We haven’t had a Belgian tasting in some time, so we’re heading back across the pond this week with some very special treats. Don Richardson of All Good Brands joins us next week with Mark Fields of Ararat Distributing for a sampling of the De Proef Brewmaster’s Collection. Don’t miss these unique and award-winning examples of the Belgian brewer’s art!
Le Grand Blanche
“Beautiful hazy golden color capped by bright white foam. Floral and tropical fruit aromas followed by a soft wheaty palette. Finishes with a hint of hop and coriander spice notes. A bit more body than many Belgian Wits, but still stylish and refreshing.”
96 points/World Beer Championships
Saison Imperiale
“Created in 2006. While the style is generally known for its light body and subtle spice, Saison Imperiale is a bolder, ‘mega’ interpretation of the style. Light amber in color, funky wild yeast notes and spice to the nose, with a bit more malt character, body, and hop notes as appropriate to the ‘Imperiale’ style.”
89 points/World Beer Championships
Reinaert Flemish Wild Ale
“Fermented three times with two different yeasts, including a strain of brettanomyces—the “wild yeast” of lambic brewing. Pale golden color with an enormous rocky white head. Brett and spicy aromatic notes, with a malty-juicy note on the palate. Finishes with Brett and dry hop notes.”
94 points/World Beer Championships
Signature Ale
“A unique collaboration with noted San Diego brewer Tomme Arthur. A complex hybrid of aggressively hopped west coast IPA, combined with traditional Belgian brettanomyces fermentation. Strong citrus hop notes followed by hints of sourness and delicate spice and a long fimish.”
94 points/World Beer Championships
August 29—5:30pm
McCormick Field
$50/pp
Dinner at the Ballpark: Ommegang
Cooperstown isn’t just home to the Baseball Hall of Fame, it’s home to Brewery Ommegang. This casual pre-game dinner will feature five courses of “upscale” ballpark food. Our libation specialist of the evening will be Dave Gonzalez of DuvelUSA. Menu details to come…
*FREE Ommegang ballcap and game admission included.*
To save and buy the three-event pre-game package, click here for more info.
Aug 15—5:30pm
McCormick Field
$25/pp
Beer 101: Beer Basics
Sample beer styles from around the world!
Hop-Aroma: Learn about varieties of the magic flower of beer.
The Pint at Hand: Learn how to choose proper glassware for beer styles.
MALT Showcase: Experience the process of brewing beer.
*Hors d’ouvres and game admission included.*
To save and buy the three-event pre-game package, click here for more info.
June 27—5:30pm
McCormick Field
$25/pp
Pop the Cap: A Celebration of NC Craft Beer
Bruisin’ Ales and Sean Wilson, President of Pop The Cap, co-host this pre-game Asheville Tourists’ event at McCormick Field celebrating North Carolina’s craft brews from the coast to the mountains. You might remember we had a lot of fun with him last year. A selection of beer samples from around the state (and around the corner) will be sampled, with each brewery bringing something to the table.
*Hors d’ouvres and game admission included.*
Tentative breweries:
1. Highland Brewing Company
2. French Broad Brewing Company
3. Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company
4. Green Man Ales
5. The Wedge (coming soon!)
6. Pisgah Brewing Company
7. Catawba Valley Brewing Company
8. Duck-Rabbit Brewing Company
9. Big Boss Brewing
10. Foothills Brewing Company
11. Azalea Coast Brewing Company
To save and buy the three-event pre-game package, click here for more info.
Do you Unibroue? Join us for our first ‘08 beer dinner on Tuesday, April 29. This was rescheduled from March. We’ve also dropped a course, hence dropping the price. A five-course, six-beer pairing features Unibroue and the delectable tapas yummies of Asheville’s Zambra. Chef Adam is cooking with the beer in every single course! We can barely contain ourselves. This is one bad*ss menu. Don’t miss it!
Cost: $50/pp
Please call Zambra for reservations, 232-1060.
Reserve early! Seating limited to 50. A vegetarian option is available.
Welcome at 6:30. Seating at 7:00pm.
Welcome—Ephemere
[Belgian-style witbier with apple / 5.5% abv]
Selection of cheeses, apples and honey
La Fin du Monde
[Belgian-style Tripel / 9.0% abv]
Traditional Belgian mussels in ale with pommes frites
Vegetarian: Onion and ale soup with pommes frites
Trois Pistoles
[Belgian Strong Dark / 9.0% abv]
Veal cheek braised in ale with sultanas and brussel sprout potato gratin
Vegetarian: Beer-glazed portobello mushroom with sultanas and brussel sprout potato gratin
16 & 17 Anniversary Ales
[16: Belgian Strong Pale / 10.0% abv]
[17: Belgian Strong Dark / 10.0% abv]
Pan roasted rockfish with crispy oysters, served with Belgian endive and piquillo mantequilla
Vegetarian: Crispy tofu served with Belgian endive and piquillo mantequilla
Quelque Chose
[Fruit Beer (cherry) / 8.0% abv]
Chocolate Belgian waffle with cherry gelato and Quelque Chose caramel
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