Food News – September 2012

We begin this month with a scientific quest to create the perfect Irish coffee, as you do. The Science of Cocktails will see chemist and mixologist Noel Jackson attempt to answer the burning questions on the lips of the world’s scientists: Why exactly is Glen’s vodka so grim? Are whisky snobs onto something with their ‘water or ice, but not both’ gubbins? Is that a spiegeltent mirror, or someone who really really looks like me? Oh, there are six cocktails involved in the ticket price. Should’ve said that earlier... Fri 7 Sep, 8pm, King’s Lawn, University of Aberdeen, £20.

Time for a momentary break from the boozing for Blasda, the annual celebration of local Scottish food. The Glasgow Local Food Network are joining in with an afternoon of workshops, stalls, and tastings at the Briggait, while the Edinburgh gang are running a similar event at the Drill Hall in Leith. An ideal opportunity to ingratiate yourself with the local food community, the days are capped by evening feasts packed with local organic ingredients, and ceilidhs at which to mortally embarass yourself in front of foody types. Sat 15 Sep, Briggait, 141 Bridgegate / Sun 16 Sep, Drill Hall, 30 Dalmeny St.

It’s back onto the sauce for the remainder of this month’s Food News, as the Glasgow Beer Week brings a whole host of malty events into our lives. First up, it’s everyone’s favourite iconoclastic north-eastern hooch merchants, Brewdog. They’re hosting a all-day live brewing session in their Argyle St bar, with experts on hand to ask questions and sort you out with a refreshing beverage while you take in the hot fermenting action. Sat 8 Sep, BrewDog, 1397 Argyle St.

Next up, a relaxing walk around Glasgow. This is no ordinary walk though, as it’s all about making a tasty beer. Beers Made By Walking is inspired by similar projects in America, and is a walkabout designed to find local plant life that can be used to put together a unique Glasgow beer. There will be local foraging experts on hand to make sure nobody accidentally puts broken glass or dog poo in the beer. Sun 9 Sep, start venue TBC.

Finally, it’s time for a trip to the Death Star. OK, not quite, but it’s a rare chance for a glimpse behind the scenes at Tennent’s famous Wellpark brewery. Talk to the master brewers, marvel at the size of the equipment, and put on your best ‘tasting face’ when offered a sip of a drink you’ve had hundreds of times before. Tue 11 Sep, 8pm, register at info@glasgowbeerweek.com