Date Night | Luxy’s Beer School

Last week the hubs and I were invited to Luxy’s Beer School and this event was one the hubs was very excited for. Crystal Luxmore, a Toronto-based beer writer, Certified Cicerone and a Prud’homme Beer Sommelier,  is hosting a series of beer events at Tequila Bookworm this summer and we attended the first of the series. I know it seems like we’ve been sneaking away for a date night a bit too often.. but… we need deserve it. Right? 

The course for the evening was Sour Beer 101. The hubs has been trying to educate me on sour beers and so this was a great opportunity to learn and share some great brews handpicked by a fabulous lady and fellow mom. On arrival we were greeted with a pint of Nickel Brook’s Berliner Weisse and we settled into our seats. Transforming a popular bar into a beer school is a great idea. It was definitely a packed “class” and a bit of a squeeze but just shows you how popular these classes are going to be. The cozy quarters also encouraged the hubs and I to connect with fellow beer lovers and we were seated with a lovely group of beer enthusiasts and connoisseurs from all walks of life.

The one and a half hours sped by as we explored old world classics and new beer trends in the Sours category (geeky me took notes). Over the course of the evening we sampled Rodenbach , Boon Framboise , Van Honsebrouck’s St Louis Gueuze Fond Tradition and Bellwoods Brewery’s No Rest for the Wicked. All sours from Belgium or Ontario with a mix of old world and newer brewing practices. I liked that these beers were hand picked by Crystal and that she tried her best to find craft beers that were not only unique but also accessible (either through the LCBO or through a private supplier). This lady knows her stuff, no doubt about that. Best of all, she’s happy to guide you towards beers that you may not know of and even highlight some you should pick up during your travels. It’s an honest, laid back experience that’s not only educational but also fun and a bit out of the norm. 

For each beer sample we were taken through a quick production overview to highlight the nuances and what makes each beer a bit different from the previous one. We also found out what best to pair the beer with. I was very surprised when a cheese plate made its way to us…beer and cheese. OH YEA!  The local Canadian Cheese paired so beautifully with the sours, it was fantastic. Strong Blue Cheese, creamy Brie and Goat Cheese each paired quite well with the sours and since the hubs isn’t a cheese eater I was able to have his plate too. Total win for me! Don’t worry I shared my olives and bread with him – I’m all heart I tell you.

Needless to say my palate is warming up to sour beers… infact I discovered a fabulous Barrel aged Sour Cherry Beer over the weekend at The Indie Alehouse. If you have the chance and are looking to learn more about beers, check out Luxy’s Beer School. Tickets are $30 each and totally worth it, in my opinion. There’s Saisons, Craft Ciders and local brews all on tap for exploration this summer. There’s even a tour to Niagara’s breweries (Father’s Day gift idea.. ahem! ahem!!) and  I hope she continues with these sessions because they’re a great night out with friends or solo.