A couple of weeks ago, Relativity Project held their first event, The Science of Beer, at 2% Jazz Midtown. The event, which sold out fairly quickly, was an intimate yet relaxed event, with a great energy throughout.
Jeff Wright, event organizer manned the bar serving a variety of light, sessionable beers along with with a selection of wine, but the showstopper was a fantastic beer cocktail consisting of bourbon, orange juice, and Driftwood Brewing’s White Bark witbier. 2% Jazz provided a wide range of hors d’oeuvres, including an amazing combination of bacon jam and brie, which paired amazingly well with the lighter hoppiness of Phillips Brewing Pilsner and Central City’s Red Racer India Session Ale.
Interactive workstations allowed guests to experience the event with more of a hands-on feeling. One workstation tested the effect acoustics can play on flavour, by trying beer while listening to varying tones and sounds, while another challenged attendees to try to find the best balance of sugar, water and yeast to produce as much carbon dioxide as possible to inflate a balloon.
Finally, the keynote speakers brought the evening together for the final portion. Dr. Euan Thomson of Phillips Brewing balanced wit and experience while discussing the role yeast plays in beer and how scientific improvements in the selection, preservation, and life cycles of certain yeast strains has led to better resulting beer. Dr. Fraser Hof, meanwhile, had the whole room bursting with laughter which sounds odd since he was discussing scientific advances in biochemistry that started off as cancer research and have translated over to brewing sciences as well.
Overall, the learning experience was worth it on its own, but the social and interactive aspects made the night. Keep an eye out for future events from Relativity Project, as they are sure not to disappoint.