Expert beer knowledge,
minus the snobbery.
If you’re interested in hosting a fun, informative beer tasting or class, Advanced Cicerone® David Nilsen from Dayton, Ohio, can design a program to fit exactly what you and your guests are looking for, whether remotely or in-person.
I’ve been enjoying craft beer for close to two decades, and while I am now an Advanced Cicerone© and award-winning member of the North American Guild of Beer Writers and the British Guild of Beer Writers, I remember how overwhelming the beer world seemed when I was just discovering this wonderful drink. There are so many styles, so many unknown terms, and so much risk of feeling silly if you say the “wrong” thing in front of the wrong beer geek.
Beer is supposed to be fun, whether you’re an expert who likes to talk about rare hop varietals and obscure yeast strains or a newbie who doesn’t know your Pilsner from your Pale Ale. When I lead tastings and classes, I make sure no one feels intimidated or embarrassed because of their level of familiarity with beer, while making sure everyone leaves knowing more about beer than when they started.
My wife and I have traveled all over the world for great beer, and I want you to love it as much as we do. Check out the services I offer, and consider incorporating a beer tasting into your next event.
David is a professional writer covering food, beverage, and travel, with particular emphases on craft beer and craft chocolate. He is an award-winning member of the North American Guild of Beer Writers and the British Guild of Beer Writers, and his beer writing appears in numerous regional, national, and international publications. Looking for a beer writer for your publication, or to create copy for your brewery or other establishment? Get in touch!
Tastings, classes, and pairing events can be tailored to be exactly what you’re looking for. David can lead one-time tastings of varied length, or work with you to plan a series of classes or events. Potential themes include beers from particular countries, style groupings, beer ingredients, beer and food pairings, or any number of other possibilities. Let’s talk!
Beer is the most complex, varied adult beverage in the world. There are hundreds of hop varieties, types of malt, and yeast strains, and countless adjustments brewers can make during the brewing process. These influences come together to create a drink that is as diverse and layered as the cultural and national traditions from which our beer styles originate and continue to evolve. Sip a sour, funky Oude Kriek and you’re in a centuries-old stone cellar in Belgium. Drink a crisp and toasty Märzen and you’re in a sun-dappled beer garden in Germany. Taste a fruited Chicha in Peru and explore a range of flavors you never knew existed. Beer has endless possibilities.
David offers writing services and both plug-and-play and customizable in-person and virtual event services. Browse these possible offerings below, and click “More” in each category to see these options in greater detail.
• Guided beer tastings
• Beer education classes
• Service staff beer education
• Beer pairings & dinners
• Virtual beer tastings
• In-home or -establishment beer tastings
• Beer appreciation & history talks
• Library & community classes
• Beer education classes
• Virtual beer events
More info on in-person, virtual, library, or conference events
• Beer journalism
• Food & travel journalism
• Craft chocolate journalism
• Podcast appearances
• Beer judging
Looking for something else? Contact David to inquire about other possibilities
Pairing Beer & Chocolate: A Guide to Bringing the Flavors of Craft Beer and Craft Chocolate Together is written by the host of the popular Bean to Barstool beer and chocolate podcast, and is the only guide of its type available today.
You can order Pairing Beer & Chocolate here.
Beer and chocolate can pair beautifully together, but knowing which beer styles to pair with which types of chocolate can get confusing. Pairing Beer & Chocolate explains the basics of beer and chocolate, talks about how to taste them together, and then walks through dozens of beer styles to provide style by style guidance for pairing with craft chocolate. It concludes with a guide to how to host your own beer and chocolate pairing at home.
David’s expertise has long been apparent in his writing and podcasting, and it’s beautifully distilled in Pairing Beer & Chocolate, resulting in beer and chocolate education that is fun, accessible, and approachable for all.
If you are looking for an event that is interesting, unique, and educational, David is your guy! We’ve held three classes at our library so far, and I have been so impressed each time at the level of knowledge he is able to share with our patrons. From serious home brewers to casual beer drinkers, his programs appeal to everyone!
In addition to his role as a beer writer & educator, David is passionate about bean to bar chocolate. The Bean to Barstool podcast uses craft beer & bean to bar chocolate as lenses for exploring the world of flavor. You can listen on all major podcast platforms, or on the Bean to Barstool website, where you can also learn about David’s writing & event services around beer & chocolate.
You can also check out the Bean to Barstool blog for interviews with brewers and chocolate makers, pairing tips, and more!
David is the author of Pairing Beer & Chocolate: A Guide to Bringing the Flavors of Craft Beer and Craft Chocolate Together. This 110-page paperback provides everything you need to create amazing beer and chocolate pairings, including style-by-style pairing recommendations and guidance on hosting a pairing of your own. You can order it on the Bean to Barstool shop or on Amazon.
Alongside Melinda Guerra, David has founded and edits the quarterly Final Gravity beer zine. Learn more here.
David Nilsen 