Despite being Canadian, I must admit, I wasn’t the most cultured when it came to beer. My limited experience with the brew had been developed through years of drinking Molson. Beer was a very functional experience for me – it was more of a thing to drink when everyone else was kicking back with a cold one. I never really enjoyed it, nor could I ever imagine that there is a fine art to appreciating it.
It wasn’t until last year, when I attended a beer tasting (kicking and screaming I might add), that I really developed an appreciation. The night consisted of a multi-course food tasting menu. Each course paired with a different beer. Our soup was paired with a wonderful Amber Ale, our braised beef tasters paired with a delicious, rich stout, and our fruit tartins paired with a sweet and refreshing Raspberry Infused Beer. Our evening came to a divine crescendo with a dark Coffee Porter which, I was pleasantly surprised to taste, had notes of chocolate in it. Overall, the night was phenomenal…opening my eyes to the wonderful world of beer. I have since been to many tastings. Each time better than the last.
There have been so many unique new product ideas in the world of beer. Just take a look at Trendhunting’s recent posting about the Top 21 Innovations In Beer. From beer for your dog to Champagne Lager, the options available to consumers are endless.
So, my message is this – for your next black tie dinner event, forego the traditional wine pairings and transform your guests into high-end beer connoisseurs. Contact your local brewery and see if they have a beer sommelier who can work with you to develop a menu pairing that will be talked about for years to come.