Beer maker Stella Artois hosted “The Art of the Chalice” in the District Thursday evening, at which a mural by No Kings Collective was unveiled incorporating red and white colors that are iconic to both Stella Artois and Washington, D.C. The brewer enlisted local artisans including Belgian cuisine expert Bart Vandaele, glass artists from the McFadden Art Glass Studio and designer No Kings Collective for the event.
“As artists, we are influenced a lot by local culture but also by other artists from across the country so we love that Stella Artois is helping celebrate, cultivate, and connect these local cultures on a national scale,” Brandon Hill and Peter Chang of No Kings Collective said in a statement provided to The Washington Times.
“Paying homage to Washington, D.C., was also an especially fun opportunity,” the artists said. “Often the city is misunderstood as just being a political center – and with all the stereotypes that pop culture portrays. But beyond the capital area, D.C. is a regular city that is full of life, history, and culture. Our job was to show that liveliness mixed with the iconic elements of the Stella Artois brand.”
Beer expert and Master Cicerone Max Bakker was also on hand to educate guests about the Stella Artois Chalice and the brand’s signature Nine Step Pouring Ritual.
“The Chalice is more than just a symbol of our brand – it’s a very carefully and deliberately designed glass, which enhances the appearance, flavor, aroma, and experience of Stella Artois,” Mr. Bakker explained in a statement to The Times.
Mr. Bakker’s Master Cicerone certification is the highest level possible in the Cicerone Certification Program, which he said takes “some pretty serious commitment.”
“The certification recognizes tasting abilities combined with an encyclopedic knowledge of commercial beers including beer styles, draft systems, beer evaluation, brewing technology and beer and food pairings,” he said. “As an Educator for The High End business unit, a division of Anheuser-Busch, I help provide an in-depth knowledge of The High End’s beer portfolio for consumers around the country and beer industry audiences.
“We’ve found that bringing together local artisans is a great way to celebrate the city while also educating people on the importance of the Chalice,” Mr. Bakker said.
• Eric Althoff can be reached at twt@washingtontimes.com.
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