Ultimate 6er | Star Trek: The Next Generation
Cover Photo Courtesy StarTrek.com
The world of Star Trek: The Next Generation is nearly utopian. It is a post-scarcity world, where war, famine, and disease have been almost completely wiped out on Earth. People are free to pursue any profession they please, without the pressure of making ends meet. This leads to a boom in cultural and technological advancements.
In the mid-24th century, an intrepid group of explorers will board the most technologically advanced ship in the fleet and set off in search of new peoples and new scientific phenomena. The crew of the Enterprise all bring something to the table. They are diplomats, engineers, scientists, and (when need be) warriors.
“Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no one has gone before.” – Captain Jean-Luc Picard, U.S.S. Enterprise
On their adventures, most of the crew take plenty of much-needed rest and relaxation between missions. They play out their fantasies on the Holodeck, exercise, join dramatic and musical clubs, and have drinks in the Enterprise’s bar, Ten Forward.
These are the voyages of Star Trek’s characters… as they belly up to the bar.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard
Red & White | Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
The stoic captain of the Entrerprise is the ideal Starfleet officer. He is a skilled diplomat, an amateur archaeologist, and (when absolutely necessary) a cunning warrior. While on duty, he is likely to order “Tea. Earl Grey. Hot.” from the food replicator in his ready room. If he ever took a long enough break from work to enjoy a book and an ale in his quarters, that brew would be Dogfish Head’s Red & White. This beer is a Belgian-style Wit fermented with Pinot Noir juice. A portion of the batch is then oak-aged and blended back in with the rest. When married together, the oaky notes and complexity of red wine and the refreshing, citrusy notes of a Wit create a nostalgic beverage, which harkens memories of Captain Picard’s childhood on the family Vineyard in France.
Commander William Riker
Go To IPA | Stone Brewing Co.
William T. Riker takes his role as First Officer seriously, but always makes sure to leave ample time for socialization and recreation. While off duty, he can be found enjoying a beverage in Ten Forward (the Enterprise’s bar) or playing poker with the senior staff. Jovial by nature but always ready for action, Riker’s craft beer of choice would be Stone Go To IPA. This beer has the fruity, piney hop bite of a much bigger beer, but, at only 4.8% ABV, it keeps the dashing Commander fit to deal with any emergency that the ship might encounter.
Doctor Beverly Crusher
90 Shilling Ale | Odell Brewing Co.
The ship’s compassionate and highly skilled Chief Medical Officer also doubles as the de facto drama and dance instructor. Her classmates at Starfleet Academy didn’t call her “The Dancing Doctor” for nothing! Because of Beverly Crusher’s Scottish ancestry, she would probably gravitate towards Odell’s 90 Shilling Ale. This copper-colored ale, named for the old Scottish method of beer taxation, is smooth and refreshing. The bready flavors and light malt sweetness make for easy drinking, while the mild hop bite leaves you wanting more. This is the perfect beer for the doctor to have after a long day of surgery (or rehearsals).
Counselor Deanna Troi
Shakedown | Starr Hill Brewery
The Enterprise’s half-Betazoid counselor is an empath, which allows her to sense the emotions of anyone in the vicinity. This doesn’t just come in handy during therapy sessions but also during diplomatic and first contact missions. When she’s looking to unwind, Troi loves nothing more than a hot fudge sundae. Knowing that, it is easy to surmise that her perfect craft beer would be Shakedown from Starr Hill Brewery. This Imperial Stout brings chocolate sweetness and tart cherry notes to the table, along with the richness and complexity of roasted malts. You wouldn’t need to be a Betazoid to sense her satisfaction!
Lieutenant Worf
Warrior IPA | Honor Brewing Co.
The Enterprise’s Tactical Officer and Chief of Security is a Klingon. This warrior race values honor and glory in battle above all else. Worf may have been raised by humans, but he still holds onto the traditions of his native people. Although Worf typically orders prune juice (A warrior’s drink!) or Klingon Bloodwine, his craft beer selection would be Warrior IPA from Honor Brewing Company. The bold hop-forward flavor would please the adventurous palate of a Klingon, and the fact that the brewery is Veteran-owned would surely please him.
Guinan
Hefeweissbier Dunkel | Weihenstephan
The long-lived alien who tends the bar in Ten Forward is a bit of a mystery. She has had numerous husbands, she spent some time on Earth during Mark Twain’s lifetime, and her planet was destroyed by the Borg. She can perceive changes in the flow of time, and always has the captain’s ear. Guinan would deeply appreciate the nearly 1000 years of tradition and brewing wisdom behind Weihenstephan Hefeweissbier Dunkel. This Hefeweizen has a fruity sweetness and banana notes, as well as some caramel flavor from the darker malts. For all we know, Guinan was there when they brewed the first batch!
Bonus: Lieutenant Commander Data
Data will have whatever you are having. The Enterprise’s android Second Officer doesn’t require food or drink, and does not perceive taste in the same way as his organic crew mates. He will, however, often eat or drink in social situations, in order to simulate humanity and put others at ease.
Special thanks to Junaid Dawud of The Trail Show podcast for tweeting me through a little writers block. We had some great nerd talk, and this piece would have never gotten finished without him!
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