Book It, Boyo and Brutus
by Kurt Epps--The PubScout
Another TapTime Beer Skool is in the books, as another class has advanced in their knowledge of the beverage that caused civilization to come into being.
Some newbies, also known as “freshmen,” a few sophomores and even juniors were on hand to sample beers on a special, albeit auspicious, date—March 15.
The Professor made sure the class knew that they were learning about beer on the Ides of March, not one of Julius Caesar’s favorite days.
But on the bright side, they were just two days away from St. Paddy’s Day, or as the PubScout calls it—Amateur Night in the Pubs.
A few ( family unfriendly, but hilarious nonetheless ) Irish jokes were offered to set the mood, and even the sophomores of the Scottish contingent of Bev, Vanessa and Candace laughed. That earned them a few private jokes when class was concluded. I thank "Monsignor" Bob McLaughlin (above, left) for allowing me to use his story of "Toast Night at The Pub."
Freshmen—and Army Vet— Killian (how’s that for a fitting Irish/beer name?) Nelson (who identified as Melanie), Art and Gordon were totally into the lesson, while sophs Eric, Dave and Don were so unruly that owner Keith had to wield the “Board of Education.” He slammed it down so violently that it shattered into shards. He would make amends later by promising to bring some very rare and special IPA’s to the next Beer Skool on April 19. But more about that later.
Only Juniors Derry and Karlie maintained a dignified presence throughout, which was greatly appreciated by both Special Leprechaun server Amy Van Brutus and owner Keith "O'Hara" Berciunas.
The night began with a proven class favorite—Bitburger’s Lemon Radler—a 1.2% radler that will take the edge off any yard work you’re planning for this Spring and Summer.
Next came a Kolsch from Carolina Ale Company called Carolina Shamrock Ale—dyed green in honor of the fellow who drove the snakes out of Ireland--and into the IRS.
Bill’s Honey Drip Brown was next, and the class, probably neophytes to a nice, solid brown ale, approved.
Salty Turtle Siren Sarah Red was served next, alongside a special red from Ireland provided by The PubScout—Smithwick’s Red (pronounced Smithicks). The students could compare them side-by-side, and all were immediately cognizant of the difference in color, with the Salty Turtle being the lighter of the twain. Some said the Smithwick’s was smoother and mellower, but the class was split right down the middle as to which they each preferred. They all drank both vigorously, however.
Then came a very special ale—again, a PubScout gift— from Guinness called Old Fashioned Inspired Ale, aged in Kentucky Bourbon barrels with flavors of orange and cherry. Most of the class liked it immensely. Karlie actually swooned and waxed poetic about it ( but that’s why she’s advanced ).
Next came a Coffee Porter (joined by brownies) called Coffee is for Closers, and it met with generally solid reviews. Students had no difficulty at all detecting coffee in the nose. They were educated in the five senses of beer tasting--Sight, Smell, Touch, Taste and Sound--and applied these techniques liberally throughout the class.
But the piecé de resistance on the night came when Keith made fifteen separate Black and Tans (correctly called Half and Half on the Aulde Sod) for the class, Things of beauty and grand they were! And thoroughly enjoyed by all, especially those who were gobsmacked by the preparation and the wonder of seeing an ale floating atop Harp Lager.
Happily, no one flunked the course, although the Collinses will have to repeat for being absent, but we thank them for their donation to the cause.
Begorrah, but it does a teacher's heart good to see smiles on the faces of his students. Surely though, the next one on April 19 will not have open spots for long, so go to Tap Time on Facebook and sign up, or sign up directly at the bar. Owner Keith is digging deep for this very special IPA session. Mind you, the uniqueness of the beers will require an increased ticket price of $25, but it promises to be a memorable class. See you then!
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