TBT in OIB

The very first Tutored Beer Tasting in The Retreat at Ocean Isle Beach took place last night at the beautiful home of my fellow former educator Hal. We sampled and evaluated six different beers, including a very popular Coffee Porter from Makai Brewing (which Elwanda, above, 2nd from right, declared to be her new breakfast beverage).

Nine "judges" convened to learn about beer history, the various styles of beer and their characteristics and to improve their "tasting techniques." Among those was "retro-olfaction," which I believe Terry is still working on this morning.

The historic event was peppered with laughter, witticisms and a healthy camaraderie. Our samples included Patagonia Pilsner, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Dogfish head 60-minute IPA (which Elwanda still can't get her head--or palate--around), the Makai Coffee Porter (with homemade brownies), Duck Rabbit Milk Stout and Victory's Golden Monkey. Note Paula (above, R.) leaning toward Carol (above middle) and Mike's (above L.) already empty glass.

As is usual with beer tastings, the group was attentive and asked pertinent questions--at least through the first three beers. After that, it was like herding cats, albeit happy, laughing ones. Each guest assessed the beers on the basis of color, aroma, mouthfeel and taste.

The results of the tasting yielded a clear favorite, though Hal and his wife Terry somehow forgot to evaluate one. When they do, I'll be able to post the "winning beer" of the night, although Keith (above, right) won the "door prizes." And his wife Penny (above, left) showed real signs of becoming a Cicerone."

Mike and Rick (below, L. and R.) also got fully into the swing of things, though Mike's joy is obvious and Rick's discerning look indicated he was serious about his beer.

Paula (below) clearly captured the spirit of the evening in this photo below.

In all, it was a most enjoyable experience with The PubScout's new neighbors. The next TBT in OIB is scheduled for June 13, where a new set of budding Cicerones will become more beer savvy. Hopefully, they, too will get immersed in the world's oldest alcoholic beverage.

But, also hopefully, not so much that they forget to fill out their evaluation forms.

And the results are in!

The Most Popular Beer of the night--by a considerably wide margin-- was NIGHTINGALE PORTER from our nearby neighbors at Makai Brewing!

2nd Place--(Despite Elwanda's aversion)--was Dogfish Head IPA

3rd Place--Patagonia Pilsner

4th Place--Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

5th Place--Golden Monkey

6th Place--Duck Rabbit Milk Stout

Till next time...

Cheers!

The PubScout---since 1996

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