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!

 

Whatever Floats Your Boat

 Northern New York is one of the least populated areas in the state. This is reflected in the number of breweries. There are currently 20 breweries within 40 minutes of Syracuse, according to Brewery Info. A mere 75 miles north the city of Watertown is home to at least four. Travel further northeast, along the Saint Lawrence River, breweries are few and very far between. 

A mere 22 miles northeast of Watertown lies the village of Clayton. Nestled in the Thousand Islands along the Saint Lawrence River, Clayton is a boating town, for obvious reasons. Clayton is home to the Antique Boat Museum which host an eclectic assortment of boats from canoes to speed boats.

Directly across the street from the museum is the Wood Boat Brewery.  Despite its name it is not on an actual boat, but a tribute to the regions boating history. Arriving around noon with the Navigator, and the Navigator-in-laws (because you can never have to many navigators) we found the brewery quite busy. With both indoor and outdoor seating, we had difficulty making our way through the people gathered around the entrance. Always a good sign.

Entering the tap room, we immediately pick up on a nautical theme. Artwork depicting various craft of the water variety, not craft beer, adorn the walls. I am ecstatic to find an image of one of the best canoes ever made, an Old Town Canoe from the great state of Maine. Motif aside, the food and staff were up to the task. Our server, Ethel, probably not her name, gave as good as he got with a retort quickly at hand. The food is nothing to sneeze at, or on. Brick oven pizza and sandwiches comprise the majority of the menu. Solid food without detracting from the main attraction, beer.  Call me old school, but if you visit a brewery for the food, you should probably look for a restaurant. Breweries are for beer drinkers, first and foremost. 

In conclusion, if you find yourself on the Saint Lawrence River, by plane, train, automobile, boat, horse, camel, mule, you get the idea. Stop by the Wood Boat Brewery.  Tell them Matt sent you and they will either reply "who?" or call local law enforcement. Either way, it will be a memorable visit! 

 Until then, stay crafty.

                                  

Kicking it Old School

NASA Space and Rocket Center

Let me begin by saying I am not from Alabama. When I think of craft beer states I think of the west coast, Colorado, North Carolina, and New England. No offense to my tens of readers from other than the above-named states.  Imagine my surprise when I discovered the most unique brewery location I have ever layed  intoxicated eyes on. Huntsville Alabama is known for rockets. Not the basketball team or those illegal fireworks your neighbor shoots on Independence Day. I'm talking rockets of lunar proportions, the kind that helped put people in space.There are a mere 47 craft breweries in Alabama, according to the Brewers Association. Of those 47, at least five are in Huntsville. Arriving in Huntsville I was surprised by the weather. It was unseasonably cold, with temps hovering near freezing at night. Fortunately, I didn't pack any warm clothes, increasing my need for some "antifreeze", so I phoned a friend. My friend Fred is a fellow beer enthusiast who I have known for years and hadn't seen since he moved to Huntsville. Fred suggested we make our way to the "Campus". Arriving at Campus 805 I'm surprised to discover it's not a college, but a 13-acre multi-use area, within which sits the coolest middle school in Alabama, maybe the coolest in the country. The Roy L. Stone Middle School looks like any other on the outside however once inside, everything changes.                                      

The halls remain as they were, with wall lockers and trophy

cases along both walls. The classrooms are now occupied by 

restaurants, bars and other assorted businesses, including Straight to Ale Brewery. Founded my homebrewers in 2009, Straight to Ale occupies one of the largest spaces within the school. Entering the brewery from within the school you pass through the gymnasium, complete with basketball hoops, and a commercial brewing system. Beyond the "brewnasium" you find the tap room and restaurant, Ale's Kitchen. Gordon Ramsey should be so creative. Beer offerings run the gambit, from pilsners to Belgian beer, and everything in between. The food rivals the beer with a wide variety of menu options. 

Alabama breweries may be small in number, but at least one is big on ingenuity. If you find yourself in Huntsville Alabama, the old school on Campus 805 is a must visit! Class is now in session! 

Brewnasium

Stay crafty my friends!

What’s in a Name

 What’s in a name? Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine a time without access to draft beer. The COVID Pandemic changed lives around the world while relegating my blog title to obscurity. Removing the “Wanderer” from my homebrewing blog is akin to removing hops from beer. It may look the same but its very hard to swallow!
 
With prohibition-like precision the German government ordered the closing of all bars and restaurants. What is a beer drinker to do?  Unlike many state in my native “United” States most of Europe allows delivery of alcohol to YOUR DOOR. Suffice to say for more than a year the local DHL delivery team wore a path to my front door.
 
Two breweries stand head and shoulders above the rest. Brewheart, an upstart Bavarian craft brewery whose owner Andreas I consider a personal friend. Born of home brewing roots Brewheart came onto the German beer scene in late 2018 focusing on IPA’s, my beer of choice. As a completely self funded brewery they are leaving an indelible mark on German craft beer. During the first year of the pandemic I ordered so many cases of Brewheart that I may have single handedly kept them in business!

I don’t have a personal connection to the second brewery however their beer naming convention continuously drew me to them. Using their experience with US craft beer and their love of of hockey they developed some great IPA’s. With beer names like Boogie Til You Barf, Juice Willis, and Steven Seagull, Sudden Death Brewing helped me through the darkest days of the pandemic. I routinely ordered their beers and have the belly to prove it.
 
Eighteen months removed from the onset of the pandemic the navigator and I have returned to the U.S. having both received our vaccinations With U.S craft breweries returning to full capacity we look forward to putting the “Wandering” back in Wanderinghomebrewer.
 
Stay safe and drink beer!

Buyer and Cellar

Door to the Beer Cellar

With the current travel restrictions I am now relegated to traveling around my house. As promised last week please enjoy another post from a bored, isolated, beer drinking fool.

The title of this post might lead one to believe I am providing valuable beer investment insight and financial strategies not otherwise available anywhere else. Hell no! While I have made SIGNIFICANT beer investments I drink said investments faster than grocery stores can stock toilet paper.

Homebrew

Arriving in Germany more than three years ago housing was sparse at best. When I viewed my current beer palace I was immediately intrigued by the size. While comparable to small U.S. townhomes this slice of real estate has 3.5 rooms in the basement. A boiler room with utility sink and 2.5 “Utility” rooms for laundry (yawn) etc. One of these rooms, with floor to ceiling shelving, immediately caught my attention. The previous tenants favored wine and had created a small wine cellar. Naturally I saw one thing. Beer storage. Over the next few months I purchased beer at breakneck speed, feverishly trying to fill the shelves.

HERMS Homebrew System

The beer cellar is a dual use facility allowing for the storage of purchased beer as well as homebrew. How much homebrew storage does one need? Surprisingly a lot as adjacent to the beer cellar is the “Green Room”, so named because of its green floor. The green room contains my homebrew system, increasing my need for homebrew storage. 

 Approximately a year ago I purchased a secondhand advanced homebrewing system. While the system may be advanced my ability to use the system is not. Naturally the more I strive to improve my “Craft” the more beer I produce, and the more storage space I need.

Many of my friends are ready, willing and able to assist with inventory control. As a result I now  host an annual  beer  fest dubbed “Mattober Fest”. The first annual Mattober Fest decimated my homebrew inventory with the consumption of more than 80 bottles of homebrew. Inventory problem solved! 

As the pandemic drags on my beer inventory will undoubtedly grow as I attempt to stay busy. With any luck I can host my third and final Mattober Fest here in Germany eclipsing previous consumption records! 

Until next time,
Stay crafty, stay at home, and stay safe