This could be your transportation to good beer

Do you like good American and Canadian craft beer? Do you like cruises? Do you like hanging out with a personable, beer knowledgeable host? Then there may be a good vacation for you.

Edmonton homebrewer and general beer guy Boyd Oberhoffner will be hosting a beer-themed tour of the east coast. Locations include Boston, Portland and Bar Harbor in Maine, St. John New Brunswick and Halifax. A cruise ship shall be your mode of transportation between cities, and at each stop Boyd has arranged visits to regional breweries, brewpubs and pubs that reflect the beer of the area. Plus he will be your personal guide around the cities and their beer. Having visited the region many times, Boyd is well suited to open your mind to its beer.

Normally I don’t post these kind of events, but I really like the concept Boyd has come up with, and plus I have known him for a number of years and trust that his beer knowledge is sound, his company enjoyable and he is not trying to make millions of dollars out of this. To be honest this may be his “I’m retired and need something to keep me busy” project. All the better for you.

It ain’t cheap. $110o to $1500 for the cruise and tour (flight and bookend hotels are extra), but it will be a cozy trip as the capacity is only 40 people. I have seen the itinerary and it is well designed. You will get to experience beer not available in our parts and that reflect the culture of the region. It is out of my personal price range, but I will be jealous of anyone who does embark on the trip. It sounds like fun.

It is scheduled for September 17-24, just when their weather is better than ours. For more information on the itinerary email Boyd at oberhoffner[at]hotmail.com. Questions about the package should be directed to Ron McDonald of The Cruise Place at ron[at]thecruiseplace.ca.