More and more people like to drink whisky with their Thanksgiving turkey. It's a big thing now in the UK, where folks choose whisky over wine. The many tastes of whisky - from sweet bourbons to smoky Scotches - go well with turkey and its tasty sides. Here's a fast look at how whisky can make your Thanksgiving meal better:
- Bourbon: Sweet and full, with hints of caramel and vanilla, it goes great with roasted turkey and sweet dishes.
- Rye Whisky: Spicy and strong, perfect for herbed or spicy turkey and stuffing.
- Scotch: From smoky ones to fruity ones, Scotch works well with smoked turkey and things like cranberry sauce.
- Japanese Whisky: Smooth and even, these whiskies fit both white and dark turkey meat.
- Global Whiskies: Whiskies from Canada, Australia, and more places, they have fun tastes to try.
Serving whisky cold (10-15°C) and in the right glasses, like Glencairn or tumblers, makes it better. For those who like mixed drinks, things like Old Fashioned or whisky sours add fun to the meal. Drink it straight, with water, or in a mix, whisky adds a rich and warm touch to your meal.
Top 10 Whiskeys to Pair With a Thanksgiving Feast - BRT 231
Top Bourbons for Your Thanksgiving Turkey
Bourbon has a deep, sweet taste that goes well with roast turkey. As Emily Price from Forbes says:
"The main attraction deserves something as rich and flavorful as it is, and bourbon makes a natural choice." [1]
Wild Turkey Rare Breed and Wild Turkey Kentucky Straight
Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a top pick, with a nice mix of caramel, maple, and spice. Even with its 116-proof strength, it keeps a good mix of strong taste and a light sweet touch. This barrel-proof bourbon gives rich depth but stays cool enough, making it a good pick for roasted turkey [5].
For a softer, easier drink, Wild Turkey Kentucky Straight is a great pick too. It holds the strong spirit of the brand but with less fire, making it simple to drink all through the meal. The spice in this bourbon cuts into heavy foods like gravy and stuffing, offering a great twist.
Buffalo Trace: A Solid Choice for All
Buffalo Trace is a do-it-all bourbon fit for the Thanksgiving table. Aged for about 8–10 years and made in smaller groups of around 40 barrels, it brings a full and smooth taste every time [6].
The makers say it well:
"This deep amber whisky has a complex aroma of vanilla, mint and molasses. Pleasantly sweet to the taste with notes of brown sugar and spice that give way to oak, toffee, dark fruit and anise. This whisky finishes long and smooth with serious depth." [4]
The rich tones of brown sugar and spice in Buffalo Trace mix well with cranberry sauce, adding a nice, sweet touch [1]. Wine Enthusiast Magazine loves its "long and lush" end [4], and Jim Murray's Whisky Bible calls it "One of the world's great whiskies" [4].
Each of these bourbons has a different feel, letting you pick one that fits how you cook your turkey.
Why Bourbon Fits So Well with Thanksgiving Foods
The Bourbon Babe nails this match:
"Bourbon's flavor profile of sweetness with a bit of spice enhances all the rich flavors of Thanksgiving." [3]
If you go for a roasted or glazed turkey with easy spices, sweet bourbons like Buffalo Trace work well [1]. But, smoked or deep-fried turkey does better with spicier bourbons that help even out the rich taste [1]. It's also good to note Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Its mix of sweet and spice lifts the turkey's tasty bits but does not cover them up [1].
Scotch Choices for Turkey Dinner
Add a bit of classy flair to your Thanksgiving meal with Scotch whisky. Its taste goes from soft and sweet to deep and complex, making it a great match for your food. As Johnny Motley from Cool Material rightly points out:
"Scotch is not only therapeutic during family holidays, it pairs beautifully with Thanksgiving fare." [8]
Picking the right Scotch to go with your turkey and sides can make the meal better. Speyside and Highland whiskies are great for these times.
Speyside and Highland Picks for Lighter Foods
Speyside whiskies are sweet and fruity, with notes of apple, pear, honey, and vanilla, and have little to no peat [9][10]. In November 2024, Johnny Motley picked Glenglassaugh SandEnd as a top choice. This smooth whisky, with fresh hints of apricot, peach, and nectarine, pairs well with cheese, small bites, or turkey breast with light sides [8].
Highland whiskies have a wide range of tastes, from rich spiced fruit cake to fresh citrus [10]. For a strong option, Johnny Motley liked The GlenDronach 18-Year-Old. Its bold tastes of plum, molasses, and blackberry jam are perfect with turkey and cranberry sauce [8]. Many Highland whiskies also have a soft smoke, adding layers to their floral and fruity base. This mix fits well with the herb tastes of a classic roast turkey, helping its own flavor stand out [11].
Whisky Pairing from Around the World
The world of whisky brings many tastes to boost your Thanksgiving meal. By trying whiskies from Japan and beyond, you can add new flavors that go well with turkey dishes. Let’s see how these global whiskies can make your table more fancy and varied.
