A memorable weekend...

Living in North Carolina, I can only dream of actually having a white Christmas, but after this weekend and the amount of flurries we got I am holding out hope this year will be different. Considering most winters here in NC are mild with the occasional freezing rain and not a chance of snow, it was a welcomed sight to have an early preview of what this winter season might have in store. Being a transplant from Chicago, the holidays just don't have the same feel without any snow. After the previous winter season and its multiple snow storms, I am optimistic that this trend will continue as I have all my winter warmer companions ready to keep me toasty as the cold weather moves in early and hopefully to stay. Some of my personal favorites include: Highland Brewing Cold Mountain Winter Ale, Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale, Anchor Brewing Christmas Ale, Great Divide Hibernation Ale, and Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome Ale. These just represent the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the winter seasonal beers that are available regionally throughout the country. Go to your favorite beer shop and check a few out to share with family and friends and see what you like as each is unique in their own way! 

On another note, this past Sunday represented the 77th anniversary of when Prohibition was repealed in this country. In an effort to make this country more sober, the 18th Amendment was passed in the year 1919 to end the production and distribution of alcohol. Instead of curbing one's thirst for such libations the opposite effect occurred and the fight for our right to enjoy a tasty beverage ensued. It took a long 14 years of opposition and on December 5th, 1933, the 21st Amendment was passed marking an end to Prohibition as this day is now known as 'Repeal Day'. So to everyone who had a beer this past Sunday I raise my glass and salute you. Cheers! 

To keep with the season and to celebrate this past weekend's first snow, 'Repeal Day', and yet another Chicago Bears victory (DA BEARS!), I bring you this one of a kind brew from Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales. The 'Noel de Calabaza' Special Ale, literally translated to 'holiday of pumpkin', is a winter seasonal release with a twist. Per their website, this beer is described as a, "deep mahogany and malty, layered hops, figs, raisins, sugar plums, cashews betwixt rum laden truffles", kind of beer. It is rooted in the style of a Belgian Christmas ale then aged in oak barrels for further complexities. It's a well-balanced medley of flavors and spices to create a unique drinking experience as the aroma hints at the taste of a nice sweet tartness that finishes with a bit of sour on the palette. This beer comes in at 9% ABV, but you would never know it as it sure is quaffable. Cheers!

A not so memorable night....

Well as much as I don't care, I was too intrigued not to miss THE basketball game of the season: Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers. It was the much ballyhooed return of LeBron James back to the city where he had previously spent all of his professional career. The Cleveland fans were undoubtedly ready and anxious to vent their frustrations after simmering on 'the decision' from this past summer. Their voices were heard, but unfortunately for them the game did not fare so well for the home team. Being a huge sports fan I have sympathy for the fans of Cleveland and their current dilemma, but cheer up Cleveland! Lucky for them, they have two great breweries to drown their sorrows in Great Lakes Brewing Company in Cleveland and Hoppin' Frog Brewery just outside of the city in Akron. LeBron James may have taken his talents to South Beach, but he can't take away your talented brews!


Here is an appropriate suggestion after tonight's debaucle:

Great Lakes Blackout Stout. At 9% ABV, a couple of these will make you forget all about the former prince of Cleveland and it tastes great too! Cheers!

'Tis the season!

Now that the time to give thanks and the nonsensical madness of 'Black Friday' is behind us, it's time to focus on what is most important and the spirit of giving to those less fortunate than us. While this will be my son's first Christmas, my daughter just relishes this time of year more than the next. As has become our tradition of putting up the Christmas decorations the weekend after Thanksgiving, since I absolutely refuse to do to it before then out of principle, my daugther is all about trimming our tree and even 'helped' to hold the ladder for me to hang the Christmas lights on the house. Her enthusiasm and bright-eyed innocence is such a pleasant reminder of how the Holidays should be and not what they have become, a giant commercialized pile of never-ending marketing.....gimmicks. My daughter has renewed my perception from this negative stance to a positive outlook and all that is still good around us. Lest we not forget that it is truly better to give than to receive. All I need is time with my family and friends and sharing some good brews with good people and all the while seeing the pure bliss in my children's eyes on Christmas morning in full anticipation of what Santa has brought them....and hopefully not a bunny suit either. 'Tis the season indeed this year and lets all do our part to be "Santa's little helpers".


Currently sipping on some West coast love from Port Brewing called Santa's Little Helper imperial stout. A great hop-forward, rich stout that masks the 10% alcohol really well to keep warm with on a cold, windy December night. Cheers!

Just let me introduce myself....

Welcome to a new kind of beer blog! As the title states, I am a Father of two wonderful children, married to an amazing supportive woman, and am also a die-hard craft beer lover. Life. Is. Great! Aside from my family, beer is my passion and my hobby.

Every day life as a parent can be hectic and overwhelming, but at the end of the day when the kids are in bed I look forward to relaxing with a nice brew poured in one of my favorite glasses and settling in for the evening. Whether it be a hoppy, fragrant IPA or a thick, lush stout, every sip defines the moments of that particular day. Beer is to be savored, not chugged, and can create or be paired with any mood you are in.

It is my goal with this blog to enlighten you to the potentials of beer, to educate and provide a resource of information including reviews, and all the while to have fun and entertain as I share my adventures in beer with you. Cheers!

Currently enjoying a local triumvirate collaboration between Olde Hickory Brewery, Duck-Rabbit Brewery, and Foothills Brewing called "Olde Rabbit's Foot", a bourbon-barrel-aged imperial stout. It is a blend of all their respected imperial stouts aged in 23 year old Pappy Van Winkle bourbon barrels. In its second year as an annual limited release, this beer can cure what ails you!