It is true that I did not write a post to ring in the official holiday drinking season. Yes, it starts on Halloween. Think about it. When Halloween hits, all bets are off.
It quickly wanders into Thanksgiving, the mac daddy of all drinking holidays. It is a holiday that is engineered for you get together with friends, have dinner, drink wine and beer, the eats lots of left overs. I think the idea of black Friday isn't just about retailers making boat loads of dough from holiday shoppers, it might be that people are a little hung over or drink so much on Thursday night they black out by Friday.
Here is the thing that is important about the drinking season. First, it provides so many opportunities from Halloween until the New Year to go out and be social. Second, it also provides a chance to try lots of different types of beer, wine or other assorted drinks.
Over the Thanksgiving weekend, I was in Atlanta. While I was there, I was introduced to Sweetwater Brewing Company. I had the Sweetwater 420 at a local pub when I was in town. This Extra Pale Ale was a great little brew. It is Georgia's equivalent to Great Lakes in Cleveland. Although I do have to say, any beer company would not have a tough time in comparison to the local favorite, Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR).
I have never really enjoyed drinking PBR. People are super loyal to this brand. My brother indicated it was a Southern thing. I guess my neck wasn't red enough to really enjoy it. He said if it is really cold, it tastes better. I commented that it needed to be so could you couldn't taste it.
I will say this for Atlanta, the Guinness was great. Everywhere we went, they managed to pour a good glass of the black stuff. Apparently, the bartenders in the Peach Tree State are well versed in the pouring technique necessary for a good pint.
Well, the holidays are underway (as you can tell by the Christmas decorations that have popped up everywhere). The holiday ales have made their appearance . . . and I love it.
Now, the only thing to really worry about it the amount of time I need to exercise to stave off the inevitable holiday sludge that manages to attach itself to my body during the days of eating, drinking and being merry.
Does the walking during a bar tour constitute as exercise?
Monday, November 26, 2007
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Guinness Believer Event in Chicago
As I was cruising through all of the random emails I get every week, one caught my eye . . Guinness True Believer. I thought it was probably spam, but when it comes to Guinness, I am willing to take that risk.
My co-worker and I made our way to the West Loop of Chicago. We started standing in line a couple of minutes early . . thank heavens because it was first come, first entry. I had no idea what to expect, the sign outside of the event didn't give any indication either.
My co-worker and I moseyed up to the bar, waited in line for a bit and waited for the nice bar keeper to pour our pints. I was fevered with anticipation. Could there be a band inside? We had all kinds of theories.
I opened the email and it was an invitation to a Guinness event being held in several locations, none of which was my current hometown. As you know with the Irish, luck happens upon us from time to time. One of the events was in Chicago the weekend I was going to be there for business.
My co-worker and I made our way to the West Loop of Chicago. We started standing in line a couple of minutes early . . thank heavens because it was first come, first entry. I had no idea what to expect, the sign outside of the event didn't give any indication either. We get into the venue after a few minutes in the windy Chicago evening (our event was at 9pm). When you get into the room, you take a token to the bar and great a freshly poured pint of Guinness. I was liking this event already. They told us we had until 9:40 when we would be asked to go to another room.
My co-worker and I moseyed up to the bar, waited in line for a bit and waited for the nice bar keeper to pour our pints. I was fevered with anticipation. Could there be a band inside? We had all kinds of theories.Of course the reality was not as good as us imaging U2 was playing a super secret gig in Chicago and we were there to see it.
It was pretty cool. There was a Guinness pouring competition. Everyone learned how to pour a half and half. We got mini pint glasses and a half and half spoon. There were a few other things going on. Overall, it was definitely worth the trip and the experience.
It made me really long for Ireland. How much I miss the relaxing experience of sitting in a pub, reading a good book and having a few pints. Slainte!
Monday, November 5, 2007
Something I always knew . . beer can be good for you
So I am always excited to hear some good news about beer. I am not quite sure what I think about anyone who isn't. Before I go on a tangent, I want to share some great news that I read this morning.
According to a story in the British Telegraph, people can benefit from drinking a beer after strenuous physical activity. Now, it does indicate you need to limit the consumption to one or two (that is where the goodness of the theory falls apart).
The study talks about how Spanish researchers have determined that beer can help someone who is dehydrated retain liquid better than water. I knew those Hash House Harriers had something going there.
