Starting Line

Welcome to my Beer Journal!

I'm married to an amazing man who is incredibly passionate about wine. He has tons of books, loves to study it, analyze it and, of course, drink it. It is an activity we really enjoy sharing. I've noticed, though, that I don't have that kind f passion for wine. I find it interesting and I enjoy drinking it, but I don't CARE the way he cares.

My passion is for beer.

I didn't start to enjoy beer until the summer I was 21. I know that doesn't sound late in the game, but to be honest, I'd been tasting drinks for a while at that point. Sorry Mom. I was living in Kilgore, Texas for the summer interning with the Texas Shakespeare Festival. Every Sunday night (because in the theatre, your day off is typically Monday) we'd celebrate Beereoke at the local bar on campus. Lots of beer and other libations, plus lots of delightful and embarrassing karaoke. Well one night I was drinking water and I emptied my mug, so someone (not paying attention) filled it with beer. I thought, "What the heck, I don't want it to go to waste", so I tasted it.

Oh, the joy of first love.

It was Amber Bock, a favorite among the New Yorkers in the crowd who couldn't find it up North. And it was glorious to behold! So cold it nearly hurt my throat, and so rich and brimming with flavors. I never looked back.

Ever since I've been broadening my palate and learning everything I could. I love reading about the history of beer, and of alcohol in general. I love reading how alcohol has shaped certain cultures, and vice versa. I'd love to study beer the same way hubby studies wine - with an end goal in mind - but I'm not sure what jobs I would be working towards. He can focus on earning his sommelier certification, and having extensive wine knowledge makes him an excellent candidate for many jobs in upscale bars and restaurants, specifically steakhouses. What jobs can I look forward to that require an extensive knowledge of beer history and intricacies? I'd love to work somewhere like the Flying Saucer, but it isn't exactly a career worth leaving a job in oil and gas, financially speaking.

The culture of beer drinkers is definitely expanding in America, and perhaps in five years time there will be jobs equal in status (and salary) to a sommelier, but it is difficult to predict. For now I will have to think of it only as a hobby and a passion, all the while hoping that one day we'll get to open our wine and beer bar we dream about.

This journal is meant to be a place where I can catalog my tasting notes and opinions, as well as reviews and local events. It is a bit unfortunate that I waited until I was six months pregnant to start this journal, but you kind of have to start things when you feel the nudge. For now, my notes and reviews will be based on previous experiences or small tastes I get from trying hubby's drinks or sampling at the Saucer. Once little Hunter comes out to play I will be able to hit the ground running a bit more... in theory. ;-)