It has been over a year since I posted anything on my beloved web site. This is because I had health problems that resulted in the amputation of the toes on my right foot. So call me half foot as I stumble around, walking with cane assistance.
Despite difficulties, I was able to navigate through this pandemic year with the love and assistance of my surgeon, nurses, physical therapists and friends. For their countless help I am eternally grateful.
My role as Beer Doctor has changed. With the advent of alcoholic seltzer water, the mythology of craft brewing has been exposed as a marketing ploy. It is hard to imagine those crafty concerns over bottles or cans have any more meaning now that flavoured water with abv has become a best seller. As a consultant, no one needs to know the Beer Doctor’s opinion on which sparkling water has the most sparkles.
Because of health concerns I rarely consume beer these days. I can live with this. But what I do miss is the poetic passion of perusal.
This the 32nd edition of Deschutes festive winter ale. Much of the online world does not understand this ale. Again, the expression wassail and non-wassail have been forgotten so you have so-called beer experts claiming this is a spice/vegetable brew when it is not. Jubelale is a glorious example of what malts and hops combined can do. It is brewery recipe magic.
As Charles Olson once said: “An American is a complex of occasions” and this can readily be seen in the mercantile concerns of the consumer who depends upon experts to form their own opinion as to what actually tastes good.