A Great Substitute for Wine

As you know, I’m all about wine – I drink it, dream it, teach it, taste it, pair it and write it.  However, as a sommelier, I’m reminded that basically ‘All things Wet’ (in the way of beverages)  fall into my area of expertise.  This includes spirit, beer, tea, coffee and sake.  A lot to cover, right?  At the same time, there’s probably one in that grouping that really does act as a perfect substitute when I’ve had too much wine.  And that is…BEER.

To be honest, sommeliers don’t drink only wine ALL of the time.  I find that the best  do tend to slip in a good beer every once in a while.  Especially when the palate feels a little parched after a long nite’s work.  And for my palate, there’s nothing better than snuggling up to a fresh, hoppy beer.  In turn, makes me a huge fan of IPAs (India Pale Ales).  In fact, last nite after a long day of teaching, toting and tasting, the Surly Abrasive, with its notes of fresh apricot, mango and orange blossom, seem to come perfectly to the rescue.  The MN local, Surly Abrasive, a double oat IPA, reminded me of spring with its gorgeously lifted aromas. Like water in a desert, it was delicious! 

Of course, there are many ‘hopped’ beauties to enjoy – however, Surly seems to always lay present in our fridge.  Another ‘reach for’ when I’m feeling like I need a change of pace, the Lagunitas IPA.  A great stand by for me.  Fresh, lite and aromatic as well.  I love these beers in the spring time, but they sure do serve me well in the dead of the winter, reminding me that I won’t be trapped in this Tundric Ice Bowl forever, and that spring is somewhere in sight, right?

And, as I sat down this morning to write my blog – I was reminded of more delicious beer when I read  my new pal, Pat Fahey’s,  post on his new blog called:  ‘I like Beer!’  Launching his works for the very first time this week, he connects his favorite beers and aligns them with what he’s called, ‘Dessert Week’.  I suppose a tribute to Valentine’s Day, of course. 

And while WINE is probably one of THE most purchased beverages for the upcoming holiday, I like that he’s taken himself out on a limb connecting many of the richer, heavier, sweeter beers in the world to this Sweethearts holiday. 

Today he hi-lites one of my FAVORITE beers, Lindemans Framboise Lambic – Check it out!

A great accoutrement to a raspberry cheesecake, a rich cobbler or even chocolate dipped strawberries.  Looks gorgeous in a wine glass and a great substitute for wine at the end of your meal.  A great reminder that we ALL need to step outside of our usual ‘drinking’ box every once in a while.  Enjoy!