them.  Usually,
these traditions include gathering together around shared meals with friends and family.  With all of the many craft beers available, knowing where to begin when seeking out a beer/food pairing can be intimidating.  I’ll share some of my thoughts when it comes to holiday pairings.

Ham

 I like to pair ham with either a spiced beer or a porter. If you are drawn to ham’s smoky flavor, you would probably enjoy a porter. On the other hand, if you prefer the sweeter maple or brown sugar cured hams, choosing a spiced ale will accentuate the clove in the ham and the sugars.

Suggestions: Stone smoked porter, Sierra Nevada porter, Bell’s Christmas Ale, Anchor Merry Christmas Happy New Year or Rogue’s Chateau Pumpkin.

Turkey

A Belgian dubbel or German Dunkel pairs exceptionally well with Turkey and gravy.  Both have the
ability to stand up to the heartiness of Turkey, while possessing the sweetness needed to cut through savory gravy.

Suggestions: Ommegang Abbey ale, Sierra Nevada’s Ovila Dubbel, Bell’s Hell Hath no Fury ale, Ayinger Dunkel or Warsteiner Dunkel

Rack of Lamb

Lamb has the type of intense flavors that pair well with Scotch ales or Old ales.  Lamb is hearty enough to stand up to these typically bigger beers without fearing that the beer will be over-powering.  The sweet notes and slightly fruity nose will complement most any accompanying sauce.

Suggestions:  Bruery Fruet, Bell’s Third Coast, Great Divide Hibernation, Cigar City Big Sound, or
Oskar Blues Old Chub.

Bread Pudding

I don’t know about you, but I see more bread pudding served this time of year compared to any other. They are rich, decadent, easy to make and easy to pair.  A typical bread pudding pairs well with Belgian Strong Dark ale.  A chocolate bread pudding could be served with a sweet fruity lambic, or a rich bold chocolate stout.

Suggestions: Unibroue Trois Pistoles, La Trappe Quadrupel, Weyerbacher Quad, Brooklyn Black Chocolate stout, Bells Expedition stout, Dogfish World Wide stout, Rogue’s Shakespeare Oatmeal stout.