Hopworks brewer Ben Love sent out a link to an interesting clip this afternoon of a Today show beer tasting. He was interested in the content that begins at about the 1:45 mark--when they taste the Ace of Spades. In fact, it's the only brewery that gets two beers in the line-up. Quite a coup.
I, however, was interested in the absolute inexperience of the tasters. (Sorry, I have no idea who these folks are. The last host I recall was Bryant Gumble. The guy who brought the beer knows his stuff, though.) Have a look.
This is both encouraging and alarming. Alarming, obviously, because despite how much we think craft beers have made it ("we" being Oregonians), this indicates otherwise. The VAST majority of Americans have never tasted a craft beer. But it's encouraging because the tasters are able to instantly get their bearings. Tasting the barleywine, the host tentatively describes it as "caramelly." Nice! See, beer's not so hard--once you actually crack a good one.
____________
Share
"The guy who brought the beer knows his stuff, though." Um, what? Did you watch the same video I did? FF to the 4:30 mark or so. Hear that? "...beers from England, for example Guinness..."
ReplyDeleteAnd, as It's Pub Night pointed out, "[H]e only called it 'HUB,' and didn't really explain any of the breweries."
Yeah, that guy was all over it...
Well, by "knows his stuff," I mean, he has heard of and recognizes craft beer. I have no idea what his level of knowledge is.
ReplyDeleteAnd wait a second, are you telling me that Ireland is not a part of England?
Well, the dude know how to pour beer, for one. I've been into beer for about 8 weeks now and I can tell you that that is the correct way.
ReplyDeleteOh, I just want to slap all three of these people! And, no, the guy doesn't know his stuff. You don't present this bunch of beers to someone by starting with the IPA, then Barleywine, then another IPA (or 2?), then a lager like Totally Naked! Are you kidding me?
ReplyDeleteCome on folks. First, these folks are talk show hosts. Their entire job description is to be able to natter on superficially about any topic. They don't actually know about _anything_ they discuss on the show. And, do you really expect honest reviewing of any of the beers (or anything else) on the show. Everything gets a bland "oh, that's nice" verdict. Even the one case where the host clearly didn't like the beer, she can't come out and say it ("That's a very masculine beer"). Then a few platitudes about how "Guinness is good for you" and how you better not drink any of these high-calorie beers if you're anorexic (oh, sorry, "healthy") like the female co-host. Yup, about par for the course. I'd say people should just be happy that some decent beers got some time on national television.
ReplyDelete