TEP Talk: International Beer Day Happy Hour
Last week at Technology Enterprise Park (TEP), we pre-gamed (a day early) for International Beer Day by sampling a variety of beers from different countries to uncover which ones our community members preferred.
First celebrated in August 2008, Tech Square ATL (TSQATL) Social Club wanted to continue the tradition that is now recognized in over 200 cities globally. So we headed over to TEP where employees took a much-deserved (and needed!) afternoon break from work to enjoy a sample of seven different beers from six different countries. From a classic German wheat beer, to a gluten-free Canadian beer, to a sour beer from a local Atlanta brewing company, TSQATL played bartender-turned-trivia-host, dropping some random beer knowledge while pouring the following selections:
Ireland - Irish Stout. Pours to a beautiful brown color with a creamy tan head. Smooth roasted malt and coffee flavors are balanced by some hopping, and the mouthfeel is as silky as you could ask for.
Mexico - American-Style Lager. This style of beer generally offers malt-driven flavors and aromas and possible light fruity esters with minimal hop flavor, bitterness, and aroma.
3. Germany - Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier
Germany - Hefeweizen. Nothing refreshes you more than this quintessential wheat beer with its wonderful yeasty fragrance and taste. It goes well with dishes that do not have too intensive a flavor, especially the Bavarian specialty, Weisswurst.
Canada - Gluten-Free Beer - American Blonde Ale. Pours a very pale clear blonde color. Mild aromas and flavors invoke notes of grain, corn, apple fruit, herbal hop and a touch of sweetness. Easy drinking and a nice choice in gluten free beers.
Netherlands (Holland) - Euro Pale Lager. A full-bodied premium lager with deep golden color, light fruity aroma, a mild bitter taste and a balanced hop aroma leaving a crisp, clean finish for ultimate refreshing tast
6. U.S. - Monday Night Brewing Dr. Robot
Georgia - American Wild Ale. A tart, fruity sour beer. After souring to a delightfully tart level, blackberry juice and lemon zest to enhance and balance the flavor. The juice gives this beer a pink hue.
7. U.S. - Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects (Non-Alcoholic)
New York - Vienna Lager. A great tasting non-alcoholic beer, with a piney aroma and a pleasantly bitter finish.
After the sampling concluded, TEP community members then voted for their favorite beer/country. As one might guess due to TEP’s proximity to Tech Square, the heart of Atlanta’s tech scene, local Atlanta-based brewery, Monday Night, won the popular vote. But Mexico’s Colima Cayaco was an extremely close second, with members praising its lightness and refreshingness – which is particularly important during the hot summer days.
And while not all attendees voted, the following showcases the spectrum of people’s preferences:
Regardless of everyone’s opinions, one thing was clear – beer is the perfect way to bring the world (and community members) together to celebrate the beers of all nations and cultures on this one remarkable day. Próst!
DID YOU KNOW?
Beer does a body good! It contains a high level of silicon, which increases the calcium deposits and minerals for healthy bone tissue. So, feel free to keep pouring that beer over your morning cereal. ;)
Have you tried beers from other countries? Let us know your favorites in the comments!