The first Friday each June is National Doughnut Day.  Before you go cursing Hallmark for creating another opportunity to guilt us into parting with our cash, National Doughnut Day began with a purpose. According the Salvation Army, the service organization “started National Donut Day during the Great Depression as a way to raise funds and bring awareness to The Salvation Army’s social service programs.”

Whether you’re a fan of “doughnuts” or “donuts,” you might be wondering what the perfect beer and doughnut pairing is for today’s celebration.  I’m partial to a maple bar or chocolate cake doughnut paired with a coffee stout.  For other suggestions, I reached out to beer bloggers from coast to coast.  Here are a few of their recommendations: 

Oliver Gray, Literature and Libations: Sam Smiths Oatmeal Stout with an old fashioned, or Victory Swing with a french cruller.

Mike Besser, Brew Dad: Bourbon barrel stout with an apple fritter, or Tasty Porter with maple bacon bar.

Chad Lothian, If My Coaster Could Talk: Blonde ale with a classic plain doughnut, or chocolate cake doughnut with a stout.

Duke Geren, Dukester Brews:  Blue Star Dulce de Leche doughnut with a Hop Valley Vanilla Infused Porter.

Ryan Jansen, 2 Beer Guys: Voodoo doughnut with Lindemans Framboise/Young’s Double Choc Stout half and half.

Douglas Smiley, Baltimore Bistros & Beer: Boston Cream and Duck Rabbit Milk Stout and a pumpkin beer with a simple cinnamon sugar doughnut.

Brian Aldrich, Seacoast Beverage Lab: Chocolate glazed with a Russian Imperial Stout.

If you’re not hungry and thirsty by now, I can’t help you.  Please DO try these at home.  Or the office.  But remember, beer is not just for breakfast anymore.