Sometimes life aligns in a way that brings into clarity that which you appreciate and value. Yesterday was one of those days for me. For yesterday I brewed a couple batches of beer. Normally not an earth-shattering event (and certainly not post-worthy). But yesterday was a bit different. That is because it was my first brew day in eight months. And a few things aligned to give the day a degree of significance and introspection.
First, I should explain my long brewing drought. First, my brew system is propane powered, meaning I brew outside. Thus I cannot brew in the winter (although I can usually find a moderate day in December). Then I found no opportunity to brew in March or April as spring was unusually late coming this year. Of course my Halifax adventures ensued, and since my return to Alberta family matters have kept me both out of town and busy. End result? No brewing for me.
One of the consequences of not brewing in so long is that my inventory of homebrew is badly diminished. I am drinking the last vesitges of 2010 beer slightly past their prime. And reduced to buying beer in liquor stores (gasp!!). But the drought was to end. I decided to brew up two batches in one day, and thus maximize my re-supply. My system can handle two batches staggered as it is a three-vessel set up. The beer were, for the record, a blonde ale and a Dusseldorf alt.
I really enjoy my brew days. A few hours of focussed time, turning barley into beer. I can set aside work and other stresses, appreciate the weather and stir my witch’s brew. It is a grounding, pleasurable experience. I have long known that it is psychically important for me. However, after such a long absence, the effect was amplified. It felt glorious.
And then life’s synergistic effects kicked in. First, my eldest daughter – the one who gave me a Xmas present last year of a bottle from her first batch of homebrew – joined me for a couple of hours. I got to impart my beer and brewing knowledge and she got to see first hand the intricacies of all-grain brewing. That was a pretty wonderful moment.
Second, as I was getting started the news reported the death of Jack Layton. The significance to me of his death – both politically and personally – loomed large on the day and on my mood. It seemed to amplify my desire to fully appreciate this moment of my life, to not take this stolen moment for granted. And brewing was the most therapeutic way to hold off the darker thoughts that a significant death can bring about.
Finally, as I was finishing my clean up I opened a bottle of Alley Kat Full Moon (purchased at one of those dreaded liquor stores). I have had a few Full Moons since my return from Halifax, but this one felt different – newer. After my hectic past few months it was like being re-united with an old friend. And that is what I found myself reflecting on as I sipped. I have drank Full Moon for years and its texture and contours have become very familiar. Yesterday it was like tasting it for the first time. Its crisp malt base and citrusy hop character. Wonderfully balanced and full-flavoured. Blame the euphoria of brewing after such a long absence. Blame Jack Layton. Blame the hot sun and the fresh air. Regardless it was one of the moment’s when the wonders of beer become fully transparent, reminding me why I appreciate good beer and don’t just chug it ice cold. No one ever had a moment like yesterday downing a Coors Light. Of that I can guarantee. Only a good craft beer (or a homebrew if I had one) can live up to a day like yesterday.
And that is one of the best things about beer. It can hold up to a day like yesterday. Now I just need to wait out the last four weeks before my new creations are ready.
August 25, 2011 at 12:32 AM
Lovely thoughts on Full Moon, Jason. A real beer epiphany. I remember a few of those in my life over the years – know exactly where I was, what I was drinking and how I felt. Full Moon is a splendid beer and I’m so pleased to see it being picked up around town.
August 29, 2011 at 8:12 PM
This is a great anecdote. I recently had a fresh Full Moon and was taken aback at how much better that bottle was than any I’d ever sipped. That said, I lacked any of the other emotional or euphoric circumstances surrounding your tasting, but still. Which kind of brings me to another point. I’m extremely interested in home-brewing, but have 0 exposure to it. I would say for a complete and total novice I have decent knowledge of the ingredients and terminology that makes up beer, but no experience when it comes to actually making it. I’m serious about home-brewing, where should/can I go for help?
August 30, 2011 at 9:17 AM
Chris,
That is great news that you want to homebrew! My suggestion is that you go to the first meeting of the year for the Edmonton Homebrewers’ Guild. Monday September 12, 6:00 pm at the Alley Kat Brewery.
The wealth of brewing knowledge in that room will blow your brain. You will get tons of advice on how to get started, plus you will get to sample some great (and some so-so) homebrew to boot.