It’s that time of year. I feel the blahs. It’s as if my overall happiness is slowly being taken away each day leading to the end of summer. Crazy enough, I am not a student going back to school. I have the same feelings I have had when I was one however. Feelings of uneasiness, melancholy, and apathy. The shorter days, herbage hues changing to brown and shorter daylight are to blame. How do I change this joy-sucking time clock? Craft beer entered my thoughts as a soul saver. Is it the answer to life’s problems? Hell, no. It has made things feel less shitty since 10,000 BC, though! Don’t try and tell me that it’s an expensive form of therapy. This is a product of yeast fermentation, not a licensed professional. All I know is that I have never been sad sipping on a delicious pint unless I spill it. Then, I have reason to cry.
Think of this article like a class on saying bye-bye to the blues. For a few moments I will be your professor of libations. For this course there will be no tests, grading or memorizations. There will be an expectation upon completion of the curriculum to participate in supporting local craft beer.
Alright everyone, settle in. Please open your mind to virtual learning. The goal is to take control of your personal happiness by reducing stress. You are one sip away.
Lesson one: Cooking Class: Let’s discuss a New England Favorite called Clam’s Casino. The original recipe was made by chef Julius Keller for a resort called the Narragansett Pier Casino. Long Live Beerworks has a “Clam Casino” that is a collaboration with Other Half Brewing. Hold the bacon, bread crumbs, and clams on this double dry-hopped Double IPA because it is made with Motueka, Motueka Cryo, Enigma, HBC 1019, and HBC 1019 Cryo. At 8% ABV you might end up sipping away to pass this class with smiling honorable hops.
Lesson Two: Plant Biology with Theology. The Sacred Tree roots travel in many directions into the earth. The root paths represent our growth as human beings physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. Phantom Farms Brewing has a Farmhouse Ale-Saison labeled as “Sacred Tree.” This unique and delicious beer is floral with a touch of lemon, pepper and white wine. Drink and savor this 8% ABV slowly and allow your healing power to help you to achieve your full unlimited potential.
Lesson Three: Astrology. I wish the college I went to taught this subject. I say this not only because I am fascinated with zodiac signs and constellations. I also love the “Sagittarius Moon”; a stout from Buttonwoods Brewery that is made with Borealis coffee. This 6.5% ABV Stout is full of bold coffee flavor, a touch of brown bread, and vanilla. It is exactly what I want a stout to taste like and hands-down one of the best I have had. If you were born under the Sag moon you are optimistic, adventurous, and looking to gain as much knowledge as you can. If not, drinking this coffee stout may give you the energy to set some positive goals!
Lesson Four: History. This was never my favorite subject until I tasted a little bit of 1953. This was the year the Korean War ended, Dwight Eisenhower became president and Queen Elizabeth II was crowned. You can taste a 53’, too. It’s available on tap at Narragansett Brewery. This is a throwback version of what an Ale from Narragansett would taste like during that time. Cleverly made with a 5.3% ABV, this lager is crisp, slightly malty, and refreshing. I can’t promise drinking this will make you a historical expert, but it is sure to bring a smile on your face.
Lesson Five: Music: Did you know that music activates all regions of your brain? It triggers dopamine, pain reduction, improves cognition, and increases memory. You can listen to the Grateful Dead’s 38-second instrumental percussion piece or you can have a 12-ounce pour of it at Pivotal Brewing Company. Ask for “Antwerp’s Placebo.” This Belgian-style Tripel is deceivingly smooth for its 9.2% ABV. Take out your manuscript paper and write these notes down: The taste of banana, cloves and spice from the Opal and Saphir hops will have you playing in tune to the song of a therapeutic melody.
This concludes our sessions for today. Before I let you go, let’s go over a few key take-home messages. Prioritize your physical and mental health. Be kind to yourself and others. Focus on things to be grateful for. It’s OK to think about the future as long as you are able to live and be present in the now. Smile and laugh more. Get out and socialize. There are plenty of local craft breweries to choose from. Enjoy life one sip at a time, turning blahs into hoorahs.
Cheers to great local craft beer!