Pat Sharp, from Grand Rapids, has joined the staff at Laura Alberts as beer tender for Wednesday night’s Growler Hour and special event beer dinners. Pat attended Winthrop College and moved to Charleston to become part of the craft beer movement. He is a passionate beer taster open to trying anything. Pat adds, “That’s what is great about the craft beer revolution; there is always something new and different to try.” Pat comes to Laura Alberts from Grapevine Wine Shop and Wine Bar in the Village of Baxter near Fort Mill, South Carolina. The flavor profiles of craft beer are as diverse now as those of wine. The beertender is comparable to a sommelier leading the consumer to the beer that best matches his palate.

Lucy, Rosé of Pinot Noir 

Lucy is the little sister to Lucia. The Rosé is made by allowing the grape juice to sit on the Pinot Noir skins for a couple days. After picking up enough color, the juice is drained from the grape skins into barrels, where it ferments. The short skin contact results in a wine that is lighter in color and lighter on the palate. A perfect picnic wine, Lucy’s essence of Pinot Noir and fresh acidity also allow for pairings with a variety of dishes throughout the seasons. 

One dollar of every bottle of Lucy sold is donated to breast cancer research 

Tasting Notes: 

The 2009 Lucy Rosé of Pinot Noir carries a very pretty color reminiscent of a near-ripe strawberry. The nose boasts exuberant watermelon and wild strawberry/raspberry notes. On the palate, the wine is dry but flavorful with a peach character and a crisp, mouthwatering finish. 

Get the Vintage & Winemaking Specs on Lucy

This Thursday, local chocolatier, Eric Battles, founder of Sweeteeth will join forces with wine expert, Richard Pogue of Carolina Wine Source to walk us through a decadent pairing of wine & chocolate! 6 Chocolates, 6 Wines

7:00pm $25 per person. Wine Club members join us Free. 

More info on the event coming soon!

Goodness! The truck just showed up with some STELLAR / UBER-RARE beer.  Get ‘em while they hot!

Coronado Islander Pale Ale (IPA)

From the website: “Coronado island , aka “The Crown City” has a hidden jewel: our Islander IPA. Brewed within a mile of the pacific ocean this west coast IPA sweeps the senses with its intense hop bitterness, complex flavors and aromas. The Islander IPA pours a nice copper color with a medium body and maltiness. Silver medal winner at the 2007 L.A. County fair. (7% ABV)”

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Coronado Idiot Pale Ale

Commercial Description: “Brewed with 8 different hops and dry hopped with whole cone cascades. Its more powerful than our Islander IPA and even the most intelligent have become “idiot” after a few pints of this super hopped up beer!”

From the website: “The CBC Idiot IPA is an all natural India Pale Ale. A big beer with an 8.5% ABV and brewed with over 3 pounds of hops per barrell. Watch out, this unfiltered “San Diego IPA” has been known to reduce even the most intelligent to a blithering “idiot”. (8.5% ABV)”

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Ommegang Belgian-style Pale Ale

Commercial Description: “This fine pale ale has citrus and tropical fruit aromatic shared with a well-balanced – yet abundant – hop character. It uses our own Belgian yeast, five malts, two hops, and plenty of patience. Finishing touches include dry-hopping with Cascade hops and warm-cellaring.”

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Ommegang Tripel Perfection

Commercial Description: “Tripel Perfection. An audacious claim based on three years work at happily perfecting our take on a tripel. 8.9% ABV, lush aromas, full body, elegant tastes – with a hint of spicing – and a perfect body paired with lively effervescence.
The tripel is among the most popular of Belgian ales. Brewed with simple ingredients and fierce attention, there is little room for error, but plenty of opportunity. Perfection isn’t easily achieved – but once achieved it is always memorable.”

 Thursday, May 20th at a 7:00 beer reception and 7:30 dinner seating. Steve Hindy, Co-Founder of Brooklyn Brewery, will be here to showcase his specialty beers from his top notch brewery.  Our Executive Chef, Matt Brigham, will pair these delicious beers with a four course dinner. For a look at just what a beer dinner entails click HERE.  Check out reviews of past beer dinners HERE.  

Reception

$45 pp plus tax and gratuity. As usual this event will sell out, so book your reservations soon! Call 881-4711.

New to our chocolate lineup, Sweeteeth of Charleston specializes in crafting artisan chocolates using only traditional handcrafted techniques. The local operation is devoted to the production of finely crafted truffles and chocolate bars. The emphasis is on high quality chocolate couverture, innovative flavor pairings and fine craftsmanship.

Now in stock:

Selections will change weekly. For more info, visit Sweeteeth