Madness / Happiness

Beer #177 Mad Anthony / Erie Brewing Company, Erie, PA

Just about have our vacation fully planned - working tonight to hook up rental cars, and make some notes on brewpubs and beer bars along our expected route.  Planning a two week vacation to the West Coast certainly takes some work, but how can you be mad when you're planning vacation?

No! I ain't mad at ya. I ain't got nothing but love for a Grimace.

You know who was mad, though?  General Anthony Wayne, better known around these parts as "Mad Anthony."  He must have been pretty mad, because I don't think they gave out ironic nicknames back in the 1700's.  I bring this up because tonight's beer is the Mad Anthony, an American Pale Ale from Erie Brewing Company.  In the glass, this beer is a crystal clear amber color, with a barely there head.  You pick up a nutty, earthy, grainy aroma on the nose, and you get malt, nuts, grass, and a touch of bitter hops when you take a sip.  In all, not a bad choice, and I think it would pair well with a spicy meal.

U Mad?  I am.

A bit more on Mad Anthony for the history geeks out there (or at least, those curious as to who the town of Wayne is named for).  Born in present day Easttown Township in 1745, he rose through the ranks during the Revolutionary War, mostly getting his ass kicked around in battles at Brandywine, Malvern, and Monmouth.  However, he was brave and bold and a bit nutty (sort of like the beer?); I mean, he volunteered to be court marshaled at one point.  However, things turned around and Wayne ended up being a key player in the fight for American independence, winning key battles in New York several cities in the South.

Clearly, he looks mad.

Wayne died in 1796 while commanding a force at Fort Presque Isle, located in Erie, and was buried in the fort.  You want more madness?  His son had the corpse disinterred in 1809 and moved to St. David's Church in Radnor.  MORE madness?  The remaining flesh on the corpse was boiled off, so that only the bones would be transported.  Legend has it a few were lost along present day Route 322, and that his ghost roams the road on his birthday (January 1) looking for the lost bones.  MADNESS!  His home in Paoli, Waynesborough, is open for visitors, should anyone be in the neighborhood.  If you are, TJ's Everyday is close by to quench your thirst after learning about Revolutionary War history.

Thing to Think About Today:
Maybe Mad Anthony would be less mad if he were a bit more happy.  In the spirit of happiness, we'll let Keith Richards and the Stones bring things home with this live version of Happy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKQfvaxq3M0

"Always took candy from strangers...."