7 Tasting Experiences in Western Massachusetts to Try This Winter
Amherst Coffee | Photo by Lynne Graves
2016 is the year to become an expert in your drink of choice, be it beer, coffee, wine or spirits. A developing trend in Hampshire County in western Massachusetts right now is the tasting workshop or seminar. Maybe it's our proximity to the Five Colleges that creates this thirst for educational drinking. Or maybe we just have a great palate to begin with. Be sure to add one of these tasting experiences to your list of things to do in western Massachusetts this winter so you can wow your bartender or barista next time you order your new favorite drink.
Beer, Cheese and Bread at the Northampton Brewery
Every first Thursday of the month, join the Northampton Brewery for an exclusive tasting in the brewhouse, which is not normally accessible to the public. Head brewer Donald Pacher will lead guests through a tasting of regional cheeses paired with Northampton Brewery’s beers and bread. First Thursday of the Month, January 7, February 4, March 3 & so on; 6-8 p.m.; $10; call ahead for tickets 413-584-9903.
Weekly Wine Workshops at ConVino Wine Bar
Every Thursday at ConVino in Northampton, attend a casual expert guided tasting of five different wines with recommended food pairings. Every Thursday; 6-8 p.m.; $23; Call 413-341-3977 to make reservations.
Beer Tasting Seminars at Provisions
Once a month Michael Schilling, Provisions’s professionally trained brewer on staff, arranges a tasting seminar to explore one of the many styles of beers, from sours and strange brews to IPAs and stouts. These events are more than your average tasting when you pop into the shop—they’re much more historical, informative and of course intimate! The next seminar on January 28 focuses on barrel-aged beers. Thursday, January 28; future dates as scheduled; 6:30-8 p.m.; $40/ticket or $35/ticket when you purchase 2; Call for reservations 413-727-3497.
Monthly Cocktail Classes at Platform Sports Bar
If you love getting a drink at the Tunnel Bar, then you’ll love learning to make some cocktails of your own from their bartenders. First up this January is a bourbon cocktail class where two Tunnel Bar bartenders will teach you how to make a classic Manhattan, Side Car, and a drink created by the group. In February the focus will be gin cocktails. February 17, February 24, and more; 7 p.m.; $45/person; Purchase tickets in advance in person at Platform Sports Bar or online.
Drink Like a Pro Dinners at The Delaney House
Every month The Delaney House will take you on a different pairing excursion with its Drink Like a Pro series. Each dinner features four-courses, each paired with a sample of a beverage. January’s dinner features Fireside Cocktails; February’s focus is wine & chocolate; and March’s will honor St. Patrice Day. January 18, February 22, and March 14; 6 p.m.; $35 for 4-course dinner and sampling of 4 drinks; Register online.
Whiskey flights at Amherst Coffee
If you’re looking to expand your palate for whiskey, check out Amherst Coffee’s Whisk(e)y Bar flights. Each flight comes with four 1 oz pours of whiskeys centered on a theme and your bartender will guide you and your companion through each sip. Bar opens daily at 3 p.m. Flight prices vary.
Cuppings at Share Coffee Roasters
At Share Coffee Roasters in Hadley, those interested in learning more about its coffee offerings can go on a cupping adventure, the coffee equivalent of a beer flight. Tasting room hours Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-12 p.m.; $5/cupping.
Photo by Margaret Crocker
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