This is a continuation of a blog about the Shore Craft Beer Talk and Tasting held at the Clarion Fountainebleu in early 2016.
I was really excited to see this pairing on the list because the Indian Brown is one of my favorites. Not only is it a really accessible beer, it is one of those craft beers that is as complex as you want it to be. The fact that is it malty and hoppy at the same time is what made the smoked gouda an excellent choice. The gouda provided a little hop amplification and the smoke brought out the malt. It made the beer thicker.
Leave it to Dogfish Head to zig. I had expected some outrageous counterpoint, but instead they went with a fully complementary beer and cheese pairing. Giving people the opportunity to learn how to experiment on their own was one of the great parts of this whole event.
I feel like this would be an excellent cocktail hour beer with some figs, raisins, cashews and pistachios.
Author: Tony Russo
Tony Russo has worked as a print and digital journalist for the better part of the 21st century, writing for and editing regional weeklies and dailies before joining the team that produces OceanCity.com and ShoreCraftBeer.com among other destination websites. In addition to having documented everything from zoning changes to art movements on the Delmarva Peninsula, Tony has written two books on beer for the History Press. Eastern Shore Beer was published in 2014 and Delaware Beer in 2016. He lives in Delmar, Md. with his wife Kelly and the only of his four daughters who hasn't moved out. Together they keep their two dogs comfortable.