Japanese and Global Whiskies for Soft Tastes
Japanese whisky stands out for being smooth and easy to pair, making it top for Thanksgiving. They range from light and sweet to rich and smoky, fitting different turkey parts [14]. For example, light Japanese whiskies with fruit and flower hints are great with white turkey meat, while darker, malt-rich or smoky types boost the taste of darker cuts [14]. Smoky ones also match well with smoked dishes, making a good mix [13].
Outside Japan, whiskies from all over have their own twists. Canadian whisky, soft and a bit spicy, goes well with the usual Thanksgiving foods without being too much. Also, countries like Australia, France, India, Sweden, Taiwan, Israel, and South Africa have whiskies that range from fruity and spicy to deep and bold. Each adds an extra touch to your meal, giving a true world tasting.
Whisky Tasting Packs for Different Pairing Choices
To try these varied whisky tastes, think about getting tasting packs. Packs like those from The Really Good Whisky Company let you try many types without needing full bottles. They’re great for Thanksgiving, as they let each guest find their best drink match. One might pick a soft Japanese whisky for turkey breast, while another might like a strong whisky for dark meat and gravy.
When you offer many whiskies, look at how strong each taste is and how it fits with the meal. You can also play with how to serve them - neat, with water, or as a cool highball - to find the best match for each dish [13].
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How to Match Whisky and Turkey
Choosing the right whisky for your Thanksgiving turkey is easy. The main thing is to pair the strength of the whisky with the way you cook your turkey. Then, you can see how different kinds of whisky bring out the tastes in your meal.
Types of Whisky and Their Tastes
Each type of whisky has its own special traits that go well with turkey, based on how you cook it. Let's look at some common types of whisky and how they add to your Thanksgiving meal.
Bourbon, which is naturally sweet, is great for roasted turkey. Its hints of caramel and vanilla even out the heavy tastes of gravies and are superb with glazed turkey dishes [1].
Rye whisky, famous for its strong, spicy flavor, does well with dishes that have a lot of spices. Kyle Ritchie, who runs the bar at Doug Fir in Portland, Oregon, said it well:
With its full and forward body as well as its very balanced spice, it will pair great with turkey. Whether it's roasted or fried, heavily herbed and brined, or just as it comes [7].
Scotch whisky shows many tastes based on where it's from. Whiskies from Speyside, with their smooth, wood-like hints, work well with soft white meat [12]. Yet, peated Scotch, with a smoky and strong feel, goes well with dark meat or bold dishes.
Sherried Scotch, full of dry fruit, nuts, and spice, fits well with classic Thanksgiving sides like cranberry sauce and stuffing. It's rich but does not take over the turkey's taste.
When picking a whisky, think more about the taste than just where it's from. A fast taste test can help you pick the best match.
Matching Whisky with Turkey Cooking Ways
How you cook your turkey should guide your whisky choice. Here are some tips for matching whisky to your turkey style:
- Roasted Turkey: The sweet taste from roasting goes well with bourbon. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon, known for its vanilla and oak hints, brings out the best in the crispy skin and soft meat [1].
- Smoked Turkey: Scotch whisky, especially peated types, fits the smoky notes well. Cole Newton, a bar keeper at Twelve Mile Limit in New Orleans, says:
As an accompaniment to a big turkey dinner, I'd suggest a quality blended scotch, like Monkey Shoulder, and soda. It's light, refreshing, and the malty sweetness and light smoke should pair perfectly with Thanksgiving food without overwhelming it [7].
- Deep-Fried Turkey: When you fry a turkey, it's rich and oily. Pick a whisky that's bold and spicy enough to cut through that oil. Elijah Craig Small Batch is a top pick. It brings the strong taste needed to match the dish [1].
- Cajun-Seasoned Turkey: Rye whisky's spice goes well with strong, Cajun tastes. Rittenhouse Rye gives a solid base for very spicy food, and Bulleit Rye has some fruit taste and a peppery end [1].
For herbs like sage and thyme on your turkey, rye whisky is a good match. If your turkey has a citrus glaze, go for a lighter Speyside whisky. It’s fruity but won’t hide the taste of your dish.
If not sure where to start, The Really Good Whisky Company's taste packs are good to try. Testing different whiskies with your meal lets you find out what works best with your turkey and your taste.
At last, mind the strength to dodge a wrong pair. A light turkey might be too much for a strong Islay whisky, while a floral whisky could fade next to a spicy dish. Getting the balance right is key for a good drink and food match.
How to Serve Whisky at Thanksgiving
When you serve whisky right, it can show its best sides and be a great part of your Thanksgiving meal. Like picking the right whisky to go with turkey makes the food better, serving it well makes sure each drink is as good as it can be.
