What more could you ask for on a Friday night than great beer and fantastic food?

This is exactly what guests were able to partake in at The Wooster Inn last Friday as part of a special beer tasting hosted by the Thirsty Dog Brewing Company.

For only $30, guests sampled six different beers from the Ohio-based company and indulged in a wide variety of appetizers. With such a great combination of beer and food this event was sure to be a hit, and The Inn did not disappoint.

This casual event started off with owner of the Thirsty Dog Brewing Company, John Najeway, introducing each beer that patrons would be drinking throughout the night. Each beer was unique in flavor and most could only be found in limited quantities.

There were only 13 kegs ever made of the first beer we sampled, which was a Bourbon Barrel beer. Najeway also informed us that, unlike most other Bourbon Barrel beers that are only aged in the barrel, this one was also fermented inside the barrel, giving it quite a different flavor.

Another beer we tasted had just been released in Ohio and was only distributed to two different restaurants, the Winking Lizard and The Wooster Inn. Other beers sampled included a Whippet Wheat, two different Bourbon Barrel Siberians, and a Christmas Ale, all of which were unfiltered.

While the beer was sensational, the food was also amazing. Guests were able to try a variety of food from the Wooster Inn’s chef, including items like mini hot dogs with whole grain mustard sauce, herb cream cheese stuffed mushrooms, breaded pickles and cheese-stuffed pretzel bites.

When I first stepped into the dining room, the sight of fresh fruit and a cheese platter caught my attention right away.

The food was delicious and the chef even came out of the kitchen to talk to guests and myself about the dinner he had prepared.

The event was well-organized and prepared, and while Ken Bogucki, executive chef and general manager of The Inn, and Chris Bogucki, beverage manager, told me that the event was very casual, they never once dropped the ball.

Both Boguckis continually conversed with their guests and checked on the status of their meals.† Najeway and his team, which included every individual who brews beer for the company, were at the event talking with guests and sharing their vast knowledge of beer. One of the brewers, Mitch Ackerman, is even a Wooster native.

The atmosphere of the event was amazing, as the owner of the Thirsty Dog Brewing Company and both Ken and Chris Bogucki were all incredibly friendly and relaxed and made sure that those at the tasting were having a great time.

While the event ran smoothly and the food and beer all tasted delicious, not many College of Wooster students attended.

Marguerite McClain ’11 and Erica Morgan ’11 were very excited about the event and commented on the fact that the dinner and beer tasting were extremely inexpensive. Guests were able to sample a wide variety of food and beer for only $30.

While the atmosphere at the event was very relaxed and laid back, The Wooster Inn and the Thirsty Dog Brewing Company put together a great event for members of the local community to enjoy.

Guests were able to taste unique beers paired with great food for a very inexpensive cost.

The friendly and outgoing general manager, beverage manager and brewers all added to the amazing experience, guaranteeing a fantastic time for all who attended.