Think for a moment about what it is that you love about beer? For me its the 'whole enchilada'. (Texan slang for everything about it.) I love the taste, the diversity, the irreverence and the fellowship.

For me the taste and diversity of beer go hand-in-hand - the malty sweetness of an English Pale Ale (think Old Speckled Hen) or the over-the-top hoppiness of an American Imperial India Pale Ale (think Victory Hop Wallop). Also, I can't wait for the coffee/mocha/bitterness of a Russian Imperial Stout. And on a hot day outside the crisp, refreshing coolness of a Kolsch or Lager. If experimenting with any of these styles it's best to enjoy the lightest beer first and the darkest beer last. Hard to taste the smooth complexities of a pale ale after sipping a dark, bitter porter.

With names like Rogue's Dead Guy Ale and Unibroue's Maudite (translates to Damned) you have to appreciate the irreverence in naming many beers. Flying Dog's Doggie Style Pale Ale and In Heat Wheat are a couple of other fine examples of the tongue-in-cheekness of the craft beer industry. Most craft breweries began when someone who had enjoyed brewing beer at home took their passion to the professional level; people who walked away from careers in medicine, engineering, sales, etc. to chase their dream of serving great beer to their friends and customers. So, no more suits, ties, and meetings just overalls and wading boots and dry-hopping their lastest creation.

Now, I'm not saying I'm above enjoying a beer alone because I have on many occassions. However, another great thing about beer is the time spent in fellowship with others who appreciate a fine beer. Many times I've saved a great bottle of beer (one I've spent way too much money on) to share with friends. Just think of all the great memories from backyard barbecues, golf trips, and ski trips all served up with a cold craft beer.

As an ending I must describe what has been an amazing beer week. I've tasted several of the hard-to-find or limited release beers over the past few days. If you haven't had these go and find them soon. All of them are available, or soon will be, in Texas. You won't be disappointed.

Roque (Oregon) Double Dead Guy and Santa's Private Reserve
Cisco (Nantucket) The Grey Lady and Whale's Tail Pale Ale
Effes (Turkey)
Flying Dog (Maryland) Double Dog Pale Ale
Sierra Nevada (California) Celebration - saved it from last holiday season
Old Speckled Hen (England)

I would be remiss without mentioning a few of my own homebrews:
Downtown Brown
2-Bagger (a Belgian dubbel)
Simcoe Pale Ale (very piney hops)

Anyway, enough ramblings for today. I'll post again soon so stay in touch.

Cheers!
Blake