Businesses Team to Pair Michigan Craft Beers, Holiday Menus

The holiday season brings about rich food that calls for the drinks to match. For craft beer fans, November marks the start of stout, porter and winter warmer season. These richer beer styles come packed with just as much flavor as the foods we look forward to all holiday season long.

“Where summer beers are made to be refreshing, winter beers are here to warm you up,” said Jeff Bright, marketing director at Powers Distributing Co. “Winter beers are usually a little heavier and have flavors that remind you of sitting by a warm fire.”

Beers often referred to as winter warmers evoke traditional holiday flavors including hints of clove and nutmeg. They were made to warm the soul when the weather turned cold. Across Oakland and Macomb counties, the experts at Powers Distributing understand how best to choose the right beers for rich holiday meals.

“There is a great selection this winter including Alaskan Amber which is new to Michigan, the first time Griffin Claw’s 3 Scrooges is available in cans and the country’s top winter seasonal, Sam Adams’ Winter Lager,” added Bright. “This time of year, Miller Lite always pairs well with football.”

Jim Pearce, director of retail culinary operations at Royal Oak’s Holiday Market and bakery manager, Sandi Seaman used beers new to Michigan, like Alaskan Brewing Co.’s Amber, including those made here and favored across the region - like Saugatuck Brewing Co.’s Neapolitan Milk Stout and Griffin Claw’s 3 Stooges – to inspire their own menu items for the Thanksgiving season into December. They not only paired a few favorites with inspired recipes, but incorporated them as ingredients.

For inspiration, Pearce suggested the following menu:

Alaskan Amber:

Chicken Oscar with Beer-infused Hollandaise

Roasted Asparagus, Wild Rice Pilaf with Spinach, Tomatoes & Artichokes

Dessert: Caramel Napoleon

Griffin Claw 3 Scrooges:

Pan Seared Pork Tenderloin w/Cranberry Caramelized Onion Demi Glace

Parmesan Barley Risotto, Roasted Root Vegetables

Dessert: Classic Carrot Cake

Saugatuck Neapolitan Milk Stout:

Herb Crusted Lamb Chops w/Milk Stout Pan Sauce

Mushroom & Fresh Pea Farro, Roasted Brussels Sprouts w/Applewood Smoked Bacon

Dessert: Triple Chocolate Cake

Sam Adams Winter Lager:

Crispy Roasted Cod w/Chive Butter Sauce

Savory Loaded Sweet Potato, Lemon Asiago Rapini

Dessert: Pumpkin Crunch Torte

·Leinenkugel Cranberry Ginger Shandy:

Sautéed Shrimp w/Chili & Beer Beurre Blanc

Coconut Mango Rice, Sesame Snap Peas

Dessert: Lemon Curd Cupcake

Vandermill Totally Roasted Cider:

Pecan Crusted Salmon w/Spicy Cider Glaze

Gouda Scallion Mashed Yukon Potatoes, Braised Swiss Chard

Dessert: Caramel Apple Tart

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Photo via Powers Distributing