"Here and There" by Clay Moore and Jay Silvers Hello fellow beer lovers. From time to time I'm going to turn my column over to my good friend Jay Silvers. Jay is a Nexus Certified Beerologist and long time chronicler of beer trivia and history. I know you'll find his writing as much fun as I do. See you next time! Clay Moore -------------- Hey - it's Jay. Grab a beer and let's get to it. Had a beer cocktail at a party yesterday called a Dragoon's Punch. Give it a try. The recipe: in large bowl mix 3 bottles porter, 3 bottles of ale, 1/2 pint of brands, 4 tablespoons confectioner's sugar, and 3 sliced oranges. Stir slightly. Just before serving add large chunks of ice and 2 bottles of chilled champagne. Barley wines are ales. They were originally brewed in England at the turn of the 20the century. They're not for the faint of heart - bold flavors and high alcohol. I can remember Bill Carter, yes the former President's brother, patriotically proclaiming "I got a red neck, white socks, and Blue Ribbon beer!" Pre-Prohibition beer consumption reached its high point in 1914 at 21 gallons per person a year. When the ban on drinking ended in 1932 it took until 1975 for Americans to reach that same level again. I drink with impunity.... or anyone else who invites me. In the early 19th century most people believed a nursing mother should drink at least seven pints of beer a day. However in 1876the Munich Health Dept. decreed that seven pints was excessive and that only two were actually needed. Beer makes for a great meat tenderizer. Poke holes in a steak, place it inside a plastic baggie, fill the bag with pale ale, and let marinate overnight. I know what John Randolph meant when he said: "Mean spirits under disappointment, like small beer in a thunderstorm, always turn sour." It was time for a toast at the United Nations. The Mexican Ambadassor said "Salud", the Russian said "Vashe zdorovie, the Lativan said "Prieka", the American said "Cheers", and the Armenian said "Genatz" Great stuff from Cheers: Sam: "What'll you have, Norm?" Norm: "Well, I'm in a gambling mood Sammy. I'll have whatever comes out of that tap.: Sam: "Looks like beer, Norm" Norm: "Call me Mister Lucky." My buddy Ted has a total irreverence for anything connected with society except for anyone who brews beer, sells beers, talks beer, thinks beer, or drinks beer. The second most famous saint in Ireland is Stint Brigid who is said to have taken the beer from one barrel and made it stretch to quench the thirst of the parishioners and clergy from eighteen different churches! In case you were wondering - you don't have to be a beer drinker to play darts, but it helps. Hops are proof that God loves us and happiness can be found at the bottom of you pint glass. Home brewers are a patient lot. In general ales require at least 5 weeks before they are ready to drink. Lagers require double that. That's why I don't home brew. All i do is go to the store, buy some, and drink it right away. Fast and easy. In the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger- "Milk is for babies. When you grow up you have to drink beer! |
Clay Moore dedicates his page to his and Beer Nexus's favorite band, Lunch Hour- Six Pack "beer for the ear" |