Journey to the Summit of Sacrifice

Mount Katahdin, Maine

Many of us climb mountains; some literally, some metaphorically, but we all climb. I’ve done both, and while the view from the top of an actual mountain is breathtaking, the latest climb I'm tackling is of the metaphorical variety. Spoiler alert: it’s not nearly as exhilarating.

If you’ve been following my blog (and if you haven’t, why not?), it’s no secret that I enjoy beer. Specifically, craft beer. It’s my hobby, my passion, and let’s be honest, my liquid friend. I brew it, I drink it, and since my triumphant return from Europe, I even work part-time at a brewery. You could say I’m living the dream, or at least the dream of a very thirsty person.

So, you can imagine my dismay when my physician—let’s call him Doc—placed me on a “Candida Diet,” which I’m pretty sure translates to “Can’t Eat” in some ancient, gluten-hating language. And what does this diet entail? Oh, just the small matter of being gluten and dairy-free. This means no pizza, no pasta, and, most heartbreakingly, NO BEER. Not the kind I’ve been enjoying for the last decade, anyway. 

As I stared at the list of forbidden foods, it felt like I was looking at the menu at a restaurant where they serve only kale and disappointment. I mean, how am I supposed to survive a summer without a frosty pint of my beloved IPA? The thought alone was enough to make me want to start scaling my own personal Mount Katahdin—or at least the fridge for one last hurrah.

But fear not! I’m nothing if not resourceful, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years of climbing  beer lists, it’s that there’s always a way to adapt. Enter the gluten-free beer revolution! Yes, folks, there’s a world out there of gluten-free brews waiting to be discovered, and I’m about to embark on a quest to find them. It’s like a scavenger hunt, but instead of hunting for treasure, I’m hunting for something that resembles beer and doesn’t taste like sadness!

Exploring the Options

As I lace up my metaphorical hiking boots for this gluten-free beer expedition, it’s time to explore the options available in this brave new world. While there are hundreds of gluten-free and gluten-reduced beers on the market, most of them seem to come from macro breweries like AB InBev or regional breweries that proudly boast limited distribution. It’s a little like trying to find a needle in a haystack—if the haystack were made of gluten-laden wheat and the needle was a cold, refreshing pint.

During a recent trip to my local beer store, I realized that their selection of gluten-free options could comfortably fit on one shelf in my closet. And let me tell you, that shelf is reserved for my collection of “I’ll get to these someday” items, not for gluten-free beers. But I digress; I’m on a mission, and I won’t be deterred by a lack of inventory!

First up on my gluten-free quest is Stone Delicious IPA.  Now, before you raise an eyebrow and say, “Wait, that’s not gluten-free!” let me explain. This delightful brew is gluten-reduced, which means it’s made with actual grains, but the brewers add enzymes to reduce or remove the gluten. It’s like they took the gluten and sent it packing, leaving behind a hoppy, flavorful IPA ready to quench my thirst. It’s a clever little trick that allows me to indulge without completely throwing caution to the wind. I’d say it’s a win-win, or at least a win-lose ratio that’s more favorable than my usual beer choices.

Next on my list is Glutenberg. Now, despite its German-sounding name that might make you think of a hearty Oktoberfest, this beer is actually brewed in Canada. Yes, the land of maple syrup and polite hockey players also produces a gluten-free gem! Glutenberg has made a name for itself in the gluten-free community, and I’m eager to see if it lives up to the hype. I can already picture myself sipping on this brew and pretending I’m in a
cozy Canadian lodge, enjoying the winter chill—except, of course, I’ll be doing this in the middle of summer, possibly while wearing shorts and flip-flops.

As I embark on this gluten-free beer journey, it’s clear that the landscape is diverse, albeit a bit limited in my local store. But with options like Stone Delicious IPA and Glutenberg on the horizon, I’m hopeful for what’s to come. Who knows? I may even discover a hidden gem that becomes my new go-to beer. Or, at the very least, I’ll have a few hilarious stories to share about my attempts to find the perfect gluten-free brew. 

