Now this is some science we can get behind. The Young Professionals of the South Florida Science Museum are getting a jump on Palm Beach’s 2012-13 social season on September 13 with the Science of Beer and Wine. Partnering with Brewzzi, Palm Beach County’s best brewpub; PRP Wine, the premiere wine-tasting company in the area; and BX Beer Depot, South Florida’s gurus of home brewing, Science of Beer & Wine will be one heck of an educational party.
Guests (21 and older, please) will get a behind-the-scenes look at how beer and wine are made while also learning a lesson in the science and chemistry behind the tipples. Presentations on brewing will show visitors the process in creating a batch of homebrew with tastings to whet the whistle. Museum educators will be on hand to test participants’ IQ with some SFSM drinking games like measuring beer pong trajectory, taste-testing strips to determine the individual's palate for bitter beers and viewing a few optical illusions—beer goggles, anyone? For crafts, what can be better than a DIY beer koozie station—bedazzle the heck out of that thing.
For those looking to test their mettle at some homebrewing, BX Beer Depot will run a beer-brewing experience for the VIPs ($8 additional cost, limited capacity). Fledgling brew masters will take to the boilers and brew up a bottle of beer—class will take about one hour—and will be able to pick it up at BX Beer Depot a few weeks later once fermentation has complete.
For the sweet tooth or those who just like to play with liquid nitrogen, dig into a scoop or two of the liquid nitrogen craft beer and merlot ice cream. Yup, you heard right—craft beer and merlot ice cream. Made with liquid nitrogen, which reaches a downright chilly -195°C (-321°F), the ice cream sets up in about five minutes. The liquid nitrogen completely evaporates, making it safe to eat.
SFSM staff will prepare a chocolate stout ice cream as well as Innis and Gunn beer ice cream, both consisting of heavy whipping cream, half and half, sugar and craft beer (one using a chocolate stout, the other using Scotland’s finest, Innis and Gunn). For the enophile, order up a waffle cone and a scoop of merlot ice cream, rich and velvety with floral notes of vanilla on the nose.
The Science of Beer and Wine will be on tap from 6-9 p.m. with the observatory open until 10 p.m. (lunar phase: waning crescent). Admission is $25 for nonmembers ($20 in advance), $20 for members ($15 in advance). The VIP beer-making experience costs $8; space is limited. For more info, visit sfsm.org or call 561-370-7723. And remember, learn responsibly folks—a taxi is just a phone call away.
