Name: LIC Beer Project
Location: Long Island City, NY
Website: http://licbeerproject.com/
What you need to know: LIC Beer Project opened in 2015 with a 20-barrel brewery and taphouse in Long Island City. They began by focusing on farmhouse and spontaneous styles, including the first coolship in the city. As they have adjusted to their customer’s preferences, they are now known more for their hazy IPAs. Their beer has been spotted in DC on occasion, as they have collaborated with 3 Stars, and have been a guest at some of their events. In addition, they have sent some beer into town leading into SAVOR for events at Churchkey and the Partisan, as well as cans for sale at Craft Beer Cellar.
Beer/Food Pairing #1: Higher Burnin’ (IPA / 7% ABV) paired with Shrimp and Grits
Notes/Thoughts: Higher Burnin’ features El Dorado, Belma, and Mosaic hops and four different types of malt. These combine to produce both bright fruit and earthy flavors, with a finish that is mostly dry with just a touch of bitterness. The shrimp and grits pairing makes sense, and should allow some of the malt flavors to shine through, providing a nice counterpoint.
Beer/Food Pairing #2: Coded Tiles (Pale / 5% ABV) paired with Bahn Mi Meatball on Toast with Herb Salad
Notes/Thoughts: Coded Tiles is double dry-hopped with Cascade, Columbus, Simcoe, Citra, and Comet hops, providing plenty of citrus flavors along with some herbal notes, before a clean citrus finish. The pairing should be able to stand up to the dry-hopped beer and hopefully won’t overpower it.
Overall Impressions: LIC Beer Project has been experimenting with a number of different styles since they opened almost four years ago, but their hoppy and hazy creations are their most sought-after beers, and they will be bringing two excellent examples to Savor. They have both been given pairings that should be able to balance with the hops, so there are plenty of good reasons to give either or both of them a chance this year.
