Tasting Session Hits the Roof

Workers at Birmingham's iconic Fort Dunlop were treated to a preview of the city's Taste of Birmingham show - with beer and cheese tasting on the rooftop.

Celebrity TV chef Alan Coxon hosted the session with Dr George Philliskirk, chief executive of The Beer Academy, and gave an informative talk about matching Marston's beers with Snowdonia cheeses that compliment the flavours.

The event was held to promote Taste of Birmingham, an annual celebration of the country's finest producers.

Dr Philliskirk said: "Both beer and cheese have a real diversity of flavours from delicate, mild tones through to more intense, powerful flavours. Working with Marston's portfolio of beers on this is ideal as they have a wide range of different flavours that makes it ideal to compliment the various cheeses. I've held a few of these sessions in my time, but never from 120ft up in the air - it certainly was an experience."

Taste of Birmingham will be held in Cannon Hill Park 16-18 July where both Marston's Beer Company and Snowdonia Cheese will have display stands.

Beer and cheeses matched by Alan and George

Banks's mild, the deeply traditional low-hopped ale, with Green Thunder, a mature cheddar with garlic & garden herbs

Hobgoblin, iconic charms and firm, caramel tinted body with Red Devil, a Red Leicester cheese with chillies & crushed pepper.

Marston's Pedigree, bursting with juicy tangy hops, with Little Black Bomber extra mature and hyper tangy cheddar.

Brakspear Triple, brimming with luxurious christmas pudding flavours, with Bouncing Berry mature whie cheddar with juicy cranberries. 

Created: 12th July 2010