Battle of the sexes: Beer in his mug, wine in her glass

Sam Calagione is Beer Guy - a very trim and fit Beer Guy, seeing how he puts the suds away. Marnie Old is Wine Woman - also trim, delivering sonnets about chenin blanc and arias over rosé.

Calagione owns Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in Milton, Del. Old is a Center City sommelier, consultant and director of wine studies at Manhattan's French Culinary Institute.

"Beer is more primal," he says, between sips.

"With wine, it's all about the acidity," she says, expertly swishing her glass at Restaurant XIX atop the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue. "Nothing can compare to its taste and diversity."

It's a Dogfish and pinot show.

Their act, perfected over five years, 20 drink-off dinners, and now the book He Said Beer, She Said Wine (Dorling Kindersley, $25), is pairing wines and beers with specific foods and judging which beloved libation is the winner.


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