big dirt garden

A few years ago, my idea of good beer was Dos Equis, Pacifico or even Negro Modelo. I thought those beers were delicious and so much better than the Coors Light of my college days. I shied away from any dark beer because I assumed they all tasted like Shiner Bock. Not that Shiner is a bad beer. I just wasn’t interested.

My beer palate has definitely evolved and now I crave the good stuff. Belgian, barrel-aged or stout beers are what I seek. However, no matter how much I’ve embraced a variety of different beers, there’s one beer that I just don’t care for… India Pale Ales. IPAs tastes like soap to me. Bitter, foamy, beer soap.

Over the years I got to be quite a connoisseur of soap. My personal preference was for Lux, but I found Palmolive had a nice, piquant after-dinner flavor—heady, but with just a touch of mellow smoothness. Life Buoy, on the other hand…

-Ralphie, A Christmas Story

So when I attend beer tastings, there’s always the potential that one might make me gag a bit. Not so last week when I attended a beer and cheese tasting at Haddington’s in downtown Austin.

The tasting featured beers by the North Coast Brewing Company and cheeses from Whole Foods. I’ve become a huge fan of both Pranqster and Brother Theolnius. Coincidentally, and unbeknownst to me, both are made by North Coast. I can now add two more to my list of favorites.

The tasting menu (including small bites by Haddington’s):

Scrimshaw Pilsner | Le Gruyere Cheese
Gnocco with grilled dates in pancetta with pickled mustard seeds

Red Seal Pale Ale | Saracino Sheep’s Milk Cheese
Chipped speck on toast with tomato hearts

Pranqster Belgian Style Ale | Yodeling Goat Cheese
Grilled skewer of merguez sausage with peaches and sherry glaze

La Merle Belgian Style Farmhouse Saison | Humbolt Fog Cheese
Foie gras cigarello, strawberry, cocoa and honey gelee

Brother Thelonius Belgian Style Abbey Ale | Robusto Cheese
Chocolate and cherries with olive oil and caramel mousseline

Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout | Gjetost Cheese
Chocolate truffles

Old Stock Ale – Vintage 2011 | Stilton

The La Merle paired with the Humbolt Fog was by far the best pairing of the night. However, the surprise of the evening was saved for last. The Old Stock Ale had a slight reddish tint to it and could be compared to a nice port. Unbelievably velvety and rich.

Haddington’s recently announced that they have some of the Old Stock Ale available. The only place in Texas that you can get it, I might add. Get some before it’s gone.