Master Brewers- Beers of Belgium

 Saturday 11th October 2008 13.00-17.00(ish)

 

You may wish to print out this page as a reminder

 
What is the session about?  
This tasting gives you the opportunity to explore the huge range of Belgian beers available and to identify your own preferences.  It also raises awareness of beer as a healthier, more varied and interesting drink than wine for more sophisticated social situations, and as an accompaniment to food.  For those who have previously attended a similar course it will introduce a range of new beers and some new breweries.
 

Who is the tasting for?  

No experience is needed but you must be legally and medically allowed to drink alcohol, and must not drive after the tasting. 

 

It is suitable for those

a) who enjoy and are familiar with UK beers and wish to widen their horizons

b) who have perhaps tried wine tasting, are looking for a different experience and are open-minded about the place of beer in more sophisticated social situations 

c) who want to explore beer as an accompaniment to food

d) who are interested in Belgium and its culture
 

What will the tasting cover?  
Background to Belgian beer production; the main regions of Belgium and the range of styles: products of micro breweries or Trappist abbeys, each with their own unique glass, to be sipped and savoured like a fine wine; information on going to Belgium and where to get Belgian beers in this country.
 
How will it operate?  

We suggest you arrive promptly as one or more beers will served as aperitifs while you decide what to have for lunch (included).  Some beers will be served with lunch and the rest tasted during the afternoon with nibbles (included) to clear the palate between each beer.  All together you will taste at least 15 representative beers and there will be an explanation of the background and beer styles.  The correct glasses will be shown and you will receive a detailed handout on the background material and beers tasted.
 
What do I get out of it?  
We hope you will get a lot of enjoyment out of the session but you should also gain more knowledge of  the main types of Belgian beers, their different roles and application to food, and be aware of your own preferences.  You will have a detailed programme to follow in the handout which you can keep for reference and you will be able to raise any questions during the tasting.
 
What do I need to bring to the tasting?  
Pre-booked admission ticket, price £30 per person.  Tickets are obtainable in person from the Red Lion or by post from ourselves - contact us for details.  You will need to apply to us if you want to take advantage of the special series discount (£100 for all four tastings in this programme).
Pen/pencil to make your own notes and score the beers.  Public transport or taxi - you must not drive after the tasting.
 
Are there any other costs for the course?
No – the cost of the beers to be sampled, accompanying nibbles, handouts and lunch is all included in the price.
 
What can I do next?  

Widen your knowledge of beers by signing up for the tasting “UK Master Brewers” to be held on Saturday 22 November 2008.    

Deepen your knowledge of Belgian beer styles with the tasting “Heavenly Beers - Abbey & Trappist Ales” to be held on Saturday 14 March 2009.   

Put your tasting experience to the test on the “Beer Mystery Tasting” on 28 March 2009. 

Do the Belgian beers tasting again next year – we will be using different beers as examples of the styles, enabling you to extend your knowledge of breweries and brands, as well as establishing your personal preferences across a wider range. 

Use what you have learned at the tastings as a foundation for your own study tour of Belgium - visit the breweries, best pubs and try to get to a local festival.

Check out our beers website for more information on Belgian and other beers, news of future tastings, and sign up for the free e-newsletter which includes news and reviews from the world of beers and details of beer events.

Using the knowledge of styles and sources you have gained, organise your own private beer tastings with a group of friends, to widen your experience and appreciation.

Join CAMRA to support the Campaign for Real Ale, get discounts on beer-related books and entry into festivals, and/or join Zythos, the Belgian equivalent of CAMRA - contact us for details.
 

 

  

The Tutors for the Tasting:    

John and Jeannette Simpson have been visiting Belgium regularly for many years and make a point of seeking out small breweries and investigating the less common styles of beer.  John has the Certificate of the Wines & Spirits Education Trust, and both have the Foundation Certificate from the Beer Academy of the UK.  Both are members of CAMRA and John is a member of Zythos, the Belgian equivalent, and is also a member of the Guild of Beer Writers.  They maintain a website on Beers of the World and run a free e-newsletter in connection with it.

  
 
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