By Beer Snob (Trooper)
It all started in 1994. Wow that sounds like a long time ago. Wait… that is a long time ago. Anyhow I was working two jobs, I would leave the one and walk down Palm Canyon to the other, make a stop on the way at CPK (California Pizza Kitchen) for a pint of beer and a slice of pie, Key Lime to be specific. The pint was always the same. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, it was new to me. And it was hoppy, bitter and refreshing from standard beers I knew.
Then came the job change. I took over second key of a small bar from New Orleans. Fat Tuesdays, about five spaces down from CPK right on Palm Canyon. Shortly after that I hired a guy many of you know, Dean McFarlane who is currently running the Purple Room in Palm Springs. For the first time it was not what I could buy, but whatever the rep had access to, and Dean was there making suggestions and pushing the envelope. Now there is no profound moment here, just a toe in the water so to speak. But we did start bringing in some better beer. Early Redhook, they actually had a Rye back then I liked a lot. Murphy’s Irish Stout on tap. And Sierra Nevada.
There were many more beers with Dean and other friends along the way but that is another article to come.
As I sit here today writing this article and working on the next episode of Beer Culture Web show, all I can think is we are in the middle of a beer revolution right now. Now is the time to find the Novice among your friends and family, and start them on their path to better beer enlightenment. How you ask? Find the foot bridge beer that works for them. Samuel Adams mixed pack is a great way to go. Work through the four or five styles and find the one they like best, grow from there. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is still one of my first suggestions. Take them down to the local brewery and order a flight of beer. If you are a novice this means 4 to 6 samples of various styles of beer which is a great way to find your palate’s desire.
We, Us, Beer snobs, Beer Geeks, Craft Beer Aficionados, Collectors, Hoarders, Home Brewers, Craft Beer Workers, Traders, etc. We owe it to the Craft Beer Community to educate those we meet along the way that are curious but not sure where to begin, to convert those we love. The next time you are standing in the beer aisle choosing your night’s selection, check the person next to you. It may be your chance to start someone on the path to Craft Beer Enlightenment or to be enlightened.
The Path of the Novice always begins the same, with curiosity. This leads to discovery. Research and education leads to sharing of information, and soon another group of craft beer lovers are holding pairings, craft beer dinners, brewery tours, etc. As I begin this leg of my Beer Journey, I will do my best to keep this column educational, entertaining and rich with information to pique your craft beer curiosity.
