On the last day of the year...

I'm sitting in front of a roaring fire, burning a year's worth of receipts, paid bills, and memories.  I'm nursing a snifter of Karl Strauss Russian Imperial Stout.  Outside, fog has socked in my small beach community.  I'm typing my 400th post, pondering what the next year will bring.  Will I be doing this same thing, in this same place, a year from now?  Reflection on the past often opens up the future.  What comes next, I don't know.  For now I will continue to bathe in the glow of burning paper, and bask in the warmth of this rich stout.  I'll talk to you next year.

Be safe this weekend!

New Year's usually means drinking.  A lot of drinking.  Don't do it.  Be safe and smart this weekend.  Enjoy yourself, but use restraint.  A fine craft brew is meant to be savored, not guzzled.  Whatever you do, don't drink & drive!  It's not about getting caught, it's about doing the right thing.  DrinkingAndDriving.Org has a lot of information, statistics, and tools to help you make the right decision when the time comes.  I've said it before and I'll say it again, think when you drink!

Beer 4 Boobs

Like Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Beer 4 Boobs wants to stamp out breast cancer.  So do we!  How can we help?  By drinking beer, of course!  Ballast Point, Stone Brewing Co., Coronado Brewing Co., Brewers Supply Group, and White Labs all donated ingredients for the following beers that will be available for tasters, pints, and growlers today only at Ballast Point in Scripps Ranch, with all proceeds going to Beer 4 Boobs.

bOOb check
7% ABV
18 IBU
Premium English Malts are combined with Galaxy Hops and British Ale Yeast to form the base of this Hibiscus, Honey, Cherry and Lime Ale.  A crystal clear, deep pink hue invites you in with your eyes.  The complex fruity aroma comes from all of the ingredients, not just the Cherry.  Hibiscus adds some bitterness and color, while lime adds some acidity.

Ingrid's 1 in 8
8% ABV
31 IBU
Premium English Malts combined with Cascade Hops and California Ale Yeast are the base of this Strong Amber Ale.  The brew is then spiced with heavy toasted oak chips, cocoa nibs, fresh ginger and sweet orange peel.  A two hour boil helps create a candy sugar flavor.  Think of a beer that a Chocolatier would make.

Beer, boobs, charity... what are you waiting for?

Beer in space?

Click here if you don't see the video.

Now, that's dedication!

I love craft beer, but these people really love craft beer!  Check out some beer themed body art over at CraftBeer.com and ask yourself if you love your beer as much as these people do.

Who got one of these this year?

Tacky, but inventive!