The Session #27: Beyond the Black & Tan

Today being the first Friday of the month, it's time for The Session: Beer Blogging Friday.

The Session is a monthly event for the beer blogging community which was begun by Stan Hieronymus at Appellation Beer. On the first Friday of each month, all participating bloggers write about a predetermined topic. Each month a different blog is chosen to host The Session, choose the topic, and post a roundup of all the responses received. For more info on The Session, check out the Brookston Beer Bulletin’s nice archive page.

This month's topic was hosted by beer bloggers Joe and Jasmine at their Beer at Joe's: The Session #27: Beyond the Black & Tan.

Most people have had a black & tan, which is a combination of two kinds of beer and think it’s pretty tasty. Most people have heard of a Shandy, beer with lemonade or soda added, and think it’s not so tasty.

But beer cocktails go far beyond these two famous examples. Many countries have their own versions, and many new chefs and bartenders are getting creative with beer as an ingredient, not just a standalone drink.

What’s your favorite beer cocktail (and yes, despite the title of this post, it can be a black & tan or a shandy)? Find a recipe for that or a new one, try it, and tell us why you did or didn’t like it–even if you think beer cocktails are nothing but a good way to waste a beer. Have fun and try something new!

Be sure to blog it by May 1st, then comment on this post or email us at joe@beeratjoes.com with a link to your cocktail musings.

In the mid 1990s, I was the brewer for a brewpub in Philadelphia. Our license only allowed us to serve beer and wine, no liquor. So the owner asked me brew a high octane low-flavored brew to blend with mixers. Imperial Malt Liquor, if you will. I demurred.

I'm sorry. I do not like beer cocktails.

If I were to have a Bloody Mary, I wouldn't want to water it down with a beer. If I were to want a Black and Tan, why would dilute the flavor of the Stout? Why wouldn't I instead enjoy a Schwarzbier or a Brown Ale?

It may be a purist thing. I may be an old fogey. But I like my beers. And I like my cocktails. I don't care to mix the two. (Don't get me started on faux martinis.)