Good Beer Lunch

Editorial

All hail the golden ale at an informative – and mighty enjoyable – beer appreciation class in Brisbane’s Grand Central Hotel. Put your palate to the test and share the passion with beer connoisseur Ian Watson and journo Matt Kirkegaard at their monthly Good Beer Lunch. An ideal way to wind down on a lazy Sunday afternoon, sip a few cleansing ales and learn everything you ever wanted to know about beer, glorious beer. We love to prattle on about the nuances of a good drop, but can you identify a beer’s ingredients or match your favourite stout to the perfect meal? Your host Ian Watson will discuss the diversity of styles available, and explain how the subtle tweaking of ingredients can forge an incredible variety of flavours. Four courses will be matched to four premium beers, enabling sippers to sample various flavours and styles, while discussing the finer points of one of the country’s favourite tots.

The three-hour class will navigate the history, pouring methods, tasting and appreciation of the mighty beer, as well as appropriate glassware and care. The menu and beers will change, but might include seared scallops with shallots and lemon juice matched to a glass of Schofferhofer Kristalweizen, followed by lamb shanks and garlic mash with a Matilda Bay Rooftop Red, and Louisiana Cajun chicken with an Alpha Pale Ale. Finish with chocolate mud-cake and vanilla bean ice-cream paired to a glass of Coopers Best Extra Stout. This popular watering hole will ensure participants are fed and watered, as Australia’s first professional beer sommelier educates and inspires. Beer-lovers unite at the Grand Central Hotel at 12.30pm on Sunday, 5 April, for a 1pm start, to finish at 4pm. Find more information on the $75 monthly classes at www.goodbeers.com.au.

Lauren Barker, February 2009