Personally, I had a couple of pints after I ran the Army 10 miler and I felt ducky the next day. I have to say, one of my favorite races is the Arlington September 11th Memorial Run. Not only do you get to run around the Pentagon at sundown, the sponsors serve beer and pizza at the finish line.
So there you have it folks. Motivation to run a couple of laps around the neighborhood!
According to a story in the British Telegraph, people can benefit from drinking a beer after strenuous physical activity. Now, it does indicate you need to limit the consumption to one or two (that is where the goodness of the theory falls apart).
The study talks about how Spanish researchers have determined that beer can help someone who is dehydrated retain liquid better than water. I knew those Hash House Harriers had something going there.
Personally, I had a couple of pints after I ran the Army 10 miler and I felt ducky the next day. I have to say, one of my favorite races is the Arlington September 11th Memorial Run. Not only do you get to run around the Pentagon at sundown, the sponsors serve beer and pizza at the finish line.
So there you have it folks. Motivation to run a couple of laps around the neighborhood!
Friday, November 2, 2007
World Tour . . Japanese Style
On the World Tour of Beer, participants drink beverages from all over the globe. I have talked about some of the fine brews we have had from the Czech Republic, from Trappist Monks in Belgium and from spots as exotic as Sri Lanka.
One of the countries that was not represented in this year's tour was Japan. When I was working at the Swage, we often hosted associates from Japan. Although there was a language barrier, we often found common ground in the fact that they love beer and we love beer.
I have to admit, the Japanese are not the only people in Asia who like to drink. Our friends in China and South Korea like to participate in their fair share of a good time. If you ever want to inquire, Hollow Leg and the Cruise Director have very incriminating photographs to back up my claims.
Partaking of some great Japanese beers like Ashi, Sapporo or Kirin can get you into a party mood and a little hung over. It made me wonder about the cultural experience of the Japanese. As we know, Americans like to drink. When we drink too much, most of us get hungover . . . with the exception of Hollow Leg.
I went exploring this topic on the Internet. I found a great blog entry about How the Japanese cure a hangover. Even better was the detailed explanation about the Japanese culture of the two-day and three-day drinking session.
I think they have the Americans beat here. There are actual words for two-day drunk and three-day drunk in their language. We just call it a lost weekend.
With a series of hangover remedies listed in the posting, the author rightly poses the question - what do YOU do to prevent a hangover?
My answer - have a Bailey's and coffee or just start praying for lunch hour to go sleep it off. Not that I EVER had to do that.
One of the countries that was not represented in this year's tour was Japan. When I was working at the Swage, we often hosted associates from Japan. Although there was a language barrier, we often found common ground in the fact that they love beer and we love beer.
I have to admit, the Japanese are not the only people in Asia who like to drink. Our friends in China and South Korea like to participate in their fair share of a good time. If you ever want to inquire, Hollow Leg and the Cruise Director have very incriminating photographs to back up my claims.
Partaking of some great Japanese beers like Ashi, Sapporo or Kirin can get you into a party mood and a little hung over. It made me wonder about the cultural experience of the Japanese. As we know, Americans like to drink. When we drink too much, most of us get hungover . . . with the exception of Hollow Leg.
I went exploring this topic on the Internet. I found a great blog entry about How the Japanese cure a hangover. Even better was the detailed explanation about the Japanese culture of the two-day and three-day drinking session.
I think they have the Americans beat here. There are actual words for two-day drunk and three-day drunk in their language. We just call it a lost weekend.
With a series of hangover remedies listed in the posting, the author rightly poses the question - what do YOU do to prevent a hangover?
My answer - have a Bailey's and coffee or just start praying for lunch hour to go sleep it off. Not that I EVER had to do that.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Buckeye Beer Extravaganza
So time is a bit tight these days, but I didn't want it to slip away without writing about Hollow Leg's Beer extravaganza. OK, so it was Beer, Corn hole, Fire Pit, OSU v. PSU and Gorgeous George's Gyros as well, but I think you get the idea.
One of the big things is that I took the Rapid to Hollow Leg's house. Yes, it is true. I am notorious for pulling the fade and heading home after a few beers. Everyone worries about me doing that (although I am generally more tired than anything else). I figured, if I didn't drive there. I couldn't drive home. It was a good plan . . . until I realized there were tons of kids staying in the house and sleeping in wasn't an option.
