Things Change. Things Stay the Same.

A close-up of a table containing: water, a snifter of beer, grumbler/howler, computer, a handwritten list, and a certificate for a free howler fill. Glass, howler, and certificate are all from Half Acre Beer Company in Chicago

I thought I’d never manage to fill this howler/grumbler. I certainly didn’t expect to do so for almost free of a very special beer that I’ll likely never get to have again.

I don’t know where I’m going. But I’m starting to learn how to drive and enjoy the ride.… Continue reading →

Some Drink Ideas for Saturday

Here in the States, Independence Day is right around the corner. And I’ve been thinking of beverages to consume for it.

While I have a couple I’ll post tomorrow or Friday (trying to get photos now), I realized I can share with you a couple older posts I had that might spark your interest.

Tomato soda in a glass. The glass would rather have beer in it.

Tomato Soda.
Non-alcoholic.

Tip: Use only extremely carbonated soda water for this. Either make your own with something like this soda maker or use Q Club. Less carbonated makes it a less yummy drink, though still good.

Bill’s Bitter.
Non-alcoholic.

A wonderfully complex drink that’s refreshing and fun and incredibly easy to make. At this point, it’s a summer staple in our home, as well as in the home of several of our friends.… Continue reading →

Preparing to Host Brunch

Well, it’s almost time for people to show up for my second, ever, homebrew and home-cooking event.

Ha. “Event” makes it sound so much bigger than it is. What I’ve done is invite a handful of people over for brunch. But it feels like an “event” because at least one person is someone I’ve never met before. Which means a lot more cleaning than if it were just Rob or Nicky or Jason showing up.

Luckily, the beverage plan is easy. I’ll ask Bill to pick up some coffee beans and make some coffee for folks who are arriving. Then, I have the coffee beer I made with Nancy, a coffee beer Jason (Beer Husband) made, and a coffee beer Matt made. This isn’t actually a TON of beer for six people, as Jason & Matt’s beers are in 12 oz bottles.… Continue reading →