Stay tuned for my tasting notes, triumphs, and maybe a few comedic mishaps along the way. After all, if I’m going to navigate this gluten-free mountain, I might as well do it with a smile, and maybe a gluten-reduced IPA in hand! Cheers to exploration!

Confessions of an Online Auction Addict: Brewery Edition 🍻

Crappy Scale

Online auctions are truly the bane of my existence. I mean, who would have thought bidding wars over random items could be so frustrating? I usually find myself bidding on multiple things, only to walk away empty-handed because, let’s be honest, I’m as cheap as they come. 

The rare occasion when I do win? It’s usually for something utterly useless. Case in point: I once won a mechanical scale from a local restaurant. What do I do with that? Nothing! It sits there, judging me like a silent fitness coach.

So, I decided to pivot and focus on breweries going out of business, thinking maybe I could snag something worthwhile. Cue my triumphant win of a mini-fridge! Of course, I ended up spending more on gas to pick it up than I did on the fridge itself. But hey, at least I’m using it! Notice the trend here? 

Fast forward a couple of years, and I stumbled upon a local brewery auction featuring actual hops and brewing malt. Feeling like a confident auctioneer, I waited until the last moment to pounce on my bid. And what do I win? Not just one bag of malt, but SIX 55-pound bags!  

I’m now set for life! I’ll never have to buy grain again! Sure, it’s all German variety, but that just means I should be brewing Oktoberfest beer every year for the rest of my life. If only I could figure out how to operate that mechanical scale. Cheers to my new career as a part-time brewer and full-time auction loser! 🍺😂

When in Rome

 

While Rome is often celebrated for its exquisite wine culture, there’s a hidden gem that deserves equal attention: the burgeoning craft beer scene. As a traveler who appreciates a good brew, I set out to explore this vibrant movement, fueled by recommendations from fellow beer enthusiasts who spoke of an underground beer culture waiting to be discovered. However, my adventure proved to be an exhilarating exploration of above-ground breweries that truly surprised me.

Waking up bright and early at 8:30 a.m., I was ready for a day filled with sightseeing and, of course, beer tasting. My mission was clear: to find exceptional beer venues near iconic tourist spots while soaking in the rich history of the Eternal City. First on my list was the magnificent Colosseum, a symbol of Rome's glorious past. Its ancient stones whisper stories of gladiators and emperors, but my focus today was on discovering refreshing pints of craft beer.

After marveling at the Colosseum, I set off in search of hydration and sustenance. The bustling streets of Rome are lined with charming bars and restaurants that offer a delightful range of craft beers, showcasing the creativity and passion of Italian brewers. One of my first stops was a cozy little brewpub tucked away from the tourist crowds near the 18th-century Trevi Fountain. The atmosphere was lively, filled with locals and travelers alike, all eager to try the latest creations.

                                                                        

Trevi  Fountain

As I sampled a variety of beers, I was struck by the unique flavors that   Italian brewers bring to their craft. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, each sip told a story of local ingredients and brewing techniques. It was refreshing to how thes brewers are taking traditional styles and giving them an Italian twist. A testament to the growing appreciation for craft beer in a country often overshadowed by its renowned wines. 

Continuing my beer quest, I ventured to another nearby venue, where I found a rotating selection of seasonal brews. The bartender, passionate about his craft, shared insights into the brewing process and the inspiration behind each beer. It was clear that this wasn’t just about  pouring pints; it was about creating an experience that celebrated the artistry of brewing.

As the sun began to set, I reflected on my day of exploration. Rome's craft beer scene may not be as famous as its wine counterpart, but it is undeniably vibrant and worth discovering. With each brewery I visited, I found not only exceptional beers but also a community of passionate individuals dedicated to their craft. So, if you find yourself in Rome, don’t just stop at the wine bars. Take a detour and explore the city’s exciting craft beer offerings. After all, there’s a whole world of flavors waiting to be uncovered beyond the vineyards. Cheers to the unexpected joys of exploring Rome’s craft beer scene!