Beer Nation 101-Obama says beer and nation goes bonkers

July 28, 10:37 AMBeer ExaminerCharlie Papazian

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Beer Summits are now in
vogue. Grab a variety and
treat your friends.

The verdict is “beer” and I’m guilty too.  Yes, I am joining the beer-for-all that’s blitzing the media these days.  It’s still July and we’ve all lived through another season of “dog days in July,”  but the nation is still in disagreement whether beer is going to temper thirsts or cool off the heat.

Are you going shopping for beer?  Rule number one:  Never leave any beer in the heat of a parked car.  Beer ages (deteriorates) seven times faster at room temperature than at refrigerated temperatures.  Remember – beer is food.

Holy moly.  If ever Eisenhower, Nixon, Kennedy, Johnson, Bush I, Carter or Reagan had a public beer, the event would have been lucky to make the recycling news.  Why is the Obama-Crowley-Gates summit such huge news today? 

There are over 1,510 breweries in the United States. 1,500 are small and independent.  I’m supposing each one of these breweries will make 10 different kinds of beer in a given year.  I think that’s conservative, but run with it nevertheless. 

There are no less than 15,000 different brands of American made beer available in the United States.  Maybe that has something to do with why tens of millions of Americans are obsessed with wondering about whic beers will be served at the White House Beer Summit.

What are you going to choose next time you buy beer?  Beer planning can be well intended, but when I walk into a pub or restaurant I don’t decide by  first looking at the menu.  I pause  and decide what I’m in the mood for and then I take a look at the list.  Will it be the only beer of the day?  The first?  Before a meal, without a meal, after a meal, last beer of the day?  Am I going to have more than one?  Am I really thirsty? 

Unlike politics and legislation, the process of choosing a beer isn’t like sausage making (when you don’t want to know the process).  Deciding which beer to have should be a beautifully unfolding process you can take time to appreciate.  Let the moment take you and be sure to make the notion of  “discovery” a part of your decision.

Are you out and about intending to buy a case of beer for a gathering of friends?  Don’t underestimate the moods of future moments.  They can vary quite a bit.  Don’t for one beer type of beer.  In fact, if you’re serious about resolution or planning on just having fun buy a variety of brands and styles.  Don’t assume you have captured the moment with a prediction of what mood people are going to be in.  If you’re buying case, it might suit the occasion to buy a six pack of four different beers.  One never knows what mood you’ll be in at your own personal beer summit.

What kind of beers is best for a face to face?  Get over any bitterness you might have.  India pale ales are always refreshing and once you find the one that is balanced for your tastes, it’s a beer that offers solace, even if the conversation goes south. 

Are you not up for an IPA mini-vacation, well then seek some of those special pilseners that are being made by America’s small and independent brewers – these beers have class and finesse, which is always welcome.  They’re hoppy, and have a friendly bitterness that enhances conversation.

Perhaps it’s time for smooth, balanced and sweet talking English style brown ale or if you still want that hop kick, go for American style brown ale.   If it’s health you’re concerned about, opt in for an imperial brew.  Strong and nourishing it could be a stout, pilsener, India pale ale or other delicacy brewed by your local brewery.   One beer a day could keep the doctor away and help you chill out over recent missteps.

One thing for sure at the White House, there will be no Arrogant Bastard Ale served.