Heinken was my beer of choice back in the day. That’s about all I drank when I drank beer. So, if there had been a Science of Beer class at the old Memphis State University, I’d probably have made a “C” because of my limited knowledge about the subject. My beer preferences from the time I began drinking beer began with (A.) Schlitz, (B.) Busch, and, finally, (C.) Heineken. Or “greenies.”
Today, beer lovers can learn while they drink at Science of Beer, the annual event at Museum of Science & History (MoSH). This year’s tasting was held January 13th. It also included food as well as information about specific beers and beer in general.
Science of Beer is a “beer festival” where guests get to learn as well as taste different variations of beer, says MoSH director of development Jared Bulluck. “It’s really awesome to see the beer and food community come together to help celebrate an institution such as MoSH. And coming without question to this event.”
Bulluck adds, “Beer vendors also talk about how their specific beers are created. Some of them choose to create a beer for the event. Some bring whatever they’re brewing at the time. It’s an opportunity for brewers to try something new and see how it lands with the guests.”
Memphis Made Brewing Co. created “Shrunken Head” beer for the event in honor of the museum’s popular shrunken-head exhibit. “It’s a Belgian style Wit ale with orange peel and coriander. “
“But it tastes like MoSH,” says Bullock. “MoSH tastes like an inspiring, exciting museum.”
The museum held Science of Beer in 2022, but, Bulluck says, “This one was kind of our big hurrah and our big sell-out since COVID. MoSH is excited to have sold-out events again. We had over 700 people. That included vendors.”
And they raised more than $40,000 for the museum, Bulluck adds.
On their way out, guests voted for their favorite beer and food sampled at the event. Here are the winners:
BEER
First: Hampline Brewing
Second: Memphis — Filling Station
Third: Athens Distributing Co. — Thistly Cross
FOOD:
First: Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Second: Bosco’s Squared
Third: A tie between Margie’s 901 Homemade Ice Cream and Cakes and Maciel’s Tortas & Tacos.
The next Science of Beer will be held January 12, 2024.
