I arrived at the Drafting Room early one evening to make sure I secured a seat front and center for the action (directly in front of the taps). I knew the Drafting Room was going to pack in craft beer lovers, especially since they were showcasing Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
The bartenders on the scene, Heather and Caitlin, made sure my stay was comfortable and soda was filled as I waited for the taps to changeover. I wasn’t the only one waiting in anticipation, a stream of customers poured in to see if the event had already began. Sure, they could have started the event earlier, but the Drafting Room’s staff are rock stars about to put on a solid show. So when 6:30 hit, right on the nose, the first Brux Domesticated Wild Ale was poured.
“What can I get you?” Heather asked me. Yikes! Game time and I didn’t know where to begin. How did that happen? I decided to start off with the Brux Domesticated Wild Ale, a collaborative effort from Sierra Nevada and Russian River Brewing Company. It was highly recommended from a number of people including Heather.
The Brux, noted as a dry and complex Belgian ale, was right up my alley. Citric aromas hit my nose to compliment its golden body of amber. Following the scent was a balanced level of spiciness, hops and crisp flavor. All in all, I found the Brux very approachable and a good start to the evening.
Not too longer after the event kicked off, people flocked from the floor to the bar, the number one choice being the Floral IPA. Flights were ordered, beers were sampled, and delicious Sierra Nevada beers were had. I knew with business picking up, I should probably order a nice assortment from the list.
Now, I’ve had the Pale Ale from Sierra Nevada numerous times and every fall season, I make sure to sample their Tumbler Autumn Brown Ale, but I was looking to try some rare finds tonight, and the Drafting Room had them stocked! My flight samples consisted of the Imperial Pilsner, Imperial Red, the Oatmeal Stout and yes, the Tumbler, but I couldn’t resist.
Here’s the roster (and in no particular order other than what was on the board):
- Sierra Nevada/Russian River Brux
- Sierra Nevada Imperial Red
- Sierra Nevada Oatmeal Stout
- Sierra Nevada Floral IPA
- Sierra Nevada Imperial Pilsner
- Sierra Nevada Ovila Dubbel
- Sierra Nevada Tumbler Autumn Brown Ale
- Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA
- Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
The night didn’t stop at awesome beer selections. The Drafting Room recently added a number of fantastic new menu choices to an already awesome menu. What great timing to partake in a stellar Tap Takeover! Again, I didn’t know where to begin, but I knew I could count on the staff to help me with this dilemma, and what a good dilemma to have.
Heather gave me a rundown of the latest additions and recommended I try the Stuffed Dates. I was a little hesitant at first, never having tried dates before, but once I saw they were stuffed with goat cheese, well, I was pretty much sold from there. Anything with goat cheese is a win in my book.
These bite-sized delicacies were laid across the plate of drizzled balsamic vinaigrette and chive oil, giving it the well deserved presentation. The dates may have been bite sized, but were jam packed with flavor to savor. It was a combination I didn’t think would work, stuffing them with Serrano ham and goat cheese, but they sure knocked it out of the park!
I also made sure to try the Marieke Aged Gouda, another one of their latest additions. This plate came with slices of bread and a portion of honey. When you’re trying to denote attention to a variety of beer samples, it’s good to give your palate a break. This was the pause button I needed before I got back to the beers.
And just when you think you had it made with delicious menu items to pair with your beer, comes the free giveaways! Brewery Representative, Jason Cassidy, made his way around the room with Sierra Nevada key chains, raffle tickets and, get ready people, Sierra Nevada lip balm. This was no run of the mill chap stick. Yes, very minty, but this had an extra level of Sierra Nevada flair, with Cascade Hops included in the ingredients.
My time at the event was almost at an end. I was able to dive into the Drafting Room’s latest menu, sample Sierra Nevada’s many great styles, but to truly tap this takeover, I walked out with a prize winning Sierra Nevada t-shirt. After a full night of great service, tasty beers and delicate cheeses, I didn’t need a prize winning tee to feel like a winner. Then again, it sure was nice to leave the Drafting Room in style.
Find Drafting Room at 635 North Pottstown Pike in Exton, or online at draftingroom.com.
Photographs credited to Kevin Dragone.
