The Beer Retard - March 13th, 2008

I haven't been able to write about beer lately. My motivation has been slipping. Part of it is laziness, but a big part is an aversion to the language used to describe beer. As the craft beer phenomenon continues to gain steam, it's taken on a strong element of snobbery and geekiness. I've encountered people who can only talk about all the rare beers they've bought and how they're "laying down" certain beers and can't wait to see how the flavor will become more "rounded" and "reveal greater complexities" after a year or two in their cellar. Then there are the people who have to know the IBUs, ABVs and OGs of every beer they try. When I go to beer events and certain bars, I feel like I'm stuck in the middle of a group of snobs and nerds who are either taking shit way too seriously or are way too caught up in the status of what they're doing. It's starting to take the fun out of it for me.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still loving beer. My fridge is stocked full of beers I'm excited to try and I've been going out several nights a week and drinking good beer at Elysian, Big Time, Brouwer's, Hopvine, etc. I just haven't had the desire to write about it. Seems like every beer review I read or podcast I listen to has been rubbing me the wrong way. I'm sick of hearing about "notes of raisins and toffee" or "awash with citrus and pine and a hint of pepper" on the tongue. I'm not just talking about the people on Beer Advocate or Rate Beer here. Even some writers and podcasters that I respect and know are anything but snobby are using the type of language that makes me wince. When I look back at things I've written, I can see that I've also used many of those same phrases that I can't stand to read or hear. There are only so many words available to describe beer and that method of approaching the subject is starting to feel done to death. Maybe I'm being a little knee-jerk with my feelings, but that's just how it is for me right now.

I think I need to spend more time finding a voice for my writing. I need to find a way of talking about my enthusiasm for beer in a language that gets across how I see things and what it's all about for me. Hell if I know what that means. I'm hoping I'll figure it out if I make the effort. In the meantime, I'll just keep drinking beer. The picture you see above is my first growler. You'd think, with all the beer I drink, that I would've had one or more by now (guys like Mike the Hop Hunter have 20 or more). Maybe it's because I get around on my feet and the bus. Not always easy to tote around growlers when you're out on the streets and won't be home for hours. Anyway, I bought it at Pike Brewing, got it filled with their IPA and since then I've gotten it filled a couple more times with the Snoqualmie Steam Train Porter and the Schooner Exact 3-Grid IPA. It costs from $8-12 to get it filled (depending on where you go) and gives you 4-5 pints worth. The beer stays really fresh for the first 48 hours or so. After that, not so much (but I usually have no trouble polishing it off in 2 days). I've enjoyed having it so far and look forward to the next refill.