Fantasy Beer Dinner

So Stan Hieronymus over at Appellation Beer has begun a series called "Fantasy Beer Dinners," in which he features prominent beer bloggers, authors, and those in the industry waxing poetic about their ideal beer dinner with four favorite guests. I was a bit behind when learning of the series, and assumed that it was restricted to those with more recognition in the beer world, so I kindly sat by, reading the latest posts. Then I find out he's disappointed that readers haven't been sending in their lists.

Well, I got to thinking about it, and then my ideas took off. While what others were posting seemed really interesting, when I pondered on my own fantasy beer dinner, I got rather inspired. So here it is, my list of four guests and my selected offerings:

1. Bernardo O'Higgins (1778-1842) - One of the leaders of the Chilean War of Independence from Spain who later became the Third Supreme Dictator of Chile. Rather controversial figure in history who brought some semblance of democracy to the country, but was accused of murdering his political enemies. Often times with history, it's difficult to separate fact from fiction, and sometimes the truth provides the most bizarre account, but I'm more interested in his courage to stand up against a colonial power and defeat them. There were several historical figures that could fit in this slot, and on this list, but I'm trying to limit them (I'm a history buff) to bring a little more variety.

Beer: I'd like to try a Kross Stout for the first time with Mr. O'Higgins, who I'm sure would appreciate the fact that this beer from Chile models itself on an Irish stout. Kross is a craft brewery that comes from the southern tip of the country, and I'd love to be able to sample this, especially in the company of a national hero.

2. Bill Shankly (1913-1981) - Became manager of the Liverpool Football Club in 1959, and is arguably one of the best ever to manage in the FA. In the early 60's, he helped raise the team back into the first division and restored a sense pride in the team and their fans by beating inter-city rivals Everton and winning several championships. From a working-class background, Shankly seemed to live and breathe football (if you can't tell by now, I'm talking about "soccer") and took a hard-nosed approach to the game, which brought him much deserved respect. I think this honorable figure from the world of sports would be a great addition to the table.

Beer: Something Scottish, seeing as how that was his nationality. Perhaps a Wee Heavy such as Traquair Jacobite would really go well with the good conversation and nostalgic talks of victories past, and take a bit of the chill out of late autumn.

3. Levi Stubbs (1936-present) - Had to pick someone from the realm of music for this one, and Levi seemed like a perfect fit. Several other musicians from many genres and time periods could also fill this spot, some musically related to Levi, such as Billy Bragg (who wrote a song called "Levi Stubbs' Tears"), or the Holland-Dozier-Holland songwriting team, or even the rest of the Four Tops. But I picked Levi because I'd be fascinated to talk with him about his successes, the rough times, and going from baritone to tenor to give the songs he sang a sense of urgency. I'd like to have him around from when he was in his younger years, but still, I'd be amazed if he showed up at all, so who am I to complain? Basically, he just popped into my head and would give the room some vivacity, whilst also offering insight into the American music scene in the 50's and 60's.

Beer: For some reason, I picture Levi enjoying a Bell's Kalamazoo Stout, because not only is it from Michigan (as he is), but it's got that malty-sweet taste that just makes me think of cool. Either that or something flavorful, yet light and simple, like a Sam Adams Boston Lager. I'd probably have both on hand and just ask him which one he'd prefer.

4. My paternal great-grandfather - Bringing it back for history's sake, I'd like to invite either of my great-grandfathers from the paternal side (but hey, why not both? it's my damn dinner!) to join us at the table to get some personal perspective on what life was like emigrating from their respective native lands. I'll pick one, though. My grandfather's dad came over in 1901 from Dalmatia (part of modern-day Croatia), which was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It's the classic "came over with only a dollar in his pocket" story that makes you admire the resolve and fortitude your ancestors displayed. Supposedly, he worked on the Pacific Railroad and ended up all the way on the West Coast United States, eventually settling in a town outside of San Jose, California. He would ride his bike over 20 miles in his earlier days to meet my eventual great-grandmother, and he later owned his own small farm. Here he grew grapes and made his own wine, even operating during Prohibition! My grandfather would take eggs and produce to the market, while his father tended the land and took care of the livestock. Since he put in all that work, Gramps can come, too.

Beer: I'm going out on a limb here, but I'd guess he'd like a German or Bohemian Pilsener. Just something with that clean, crisp, refreshing lager taste with enough hop presence to add a little floral aromatics and a spicy zing. Granted, he was more of a wine guy as I mentioned, but I'm sure he wouldn't turn down a quality Pils. I'd go with Budweiser Budvar or Victory Prima Pils. Screw it, we'd have time for a pint of each.