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Scott Smith writes in to let us know about the Brooklyn Brewery Beer Dinner he attended. In attendance was Brooklyn’s Brewmaster, Garrett Oliver.

Pre-greeting beer, beer:
DOMINION LAGER

Beer Dinner Event: (November 15, 2007)
Hosted by Magnolias at the Mill restaurant in Purcellville, Virginia
Special Guest: Brewmaster, Garrett Oliver

Greeting Beer:
BROOKLYN PENNANT ALE
Comments: This is a traditional English-style pale ale with tight malt tones and a much welcomed balance to the hop character. Alcohol: 5.0%

Course 1:
Roasted Pork Loin, Caramelized Apples, Spinach & Macaroni Noodles, Brooklyn Lager Cheese Sauce
Paired with: BROOKLYN LAGER
Comments: It was a chilly walk to the restaurant, so this was a great warm, ‘comfort food’ inspired introduction to the night. We could almost hear a collective ‘ohhh!’ when it was served. The beer is Brooklyn’s flagship (it took the title in a Washingtonpost.com ‘Beer Madness’ series earlier in the year) and defininately an affordable luxury. The reddish-gold hue added a nice fall color complement to the food. Alcohol: 5.2%

Course 2:
Crispy Phyllo Dough Wrapped Scallop, Red Thai Curry Sauce
Paired with: EAST INDIA PALE ALE
Comments: The scallops were done do perfection, and the beer was a very good match for a seafood dish as well as the sauce. We’ve always really liked Brooklyn’s IPA and hold it up as the standard when trying new brews. Alcohol: 6.8%

Course 3:
Escargot, Fennel Polenta, Bouillabaisse Broth
Paired with: BROOKLYN LOCAL 1
Comments: That’s right, escargot. Getting this one right can be tough but once again the chef nailed it. The polenta added nice texture. The beer is predominantly Belgian-inspired, uses some unique ingredients (sugar from Mauritius), is 100% bottle refermented, and a feast for the senses. Lots of ever-changing aromas and flavors. ABV. 9.0%

Course 4
Braised Beef Short Rib, Brown Ale Braising Jus, Baked Beans, Smoked Bacon & Molasses
Paired with: BROOKLYN BROWN ALE
Comments: Carmalization and BBQ is a really good match for this beer and this pairing was a resounding hit. This was my second Brooklyn beer dinner event that included their Brown Ale, and although I really like this style, it fell a bit flat for me for yet again. The depth I expected just wasn’t there, but the food more than made up for it. Alcohol: 5.6%

Course 5:
Chocolate Bread Pudding, Mocha Sauce
Paired with: BLACK CHOCOLATE STOUT
Comments: ‘Nuff said. This (seasonal) beer apparently has some good aging potential, so we’re off to buy a case for now and one for much later. Alcohol: 10.1%