Craft Beer & Wine Tasting
The first was an IPA (Indian Pale Ale) from the local brewery. This beer was distinguished by its intense citrus aroma, complemented by hints of hops and a light malt base. The taste was well balanced, with a smooth mouthfeel and a pleasantly bitter aftertaste. Next we tried the Grapefruit Crush seasonal lager. As the name suggests, this beer had a fresh, juicy grapefruit flavor that paired beautifully with the base lager flavor. Its refreshing nature makes it an ideal choice for the fall months. The third offering was the dark beer "Chocolate Stout". This rich and complex ale showcases rich chocolate and coffee notes accompanied by a hint of caramel. Its thick, creamy taste left a lasting impression on the palate. I continued with the Belgian Bliss triple ale from. This sparkling beer has a complex blend of fruit flavors including apple and pear, along with subtle notes of coriander and orange peel. Its dry, light body makes it extremely refreshing. The fifth offering was the Smoked Porter beer. Known for its signature smoky aroma and taste, this beer tasted like dark chocolate and roasted grain, making it perfect for winter evenings. Finally I tasted the ruby red beer "Red Rye". This beer features rye and Amarillo hops, resulting in a unique combination of earthy, peppery flavors and sweet, fruity notes.
After the beers, we moved on to a selection of craft wines, all sourced from local vineyards. The first thing we tried was a Sauvignon Blanc from Sunset Vineyards. This wine showcases a fresh, mineral palette with hints of green apple and tropical fruit. Its refreshing, elegant style makes it a perfect aperitif. The second was a Pinot Noir from Oakridge Winery. This wine showed deep, ripe black cherry and raspberry, with a hint of earth and spice. Its well-integrated tannins contributed to its silky texture and long, fruity finish. The third offering was Cabernet Franc from Vineyard Ridge Winery. This red wine variety offered a bouquet of red fruits, spicy herbs and vanilla essence. The drink was extremely pleasant to drink. The fourth wine was a Merlot from Mountain View Winery. This wine demonstrates a concentration of ripe black cherries, plums and a touch of chocolate. Its ripeness and complexity were highlighted by well-developed tannins, resulting in an impressive, long aftertaste. The last wine we tasted was a Syrah from Highland Hills Winery. This red varietal showed depth and complexity with hints of black fruit, white pepper and purple blossom. Its structured tannins suggest aging potential, making it an exciting bottle for future collection.
I can say today's craft beer and wine tasting was a real treat. Being able to try such a variety of high quality drinks was truly inspiring. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or just a hobbyist looking to expand your palate's receptors, these artisanal offerings are sure to leave a lasting impression :)