'Tis the Season

I recently joined a home brew club, the Society of Barley Engineers. The first Wednesday of every month we meet and discuss topics relating to beer and brewing. We talk about techniques, styles of beer, equipment associated with brewing beer, local and regional events relating to the home brew industry, and did I mention we drink beer? Well we do. Usually it has to do with a specific topic that we are discussing that evening. For example, seeing as it is the holidays, last night we discussed holiday beers and drank a few as well. Some people brought beers that they brewed specifically for the holidays, while some people brought beers that are available in their local beer store that were seasonal. You may get the impression that all we do is sit around, shoot the breeze, and drink beers, but it is much more than that.
I have in the past been to parties or get togethers with friends and been in the situation where we needed a bottle opener. I generally am the one that is able to reach into my pocket and use the bottle opener on my key chain and offer its services. When I do this I often times get strange looks because this is something perhaps that a college frat boy might be able to do on command. This might be true, but one of the very first things I noticed while at my first meeting was that I was not alone. Some one asked for a bottle opener and without hesitation, roughly 20 men, and a few women, reached into their pockets and offered up the keys to their SUV, truck, mid-size, or what ever car they were driving, so that the beers that we were sampling that night could be enjoyed. This is, of course, where I must say that it is inappropriate, irresponsible, and against the law to drink and drive, and that there was plenty of water available to drink as well. My point is that it felt great to be in a place with like minded people who can appreciate quality beers and enjoy interesting discussions about them.
Back to the beer.
I am going to tell you about the beers that we drank last night, just the holiday beers though. I am not going to go into great detail on them, just enough (that I remember) to wet your palate. Here we go:

• McNeill's Brewery Wassail - This beer is 5.7% abv, and spiced very nicely. It tastes great and look good as well. Brewed in Brattleboro, VT.
• Rogue Ales: Santas Private Reserve - Of course coming from Rogue Ales, this one was hoppy, but I like hops so I thought it was fantastic. Brewed in Newport, OR
• Boundary Bay Cabin Fever - 7% abv, this beer isn't all that spiced, but it is smooth, and fairly easy to drink. Brewed in Bellingham, WA.
• Trader Joes brand Josephs Brough Brewing Co. Winterfest - 7.5% abv, this one was actually pretty decent. This Dopplebock is sure to be a good deal for the money.
• Samuel Adams Holiday Porter - Chocolatey and Caramely finish are the main characteristics of this beer. 5.5% abv, this beer was okay, I could drink it, but would probably choose something different.
• Lost Coast Brewery's WinterBraun - I liked this beer. It was smooth and had excellent flavor. 6.5% abv, this Eureka, CA beer will definitely be on my table again.
• Samuel Adams old Fezziwig Ale - 5.9% abv, slightly spiced with hints of chocolate and caramel. I like this beer much better than the other Sam Adams beer above. I would get this one again.

Overall it was a great night for trying out new beers and beers that I have had before. I really enjoyed discussing the various spices used to create holiday beers, and particularly found our discussion about pumpkin ales quite interesting. If anyone is interested in becoming a member of the Society of Barley Engineers, please don't hesitate to contact me. I figure, the more the merrier!