Expert beer knowledge,
minus the snobbery.
If you’re interested in hosting a fun, informative beer tasting or class, whether by itself or as part of your next event or festival, Certified Cicerone® David Nilsen can design a program to fit exactly what you and your guests are looking for.
I’ve been enjoying craft beer for more than a decade, and while I am now a Certified Cicerone and professional beer writer and educator, 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 place for great beer (including a couple of wonderful trips to Belgium), 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.
Beer is the most complex, varied adult beverage in the world. There are hundreds of hop varieties and types of malt and numerous 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 originated. Sip a sour, funky Oude Kriek and you’re in a centuries-old stone cellar in Belgium. Taste a crisp and toasty Märzen and you’re in a sun-dappled beer garden in Germany. Beer has endless possibilities.
David is a professional writer, and while much of his writing is about books and film (he is a National Book Critics Circle member), he writes a lot about beer too! He is a regular contributor to Craftbeer.com, PorchDrinking, Indiana on Tap, and Dayton City Paper’s beer section. Looking for a beer writer for your publication, or to provide beer descriptions for you beer menu, event, or website? 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, similar styles, beer ingredients, or any number of other possibilities. Let’s talk!
David Nilsen creates an inviting atmosphere for everyone, from the novice beer drinker to the experienced home brewer. With each class focused on a specific theme, David takes our patrons through the history and science of each beer with an ease that engages everyone and provides them with a desire to learn more.
David Nilsen is an engaging teacher whose classes are informative and fun. His knowledge is deep and his ability to translate it with ease and grace means I leave every session with a more precise beer vocabulary. All of this without feeling like I’ve just been bludgeoned with a beer encyclopedia. Highly recommended!
