Hello Beer, Hello World!

I remember like it was yesterday.  Frost, which had formed on the outside of my toque, melted as the warmth from the wall mounted radiators engulfed me upon entering the room.  Chilled to the bone from the relentlessly cold, dark, winter night in Montreal.  I had anticipated an opportunity like this for some time! I was nervous.  My contribution to the meal was a wine-sized bottle of this French-Canadian beer, with the oddest label on it. I think the name of it translates to “The End of the World”.  Strange choice for a beer name.  I suppose wine is the customary drink for such an occasion, anyways.  Strike one, I guess.  For my part however, I was completely dumbstruck for the entire evening. It was as though I had been grabbed by some invisible force. I couldn’t take my eyes off of this masterpiece, for lack of a better word.  It was like all of my senses were in symphony – aroma: deep, rich, like nothing before – sight: beautiful, golden body – feel: silky smooth – taste: sweet, almost fruity, but with a hint of peppery clove - and finally, sound: let me tell you when that cork came flying out it was like sweet music to my ears!  That was the night that I fell in love with beer.Fast forward nearly a decade, and here I stand in the open air beer halls of Bavaria drinking a strong München dunkel, reading the quintessential "How to Brew Like a Monk" via Stan Hieronymyus.  I can't help but become reminded of why it is that I first fell in love with beer. Not only beer but the realization of how complex and beautiful life is, yet completely within reach of the passionate human being to wield its particularities for all to appreciate. This, to me, defines an art. The art of brewing - like a blurry impressionism by Degas - mashes together experience, emotion, and genuine interest to bring people together and share their own perceptions and experiences.  In contrast to such an artist, a brewer might bring into account science, engineering, history, or a love for natures goodies; or simply a memory from times spent with loved ones, new acquaintances, or simply a moment when altered mind brought forth new horizons.  Like making a fine piece of art, such as a nice beer, life is a constant compromise of seemingly infinite variables, the outcome of which is not perfect nor is it completely controllable or expected; in here however lies the joys of living free.If the product of any such a passion were to spark but one soul, you may well have influenced countless. In such a way we all become connected.That being said some are inclined to believe that life does not generally operate in the black and the white, but instead in the shades in between; life is rarely altruistic or pure.  Craft beer, like any well-intentioned movement, is no exception to this.  The industry is riddled with mal-intent and ruthless capitalistic intentions.  This, however, need not detract from the jewels to be uncovered within.  A modern, intelligent human asks questions, investigates, and is generally concerned with what they're consuming.  Please do the same when you drink a beer!!