Regular World of Beer readers will know that I am no stranger to the idea of pairing ice cream and beer - in fact, I'm a fierce advocate - but even I couldn't have predicted the outstanding success of a pairing recently enjoyed.
The place was the home of Geoff and Marcy Larson, founders of the Alaskan Brewing Company in Juneau. We had just finished dining on a crab feast so large that eight people had barely managed to put a dent in the supply when Marcy announced that dessert was to follow. I was on the edge of declining when I heard her ask Geoff sotto voce if he would get some dessert beer. At that point I resolved to find some room in my very full stomach for at least a taste of whatever was to come.
What I was presented with was a simple bowl of vanilla ice cream which I was invited to dress up with some raspberries in juice and 1997 vintage Alaskan Smoked Porter. I admit to some skepticism as I combined the three - I had never tried or even thought to try smoked beer on ice cream - but the result was magnificent. The smokiness of the beer picked up the sweetness of the fruit and ice cream superbly, creating a taste that was not only delicious but also acted ideally as a digestif.
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