On Nov. 16, Michael Coomes will host his monthly beer tasting at the Black Swamp Pub at the Bowling Green State University student union beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Coomes, chairman and associate professor in the Department of Higher Education and Student Affairs said he started the beer tasting event almost nine years ago when the Bowen-Thompson Student Union opened. He said one of his former students was named the director of the new student union. When the union opened the Black Swamp Pub shortly after, Coomes spoke with her and suggested the idea of serving a number of craft beers at the pub. The interest in these beers soon evolved into an organized beer tasting that Coomes has hosted ever since.

Coomes said there are lots of people out there that have an interest in a wide variety of beers.

“The beer community is vibrant and this was my way of educating people about some of these craft beers in a social setting,” he said. “We try to expose people to other craft beers.”

Coomes said they expect about 35 to 45 people to come each month for the beer tasting and there is usually a $7-$10 charge to drink.

Often there is a different theme each month, sometimes relative to holidays or seasons. For example, Coomes said next month for the holidays the beer tasting will include a variety of winter lagers and Christmas ales.

Charles Onasch, professor in the geology department at BGSU, said he is a regular attendee at the monthly beer tasting. Onasch said he is an avid home-brewer as well.

The tasting lasts about two hours as people can come in and try a variety of beers that Coomes has selected for the month. Coomes will give a presentation on each beer, discussing distinct characteristics of how they are brewed and how they taste.

Dawn Shores, academic adviser at the university and former student of Coomes, said she enjoys going to the beer tasting for the great social setting it provides. She said it is great for getting together with friends and colleagues and also for learning a little bit about craft beers.

“Coomes is very knowledgeable about beer and I am certainly more educated on microbrews after hearing his presentations,” she said. “We’re not Coors Light drinkers anymore.”

Tags: Andrew Farr, Beer Tasting, BGSU, Michael Coomes

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 10th, 2010 at 11:51 am and is filed under Community, Events, Star.
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