Mick to the rescue. A previous work mate who recently relocated here was at the party. Luckily, I swindled him into giving me a place to stay and a lift home the next morning. We had an interesting conversation about Cleveland, and his duty to participate in the WLWTOB 2008.
Yes, Mick is a gentle man and I was a lady, so don't worry you pretty little head about it. Even better, he is now a Magic Hat fan.
Good Times! Also, my corn hole playing has greatly improved and I wasn't as pathetic as I usually am.
One of the big things is that I took the Rapid to Hollow Leg's house. Yes, it is true. I am notorious for pulling the fade and heading home after a few beers. Everyone worries about me doing that (although I am generally more tired than anything else). I figured, if I didn't drive there. I couldn't drive home. It was a good plan . . . until I realized there were tons of kids staying in the house and sleeping in wasn't an option.
Mick to the rescue. A previous work mate who recently relocated here was at the party. Luckily, I swindled him into giving me a place to stay and a lift home the next morning. We had an interesting conversation about Cleveland, and his duty to participate in the WLWTOB 2008.
Yes, Mick is a gentle man and I was a lady, so don't worry you pretty little head about it. Even better, he is now a Magic Hat fan.
Good Times! Also, my corn hole playing has greatly improved and I wasn't as pathetic as I usually am.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Five Great Beer Sites
So I am taking a page from other bloggers and my cohort, Hollow Leg. Hollow Leg regularly sends his numbered list of reasons to do something.
Here is an example of his list
Here is an example of his list
Hey, all you ____s! I have some questions for y'all!
1. What are we doing this week??? I'll tell you what we're doing, we're finding a day to go to WL. Tomorrow?
2. What do you think would have the faster terminal velocity if dropped from an airplane, a pumpkin or a box turtle?
3. Did Anelyn get a haircut?
4. Would you rather have a wedgie for a full year or jam a toothpick under your entire thumbnail?
5. Who's taller - Entertainment Director or an average male ostrich?
In his honor, I decided to track down some of my favorite beer websites.
Not only does this website harken back to my college days, but it has some amazing content on it. Besides, you got to love the stinger and the big mouth bottles
Michael Jackson became a beer expert before anyone else I know. He has elevated the idea of drinking beer and understanding it to an art form.
If you need to find some information on a beer, this is the spot. I often refer to their compendium of beer information to get ABVs and brewery information. Careful, it can be an addictive site.
Ok. He doesn't just talk about beer, but it is a often the subject. You have to love a guy who travels around the world to drink beer, taste the local cuisine and experience the culture. Can you say Dream Job?
I reference this website a lot. There is a ton of information about beer styles and beer. Even better, the wikipedia exists in several languages.
Cheers
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
New Winking Lizard . . Same Good Beer
As I mentioned in a previous post, original Winking Lizard closed its doors. Fortunately, it opened a new place literally next door. I have to admit, before I went there, I was hesitant. there were so many good times at the old place. I didn't know if it would be the same.
Low and behold, the new place is great. The layout is much better. The patio looks fabulous. Even more importantly, the good times were still there. I met up with Hollow Leg and friends for a few beers.
We fell immediately back into our usual habits with all of the same great beers on tap. It made me realize something: it is not about the place, it is about the people. It is about the beer.
Speaking of being about the beer, Great Lakes unveiled it Christmas Ale last Friday. I have to say, buyer beware. This ale is a potent one. At 7.5% abv, one pint is enough. If you are feeling crazy, maybe two for the entire evening.
On this particular night, I went with one and a quarter, then downshifted to Shiner Bock from our good friends in Shiner, TX. Anything that 7-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong will drink is good enough for me!
Cheers until next time.
Low and behold, the new place is great. The layout is much better. The patio looks fabulous. Even more importantly, the good times were still there. I met up with Hollow Leg and friends for a few beers.
We fell immediately back into our usual habits with all of the same great beers on tap. It made me realize something: it is not about the place, it is about the people. It is about the beer.
Speaking of being about the beer, Great Lakes unveiled it Christmas Ale last Friday. I have to say, buyer beware. This ale is a potent one. At 7.5% abv, one pint is enough. If you are feeling crazy, maybe two for the entire evening.
On this particular night, I went with one and a quarter, then downshifted to Shiner Bock from our good friends in Shiner, TX. Anything that 7-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong will drink is good enough for me!
Cheers until next time.
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