Meeting a brewer who has built his company up to become and internationally recognised brand is not something you get to do very often. Our ‘Meet The Brewer’ events are aimed at giving local micro-breweries a podium to shine on. However we do have an inclusive menu that has a range of international treats from 13 different countries. These international brands are well established in their own markets and now look to spread their revolutionary mandates to other far flung parts of the world. We are lucky in SA to have breweries like Innis & Gunn invest in our market and look to introduce us to their unique oak aged beers.
The story of Dougal Sharp and his now global business is one told with great pride. The idea that spawned his impressive range was was discovered by accident. There story is unique and so are the beers. All oak aged in some way and in a variety of styles such as wheat beer, IPA, porter and British strong ale. On Monday we had the privileged taste six of their beers including the limited Vintage edition. The tasting was expertly guided by Rowan Leibbrandt who has an intricate understanding of the brand he represents. As per usual the beers were paired with food by our very own Scott, Roy MacAskill. The chef mixed it up this time and moved away from the traditional method of tasting lightest to heaviest. Roy started with a “home-run” pairing of Innis & Gunn Original and Coconut crumbed avocado, warm sriracha emulsion.
The second pairing is were things started to get more eccentric. The rum finish was paired with a South African treat in the form of maple glazed bacon on stick or otherwise known at Oepsies. It was all finished off with a vanilla forward Filipino Rum, Don Papa.
Third pairing was the White Oak wheat beer and Croque Monsieur.
Forth was a delicious combo of Irish Whiskey finish with homemade Innis & Gunn ice cream,spiced oat cake and finished with Irish whiskey syrup. Superb.
And the last food pairing of the evening was the Toasted Oak IPA with pecan and blue cheese truffles.
To round off the tasting experience we were treated to a very limited Vintage edition that is a beer that can be enjoyed now and in 10 years time due to its oak and bottle conditioning.
Of course the event would not be complete without meeting a brewer. We were able to google hangout, or as one guest called it, Dougal Hangout with the founder and brewer of Innis and Gunn, Dougal Sharp. Guest at the event were asked to write down questions which they would be able to ask him directly. Questions were varied from serious barrel ageing and brewing types to opinions on Craig Joubert to favourite dinosaurs. He was treat to listen to, clearly passionate about beer and his product he also has a humble demeanour that belies his rock star status. All proceeds from the ticket sales went directly to Joe’s Legacy Fund. You can find out more info here.
We too can meeting Dougal Sharp by watching our recording of the Beerhouse Fourways Meet The Brewers event:
Picture credits to Roly “The Beer Geek” and Beer Country – always a pleasure having you guys.
