The Session #62- Why Blog

This month's issue of The Session is being held by Brewpublic, and the question is, What Drives Beer Bloggers?

Your mission as a craft beverage blogger reading this post, should you choose to accept it, is to compose a post on the topic of “What Drives Beer Bloggers.” There are no rigid guidelines about how to write about this topic but we’d certainly love to hear about the history behind your blog, your purpose in creating it, its evolution, and/or what your goals in keeping it going.

Way back on March 5, 2009, I started this thing, and posted "What this is". It was my first post, explaining that I was going to basically do beer reviews:

I am going to post about the beer I try. I am not a beer geek, or a beer snob. I know what I like, and hope others can like some of the same beers. Most of the time, I am a IPA, or another super hopped up beer type of person, but I do enjoy most styles (other than the american light beers).If you do read this, please post your own favorite beer.Gracias.  

Let me take a second and deconstruct that first statement to what I feel I have become.

• "I am going to post about the beer I try."- Sure I post a lot of reviews, but I also try to mix it up a bit with some newsy type items, homebrewing, or just random thoughts. I try not to have controversial topics, but I do think I have an open mind when it comes to those items.
• "I am not a beer geek, or a beer snob."- I think I have become a beer geek, and have one thing about me that could make me a snob (I ask for a glass to pour my bottled beer in, although I will occasionally drink it without one). I am a beer knowledge junkie and want to soak up as much as possible.
• "I know what I like, and hope others can like some of the same beers."- I have found that I did not know what I liked, but was willing to try multiple styles and my tastes are starting to develop. I am not an expert taster, or judge, but I can pick out certain flavors. Three years ago, I was just starting to branch out and try crazier beers, now I get excited to drink them.
• "Most of the time, I am a IPA, or another super hopped up beer type of person"- I still love IPAs, but I also love sours, saisons, belgian dubbels, porters, pale ales, wheats, etc.  I don't have a dominant style that I drink (well, compared to only drinking IPAs).
• "but I do enjoy most styles (other than the american light beers)"- I can appreciate almost any style. There are some that I don't like as much as others (darn you Scotch ales), but I can put them into perspective, and I just don't order them often. I still hate American light beers.
• "If you do read this, please post your own favorite beer"- I do want to know what others are drinking and enjoying. That was a huge part of me joining Twitter and becoming more involved with social media. I like to know what else is out there.

Basically that is what this blog is to me.  It is a place where I can post my beer reviews, share my thoughts and let everyone know what I like.  It also helps me continue my drive of beer geekery, and of course, the Beer Bracket. I have gone from a strict hophead to a lover of all fine crafted ales.  I hope you can start your own journey, or continue this journey with me .

Beer People are Good People- Cigar City for me

 

When a beer lover on Twitter (@Skurnie) mentioned that he had never had a taste of Troegs Nugget Nectar, I felt the need to share with him the goodness (I am fortunate enough to have my fair share of draft, bottle and cask Nugget Nectar), as well as a bottle of this past years Mad Elf.

He replied that he would then send me some good Florida brews- Cigar City. Cigar City is sometimes found around (mostly in the Philly area), but I haven't had the pleasure of trying any.  When I opened up the box from him, I was instantly excited. Seven bottles of goodness. 

The first that I knew I was going to drink was the Jai Alai. A beer that is probably the most known (maybe second, as Hunahpu has gained a bit of a cult status with their Dark Lord Day style release party.

Jai Alia poured a beautiful golden orange color, while citrusy aromas wafted from the glass. A bit of pineyness came from the head, but only on second sniff.  I couldn't resist the beer.  The intense grapefruit hops taste is the dominant feature, although the malt does not get lost.  A sweetness breaks through, giving it a touch of depth. The bitterness lingers throughout the beer, continually holding on though the moderate carbonation and mouthfeel.

Overall, this is a great IPA. Exactly what I look for in a bitter beer.  Delicious.