Sam Adams Beer Dinner

Last week I had the opportunity to attend a four-course Sam Adams beer dinner at CBS scene in Foxboro, MA.

4-Course Menu
Offered Wednesday March 10, 2010 - 7:00 PM

Chef’s Passed Appetizers, Cheese and Fruit Board
Nuts. Delicious, spicy nuts.

Paired with a Sam Adams Imperial White Ale
10.3% abv
This was a great, light beer to start the night. Light on flavor, heavy on alcohol.


The beers were a good size, just enough to get you through each course.


FIRST COURSE

Sam Adams Noble Pils and Cheddar Cheese Soup
This soup was interesting - topped with popcorn? - and it was spicy. But following a mouthful of soup with a gulp of beer really helped cut down the heat and complimented the cheese flavors.

Paired with a Sam Adams New World Tripel
10% abv
A good soup chaser, would also be delicious on it's own.


SECOND COURSE
Choice of:

Sam Adams Hefeweizen Crabcakes - Roasted Corn Salsa and Spicy Remoulade
This was pretty good seeing as the plate is covered in corn (not a fan!).

Baby Spinach Salad - Sam Adams Cherry Wheat Vinaigrette, Blue Cheese, Spicy Pecans
So I ordered a boring salad, these pecans are awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!
Paired with a Sam Adams Boston Ale
4.9 % abv
This was the only beer served tonight that I've had before, it's goodtimes. Nice break from the higher alcoholic content beers, too.

THIRD COURSE
Choice of:

Sam Adams Lager Brined Atlantic Swordfish - Fire Grilled with Sage, Garlic, Wild Rice and Sherried Mushrooms, Tomato and Spinach
A little salty for my taste but it was a good entree.

Brown Ale Braised Beef Short Rib- Irish Potato Risotto and Grilled Asparagus
Why didn't I order the ribs? Thanks Dad, for letting me take a picture of yours!
Paired with a Sam Adams Double Bock
9.5% abv
From their Imperial Series, meaning for important people (at beer dinners). Very full bodied beer.

DESSERT COURSE

Pear and Almond Tart - Whipped Cream

Paired with a Sam Adams Kriek
7% abv
Beautiful red color!


I took copious notes, but only so I could use the word copious in a sentence, obviously. Yeah 10th grade English class!



Things I learned:

• The Noble Pils was recently brewed for Jim Koch's daughters wedding. He owns Sam Adams, so he can pretty much do what he wants.
• For Sam Adams, Double Boch means double malt. Lots of malty goodness
  
• Bock is the German word for "billy goat"
• Lambics, like the Kriek (pronounced creek) are traditionally brewed in Belguim. They pair very well with desserts
• I'm a fan of both Lambics and desserts
  
• I need to practice more with my camera, especially in weird settings. Like restaurants with hundreds of televisions
  
• Spiced pecans are seriously underrated
• CBS scene is a great place to watch the game!