THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
American craft beer and food pairing in America is arguably more advanced than anywhere else in the world. In the UK, demand for specific beer and food events is rare, if non-existent, but similar events in America draw huge interest from around the States and further afield.
One such American example is SAVOR, a one-off, beer and food pairing event carefully curated and organised by the Brewers Association, the trade association representing small and independent American craft brewers. It's an annual showstopper that pairs 110 American craft breweries serving 225 beers with 65 exquisite small bites. Each dish is masterminded by the Brewers Association's Executive Chef and international beer and food pairing expert, Adam Dulye supported by a talented team of award-winning chefs. Now in its 11th year, it's a mecca for gastronomes and attracts 2,500 guests from all over the world.
SAVOR is a 'hot' ticket for breweries too. Brewers participate in a lottery to be selected, and then present two beers they want to showcase. Dulye and team go about evaluating the beers and creating the ultimate pairing that will showcase the flavours of both the beer and the food.
Adam Dulye explains what it takes to co-ordinate SAVOR: "Planning for the event starts 12 months out but the real 'meat' takes place from January to June. The biggest challenge is organising the layout because 220+ beers need to be placed in a flow that works and the corresponding dish for each beer has to be assigned a kitchen location, map and service plan."
SAVOR differentiates itself from most beer events by providing guests with the opportunity to engage with the people behind the brewery and the beers. Brewers/brewery owners are present at each station to pour their beers while talking and interacting with guests. This allows beer lovers to get up close and personal with some of the 'rockstars' of the American craft brewing world which helps to heighten their whole SAVOR experience.
Fortunately, many high quality, full flavored American craft beers are available in the UK.
Pairing suggestions
Here are a few of the innovative, diverse American craft beers you can find in the UK along with expert pairing suggestions from SAVOR:
SAVOR is a unique culinary experience in the craft beer world and well worth checking out should you ever be planning a trip to Washington DC in June 2023.
In the UK American craft beer can be found at on line retailers such as Athletic Brewing, the www.cascadeclub.com Beer Merchants.com, Beer Gonzo or selected bottle shops, off licences, on-line subscription services and supermarkets and selected pubs and bars.www.brewersassociation.org
Lotte Peplow is the American Craft Beer Ambassador for Europe for the Boulder, CO-based Brewers Association and is based in London, UK. She is a Certified Cicerone® BDI accredited Beer Sommelier, beer writer, beer communicator, international beer judge, homebrewer and beer lover. www.brewersassociation.org
