A wide age range of adults attended the Morrison Chamber of Commerce Beer and Wine Tasting on Friday, July 19, 2013. Prairie Ridge Golf Course, 903 W. Morris Street, Morrison, IL, was the location for the first time event. Fifteen beverages were offered for sampling between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m.
Participants had to make choices, because ten tasting tickets were sold for $20. If desired, one could purchase additional tickets; only two people did.
Included in the price were hors d’oeuvres of cheese, crackers, bread, fried mushrooms and onion rings, and wings.
The “entertainment” portion of the evening was a much-needed downpour.
Chamber of Commerce Administrator Corinne Bender stated the sampling of beers and wines was “evenly mixed. Reisling was the most popular wine and Wild Blue the most popular beer.”
Five wines were served by Prairie Ridge Golf Course chef Brian Beggs. He explained the origin of the grapes and their special taste characteristics.
- Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling is a blend of grapes from the Columbia Valley in Washington.
- Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc hails from New Zealand, world leader in Sauvignon Blanc production.
- Black Stone Merlot is a blend of premium fruits from California.
- Mascara de fuego Chilean Pinot Noir includes raspberry, cherry, and plum fruits, which give the ruby red color.
- Cupcake Cabernet Sauvignon is from California, combines primarily blackberry, dark cherry, and cassis with cocoa.
Nine beers were presented by Elliot Grace, representative from LRB distributor.
- Beck’s Sapphire is a golden pilsner made smooth by aromatic German Sapphire hops.
- Bent River Brewing Company Uncommon Stout is an oatmeal stout infused with coffee.
- Goose Island 312 inspired by Chicago, spicy Cascade hops are followed by a fruity ale flavor.
- Hoegaarden is a Belgian white ale brewed with orange peel and a hint of coriander.
- Leffe Blond is a Belgian Abbey beer, dry, fruity, and lightly spiced.
- Stella Cidre is a European cider brewed with apples and pears.
- Tallgrass Buffalo Sweat is a rich, smooth stout with chocolate flavor and expresso.
- Tallgrass 8-Bit Pale Ale infuses Austrian hops into American pale ale, yielding a tropical aroma.
- Wild Blue is a lager with blueberry fruit flavor.