Inside the National Building Museum

Last weekend on, June 5th and 6th, The Brewers Association got swanky. They held the 8th Annual Savor: An American Craft Beer and Food Experience. This year’s event was held at the National Building Museum in Washington DC.

Tickets ranged were $135. For $155 participants got a 1 hour long “salon” session for tasting and discussing beers. Entry got you access to 80 different breweries. Washington State was represented by Fremont Brewing, American Brewing, Urban Family Brewing Company and Reuben’s Brewing.

According to the US Today the event brought out the cocktail dresses and suits. It’s a change of pace for a drink that, for years has been considered, blue collar. The even brought out all the craft beer stars like Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head.

I heart Sam Calagione! He’s greatly responsible for my love of craft beer! Great meeting you! @dogfishbeer #SAVOR pic.twitter.com/Fp8pSBhllG

— Janee Farrar (@janeelovesbeer) June 6, 2015

Examples of Pairings:

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery – Milton, DE

Chateau Jiahu – Spiced Ale 

Paired with Braised Rabbit with Chanterelle Mushrooms & Roasted GrapesCitrus and fruit notes are brought out by the grape. The umami of the mushrooms pulls out deep notes of spice.

Raison Brett’ra – Sour/Wild Ale

Paired with Venison Sausage with Spiced Raisin & Fried OrangeVenison brings out the soft tart notes in the beer, while the fried orange adds texture to tie the citrus aroma on to the palate.

Rogue Ales – Newport, OR

Marionberry Braggot – Braggot

Paired with Barbecued Quail with Green Grapes & Huckleberries. The huckleberries play nicely with the marionberry, adding a traditional jammy garnish to barbecued game bird.

Pumpkin Savior – Witbier

Paired with Whipped Brie with Coriander Syrup & Candied Kumquat. Gentle pumpkin flavor is held on the palate by the soft brie as the coriander adds notes of spice. The kumquat brings on a sweet, refreshing finish.

Devils Backbone Brewing Company – Roseland, VA

Schwartz Bier – Black Lager

Paired with Rosemary Roast Lamb with Parmesan & Farro Porridge. The farro rides next to the smooth notes in this lager while the lamb and rosemary bring out subtle notes of coffee.

Cattywompus – IPA

Paired with Pineapple Glazed Pork, Crispy Potato, Pomegranate Agrodolce. Pineapple and pomegranate combine to bring out notes of pear in the beer.