I don't know if anyone north of the Mississippi has noticed anything... odd about the weather, but currently we're experiencing what meteorologists have been calling The Polar Vortex.
So you can imagine my excitement when my mother agreed to come with me on a trip to Savannah, Georgia to visit an option I'd been exploring for graduate school BECAUSE THERE IS NO SNOW THERE.
Nothing was more beautiful in 2014 so far then landing at the Savannah airport, walking out those scary narrow steps off the plane and ripping off layers of coats and sweaters immediately, because it was 73 FREAKIN DEGREES.
ONLY CAPS LOCK CAN PROPERLY DEMONSTRATE MY EXCITEMENT.
I mean really, have you ever seen anything more beautiful and sunny than this? Especially for all of you up north.
26. Moon River Brewing Co. - Marmota
Illinois vs. Michigan, How is This Even a Battle?
Michigan has a tendency to do battle with the states it touches.
Maybe we're more aggressive than other states, but in general (and I am bias), I am pretty sure it's because other people are just jealous.
First, it was the great Toledo War for 1835, a fight for the Toledo strip with Ohio (and kind of Indiana), which seems so ridiculous now, but actually the area was commercially very significant. Unfortunately, Michigan ended up Toledo-less, and you can just feel the fury every time we play Ohio State in basically every sport.
Then, a battle less serious in nature, in 2011 Wisconsin laughably tried to claim that they were in fact the Mitten State. Sorry guys, but that's not a mitten I'd like to wear. There is only one "Mitten State."
Now Illinois is trying to take us down in a beer related lawsuit.
Apparently, a startup brewery in Rockford Illinois has filed a lawsuit against Michigan's own Rockford Brewing Company for their name.
Seth Rivard from Rockford Brewing Company (the Michigan one) is spot on in how he believes the lawsuit will go.
“They own zero rights to that name,” said Rivard. “We’d been using it two years before they even started.”
Hilariously, Rockford Brewing Company (the Illinois one) claims the origins of its name are from 1849, when a pioneer opened a brewery in the same location.
We'll all have to wait with baited breath until mid to late February to see how this one turns out. If you have a free minute, check out their Facebook page and show them some support!
That's not witty, it's just plain offensive
So you brewed this awesome, amazing beer and you want everyone to try it. You just need a way to get people's attention. Perhaps a unique and memorable name for your beer? Or maybe some really great artwork for your label?
Why I'm Not Sleeping (more affectionately known as KALAMAZOO BEER WEEK)
I've kind of been working a lot recently.
I don't mean to brag, but once January ends, I'll have worked every day this month except three. And not just short, quick shifts. Long, grueling, 8-13 hour days and it's been awesome, because it's all for Kalamazoo Beer Week.
Because of how involved I've been in this year's KBW, I feel like it's been particularly magical, and I want you all to know about it, whether you're in Kalamazoo or not. But right now, it's just not fesable for me to write a comprehensive blog post.
So I'm going to encourage you, if you feel so inclined, to follow me on twitter @beautybrew
I'm trying to update as frequently as I can without risking dropping my phone into my beer, so you won't miss a second of beer week awesomeness.
And to make up for this shamelessly promotional post (not to mention it's incredibly short), I'll include some photo highlights from KBW thus far.
Enjoy, and cheers!
25. GREENBUSH BREWING CO. - DELUSION
So I made the stunning transition from non-smartphone owner to iphone owner in December. What's stunning about this is that I am in my twenties, so I understand this makes me an anomaly, being a millennial that just joined the 21st century, but not owning a smartphone.... well, to put it gently, it showed me how to not be an asshole.
I have, too many times, been that person that sits and tries to have actual face to face conversations with people who hardly look up from their device(s) to give me the time of day, and I just do not want to be that person, ever. There are too many real, tangible experiences you'll miss out on!
However, having an iphone has allowed me to actually take pictures, on the spot, no preparation necessary. Something I have never been able to do, so every time since I've gotten this phone, taking a photo has been equally liberating and exhilarating.
We had a great tour, ate a delicious meal complete with every type of pizza on the menu and the best wings I have ever had in all the years I have lived on this earth. Honestly, they made chicken taste way better than anyone else has ever been able to. So juicy, full of flavor, and the perfect amount of hot.
24. Short's Brewing Co. - Evil Urges
This may be a cardinal sin of beer blogging, but I'm about to get political on you.
I'm sorry, I'll get off my high horse now, but maybe that will help you understand how much I mean this when I say that after this week, I NEED A DRINK.
And a really, really good one at that. So while my boyfriend and I enjoyed The Hobbit at Alamo Drafthouse last night, saying I was thrilled to see they had Short's Evil Urges (9% abv) on tap last night is a gross understatement.
First of all, look at this label.
This Day in History
So it's December 5.....
Does that ring any bells? Maybe December 5, 1933 in particular? 80 years ago today?
I don't need to keep prompting you guys, you're smart cookies. You know today is the anniversary of the repeal of prohibition!