A night at The Virginia Inn with Georgetown Brewing

On a rainy Tuesday my long time friend Chris and I had the privilege to join other food and beer lovers alike for a dinner. Actually, more of an event hosted by Georgetown Brewing Co. at the Virginia Inn, one of my personal favorite restaurants located right in Downtown Seattle.

We started the evening with a brief yet informative introduction to the history of Georgetown Brewing. On the beer side of things Matt, a representative and friend to founders Manny and Roger, told us a little about each beer and its origin. Cuisine was covered by Virginia Inn Chef Josh who was kind enough to take us through each of the five courses one by one. As each beer-inspired course came out, Chef Josh explained how each pairing was made.

First up.

Manny's Pale Ale

Manny' s Beer Battered Scallops with a Spicy House-made Manny's Mustard

One of my favorite Small Plate items on Virginia Inn's menu.

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Roger's Pilsner
House-made Smoked Mozzarella with Duck Fat Potato Confit and Fried Sage

Both Chris and I picked this one as our favorite pairing on the menu.

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Lucille India Pale Ale
Potato chip Crusted Ling Cod and a Watercress Salad with Fennel Vinaigrette in a Gruyere Choux Basket

Chef Josh explained this as a take on fish and chips. He went on to say how this was a prefect summertime combination on a not so summery night.

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Chopper's Red Ale
Painted Hills Hanger Steak Carbonnade with Plank Roasted Mushrooms

I dont think I've had a more tender cut of meat, and the mushrooms were incredible.

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Georgetown Porter
Malted Ice cream with a Chocolate Almond Tuille and Italian Sea Salt

Reminded me almost like a s'more. Hands down best dessert I've had in a long time.

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I would like to thank the following...
-Georgetown Brewing for their hard work and dedication to making all those darn tasty beers I've grown to appreciate more and more.
-All the staff at the Virginia Inn for serving me as long as they have, and for continuing to surprise me with increasingly delicious cuisine every time I stop in.
-Chris for joining me on what would have been a less conversational night.

Almost Sacrilegious... Almost.

Coming Soon...

I know its been a little while since I last wrote anything on here.

Rest assured I haven't lost any interest in talking with guys about all things Beer.

As of right now Im in the middle of trying these.



From left to right.

Red Chair NWPA
Pale Ale
6.4% ABV

Bend, Oregon
Deschutes Brewery


Jubel 2010
Ale
10% ABV

Bend, Oregon
Deschutes Brewery


Trappistes Rochefort 10 (Blue Cap)
Belgian Ale
11.3% ABV

Rochefort, Belgium
The Abbey of St. Remy


As soon as I'm finished I will put these ones up one at a time with full reviews, notes included.


Cheers

Just When I Think They Can't Top Themselves...

I try this little number.


Released last November, the amazing people at
Deschutes Brewery decided to re-release their exceptional Stout.




The Abyss
American Double Stout
11% ABV

Bend, Oregon
Deschutes Brewery

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With notes of licorice, molasses, and chocolate this beer is intensely full-bodied. The texture is smooth and thick, leaving your mouth coated with flavor.
A distinct aroma is due to that fact that 33% is aged in oak bourbon barrels that add to the complexity.
I usually like to enjoy these types of beers
at around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, not quite room temperature.
This beer is perfect considering its only going to get colder here in Seattle, and theres nothing I like better than relaxing at home with a glass when its too chilly outside to play.

Brisk Sunday & A Pint

I decided to make a trip on over to Beveridge Place Pub just this past Sunday in West Seattle.

I was still a little worn out from my weekend at work, so I asked April what she had tried recently that might bring my spirits up.

She suggested this Wheat Dopplebock Ale from Germany.



Aventinus
Germany's Original Wheat Dopplebock Ale
8.2% ABV

Kelheim, Germany
G. Schneider & Sohn
Brewed According to the Reinheitsgebot

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Perfect for those chilly Autumn nights.
Has a very distinct taste that never seems to fade from the palate.
The banana, clove, vanilla, & chocolate notes I picked up on compliment each other perfectly, and the aroma is very spicy to the point where it almost clears your sinuses.

A Brief Introduction To Rogue Ales

I found this cool video on youtube about Rogue, one of my favorite breweries ever. 

Pretty much goes into the basics of their brewing operation and gives a quick history on how they got started.

Is it just me or does that guy seem like he might have had a little more off the line than he was supposed to?

ROGUE

Seattle International Beer Festival

So this was my first year attending the Seattle International Beer Festival.


There were 153 beers from over 15 different countries.

Out of which these were my favorites.


*Trade Route Brewery
Dragon King 2007, Helles Lager from Washington
4.5% ABV

Asian Style Lager with a very clean taste and smooth texture.

*Rouge Brewery
Double Dead Guy 1988, American Strong Ale from Oregon
9.5% ABV

I actually really liked this one. Rogue is one of my favorite breweries.
The Double Dead Guy is a full bodied ale that has a distinct, but not
overwhelming chocolate finish.

*Shelton Brothers
Amager Hr. Frederiksen 2003, Imperial Stout from Denmark
10.5% ABV

This is definitely a once in a while beer. Something for winter time. A very heavy drink.


Oppigards Well-hopped Lager 2003, Baltic Pils from Sweden
5.3% ABV

This is a well balanced Pilsner. Highly recommended.




*Manneken-Brussel Imports
Chimay Cinq Cents 1862, Trappist Triple Cap Amber from Belgium
8% ABV

Delicious, enough said.




*Morandell Imports
Weltenburger Asam Bock 1050, Dopplebock from Germany
6.9% ABV

A cloudy texture with a very sweet finish.

*Browar Polska
Tusker Kenyan Lager 1975, Export Lager from Kenya
4.5% ABV

Unique, that is pretty much all I can say.

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I wish I had more pictures of all the beers I tried.

But it was hard enough to juggle my camera and tasting glass without spilling.

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Checking out the program.

Planning our next move.

QUESADILLA!

A few too many perhaps?

Finishing off with a fine/ free cigar.

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A few souvenirs.