Beer

"Beer; sweet sweet beer. The cause and solution to all life's problems!" A quote by Homer (Simpson. I'm not that clever). Although I don't fully subscribe to this theory, it does have a pleasing ring to it. And it's undoubtedly true that a beer or two can easily put a problem into perspective.

Beer was one of the first drinks I grew to like. This is hardly surprising since beer is also the only drink it is socially acceptable to order as a young bloke. Much like Will from The Inbetweeners, teenage lads will order a pint in the pub while inwardly thinking, "Gosh that's a lot!" or words to that effect... Not only that but beer is also the ultimate in acquired tastes. Translated this means that one's first pint is always a complete mission (although one of course must act like one is savouring every mouth full).

Despite this, having a pint is still tremendously satisfying. It's a nice volume (the first half slakes thirst, the second cam be sipped and savoured), the glass feels just right in the hand and there is always a slight rush of testosterone when ordering it. There is also a pleasing amount of ceremony in the pouring of a pint especially when completed with the perfect head. It is consistently wholesome and satisfying. While wine is both the fuel and the subject of intellectual discussion and whisky generally aides reflection and camaraderie; beer is undoubtedly the drink of relaxation. The victory celebration after toil and endeavour.

When I was younger, my choice of beer was guided by what was cheap and what was strong. Naturally this made me gravitate towards mass-produced lagers that had to be served super-chilled to mask their lack of flavour. As I grew up and my taste became more sophisticated Stout became my pint of choice (even if it did need to be consumed with a knife and fork). Shortly afterwards I developed a taste for bitter or real ale as it is otherwise known.

This was driven partly out of a desire to appear different and sophisticated but mainly because I loved the deep and complex flavours (and the fact that my tongue didn't get frostbite with every sip). I have been extremely lucky. My taste for ale developed just before it became very fashionable to drink it. As a result, they soon became widely available in supermarkets and pubs rather than exclusively in specialist off-licences.

The other reason I love ale is the variety of drinks available. Breweries can be found in almost every part of the country, all providing beers with their own, unique, character. While some of these are experiences never to be repeated (the chocolate beer was an abrupt shock to my taste-buds) others have become firm favourites. Finally there are the names. Some of them are worthy of awards in their own right; Cornish knockers being a good example. A particular favourite is T.E.A. which allows one to go home and say, "Yes darling, I went to the pub but I only had tea!"

Anyway, all this talk of beer has made me thirsty. I'm off for a pint.

Cheers!

TFB