Well that is about to change with the launch of Stillwater’s new line called Contemporary Works. Not only does the design get completely flipped on its head, but the beer styles are based on American craft-brewing, something you’d never expect from Stillwater.

“I originally started to be a unique brand, to make beers that didn’t fall into categories,” says Stillwater owner Brian Strumke. “Inevitably, you get put into categories. It became that I just make Belgian-style beers. So I figured the most shocking and progressive thing I could do would be to break down that stereotype.”

The result is three new beers, including a Mono dry-hopped pilsner, a Stereo IPA, and a Surround imperial oak-smoked wheat stout—which will all debut this weekend at Of Love & Regret and at Max’s Belgian Beer Fest.

“These beers are still complex and elegant,” Strumke says. “The Pilsner isn’t typical since it’s dry-hopped with fashionable new-world hops and the stout has this oak-smoked wheat malt.”

The label art, thanks to a collaboration with D.C.-based firm Committee on Opprobriations, is also a stark departure from Stillwater’s original artisanal line—more mid-century modern than trippy old-world.

And next month, Stillwater is debuting three more, including Yacht, a dry-hopped session lager that comes in 16-oz. cans, and two more IPAs.

Strumke says that the past five years have been an adventure. “My frequent flyer miles tell me that a lot has happened,” he laughs. “But I have learned a ton and the business has now proven itself. I’ve succeeded in building the base and now it’s time to branch out.”

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Enter Libation Education at Of Love & Regret, a monthly pairing dinner on the third floor of the Brewer’s Hill bar owned by Stillwater brewer Brian Strumke. Each dinner takes a simple concept (think fire, wood, bitter, smoke) and showcases that element in various spirits, which are paired with five courses of food.

Last month, I got to try it out firsthand at the Libation Education smoke class. Right from the second we sat down, the theme was present: Our pint glasses were turned upside down and, when we lifted them and smelled inside, we were told that they had been pre-smoked with agar wood (Stillwater’s Existent beer was then poured in).

From there, the smoke journey continued as local oysters were paired with Alaska Distillery Smoked Salmon Vodka, which was tastier than you think. (We were told it makes a mean Bloody Mary.) We were also served Dijon Brussel sprouts alongside a Shelton Brothers Monarchy Grodziskie, a Polish oak-smoked wheat beer. Interestingly, the Shelton Brothers are passionate about recreating extinct and traditional styles of brewing.

Other highlights included an Indian Creek Pinot Noir that retained a smokey quality because its grapes survived the 2008 California wildfires (with ricotta gnudi) and finally, and not surprisingly, a white Manhattan with a float of heavily peated Scotch, a Bruichladdich Octomore (with amazing bread pudding).

If it seems like a ton of information packed into one night, it is—and that wasn’t even all of the dishes. Guests leave feeling full, a wee bit buzzed, and like they’ve just gained a new, encyclopedic knowledge of spirits.

Find out for yourself, as Of Love & Regret hosts its next Libation Education tonight. The theme? Earth. To make a reservation, call 410-327-0760.

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