Fall Beer and Food Pairings

Thursday, Oct 1, 2009 | Updated 9:41 AM CDT

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STRASBOURG, FRANCE - MAY 18: Italian students from the Primo Levi Technical Institute of Vignola in the Modena Province, toast with glasses of beer in a pub during a school trip to Strasbourg, France to visit the European Parliament on May 18, 2004. School trips can be a sort of initiation trip for teenagers, where they are introduced for the first time to alcohol and drugs. Many times they don't sleep for the whole trip. The trips often allow the students to get to know each other better. If one is considered "different" than the group, it can be a nightmare experience for the teenager. Mainly the teenagers are only interested in clubs, shopping and having a pizza instead of the cultural aspects of the school trip. (Photo by Marco Di Lauro/Getty Images)

FIRST COURSE: Acorn Squash Soup

Ichabod Pumpkin Ale by New Holland Brewing

o Ichabod combines malted barley and real pumpkin with cinnamon and nutmeg in a delicious and inviting brew.

o Recommended Foods: A rewarding complement to many dishes, Ichabod pairs well with autumnal foods such as poultry and root vegetables. After dinner, try it with your favorite dessert! Alc. 5.2% by Vol.

Jaw-Jacker Harvest Ale by Arcadia Ales

o Using only the finest malted barley and a touch of wheat for mouth-feel, Jaw-Jacker pours a brilliant orange-amber color with truly unique flavors. Although no pumpkins are used, a blend of nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon work with malty flavors to create a bold flavor reminiscent of pumpkin pie. A light hop note balances out the beer nicely.

o Recommended Foods: Boiled Brisket with Root Veggies, Roast Duck or Turkey, Pumpkin Pie or Sweet Potato Pie with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. 6.0% ABV

SECOND COURSE: Grill-Steamed Trout with Corn & Confit Tomatoes

Bam Noir – Dark Farmhouse Ale by Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales

o Dark, smooth, delicious. Aromas of worn leather and cool autumn nights. Notes of sweet plum and toasted raisin, hints of coffee and cacao. Lingering tart and refreshing finish. Only available for a few short months. Not to be missed. 4.3% abv

o Recommended Foods: Tomatoes, black pepper, layered sauces and dishes with slight citrus accents.

THIRD COURSE: Pork Shank & Apple-Braised Cabbage

Charkoota Rye – Smoked rye dopplebock by New Holland Brewing

o An homage to all things Pig, including Porkapalooza (October 3^rd in Fennville, MI http://pork.newhollandbrew.com) and the age-old tradition of Charcuterie. Charkoota Rye’s malty backbone is derived from a blend of rye and four other malts, including malted barley smoked over cherry wood. Its smoke-forward body is balanced with tones of deep mollasses and caramel, with a crisp, clean lager finish.8.3% abv

o Recommended Foods: Delightful by itself, Charkoota is best served with its succulent counterpart, Pork.

FOURTH COURSE: Chocolate-Raspberry Brioche

Perkulator Stout by Dark Horse Brewing Company

o This is a true dopplebock and Dark Horse Brewing's only publicly distributed lager. They use fare trade organic coffee from their friends at The Ugly Mug Cafe in Ypsilanti, MI - 7.5% abv

o Recommended Foods: Chocolate, desserts featuring creamy flavors.

Breakfast Stout by Founders Brewing Company

o The coffee lovers consummate beer. Brewed with an abundance of flaked oats, bitter and imported chocolates, Sumatra and Kona coffee, this stout has an intense fresh roasted java nose topped with a cinnamon colored frothy head that goes forever. 8.3% abv

o Recommended Foods: Chocolate, fruit, especially raspberries, baked goods such as biscotti.

· Are these beers available to purchase in the Chicago area?

o Yes, Southwest Michigan has 15 of more than 70 microbreweries that are near Chicago, so be sure to check out www.michigan.org/FallBeerFestivals for more information on food/beer events and celebrations.

· What’s significant about the beers or breweries of the Midwest/Michigan?

· Any advice for people interested in visiting Michigan Breweries or attending Michigan Beer events?

· Upcoming Michigan Events (NOTE: ATTACHED ARE MORE EVENTS)

o October 3^rd, 2009 – New Holland’s Porkapalooza – Fennville, MI

o October 24th, 2009 - Michigan Brewer’s Guild -Inaugural Harvest Festival - - Eastern Market, Detroit

o Feb. 27^th, 2010 Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival –

· Upcoming Local Events

October 4- 7: Primehouse by David Burke’s OktoBEER Fest. (3 breweries in 4 days, New Holland Brewing’s dinner is on October 6^th.

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