Walking Like I'm Talking

Please join me for "Beer Basics" at Paulista on Tuesday, May 6th

In a recent post, I argued that the current stagnation of craft beer might be remedied by a return to the practices that helped us thrive in the first place. We grew this industry in the 2000s and early 2010s, in part, by emphasizing education and introductions. We showed newcomers that beer could be more than they had previously imagined, and we taught others how to dive deeper.

So, with a mind to “walk it like I talk it,” I am challenging myself to get back to the work of broadening the meaning of “beer” for some and making the rabbit hole bottomless for others.

Paulista Taproom is my local beer spot. In my opinion, they maintain the most well-curated beer selection in the area, and the owner, Jesse, does an excellent job of staying engaged with the cutting edge of craft beer, not only in the beers he offers but also in how those beers are presented.

This is your invitation to join me at Paulista on Tuesday, May 6th, for a guided tasting we're calling Beer Basics. Basic, in this context, doesn’t mean dumbed-down. It means foundational. Beer was poorly understood in the U.S. for so long that even many devoted enthusiasts have had their knowledge of the subject diluted by marketing and myths. So, to make you a more savvy beer drinker, we are starting with “the basics.”

The plan is for this to become a monthly series of intimate, guided tastings designed to develop your ability to perceive and understand the increasingly subtle nuances in the beers you drink. On May 6th, we’ll taste five beers together as we explore the processes and ingredients that give rise to the flavors and aromas in your glass. I’ll guide you through the sensory cues that help you better understand your own unique palate, and explain how history, technique, and individual personalities shaped the beer scene we now know.

Each session will be limited to 12 guests. I want this to be a space where you feel comfortable asking questions and sharing observations.

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Details:
📍 Paulista Brazilian Kitchen + Taproom – 4239 Park Blvd, Oakland
📅 Tuesday, May 6
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🍺 $40 – includes guided tasting, plus a pint to enjoy together when we are done
🎟️ Reserve your seat here