Savoring Ten Flavorful Years at the Nation’s Premier Beer and Food Pairing Event

IPAs and hop-forward craft beers were among the most poured and paired throughout the evening. The biggest newcomer to the overall beer list was the influx of session styles from hopped up Session Ales to German-Style Pilseners, Kölsch, Gose and more.

“For two beautiful nights, SAVOR was a beer pairing epicenter with the menu pushing the boundaries of beverage pairing like never before,” said Julia Herz, craft beer program director, Brewers Association. “According to a recent Nielsen survey, nearly half of craft drinkers say they drink beer with food ‘always’ or “often.’ SAVOR showcases how craft brewers are the source for advancing pairing menus and beer lovers’ palates.”

SAVOR provided an occasion to elevate the conversation around the relationship between craft beer and food via a pairing menu designed by an expert tasting panel led by Chef Adam Dulye, executive chef at the Brewers Association, along with Kyle Mendenhall, BA chef consultant and chef of Arcana Restaurant in Boulder, Colorado. This year’s SAVOR also offered a selection of producer driven stations that featured outstanding purveyors paired with breweries. Producers include Nathan Miller Chocolate; Nathan Anda and Red Apron Butcher; American Cheese Society; Choptank Oyster Company and Monterey Fish Market.

“Each year we look to explore not only new flavor profiles, but also new experiences for guests. As we created the menu for SAVOR, we coaxed flavors, moments and unfiltered impressions from our panel,” added Chef Dulye.

With a commitment to small and independent businesses, the Brewers Association collaborated with likeminded small and independent farms, ranches and fish mongers to incorporate local and seasonal ingredients in as many menu items as possible.

SAVOR guests also received a take-home gift to enjoy after the event: a collaboration beer, SAVOR X, a robust Baltic porter brewed with hops and cocoa husks, courtesy of Hardywood Park Craft Brewery and New Belgium Brewing Company.