My first official correspondence on the Columbus Foodcast has been released today. I encourage everyone to check out Episode 7: Food Parties on the Columbus Foodcast blog. Disclaimer: It is my very first podcast, so please excuse my stumbling. Practice makes perfect.

About Columbus Foodcast

Columbus Foodcast is the brain child of Zach, a tech savvy food enthusiast, and Jim, a local food blogger known as CMH Gourmand. Essentially, it is “a podcast about the great tastes in the Ice Cream Capital of the World.”

Zach and Jim have been extremely successful with the first 7 Episodes and I look forward to contributing to future success! Thanks guys! This is going to be a fun adventure!

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 Arrogant Bastard Ale

Stone Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale

Siletz Paddle Me IPA

Stoudt’s Double IPA

Weyerbacher Double Simcoe IPA

Samuel Adams Brown Ale

Great Lakes Conway’s Irish Ale

Great Lake’s Blackout Stout

Bells Expedition Stout

North Coast Brewing Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout

Rogue Chocolate Stout

Founders Brewing Kentucky Breakfast Stout

Sapporo Reserve

Leinenkugel’s Big Butt Doppelbock

Allagash Tripel Reserve Belgium Ale

Huyghe Brewery Delirium Tremens Belgium Ale

Unibroue La Fin Du Monde

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!

]]> http://drinkwiththewench.com/2008/03/the-inaugural-tasting-gaming/feed/ 1 http://drinkwiththewench.com/2008/03/rogue-ales-brewery-tour/ http://drinkwiththewench.com/2008/03/rogue-ales-brewery-tour/#comments Mon, 10 Mar 2008 05:41:03 +0000 http://thecolumbuswench.wordpress.com/2008/03/09/rogue-ales-brewery-tour/ Here is a great video that Jim sent me of the Rogue Brewery Tour! Enjoy!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFXALoegMR8]

At the last two “Drink With The Wench” beer tasting and ratings, we had the honor of being joined by local food critic and blogger CMH Gourmand (aka Jim). Jim, like myself, is a self-proclaimed foodie, wino & hophead. He also favors one of my greatest loves, which also pairs well with beer, ice cream. As a foodie, Jim appreciates what I’m doing with this blog. And I appreciate him as well.

Jim recently posted a podcast on Columbus Foodcast, in which he mentioned The Columbus Beer Wench and my tasting at Surly Girl Saloon. Thank you Jim for promoting the Beer Wench. And thank you for giving me suggestions to further develop my blog and providing me with events and places to experience more opportunities. You rock!

Everyone check out: CMH Gourmand