Wow!  Sometimes it really does hit you how connected some of us beer sites can be.  Not only do we mutually inform each other's opinions, perceptions, and information, we seem to really care for one another and hope for the others' success.  This has been especially true as of late.  This will be a bit of a shout out to other websites, but if any of you know me at all, you will know that I'm not into being sycophantic.  Self-interested flattery is simply not in my genetic coding.  In fact, just the opposite is true.  I know this is true of Nate, too. So, rest assured that my flattery of others does not involve the end game of getting more hits, etc.  If it happens, it happens.  These people need to be mentioned either way.  They are in no particular order: First of all, I have to thank Erik who sent me a book that says it costs $80 on the back cover.  He had an extra copy, which I just received in the mail.  Furthermore, he did not want a dime for the shipping.  Erik, Nate and I think that you are maybe the most kindred spirit that we've ...

A while back, I wrote about London beer as a bittersweet experience.  I also called that post preliminary thoughts, so I thought I'd come back to it.  To summarize the first post, I essentially stated that bitters dominate the landscape of London.  If you plan on visiting England, go to London for sure, but make certain that you are a ambulatory when it comes to the rest of England.  Time and again I've been told that you've got to explore smaller areas and towns to really get the whole ale experience.  Having said that, let me recommend a couple of places to obtain beer in London, should you visit: The Lowlander specializes in Belgian Ales.  Many of the better/more unique beers that I tasted in London were at this location.  I drank some sours, lambics, and some triples.  Unlike the lower alcohol beers that dotted the landscape, the Lowlander had some fairly big beers.  Of course, you are going to pay for them. This is not only due to the fact that more ingredients and time went into the beers but also because many places in Europe base taxation of beers on their alcohol content. The Museum Pub: It seems to me ...

Having a hard time buying for that special beer geek in your life?  Are you finding yourself lost in the beer aisle trying to figure out what he/she hasn't tasted?  Let me offer you a suggestion.  Learn from my (Nate) wife, who surprised me this past wedding anniversary with a unique and addictive beer gift:  The Essential Reference of Domestic Brewers and Their Bottled Brands, 3rd Edition. Having learned of this book through a notable beer blogger, Simply Beer, I knew I had to have it.  Having casually mentioned to my wife that it was on my radar, she somehow remembered this book with a brutally long title and made my day this past Monday.  Aren't I a lucky guy? The Essential Reference of Domestic Brewers and Their Bottled Brands is the brain child of Micheal S. Kuderka, whose purpose in creating this reference book was "to be the industry recognized resource for information on all domestic beer and brands..."  And let me tell you, he is is doing a great job. This book is exceedingly exhaustive, easy to navigate, full of helpful charts and figure, and just what it aims to be:  a great resource.  The book walks the beer business man ...