Beers to match Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's Christmas alternatives to turkey

Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall proclaims firmly in The Guardian today that he won’t be serving turkey for lunch on Christmas Day so if he’s going to break with tradition why shouldn’t you? Bring on the beer!

Roast haunch of venison with celeriac, juniper and bay
Venison is usually gamey and juniper accentuates that so this needs a strong Trappist beer or bière de garde in my opinion. I’ve just had an email from a local Bristol wine merchant Corks of Cotham, which also has an excellent beer list, saying they have magnums of Chimay Blue and jeroboams of Chimay Blue Grande Reserve which would be perfect. I imagine you can get them from other beer specialists too.

Roast beef with horseradish, beetroot and parsley
A classic English roast that calls for a classic English ale. Something like Timothy Taylor Landlord, Adnams Broadside or Marston’s Double Drop.

Slow roasted pork shoulder
Although this recipe originated from the deep south and is cooked with red wine I still fancy my favourite beer pairing with pork - an American IPA (India Pale Ale). Goose Island IPA is the most widely available here - American readers will be spoilt for choice.

If I can’t persuade you to drink beer (shame!) and you want a wine pairing with any of these dishes just drop me a line at fiona@matchingfoodandwine.com

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