J'aime la bière

I was trading emails with my bro-in-law today, and I suggested the possibility of jointly creating a blog on beer. No, it wouldn't be an original endeavor, but given that it's a topic near and dear to our hearts, I think it's something I could personally benefit from. After all ... so many beers, so little time. Which is to say when I go to the store in search of new brews, I'd prefer to go off a recommendation.

Now, I've posted on the topic of beer in the past. And those who know me, know that both my wife and I are big into beer. Ironically, to date I've never attempted to brew my own. Always meant to, but best laid plans and all. Fortunately, that's all about to change. I recentlly re-connected with an old college buddy who worked the entertainment desk with me at Chez Collegian, and let's just say he knows his stuff, having brewed just about everything and everywhere (even Japan).

He probably doesn't realize what he's getting himself into, but he's going to take me under his wing, show me the ropes and in the process, likely create a monster. Needless to say, I'm excited to finally give it a try. For starters, I'm going to go watch him run through a batch. I'm also reading up on several recommended sources, so hopefully it won't be a totally hopeless effort once the time comes. Speaking of, the one deal I made with myself was to clean up the storage room in the basement before brewing. Part of that is out of necessity really -- unless I clean up, I'll have no space in the basement.

So, while we wait for this blessed day to arrive, I want to share with you a couple of things. First, is the current Flying Dog Brewery contest. Coloradans and select aficionados will recognize Flying Dog as the brewery that Ralph Steadman lends his talents to (his artwork adorns their labels); the late, great Hunter S. was a big fan as well (the Gonzo Imperial Porter was possibly the best local brew of the last year ... the good doctor would approve). The brewery is looking to the public to name its upcoming summer brew (yeah, it's still winter, but you know how planning goes). It's going to be a Belgian White (you had me at Belgian). So, if you're interested in putting pen to paper and have some creative ideas, submit your best. A basic understanding of Flying Dog's history and current selection of beers might help.

And finally, I discovered something interesting that I hadn't realize about Samuel Adams. While I knew it offered a broader selection of beers for a mass-market brewery, I didn't know it dabbled in special releases or big beers (extreme beers, as it calls them). Come to find out (courtesy of The History Channel's Modern Marvels: Brewing episode) that not only does the brewery churn out some unique crafts, it holds the Guinness record for the world's biggest beer -- 25 percent ABV. It's called Utopias, and you can take in all it's glory here. Don't ask me how to find one, as I haven't discovered the answer yet (short of paying some eBay hack $440).

Not Irish After All?

When it comes to luck, I have none. Never have, and probably never will.

Lottery tickets? I might as well flush the cash down the toilet, or simply call it a charitable donation.

Even simple things like door prizes and raffles escape me. I could literally purchase 90% of the available raffle tickets and still not win a thing. I suppose in the grand scheme of things, it's not a big deal really. I think I'll survive even if I never know the thrill of winning a $25 Country Buffet gift certificate or a lifetime supply of Turtle Wax.

But what bugs me the most about this whole deal is the fact that my sports teams always fare poorly, and I take full responsibility for that. Maybe it has to do with my choice of teams, but since the late '70s, my favorite squads have netted a paltry four championships. Worse yet, only one of those championships has come in the last 21 years.

The Raiders have been bad for a long, long time, and the fact that they even made the Super Bowl in 2003 is a complete anomaly (as witnessed by how badly the Bucs beat 'em). The Denver Nuggets have never tasted ultimate victory and have, quite frankly, been dreadful at times in the last 15 years (one game shy of recording the worst season ever). Their fortunes seem to be changing, but knowing my luck, they'll never be good enough. And don't even get me started on the Montreal Expos. Yes, I know this one is clearly a case of supporting the wrong team. But what can I say? In the early '80s, and through much of that decade, they had some top-notch players. And their ability to groom real talent was almost as well known as their knack for trading it away. Now with the Nats taking over where Les Expos left off, it really feels like home. Oh goodie!!

Which brings us to my one salvation -- The Avs. Two Cups in the last decade along with three trips to the semis and many incredible seasons. It has been great to finally have a team that's capable of given its fans the ultimate reward. Yet, with as thrilling as this last decade has been, my luck continues to mess with a good thing. They've dropped from the ranks of perennial powerhouse. And it seems no matter what, the Avs always lose when I see a game in person. I'm a curse, a black mark and an otherwise wet blanket who could likely make a lot of money in Vegas courtesy of my unyielding ability to guarantee defeat.

So, it would seem the luck of Irish doesn't smile on me. Perhaps I need to start traveling to Vancouver and Calgary to watch those teams play in person ... or would that just help them win?