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Tend Coffee in Shirley and Bellport Brewing Co. are teaming up for the second year in a row for pre-Valentine’s Day beer, chocolate and coffee tastings.
The tastings, which include five flights — pairing a special batch of Bellport beer with different Tend dark chocolates and coffees — will be offered on Feb. 8 and Feb. 9 at 8 p.m. at the coffee shop, located at 924 Montauk Hwy.
“We have always been doing a Valentine’s chocolate and coffee [tasting], and people are always looking for something different, and we … try to change it up,” said Susan Kennedy, who opened Tend Coffee in Shirley six years ago.
Regarding this year’s event, she said, “It’s really a sensory experience” that starts out with a tasting lesson, then five separate samplings of the beer — with variations of chocolate and coffee.
“The biggest thing that’s different from a lot other tastings is … we teach you how to taste and what you’re tasting. Like, what are those flavors and what should it taste like?” said Bellport Brewing Co. owner and brewer, Brian Baker.
Both Kennedy, 41, and Baker, 38, have been Moriches residents since 2005.
Tend also makes a cold brew for a seasonal Bellport batch called Fireplace Bay, which Baker described as “a dark, roasty, coffee, milk” stout.
“We offer it around Thanksgiving and it’s usually gone before the end of the year.”
And so are tickets for the tastings next month. Seating is limited to 20 each night at $30 per person. There are two openings left for Feb. 8., with additional seating available Feb. 9.
Each customer gets a gift basket with a 22-ounce bottle of beer and a half pound of coffee.
“We’re excited about this year,” Baker said.
Added Kennedy: “And we have some tricks up our sleeves.”
