Beer vs. Wine. Mussels vs. Mussels. Michael vs. Greg. Good vs. Evil..well you get the picture. Today Michael has friend and beer expert Greg Bissonette over for a friendly dual of mussels paired with beer and wine. Don’t forget to check back for Part II- “The Battle Continues”!

(Main image credits: wikipeida.org commons: Photograph taken by Mark A. Wilson (Department of Geology, The College of Wooster). [1])

Greg’s Beer Notes:

DuClaw brewery, Mysterium. $8.08 for a growler! Belgian yeast give it a citrus aroma and flavor, though not sweet or tart from citrus. Brewed in traditional Belgian Wit beer style, remains unfiltered which gives yeast suspension in the beer and a cloudy appearance when poured. Nice mouth feel, head which goes away quickly but beer remains carbonated for a while after the pour. 4.8 abv, hallertau hops.

Allagash white beer. Same style, wheat beer but American take on Belgian. Lacks the real pungent citrus of the mysterium, but is a refreshing beer, though kind of bland without the addition of an orange. Remains an unfiltered beer, giving a cloudy appearance when poured. 5.0 abv.

Mike’s Wine Notes:

2007 Glen Manor Sauvignon Blanc (Virginia): $16: Very crisp, citrus notes, sour apple, razor sharp acidity. Nice effort from Virginia! My rating: 86 pts, GV

2005 Riefle Riesling Bonheur Convivial (Alsace, France): $22 Floral, big nose, medium bodied, tropical fruits, apples, great balance. My rating: 88 pts, GV