Pic(k) of the Week: Victoria by candlelight

Candlelight illuminates a glass of Allagash Brewing's Victoria Ale.

The occasion was a 7-course beer dinner at RedRocks Pizza Napoletana —in Alexandria, Virginia— featuring the beers of Allagash Brewing Company —of Portland, Maine. Seven different beers were paired with seven different courses. The brewery's National Sales Manager —Naomi Neville— and its area representative —Suzanne Woods— presented the beers.

Rather than attempt to shout over the clamor of a busy restaurant, the two walked table-to-table, talking one-on-one with the customers, as the beers and food were served. This made a 'big' event seem much more intimate.

This was only the first 'full-bore' beer dinner at the restaurant. (RedRocks has hosted prior beer 'tastings,' at which small-plate pizzas were served, but not with specific pairings.) General Manager James O'Brien, pleased at evening's conclusion, promised there would be more.

Alexandria (Old Town), Virginia.
11 January 2012.

• FIRST COURSE
  Allagash White
  Belgian-style Wheat Ale (ABV: 5.0%)
  Served with:
  Charcuterie plate: an assortment of house-made cured meats and vegetables.


• SECOND COURSE
  Allagash Tripel
  Belgian-style Strong Golden Ale (ABV: 9%)
  Served with:
  Wood-roasted sea scallop salad.


• THIRD COURSE
  Allagash Odyssey
  Oak Aged Dark Wheat (ABV: 10.4%)
  Served with:
  Wood-fired eggplant parmesan, basil, grana cheese, house-baked bread.


• FOURTH COURSE
  Allagash Victoria
  Belgian-style ale fermented with Vidal Blanc white wine grapes. (ABV 9%)
  Served with:
  Gulf shrimp wrapped with prosciutto in a black truffle sauce.


• FIFTH COURSE
  Allagash Dubbel
  Belgian Style Dubbel (ABV: 7%)
  Served with:
  Lamb meatballs al forno served over soft polenta.


• SIXTH COURSE
  Allagash Black
  Belgian Style Stout (ABV: 7.5%)
  Served with:
  Gorgonzola with honey drizzle.


• SEVENTH COURSE
  Allagash Curieux
  Bourbon barrel aged Belgian-style Strong Golden Ale (ABV: 11%). The brewery pronounces it "CURE ee oh."
  Served with:
  Panna Cotta with fresh berries.

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• More photos from the beer dinner: here.
• Pic(k) of the Week: one in a weekly series of personal photos, often posted on Saturdays, and often, but not always, with a good fermentable as a subject. Commercial use requires explicit permission, as per Creative Commons.
• Caveat lector: As a representative for Select Wines, Inc. —a wine and beer wholesaler in northern Virgina— I sell the beers of Allagash.