Random encounters #1 The brew master
Today I'll tell you about the bar that was not on my list, its visiting being a random decision while catching up with an old friend over a dinner consisting of hindbærsnitte. And yes, my Copenhagen escapes need to be somehow tied with nice food and this time I crown the hindbærsnitte in Meyers bakery the best one in town! For now, at least. But I'm digressing. And this post announces to be long enough anyway...
The decision to visit Tap House was a quick search on Rate Beer's places option. The place looked fancy on the outside, and I was surprised to notice a little text on the blackboard outside their door, announcing that tonight they're welcoming Garrett Oliver, Brooklyn Brewery's master brewer. My eyes popped. What the actual shit?! I went in, unimpressed by the design - a bit too minimalistic and "cold" for my liking. A couple of tree chunks as tables, a lot of benches and even more unoccupied space. Yet behind a long bar 61 taps were glowing in the dim light. The listing of beers made you feel like you were at a horse track, delivering some feelings of nervousness, all revolving around the "Which one do I choose?" thought. I chose a To Øl Sur Mosaic to cleanse my palette while awaiting the wonders of the Brooklyn tasting. I was not disappointed.
While not being exceptional for a sour, Sur Mosaic is whatever you need when you're in need of refreshment - dry and fresh, with a flowery aroma and hints of citrus fruit, specifically lime and grapefruit. With a slight bitter after-taste, this beer delivers. I could easily be greedy and drink two of them on a summery afternoon, but not necessarily if there's anything else in the house.
And that night there was! Most important, there was Garrett Oliver, the master brewer from Brooklyn, who delivered a nice story about the beers he brought and the way they do things back in the Big Apple. I must say I haven't seen a nicer, more relaxed person talking about the thing he loves doing the most and the brewery that made history in American craft brewing. "We make what we want to drink" was one of the thing Garrett said jokingly about Brooklyn Brewery, and that makes a lot of sense. Because that is what craft beer is all about - daredevils brewing what they would like to drink and luckily sharing the result with us, profane followers of this great religion.
After his talk, Garret had no problem talking with all the groupies gathered around him and, by God, I was one of them! I think I didn't approach someone "famous" for a picture in some good years but I could not help showing off. Shaky voice and sweaty palms, I approached him and his laid back smile made me chill immediately. I had to tell him how jealous my former co-workers would be if they saw me in a picture next to him, and then I asked him for a recommendation of course! Our short conversation was axed on their new take on barley wines and the creation of Hand and Seal. Which was his recommendation for a tasting that evening. But that is another story.He also gave my friend a tip on where the light was better for our picture, because he apparently also studied film...
I mean look at this smile! How can he be anything but awesome!?