Best Serving Heat and Ways
To enjoy the full taste and smell of whisky, serve it cool, between 10-15°C. This heat keeps its rich mix of smells and flavors, and still feels good to drink. You can try a bit different heat to find what's best for the whisky you picked or what your guests like. Once the heat is set, pick the right glass to make the drink even better.
Choosing the Right Glasses
The glass can change a lot in how whisky smells and tastes. The shape of the glass can help or hide its smells, so picking the right one is key.
The Glencairn glass is a top pick for whisky lovers. Its special shape holds and gives off smells better, giving a fuller drink feel. Alex Thomas, a lead from Bushmills, talks about why it's good:
I love the Glencairn because the size of the opening at the top is reasonably small, but the base of the whisky is breathing in the bottom. When you put it to your nose for the first time, all of those aromas are captured in the glass[16].
These glasses don’t cost much, usually from £8.99 to £10.95.
Tumblers, also called rocks glasses or old-fashioned glasses, are handy and often used. They are good for both straight drinks and whisky mixes. Fred B. Noe III, the seventh person from the Jim Beam family to make whisky, likes how they can be used in many ways:
I always say you can drink bourbon any way you want to, and that goes for the glass. There are no set rules, but I like to enjoy mine in a nice rocks glass with a few cubes of ice or with a little water, too[15].
For those who like strong smells, snifters are a top pick, great for bourbon tests. The big bowl brings out the whisky's smells, making the taste better. Also, the NEAT glass is made just to show soft tastes and sets the nose just right to smell. If you want a new style, the Norlan Whisky Glass is a cool choice. Made with tips from 90 pros, it mixes use with a nice look. With a 4.5/5 from 1,556 thoughts, it's a top choice at about £48 for two.
If you plan to make whisky drinks, the glass used can change things - more on that later.
Whisky Drinks for Mixed Drink Fans
For guests who don't often drink whisky, drinks are a great start to try the tastes. They also go well with Thanksgiving food.
A plain whisky and soda is fresh, light, and won't take over your meal. For a fall feel, the Old Fashioned is a go-to. Its mix of sugar and bitters brings out the whisky's sweet side, while a bit of orange peel adds a fresh, zesty touch. The whisky sour, with its sharp lemon and smooth feel, clears the mouth between bites. On a cold November night, a hot toddy - with honey, lemon, and hot spices - gives warmth in a glass. For a fancy drink, the Manhattan, with sweet vermouth and bitters, gives a high-end feel.
If you're making drinks, think about setting up a easy spot with all you need. Add basic stuff, some recipe cards, and double old-fashioned glasses for serving. This lets guests make their own drinks and have fun.
Conclusion: Improve Your Thanksgiving Meal with Whisky
Whisky can make your Thanksgiving meal more fun. The hints of vanilla and spice in bourbon can lift the taste of roast turkey, while peated Scotch adds a smoky touch that goes well with rich side dishes.
The best part about using whisky is how well it fits in. As Alex Cooper says:
"Don't pair them by food or course... Do it by flavour. There's so many Thanksgiving recipes that are going to be mixed together on a plate, with no particular order, that your best bet is to think about the different flavours that will be on the plate itself." [2]
For instance, the strong, bold taste of rye whisky cuts through the sharp taste of cranberry sauce, while the soft touch of Canadian whisky goes great with the sweet of sweet potatoes. Even dessert - a mix like bourbon and pumpkin pie shows that whisky works well with more than the main dish. This mix of uses makes it a great pick for the many tastes at your table.
If you want to try new kinds, The Really Good Whisky Company has a list of over 1,200 whiskies from Scotland, Japan, the US, and more. They offer whisky taste packs, send all over the world, and let you return items in 14 days. It’s a top chance to find something that fits your way of cooking.
Why not go a bit more and have a whisky taste event during your meal? It's a fun way to find new mixes and share the fun of great tastes with your friends. Trying new things is the way to find great matches.
FAQs
What sort of whisky fits best with roasted or smoked turkey?
The way you cook turkey matters a lot when you pick the right whisky.
For roasted turkey, pick a whisky that is rich and spicy. A rye whisky or a smooth single malt will go well with the tasty, herb-filled flavors of the turkey.
If you are having smoked turkey, go for a whisky that is a bit sweet and lightly smoky. A blended Scotch works great here, as it boosts the smoky hints in the turkey but does not take over the taste. The main point is to match the whisky and how the turkey is cooked, making sure the pair is just right and enjoyable.
Why should you serve whisky at the right temp, and how can it make your Thanksgiving meal better?
Serving whisky at the right temp is key to bringing out its best taste and smell - great for boosting your Thanksgiving meal. If it's a bit cool, the sharpness of the alcohol softens, making the whisky feel smooth and easy to drink. This fits well with big meals like turkey.
If you want to show off the rich taste of the whisky, warm it up a bit. This enhances its deep flavors and makes its unique traits stand out, letting you enjoy every bit. The right warmness helps the whisky match with your holiday food, giving a fancy vibe to your party.
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