In the Beginning

In the beginning, there was this:

A joint project where a married couple would spend the next 365 days blogging about beer, life, food, film, beer, music, sports, books, beer, dogs, beer, and whatever else crosses our path. But really, beer. An entire year’s worth, as a matter of fact. The challenge is this: to drink 365 different beers from 365 different breweries over 365 days. And to survive along the way. Now, some background: Marci and I are both undergoing the challenge, so we don’t need to each drink the same beer or the same brewery. So, mathematically, you might see us talk about 730 beers or breweries (although likely not). Beers we drink must be commercially available to get on the list. It’s cool that you brew an awesome home beer with eggnog and lighter fluid, but it’s not getting on the list (apologies). If you’re looking for an in-depth description of the flavor profile or the underlying notes or whatever, you’ve come to the wrong place. Check beeradvocate.com or some other site for that sort of thing. This is more of an explanation of beer at the intersection of life, my day, what I’m thinking about, and whatever else ends up on these pages. Be flexible. Go along for the ride.

On with the show.

Beer #1: Resurrection/The Brewer’s Art, Baltimore MD

The idea came for this project came during a dark period. My mother-in-law, Louise, was terminally ill and we were making near daily runs down to Manassas, VA to see her before she passed. Leaving our home in the suburbs of Philly, we stopped in Baltimore at The Brewer’s Art, a great restaurant/brewery/bar in the Mount Vernon neighborhood. The seed for the idea came from a friend who has completed “beer adventures” in the past: A beer from all 50 states, 365 different beers in a year. As we couldn’t just totally rip him off (thanks, Pat!), we went next level: 365 different breweries in a year. While we talked that night, Marci and I enjoyed more than one of the house beers along with some fantastic food, and for a brief period of time, we found an oasis of peace and laughter in an otherwise truly miserable experience. The best beer that night was Resurrection, and we bought some take-out to enjoy at home. An abbey-style ale, there’s a sweet and malty taste that goes down easy. If you're ever in Baltimore, you need to stop here and drink this beer.

If I lived a block away, I’d drink at The Brewer’s Art all the time and meet tons of interesting and good looking people. And I’d be happy.

Ironic, in a small way - in the midst of losing a loved one, there was a Resurrection. And it was good.

Thing to think about today:

In this space, I’ll share something to think about each day. It will be completely random, but completely worth your time. Trust me. Today, I’m going with “For the Price of a Cup of Tea” by Belle and Sebastian. If this song doesn’t put you in a good mood to start a year of drinking beer and writing, I’m not sure what will. Thank me later.