By Beer Snob (Trooper)
I feel that it is necessary to reflect upon the name Beer Snob early in this column’s development. I don’t think I am set on that being the name for the Column, but it’s out there, so here we go.
I am actually a very humble guy. Except when it comes to my opinions on Politics, Religion, Education, saving the planet, dogs in purses or strollers, and most importantly, BEER. And to some degree when it comes to beer, I have become a snob. Not the kind with a cool debonair mustache that curls at the end: not that I wouldn’t if I could, but I lack the genetic code for that one.
I am a snob first for all the obvious reasons. I do not drink nasty beer, not at a sporting event, a house party, at a concert, no Sir. And if you offer me a beer that I feel is below my palate’s expectations I politely decline. Now did I drink nasty beer? Yes of course, the first half of my drinking life. But as with so many, it all started with one good beer, Sierra Nevada. Then it was only in the summer that I drank the canned Mexican beers. It was too hot for those big ales, but now every summer I have my go-to craft beers that I drink and in winter it is all about roasty stouts and porters. Now my bottom shelf beers are higher than most people’s top shelf selections.
It has come to a point that when my wife or I decide we are going out to dinner, we look at the beer menu before the food menu to determine where we are going. It’s the same if I want to see a movie. Do they serve beer? Good beer? No? Is there a place nearby that does so we can get a pint before and after? We’re going on vacation? Cool, what brewery is near where we want to go and how many can we see in the time we have? And I must buy some to take home and share.
I guess being a beer snob is kind of a burden. I am limited to places to enjoy because, well I only go where there is good beer or I won’t enjoy the place. I am limited especially here in our valley on where I shop for beer, because there are only a few places with a decent beer selection. And on top of that, I will get through said selection very quickly and then be searching for another place with a different selection. But I always remember that we’re catching up out here in the southern-most tip of southern California. We now have two breweries of our own: Coachella Valley Brewing in Thousand Palms, and La Quinta Brewing in, well, Palm Desert. There are a few bars that are really starting to get it and I believe it will only get better. It’s us fellow beer snobs, beer geeks, beer enthusiasts that are making the change today that we want to see tomorrow, by being the craft beer consumers.
When we buy and consume beer we are not just drinking refreshment, we are making it possible for someone to have a job. We are helping Barley and Hop farmers grow the next season’s crops, and I for one am helping American Craft Beer makers grow the American Economy, create American Jobs and build new American Traditions. And I know when I buy a great craft beer it is made with love and respect, it does not come with a bikini model or a puppy or any of that fake advertising bull. What it does come with is Pride and Integrity.
Trooper Ramsey
www.BeerCultureWebshow.com
