Beer Benevolence

Before Beer, says Bamforth, Anheuser-Busch Endowed Professor of Brewing Science at the University of California, we just followed our goats around.   Then, we saw through a glass, darkly, and realized that grain can be converted into a liquid that makes happy, and we stayed put while the grain grew and beer was brewed.  And thus, civilization started.  To quote Bamforth "He who drinks beer sleeps well. He who sleeps well cannot sin. He who does not sin goes to heaven. The logic is impeccable." [SciAm May 1, 2007]

Selected samplings of the brew that started civilization below. 

 

Beer Benevolence

I choose you, Deschutes!

My go-to favourite beer at the end of a long day is Deschute's Haze Tron Imperial Hazy IPA.   Nice milky-smooth mouthfeel, white grapefruit that winked at an apricot across the table but was too shy to walk over and have a chat.

This beer is not so over-the-top on complexity that you need to sit down, but also enough of a story line to keep you interested and coming back.

Recommend.   8% ABV and 55 IBUs

Biking

Europe Brewery: Hertog Jan

The Hertog Jan brewery was opened in 1915 and the location was strategically chosen to be close to a natural springs, which provides the main ingredient for the beer.  The brewery took a lot of damage during WW II but was rebuilt.  However, in the 1980s the brewery was struggling and was looking to close.  A team of employees decided to take over the building and started to brew specialty beer instead of the historical pilsner.  These specialy beers are a success and start winning prizes and they haven't looked back since.