The Session: The Beer Book That Isn't Written

It's been a while since I've posted here. 2013 was a pretty good year on my blog but 2014 was a total wash. What happened? Who knows. A lot of incomplete stories I told from the experiences I lived but what became of them?

2014 was a great year in beer for me, & 2015 looks like it should shape up quite a bit better. Really, only time will tell but the story needs to start somewhere. Where is that you might ask? Within the pages of the newest book... that isn't written.

The book doesn't have a name. It doesn't even have a single topic. The only common thread is beer. It's more about what is missing from our community. But this causes a few issues. What is missing for me, may not be missing for you. How is that possible? A story about community that isn't equal across the board? Sounds about like life.

In the pages of my chapter in this book, one thing I find that is missing is the common thread between beers.

What exactly do I mean? We all share the same love for beer; just at varying degrees. Even a beer that would be considered technically or stylistically bad is loved by someone. Beers that were once considered the best in the portfolio are looked at as overrated. What happened?

Have we forgotten what beer was like? The constant evolution of styles and ingredients have lead to the same in the beers we drink. If we can remember their roots, we will not get lost in the world as some have. Though, forgetting where these new and improved beers originated has created a gap that a certain percentage of us see, while the majority of the community doesn't even realize that it exist. Eliminating the thread between past and present.

I feel that the major craft breweries have noticed this too; getting back to their roots. One thing I predicted for 2015, which we will see if it comes to pass in the next 12 months, seems to already be getting it's feet off the ground.

While everyone is still trying to get their hands on rare and exotic beers or those brewed with ingredients of the same vein, a few of the more popular craft breweries are taking a step back. They are taking what some might consider a huge risk. They are adding classic, even historic, beer styles to their catalog; Porters & Pilsners.

Unnecessary risk? Basic innovation? With the stigma of lagers in our world, and the track record of lagers that were added to portfolios in the past, only those who study and understand beer styles would be likely candidates to initially flock to try these beers... while the uninitiated may pass over them because there is nothing magical about the beers. By holding onto the common beer threads, we can rediscover the passion and ingenuity that sparked the revolution we see today.

So what is this beer book that isn't written about? What is my chapter within the text or maybe even just a single volume about? The past, present, & future of beer? The missing link in our community? Or the need to sit back, and relax, while we appreciate what simplicity can bring us...

Cheers!

1001 Beers: Summer Pils

Beer Number 66: Saint Arnold Summer Pils

There's a good reason that America's largest breweries spend even more on advertising their pale yellow lagers in Texas than other parts of the country. "In Texas, it's cool to be a cowboy with a longneck in your hand" says Brock Wagner, cofounder of Saint Arnold Brewing. Saint Arnold brews a full line of traditional styles. After years of tinkering with what looks like a simple recipe--one malt, two hops--Saint Arnold Summer Pils (originally known as Summerfest) won three medals in five years at the Great American Beer Festival, albeit as a Munchner-style Helles.

I wonder if it was a lawsuit that made them change the name of the beer... I've seen it before from the only company I can think of with that name for a beer, but who knows. There could be a number of reasons. This is the last beer from Texas I have on my list, but not the last one I will be drinking from that state by far. Time and availablity are the only factors.



This is a beer that surprised me. Just how intense it is, I was not expecting. I should have had a clue though being the cap said, "Hop on board!". A crystal clear beer with a little bit of a burger on its side... I mean, a bright, white head on top. The nose was quite hoppy and a little grainy. You get a lot of that malt and grain in each and every sip. It was built on a very solid Pilsner body with a touch of hop flavor, a pretty full body, and a dry finish. This is a very nice beer to be drinking on a nice Summer day. Good thing it just officially started. Hey, Saint Arnold is even wearing sunglasses in his photo!

935 Bottles Of Beer To Go!

Cheers!