When it comes to Christmas dinner, wine has traditionally been the go-to drink. But for those who love craft beer or are looking to switch things up, pairing Christmas dinner with crafted beers can be an exciting and delicious alternative. From the richness of British breweries to the incredible variety of craft beers available today, there's a perfect beer for every dish on the Christmas table. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or someone who just enjoys a good pint, craft beer can elevate your Christmas Day meal to the next level.

 

 

Why Pair Craft Beer with Christmas Dinner?

 

The beauty of craft beer lies in its diversity of flavours, textures, and aromas. Unlike mass-produced beers, craft beers are carefully brewed to bring out distinct notes—whether it’s fruity, malty, or hoppy. This makes them perfect for pairing with the rich and diverse flavours of Christmas dinner.

 

For those who usually reach for a bottle of wine during Christmas dinner, consider this: craft beer offers a refreshingly different taste profile that can complement everything from the starter to the main course, and even dessert. Plus, it’s a great option for those who love supporting British breweries and want a more laid-back, festive drink. As QWERTY Beer Box provides an array of curated craft beer gift options, it’s easy to bring something unique to the Christmas table, doubling up as both a Christmas present and the perfect accompaniment for the big day.

 

 

Craft Beer Pairings for Your Christmas Day Feast

 

1. Starters
   Kick off your Christmas dinner with something light and refreshing, such as a pilsner or pale ale. These styles are crisp and zesty, making them perfect for cutting through rich starters like pâté or smoked salmon. A well-balanced pale ale, with its citrusy hop notes, will refresh your palate and prepare you for the main event.
2. Turkey and Trimmings
   The star of the show deserves a beer to match. For traditional roast turkey, consider pairing it with a malty amber ale or a mild British bitter. These beers offer a smooth, caramel-like sweetness that complements the savoury elements of the turkey, stuffing, and roasted vegetables. Alternatively, for those who like a hoppy kick, an IPA with a slightly bitter finish can cut through the richness of gravy and roast potatoes, balancing the flavours beautifully.
3. Christmas Ham or Roast Beef
   If your Christmas dinner features a honey-glazed ham or roast beef, a darker beer like a porter or stout is a great choice. The roasted malt in these beers enhances the smoky, sweet flavours of the ham, while the deep, toasty notes of a stout bring out the richness in roast beef. This pairing creates a warm, hearty match, perfect for a cosy Christmas day.
4. Vegetarian Dishes
   For those opting for a plant-based Christmas dinner, there’s no shortage of pairing options with craft beer. A Crisp Lager pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, nut roasts, and cranberry sauce. The beer’s light body and complex flavours enhance the earthy, sweet notes of vegetarian dishes without overpowering them.
5. Dessert
   Christmas pudding and mince pies are rich, sweet, and full of festive spices, making them ideal partners for a warming spiced ale or a strong dark ale. The caramel and dried fruit notes in these beers harmonise with the flavours of Christmas desserts, while the higher alcohol content adds a festive punch. For chocolate-based desserts, a chocolate stout or coffee porter is a match made in heaven.

 

 

Why Craft Beer is the Perfect Alternative to Wine

 

While wine often takes the spotlight at Christmas, beer offers more versatility in flavour and can sometimes pair even better with complex dishes. With crafted beers, you can explore a wider range of taste profiles, from light and refreshing to rich and robust, making it a fantastic alternative for those who want to break away from the traditional wine pairing.

Craft beer is also ideal for casual Christmas get-togethers, where you can enjoy great food and drink without the formality of a wine glass. Plus, with the wide selection of beers craft has to offer, there’s something for everyone—from light lagers to bold IPAs and rich stouts.

 

 

QWERTY Beer Box: The Perfect Christmas Beer Gift

 

If you’re looking for a Christmas beer gift, QWERTY Beer Box is the ideal choice. Our curated selection of craft beers from British breweries offers beer lovers a variety of styles to suit every taste. From hoppy IPAs to rich porters, our hampers make a great beer present for Christmas, whether it's for your dad, boyfriend, or a friend who’s a craft beer enthusiast.

 

What’s more, QWERTY Beer Box hampers are not only a thoughtful Christmas gift but also a perfect companion for pairing with your Christmas dinner. Imagine opening a gift of hand-picked craft beers and pairing each course with the perfect brew. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, transforming your Christmas Day into a craft beer-tasting experience.

 

The QWERTY Team's Choice of beverages at Christmas time

 

The QWERTY team’s pick for Christmas this year start with a selection of our Lager and Pale Ales from our curated QWERTY Beer Hampers, some of our favourites are the St Ives Porth Pilsner, the Firebrand Brewing Helles Lager and the Siren Lumina Session IPA. For us here at QWERTY, the main event will be accompanied by red wine (Amarone being one of our team’s favourite) and a selection of beers from our Premium IPA Gift Hamper. Whatever floats your boat, when it comes to beer, a QWERTY Beer Box is sure to have something for everyone!