Last Monday saw us host the ultimate culinary showdown.

Joined by 70 participants with ringside seats, we bravely sought to challenge mankind’s greatest dilemma – which makes for the better pairing, craft beer or wine?

With an all-star menu created by guest chef, Richard Kirkwood, we teamed up a series of welterweight wines and bantamweight beers to discover which had the clout to knock the other drink out.

Lightweights beware.

In the wine corner – Fergal Tynan of Alliance Wines. In the beer corner – our very own craft beer tag team, Sean Brown and Darren Blackburn.

Ding ding. Let round one commence!

First up was sautéed Scottish langoustine tail. The beer chosen to match was the refreshing Cool as a Cucumber by the Wild Beer Co. The wine was Picpoul de Pinet – a dry white wine perfect for seafood.  Round one was scored to Team Wine. 

Up next was a tender, crispy salt & pepper squid served with a roasted garlic sauce. Sean and Darren were hopeful that the zesty flavour of Mikkeller’s Green Gold IPA would prove the perfect match for the tempura. Fergal chose Albarino Sobre Lias. Once again, Team Wine claimed victory.

Things got meaty by round three with the arrival of the smoked pork fillet. Outaspace Apple Ale by Drygate Brewing Co. – a cider and beer fusion – proved a fruity fighter, laying waste to an Australian Shiraz called Cunning Plan. Beer pulled one back for the team.

Out came the marinated sea trout with citrus dressing. Wild Beer Co.’s Sourdough Saison rolled with a series of sour, fruity punches to the palate. A New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with hints of lemongrass was the wine of choice; a perfect partner for seafood. Another point was chalked up to Team Wine, extending their lead.

For dessert, Richard treated us to a delicious strawberry fool. A bottle of London Sour by The Kernel was Darren and Sean’s final attempt to scoop a point for the craft beer contingent. A bottle of Moscato D’ Asti was served up by Fergal, leading to the fourth and final point for a victorious Team Wine.  

If you missed our Craft Beer V Fine Wine Showdown, don’t despair. We’re already the rematch. Stay tuned to The Vintage on Facebook and Twitter for more showdown events.