Last week was Valentine’s day. One of my least favorite holidays. One of my favorite places in Eugene is 16 Tons. The two combined for an event featuring beer and desserts.

One of the many reasons I enjoy 16 Tons is the creative and frequent events. This Valentine’s Beer & Food Pairing event is a great example. No tickets and no reservations required on Valentine’s Day?! At $3 a pairing you get just as much as you feel like having. Stopping in before your larger dinner reservations or making a night of it there. You choose. It’s that attitude that makes events like this so great. Not every event has to be the releasing of a new beer or an anual release. Small events that focus on the overall social enjoyment of beer are underrated.

The cafe is on 28th and Willamette. A different feel than the 13th and High tap house. Perfect for an event with a romantic theme.

The pairings featured some big name beers and rich desserts. When Dogfishead, Russian River, and Block 15 are on the menu, it’s a safe bet you are going to have something you like. My favorite pairing had to be the Hazelnut Brown Butter Brownie and Deschutes Black Butte XXIV. At 11% the XXIV can come on strong, but paired with the rich brownie the flavors of each played on the palette without being overwhelming.  Here is the menu they offered.

I very much enjoyed the Block 15 Sticky Hands IPA as well. The event was well very attended. With the small $3 a pairing price tag, there was quite a few couples stopping in for a quick sample or two, before another more secluded plan. The addition of this event to any of the nights plans was sure to make the overall evening feel more full.

Events like this giving craft beer lovers great choices in beer and offering social fun is what 16 Tons does best. If you missed this event be sure to keep your eyes on them for future events. They have them often and with the wide range of creative events they offer, there will be one for you.