2009 a Choice Year

The cold fog has set over Seattle for days but the beer is warming and keeps us thinking about the spring. The brewers don't waste any time and are already planning their March arrivals.
Yet, we still have February to ponder. It helps that the political season is over and we can concentrate on the year ahead.

Amazingly we have more beer to choose from in 2009 then ever before. Breweries are expanding, breweries are entering the marketplace for the first time, and established breweries are expanding their product line. The wort of creativity is flowing and for publicans it is difficult to choose the beer to pour.

As we consider beer lists we must remember how lucky we are to be living in an area with accessible barley, plentiful acres of hops , and the pristine snow melt water of the Cascades. We are truly blessed in the Northwest with some of the best beer in the world. Though it may seem trite, we do often take for granted the quality of the craft products that are available in Seattle. Though other parts of the country have developed a craft beer industry the natural environment here is unbelievably suited for beer. Beer could be thought of as gauge of health for our Northwest environment, for as long as the beer is fresh and wonderful it is certain that we are taking care of the soil and water that make it all possible.

So when you hoist that pint think how lucky we are. Savor the flavor. Shout out to that brewer for making it possible. Support your local brewery. Let positive energy surround your pint. And may your 2009 be full of aroma, perfect balance, and creative energy. Cheers.