American Cream Ale

Cream Ale may be the most unfortunately named beer style. I once offered to pour one for a customer who wanted a “lighter” beer, but when I told him it was a Cream Ale, he said, “I don’t like vanilla.” It’s a common misconception. There’s no vanilla, or anything else creamy, about a cream ale. … Read more

Extra Special Bitter, aka ESB

Bitter is a relative term. The classic Bitters are downright malty when compared to today’s hop-bombs. However, they were quite bitter when compared to the Milds, Browns and Porters popular in England when Bitters stormed onto the seen. Compared to modern bitter American ales, ESBs are well balanced, with a strong malt backbone supporting the … Read more

North Mississippi’s first craft beer fest was a big success

Well, the weather sucked, but nothing else did as Rhizome Productions kicked off the inaugural Tupelo Craft Beer festival. March 2 in Mississippi is usually Spring like, but not this year. I’m not sure it ever got over 36, and it snowed half the day. Yes. Snow. In Mississippi. In March. Obviously, the beer fest weather gods … Read more

Laughing Dog Brewing, part 1

A few weeks ago we flew out to Spokane, WA for a little vacation and family time. We had three big things on our itinerary. First, spend time with June’s 93 year old grandma who’s confined to a nursing home. Second, hang out at Laughing Dog in Idaho and drink good beer. And third if … Read more

It’s been a busy couple of weeks.

It’s been a few weeks since our last post, but not for lack of content. We’ve got a lot to tell you about since we told you about Nashville’s Girls’ Pint Out kicking off. Just a few days after that, June ran her first half marathon. Yay, June! After an effort like that, you’d think … Read more