Cheers!

I like beer. Well, I like good beer. Maybe it's because I used to live in Germany (where they have GREAT beer), but I've always been none too satisfied with the beer I found in the United States. That is, up until the last few years. It seems like the artisan craft beer movement has really grown in this area -- with brewers such as Keegan Ales in Kingston, Gilded Otter in New Paltz, Hyde Park Steakhouse & Brewing Co.., Skytop Steakhouse & Brewing Co. in Kingston, Spotty Dog Books & Ale in Hudson, Barrington Brewery & Restaurant in Great Barrington, Massachusetts and my hands-down fave, Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown (I really LOVE Belgian-style ales). You can buy some of these beers at local stores and restaurants but you have to go to the source for others.

So it was exciting to see an opportunity to taste acclaimed craft beer in a fantastic setting right on the banks of the Hudson River -- the Brooklyn Beer Dinner at Shadows on Hudson in Poughkeepsie.

Here are the details from Shadows:

THE BROOKLYN BEER DINNER
6:00 PM, Thursday January 31
Come enjoy an evening of gourmet food paired by Garrett Oliver, the Brewmaster of The Brooklyn Brewery. He is also the author of The Brewmaster’s Table, and the foremost authority in the United States on the subject of traditional beer. Garrett Oliver began brewing professionally at Manhattan Brewing Company in 1989 as an apprentice. He was appointed brewmaster there in 1993. In 1994, Garrett joined The Brooklyn Brewery as Brewmaster, partner, and Vice President for production. He soon became widely known both here and abroad for his flavorful interpretations of traditional brewing styles and as an avid and entertaining lecturer and writer on the subject of fine beer. Garrett has hosted more than 500 beer tastings and dinners in several countries, writes regularly for beer and food-related periodicals, and is internationally recognized as an expert on traditional beer styles and their affinity with good food.

Visit here for the full menu and info about reservations for the event.

If you like beer -- good beer -- this sounds like a not-to-miss event. Cheers!