107

It's supposed to peak at 107 today, which they tell me is the temperature taken under a shade tree somewhere. I'm not certain what the temperature would be in the direct sunlight, but I'm certain it would feel interesting.

Did you ever feel the waft of heat gently across your face when you opened an oven after baking? Well that's what it feels like.

But still infinitely bearable (it's a dry heat after all) with some chilly refreshment at hand.

These may be the warmest temperatures I've ever experienced.

What do do? Well we have some move-in, thirst-building, bidness to attend to and after that we'll just see what occurs naturally.

There was some thought of rock-climbing but a peek at the thermometer makes that unlikely for the next few days.

It's 108, but it's a dry heat

I rolled into Tempe a few hours ago after a breathtaking run down from Oklahoma City. Met up with my lovely S, who greated me with open arms and a Four Peaks Kilt Lifter® Scotish Ale from the bar which she served personally in the pool! It really doesn't get any better than this.

The Path to Somewhere and Nowhere in Particular

Here's a rough idea of the route I'll be following beginning today.

The main point of this trip is to take Z off to AZ for college. (Yeah! No more kids to send to college!)

Secondarily, it will be a chance to relax and clear my noodle of the year's pressures.

And at the same time try out some of the beers I've had a chance to savor at their source.

I have a new birthday toy (or two) that I'm gonna be using to blog along the way, so stay tuned. The fun is about to commence!


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Road Trip

I've prayed to the beer gods for some modicum of relief from the place I've found myself recently. A new direction perhaps?

I had a dream, and a slurred voice from somewhere awoke me at dawn: Son, pull your boots on and get in your car. Travel West, to the end of the Road.

What you seek, there you will find.

This is not what the voice said but just a tribute.

Hey Tazio, what's in the Beer Meister?

Dude. The void has been filled. Finally.

The picture is complete. The Fat Lady has sung her Beer Aria.

Today, I cleaned my beer lines and beer line, and filled my beer miser and beer belly with two of my most favorite of beers: Victory Hop Devil and Weyerbacher Autmnfest Ale. One for the men. And another one for the man-cave.

Craft Beer doing well this Recession

I tend to agree with these experts: As long as craft brewers stay innovative and creative, they'll always be able to keep their products fresh and enjoy the cult followings like indie bands have long had.

Check out the foam on the news anchor: I wonder what kind of beer flows from her cans?

Home Bar Construction

What have I been doing lately?

Three years and 10,000, wait maybe 20,000 excuses later, the man-cave is finally nearing habitation. Or is it hibernation.

It's at least ready enough to serve beer. As long as you can stand and drink at the same time that is.

Photographic evidence you say? Hang on.

Hop Crop

There's still about a month before harvest. Ok you hopheads what variety of hops are these?

Corney Sankey Eye

There May Be Hope for the English Pub Yet!

Here's a good article by Henry Shukman that paints a fairly upbeat picture about the survival of the English Pub.

He make makes me feel like I should go and visit.

I wonder why there aren't there any pubs like these in NEPA?

Summer Hiatus

Drink in May and go away.

Well I've got the go away part down pat, but I'm still sipping the fine brews on into the Summer!

Actually, most summers, it seems with the barbecues, vacations, et al, this space gets dusty mitey.

I'll try to post some interesting tid-bits as I discover them, though.

Hey Tazio, what's in the Beer Meister?

Well, let's see...Realizing that the Bavarian Barbarian Hammerin' Ale was in it's death throes after we had to tag-team to ax and broadsword it to its knees last week, I anticipated this revolting development quite nicely and procured a backup keg of Victory Prima Pils. Just in case expiration came at an inconvenient time and all...

Well when the Hammerin' Ale honorably kicked over the weekend (may ye rest in peace, valiant warrior), it was a simple matter to switch to the Prima Pils. And what a primo delight that was!

Still on tap two is ITHACA Beer Co.&trade Apricot Wheat--it's going as fast as a hound dog passing Apricot pits. But really, it's going steadily, but subject to a foaming issue. My pressure only shows 8 lbs--I'll dial it back a wee bit to see if that helps!

Rerun of Citizens Yuengling

If you didn't catch it the first time around, catch this week's episode of WVIA's Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal.

This week's episode airs Wednesday, July 1 at 7 p.m. and will feature in-depth interviews with Citizens Dick and Wendy Yeungling. His fifth generation name is on a beer once brewed and enjoyed only in Pennsylvania Coal Country. Today his is a respected boutique beer sold in 12 states along the East Coast. Dick Yuengling is now teaching the business to his four daughters to preserve the 180 year legacy. Meet Wendy Yuengling and her father and learn the fascinating business history of the Yuengling brewery.

I saw it the first time it showed and it was very interesting.

CO2 Refills

In PA and perhaps other areas, CO2 tanks have to be inspected for condition and pressure-worthiness every five years. The date of manufacture, or the last inspection date, is on the crown of the tank.

My 5# tank has never been inspected as I have only had it since 2003. So lo and behold on trying to get it refilled, I discovered it needed an inspection which required it be sent off-prem from Beer Solutions. :O(

Should have it for the weekend though! :O)