Class is in session at WVRST on King west for the next few weeks and it’s not your typical weekday school-sesh. The German-style beer hall meets miniature beerfest atmosphere – with is long communal benches, liter steins and exotic sausage counter – is teaming up with local breweries and playing host to some pretty sweet sausage and beer pairing lessons.

Last week Flying Monkeys craft brewery, situated on Barrie’s waterfront, broke the seal and gave the first beer and sausage tutorial. Class started off – as it always should – with a brew of choice, and was enjoyed while the guys from Flying Monkeys gave an informative run-through of the history, essential ingredients and basics of brewing beer.

Throughout the pairings we were given descriptions of beer types, tasting tips and explanations of the brewing process for each of the four beers we tasted. Note taking, questions and feedback was encouraged, and with a ‘classroom’ size of eighteen, the setting was intimate and made for an optimal learning environment, for both the ale laymen and self proclaimed beer-nerd. Each beer sample, which went from lightest to heaviest (and included a cask-made Hoptical Illusion) was accompanied by a type of sausage; I’m talkin’ venison, boerewors, rabbit, and guinea fowl – all with awesome spices and other tasty additions, like a side of wicked curry-ketchup that should be put in everything.

Don’t let their wacky labels and funky website mislead you; Flying Monkeys brews some serious beer. Smashbomb and Hoptical Illusion are both goodies for you hop addicts out there and I seriously recommend you try the Netherworld Cascadian Dark Ale for the satisfying roasty maltiness, that bitter hop-kick you crave, and its slightly higher alcohol content (6%).

The beer industry is hopping (pun intended) and its relationship with food is becoming more complex as we see an increase in craft breweries and beer styles on the market. It would be worth it to take a class or two. For 25$ it’s a pretty decent night: it’s fun, it’s informative and for chrissakes if beer and sausage won’t get you out, I don’t know what will. Check the WVRST website for class times and scheduled brewers, but hurry they may all already be sold out. Room or not though, if you’re in Toronto, it’s a place worth checking out; go for the sausage and stay for the great beer selection.

Beer and sausage: A valuable degree.