I like to be shocked by beer. I’d prefer a beer that takes risks and does the unexpected, even in not entirely agreeable ways, to the beer that conforms comfortably to a certain style. Initially, falling in love with beer was for me falling in love with hops (U.S.A! U.S.A!), but recently I’ve been very into imperial stouts and barley wines. I appreciate belgian ales, but I think the trappists are overrated. It’s pretty rare that I like anything but grain, hops, water yeast in my beer, especially fruit. OK, occasionally spices. And yes, I think America boasts the best variety of beers made in the world today, although we’re of course indebted to europe for their centuries of experience and refinement. I brew, too, in fact I only gained a real appreciation for enjoying beer after I gained an appreciation for the process of making beer. [ less ]

I like to be shocked by beer. I’d prefer a beer that takes risks and does the unexpected, even in not entirely agreeable ways, to the beer that conforms comfortably to a certain style. Initially, falling in love with beer was for me falling in love with hops (U.S.A! U.S.A!), but recently I’ve been very into imperial stouts and barley wines. I appreciate belgian ales, but I think the trappists are overrated. It’s pretty rare that I like anything but grain, hops, water yeast in my ...
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