Welcome to my journey through the wonderful world of beer!

It all started back in college, in my friend’s cozy one-bedroom apartment, where we would gather around his stash of Milwaukee’s Best Light, fondly known as “The Beast.” Little did I realize, that humble beginning would ignite a lifelong passion for beer. Living in a dry county meant our beer runs were crucial, and our choices were often dictated by affordability. Coors Light, Bud Light, Busch Light, MGD, and Rolling Rock were our trusty companions during those days.

Our weekly trek to restock our supply also introduced a delightful tradition: the “deuce deuce” or 22 oz beer for the road (for everyone except the driver, of course). Fortunately, Arkansas had no open container law, allowing us to indulge safely. It was during these outings that I first discovered the enchanting world of craft beer. Why settle for a 22 oz Coors Light when there was a treasure trove of options waiting to be explored? Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, New Belgium Fat Tire, Jim Dundee Honey Brown Ale, and Sam Adams Boston Lager quickly became staples of our tradition.

Before I knew it, my fridge was adorned with magnets crafted from the bottle caps of these cherished brews, each one a testament to my evolving taste and appreciation for craft beer. From supplementing 30 packs of Coors Light with a mix of craft beers to proudly displaying bottle cap trophies, my journey into the world of beer has been a delightful adventure filled with discovery and camaraderie. Join me as I share tales of brewing, tasting, and celebrating the magic of beer!

This curiosity also sparked my quest for knowledge: Why do all beers have distinct flavors? Without the convenience of Google or Wikipedia, I embarked on a more traditional route of research—I turned to books. Titles like Sam Calagione’s “Brewing up a Business,” Verhoef’s “The Complete Encyclopedia of Beer,” and Charlie Papazian’s “The Complete Joy of Home Brewing” (3rd Edition) became my companions as I delved into the intricacies of brewing.

It wasn’t until after college, when I had the financial means to indulge my interest, that my exploration into the diverse world of beer truly flourished. Geographic diversity, coupled with the burgeoning craft beer revolution, exposed me to an unparalleled array of flavors and styles. The evolution of my beer journey is vividly illustrated when comparing my modest college beer magnet collection to the eclectic assortment of bottle caps that now adorn my fridge.

“Beer is living proof that God love us and wants us to be happy.” – Benjamin Franklin