2 posts tagged “tacoma beer society”

You know how it is when you’ve got growing kids? Or puppies? You look away for 30 seconds and look back and suddenly they’ve taken on 2 inches?

That puppy’s the Tacoma Beer Society.

We’re a group with a passion and appreciation for good brew. Once a month we gather at rotating pubs to sample half a dozen beers, in 4-oz. cups, not pints, for 10 bucks. The beers tend to be unusual, unique, even somewhat hard to find. We’re not poundin’ Buds, then smashing cans against our foreheads.

Founded last year by two women with a vision and dream of uniting thought-provoking brews and their lovers, the society’s had its growing pains. It started with a quiet bang, limped along through summer, struggling with getting word out. Yet I kept on going, even when only half a dozen showed up -- counting the two founders. Because I believed in the club and its purpose and visions of the two who birthed it.

Then an article appeared front page in the lifestyle section of the local paper. And the Tacoma Beer Society was put on the map.

Having missed the last two meetings due to obligations, I had no clue how impactful the article was until I arrived at last night's venue. First, I was met with a warm and enthusiastic welcome by the society's mamas, who had wondered where I'd been in my absence. That made me feel really good.

Then I glanced around and beheld a sight. The sight of folks pouring in through the doors. "Is this the beer society?" they'd ask. Or, noting their expressions of "what do I do and where do I go?", we'd make 'em feel at home.

In all, about 30 showed up; last month the figure was 40, I heard. That's some uptick from the low point in summer, when the handful of us called off the event and sauntered to a nearby pub for socializing.

Last night with the burgeoning crowd, I, unofficial founder that I am, spotted a need for extra hands. So with my natural managerial abilities, I happily jumped in to keep the train rolling smoothly, the crowd cheerful and comfy. I set plastic cups. I poured. I punched tickets as imbibers stepped up for samples. I greeted. I joked and laughed and smiled and flirted and charmed. I shone in the benevolence and brews and bubbly repartee. 'Twas a night intoxicating.

Score another charming victory for Tacoma.

I’d been looking forward to the event for two weeks. Noted it on my Post-It pad by my laptop. Eyes straying to it occasionally in the hope I’d have that day off.

I did.

That event was the one, the only debut of the Tacoma Beer Society.

We’re not talking gagging down Bud or Coors. These are quality beers to be sampled and we’re serious about them but not so serious as to be snooty and stuffy.

We just love our ales.

And so it was that 20 of us, twice the number expected, assembled at the Stadium Bistro yesterday evening. Ten smackeroos buy samples of six brews, six score cards, a pencil and a name tag.

Round tables, each seating four and draped in white tablecloths in the front room overlooking the street, are reserved for us. A fan in the corner keeps the rare toasty evening air moving.

The founder introduces herself. She’s just moved here to birth the beer society after successfully midwifeing one in her former state across the country where membership blossomed from a dozen to 150.

Build it and they will come ...

Side center is the table upon which the star libations sit. I peruse them. None familiar -- good -- with the majority from Belgium and one from the Czech Republic.

I seat myself at a table with the only other third wheel in the group, Russ. The beers are debuted, with long pauses between each, allowing leisurely appreciation of the bottles, labels, sipping, discussion and ratings on our score cards in the categories of appearance, aroma, feeling on the palate, flavor and overall. Written comments are welcomed, indeed highly encouraged as the bistro will utilize the input in recommendations to its customers.

The brews are direct imports running at 8% alcohol by volume, above the U.S. levels. I’ve not eaten all day so the appetizers offered on the house are a wonderful, and for me helpful, gesture.

The comments field are left blank through the first few samples. In the final couple, I’m writing mini-novels and drawing arrows to comments splashed and squeezed on the cards.

My table mate proves to be a solid match. We discuss each beer and aside from differences in personal preferences are wildly on the same page. By the end of the event, we’re creating menus; well, I am and he’s concurring. He’s a foodie too. (And in his paid time, an assistant in the roller derby. Cool.)

I’ll spare you the reviews and only list the electic cast of characters:

Krusovice
Grimbergen Blonde Ale
Barbar
Floreffe (flavored with anise)
Ommegang Hennepin
Ommegang Abbey Ale

In summary, two I wouldn’t buy, two I would and two I appreciated in the moment.

The beer society’s plan is for monthly meetings on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday, one at the bistro and the other at a revolving location. One occasion might feature porters, the next pale ales and so on. Whatever’s on tap, it’s sure to tantalize and teach the taste buds and mind. I predict big things for the Tacoma Beer Society and gladly take my seat as one of its original “members.”

In closing, I raise my glass to Russ, compatriot of the beverage and food, and Steffi, who relocated a buncha miles to birth the society in the City of Destiny.

Ain't destiny grand?