Beer is Good.... and Stuff

 Be forewarned this post has nothing to do with health and fitness. Just my love of beer.

I'm somewhat of a beer connoisseur. Have been since about 5 years ago. I was pretty snobbish about it at first as I scoffed at my Coors Lite drinking compatriots but I have since come to appreciate the light taste (and low price) of the typical pale American lager especially on a hot summer day. But those that haven't really ventured outside Bud Lite and Rolling Rock are really missing out on some great tasting beer. 

Sierra Nevada is a brewery I believe most people should pay more attention to. It is the second largest craft beer brewery in America, behind the Boston Beer Brewery which also makes some fine beer (Sam Adam's Winter Lager, anyone?). Though Sam Adams is pretty kick-ass, I think Sierra Nevada beats them out by a long shot. For me, it's the type of hops Sierra Nevada uses. Hops is the bitter component in beer that gives beer a flowery aroma and also acts as a preserver. If you try Sierra Nevada's Torpedo you really get a hoppy blast in the face and you'll now what I'm talking about. The type in the Torpedo is called cascade hops and has a very unique floral taste. 


Besides drinking beer I also like to make it myself. I've only made it twice before and will make it again as soon as I have the time and money. It's a very fun process and I think everyone who really loves beer should do it at least once. You learn a lot and you get rewarded with a 5 gallon batch that's as fun to drink as it is to make (OK it's way more fun to drink than to make). 


My friend Pete and I are going to give mead making a shot. Mead is a fermented honey beverage that is as good and sweet as it sounds. I've had two brands before. I think one was called Viking's Blood that was pretty good. Personally, I can't wait to make it myself. Things are always better when you make it yourself.