How to Host the Perfect Coopers Tasting Party – Pairings for Your Devil’s Half Ruby Porter

Hosting a beer tasting party is a fantastic way to bring friends together, especially when featuring the distinct, rich flavour of Thomas Coopers Devil’s Half Ruby Porter. 

Here’s your guide to setting up the perfect Coopers tasting party, complete with pairing ideas to make your gathering unforgettable.

Setting Up the Perfect Tasting Atmosphere

1. Keep it Cosy: The deep, smooth character of a ruby porter pairs well with a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Opt for warm lighting, a playlist of laid-back tunes, and a few comfy seating areas.
2. Serve at the Right Temperature: Chill your Devil’s Half Ruby Porter to around 8–12°C (46–54°F) for the best flavour. This temperature range brings out its chocolate and toffee notes while keeping the fruity hops in balance.
3. Create a Tasting Station: Set up a tasting station with Coopers glassware, tasting cards, and small sample portions of the porter. Encourage guests to make notes on what they taste, picking up hints of chocolate, subtle bitterness, and the rich, creamy texture.

Pairing Ideas for Devil’s Half Ruby Porter

The dark, smooth qualities of Devil’s Half Ruby Porter make it a versatile pairing beer. Here are some pairing ideas to try at your party:

1. Rich Cheeses:

   • Why it works: Creamy blue cheeses and aged cheddar pair beautifully with the porter’s chocolatey, malty base. The cheese’s tangy, salty profile balances the beer’s rich, roasted flavour.
   • Serving Tip: Offer small cheese boards with dried figs, nuts, and a drizzle of honey to elevate the experience.

2. BBQ Meats:

   • Why it works: The smoky, caramelised flavours of BBQ (think ribs or smoked brisket) complement the porter’s toffee notes. Together, they create a smoky-sweet harmony that’s sure to be a hit.
   • Serving Tip: Slice meats into tasting portions or make mini sliders for easy sampling.

3. Dark Chocolate Desserts:

   • Why it works: The chocolate notes in the porter make it a natural companion for rich, dark chocolate desserts like brownies, truffles, or a flourless chocolate cake.
   • Serving Tip: Set up a dessert tray with bite-sized pieces so guests can sample while sipping.

4. Charcuterie Board:

   • Why it works: Cured meats, such as salami or prosciutto, bring a savoury, salty contrast to the beer’s sweet maltiness. A few pickles and olives add a refreshing counterpoint.
   • Serving Tip: Pair cured meats with crusty bread, whole-grain mustard, and pickled vegetables for a tasting experience that’s varied and satisfying.

5. Spicy Foods:

   • Why it works: The maltiness of the porter cools down spicy flavours, creating a smooth pairing. Think spicy pulled pork, hot wings, or a spicy bean dip.
   • Serving Tip: Keep the spice level balanced; a little heat goes a long way with the richness of the ruby porter.

Hosting Tips for a Fun Coopers Tasting Party

1. Create Tasting Cards: Give each guest a tasting card to jot down flavour notes, food pairings they enjoyed, and favourite combinations. This adds an interactive touch and lets everyone remember what they loved most.

2. Plan a “Cheers” Moment: Start the evening with a toast to your guests and the flavours ahead! A brief intro on the Devil’s Half Ruby Porter’s history and flavour profile is a nice way to kick off.

Want to make it yourself? this robust, ruby-tinted porter, available at Strathalbyn H Hardware, stop on by and pick yourself a tin and get brewing.