There’s a German word, gemütlichkeit (ɡəˈmo͞otlikˌkīt), which is used to express a feeling of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer. You can find gemütlichkeit at a biergarten (beer garden) where folks gather to socialize and enjoy a sense of community and peace of mind over a stein of cold beer and a plate of good food. […]
¡Cerveza de Mexico!
Americans love their Mexican beers! A crystal clear bottle of Corona with a juicy lime has become synonymous with beautiful weather, sunny beaches, and good times. The Mexican lager has become so popular in the US that Miller SAB and Anheuser-Busch have attempted their own versions (Miller Chill, Bud Lite Lime). Now, even craft breweries […]
Coolship Field Trip
As a beer dilettante, I remember studying beer books and reading about the mysterious “coolship”. The name often popped up in my readings as a vessel used in the creation of the iconic Anchor Steam beer. I imagined metallic kiddie pools of sugar water sitting on the roof of some dilapidated San Francisco building, […]
Fire + Metal + Beer = Bierstacheln
Behold, Bierstacheln! When I traveled to Germany last October with members of The Pink Boots Society, I was given the opportunity to experience the beer, culture, and traditions that are unique to Germany. While visiting Meinel-Bräu in Hof, Germany, Gisi and Moni Meinel-Hansen, sister brewers and family owners, gave us a tour of the brewery. […]
Zoigl – A Beer, A Place, A Community
“Es spricht sich ‘rum, das glaube mir, am besten ist das Zoigl-Bier.” “It’s rumored, believe me, Zoigl beer tastes best. “ Last month (October 2017), I was traveling with members of the Pink Boots Society on a ten day trip through Southern Germany to soak up some of the richest beer culture in the world. […]
Carrie Nation Took a Hatchet
Imagine sitting at the bar enjoying a nice glass of your favorite beer or whiskey when, without warning, a half-crazed woman armed with a hatchet barges in and starts smashing everything! Talk about a buzzkill! I’m pretty sure I’d be carrying a weapon of my own to defend my right to drink. We take it […]