Beer Tasting – The Market @ Washington & High – 5/23/2011

I know I usually post on these tastings after they happen but I’m making an exception this time primarily because this isn’t an ordinary tasting. First of all, The Market @ Washington & High is having this on a Monday – May 23rd to be exact beginning at 6pm with a goal of having everyone on their merry way by around 8pm. Now, you’re probably wondering, what makes this tasting so special? First of all, it’s more than just a tasting, it is also a cooking demonstration AND pairing with New Belgium beer!

So, what do you need to know? First off, John Garter from New Belgium will be on hand and we’ll be tasting Fat Tire and 1554. Now, I know most if not all of you have had those two and like them. We’ll also be tasting Somersault Ale, La Folie, AND Ranger IPA [que orchestra]. You heard me right. First off, La Folie isn’t cheap beer and if you’re not aware of it, check out our post here. Many of us have heard of Ranger IPA but due to it’s ABV and our weird TN laws, we can’t get it here. I’ve often grabbed a six pack while in North Carolina and I always enjoy it. Great beer. How’d it get here? Well my friends let’s just say there are some rumors about some high grav changes in old Tennessee and I’ll leave it at that. If you want to check out the tasting notes from New Belgium on all of these brews, click here.

Now, Chef Christopher Snyder will also be on hand giving cooking demonstrations and let me tell you, this man is one incredible chef. Not only will you learn something but you’ll also get to eat some quite tasty items. Here is the current pairing menu:

Somersault – Cornmeal crusted rainbow trout, with shallots anduille sausage and shrimp.

La Folie – Sorghum glazed pork ribs with black eyed peas, corn bread and pickled collard greens.

Fat Tire – Lobster mac and cheese with white truffle oil.

Ranger IPA – Juicy Lucy sliders (a unique spin on burgers)

I don’t know about you, but that menu sounds AWESOME!

The cost is $35 and space is limited so you need to get your name on the list. $35 may seem high and it is higher than the usual tastings BUT this includes food [read: dinner – I’ve never left there hungry], beer, a Fat Tire pint glass AND….wait for it…..a fill up of ANY New Belgium product from their growler wall. So, when you take all that into consideration, $35 is a steal.

Another cool thing to note is that New Belgium is giving The Market one of their classic Fat Tire bicycles to give away and 5/23 will mark the FIRST night you can enter to win! The drawing will be held on Thursday, July 14th.

Stop on by The Market and get signed up for this tasting, you’ll be glad you did.

Hope to see you on the 23rd!!!!