The Inaugural “Tasting & Gaming”
Last night’s “Beer Tasting & Board Gaming” has been the most successful “Drink With The Wench” event to date! Although there was significantly more beer tasting than board gaming, the whole night could not have been any better. The Beer Wench was in great company and would like to thank everyone who came out for making the event a tremendous success!
Roughly 20 people turned out for the tasting, bringing a delightfully broad variety of beers. The group had an excellent balance between Beer Wench regulars and brand new faces (just about half and half). We even had a brave soul join us from Canton!
Upon arrival, each guest was handed a glass for tasting purposes. Starting around 7pm, beers were randomly selected (in no specific sequence) and tasted. At least 23 beers were tasted throughout the evening. I compiled a list of the beers that were tasted, to the best of my knowledge. Some beers may be missing from the list. I am more than happy to update it if people are willing to send me additions or corrections.
And now for the beers. Drum roll please …
Stone Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale
Great Lakes Conway’s Irish Ale
North Coast Brewing Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout
Founders Brewing Kentucky Breakfast Stout
Leinenkugel’s Big Butt Doppelbock
Allagash Tripel Reserve Belgium Ale
Huyghe Brewery Delirium Tremens Belgium Ale
Pinkus-Muller Organic Hefe-weizen
Weihenstephaner Kristall Weissbier
Green Valley Organic Wild Hop Lager
The selection of beers people brought truly exceeded my expectations! I was extremely impressed by the collection of beers tasted throughout the evening. All the attendees really put some time and thought into the event, and I really appreciate everyone’s enthusiasm and effort.
CMH Gourmand surprised us with pints of Denise’s Ice Cream. He brought both her Guiness and Carrot Cake flavors. Both were hugely successful with the group. After receiving a brilliant suggestion from Tim, Jim created an original ice cream float, combining both ice creams with Rogue Chocolate Stout. The result was a rich combination of malt and cream = pure Beer Wench heaven.
Palate and preference varied from person to person. Some preferred the fruitier Belgium style ales, some the super hoppy Double IPA, and others the heavier malty stouts. There was definitely something for every palate. Most people were willing to step outside their comfort zones to sample unique beers brewed in different styles from personal preference.
Across the board, one of the most unique and impressive beers of the night was Founders Brewing Kentucky Breakfast Stout. The house host, Roland, was the provider of the stout – which he bought from Grapes of Mirth in The North Market. This beer is extremely limited and only available through special order. Here is the official description:
Kentucky Breakfast
A bit of backwoods pleasure without the banjo. This stout is brewed with a hint of coffee and vanilla then aged in oak bourbon barrels. Our process ensures that strong bourbon undertones come through in the finish in every batch we brew. We recommend decanting at room temperature and best enjoyed in a brandy snifter.
Specs:
10% ABV
25 IBUs
Color: Black Unfiltered
Cellar: 2 years
Availability: Quarterly (limited production, pre-order only)
Serving temperature: 42 f
Glassware: Brandy snifter
The Beer Wench review: Founders Brewing Kentucky Breakfast Stout: bottle, 4 pack, 10% abv. Appearance: spare/light brown head, fair lacing, muddy body, dark ruby black color. Aroma: heavy malt, heavy coffee, heavy bourbon, average doughy yeast, light resin hops, smoke, vanilla, port. Palate: full body, oily/ alcoholic texture, soft carbonation, astringent finish. Flavor: average duration, heavy sweetness, light acidity, heavy bitterness. Overall: Very strong coffee and bourbon aromas. It reminded me of coffee flavored liquors, such as Van Gogh Double Espresso vodka and Patron XO Cafe (coffee tequilla). The flavor reminded me of bourbon infused vanilla extract. Would make an excellent accompaniment to dessert (bread pudding with bourbon – most definitely.)
Special thanks to CMH Gourmand for creating the concept of “beer tasting and board gaming” and to Roland for unselfishly offering up his place of residence. Without the both of you, this would not have been possible. Lastly, thank you to everyone who came out. I’m looking forward to making this a regular “Drink With The Wench” event and hope to see all of your faces out with me again!
Amy March 27th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
I had a group of friends who used to do something called Iron Chef Family Dinner. We met once a month and had a potluck, and everyone had to use the theme ingredient. When “beer” was the theme, someone created a dessert much like your float: Coffee ice cream, chocolate syrup and Guinness. I’m not a stout fan, and it was still bizarrely delicious. Glad to see others are as crazy and adventurous as us.