There are tons of prix fixe meals available out there (ahem, Restaurant Week), but not so many that focus on what’s in your glass rather than what’s on your plate.
Enter Libation Education at Of Love & Regret, a monthly pairing dinner on the third floor of the Brewer’s Hill bar owned by Stillwater brewer Brian Strumke. Each dinner takes a simple concept (think fire, wood, bitter, smoke) and showcases that element in various spirits, which are paired with five courses of food.
Last month, I got to try it out firsthand at the Libation Education smoke class. Right from the second we sat down, the theme was present: Our pint glasses were turned upside down and, when we lifted them and smelled inside, we were told that they had been pre-smoked with agar wood (Stillwater’s Existent beer was then poured in).
From there, the smoke journey continued as local oysters were paired with Alaska Distillery Smoked Salmon Vodka, which was tastier than you think. (We were told it makes a mean Bloody Mary.) We were also served Dijon Brussel sprouts alongside a Shelton Brothers Monarchy Grodziskie, a Polish oak-smoked wheat beer. Interestingly, the Shelton Brothers are passionate about recreating extinct and traditional styles of brewing.
Other highlights included an Indian Creek Pinot Noir that retained a smokey quality because its grapes survived the 2008 California wildfires (with ricotta gnudi) and finally, and not surprisingly, a white Manhattan with a float of heavily peated Scotch, a Bruichladdich Octomore (with amazing bread pudding).
If it seems like a ton of information packed into one night, it is—and that wasn’t even all of the dishes. Guests leave feeling full, a wee bit buzzed, and like they’ve just gained a new, encyclopedic knowledge of spirits.
Find out for yourself, as Of Love & Regret hosts its next Libation Education tonight. The theme? Earth. To make a reservation, call 410-327-0760.