Okay, so how’d it get to be February so soon? This month really snuck up on me, like that furry weather-predicting rodent sneaks up on its shadow. So here’s a bit of a catch-up post, while looking forward to some fun-in-Feb.
First, a big thank you to The Chubby Cook for having me in to have a little fun tasting and pairing craft beers last Friday night. Ten ladies and I sipped suds and sampled some wonderful cheeses, an appetizer of dates and goat cheese wrapped in prosciutto (moan), perfectly seasoned Southwest chili and a deep chocolate brownie. I think I converted a few wine-only drinkers into craft beer adventurists, at least for the night. I appreciated seeing some friendly faces in the crowd–thanks for your support! We will be doing this again in coming months, so stay tuned for the info.
Now for some February fun. We’re starting the month off with a little bit of spring-like weather, and yesterday I had the chance to sample Boston Beer’s newest Sam Adams seasonal, Alpine Spring. Very easy drinking, at a low 5.5% ABV, it’s very sessionable. Some bright floral and citrus notes, nicely balanced. I think you’ll like it. Maybe I’ll give some to that pesky groundhog to put him in the mood for fair temps.
And speaking of that pesky groundhog, tomorrow is the big day! If you can’t make it out to Gobbler’s Knob, join me at
Chardon BrewWorks for a showing of the Bill Murray and Punxsutawney Phil movie classic that never gets old, “Groundhog Day.” Brewmaster Mike will fire up the movie at 8 p.m. We can either drown our sorrows that we’re stuck with another six weeks of winter, or celebrate the early arrival of warming days. I’ll drink to that.
This weekend features one of the biggest beer drinking days of the year: Superbowl Sunday. The New England Patriots take on the New York Giants, but what I’m really looking forward to is the commercials. I’ve already snuck a peek at the CRV/Ferris Buehler spot, and it has me psyched for some good ones this year. Look for the Big Beer Guys to have a few clever ads, but don’t go so far as to drink their crappy yellow pis-water, okay? My football pick? The Pats.
Of course, the 14th is Valentine’s Day–and I plan to fall in love all over again with some wonderful craft beers that satisfy my chocolate craving, like Rogue’s Chocolate Stout, or perhaps I’ll try a new one, like organic Bison Brew’s version. What are your Valentine favorites?
A little later in the month, on February 16th, the Cleveland Beer Lovers Meetup Group is getting together at the Burntwood Tavern in Rocky River. This group has quite a few upcoming events, check out their calendar. But I’m especially looking forward to this one, as this rustic pub is one of my favorite haunts on the Eastside–I’m looking forward to checking out the new Westside venue.
February also includes Mardi Gras and an extra day of beer drinking on Leap Year, so get ready for some extended fun. And just around the corner? St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Saturday this year…Sláinte!
It’s precisely mid-February, and this year we even get an extra day of winter with Leap Year. Skies are overcast, there’s a damp chill in the air, what little snow we’ve had is grey and ugly and hanging around the edges. Time to think of some summer fun: beer festivals, beach picnics, vacations, July 4th parties…ahhh.
I’m very excited to be hosting a ladies night out with 
