Abraxxxas by Freigeist Bierkultur

The moose and the goose 
All in one place 
Flowers facing the forest 
Smokestack exhales into the mist

My Craft Beer Story

My journey began in the bflat streets of New York City back the early 80s. After graduating college and experiencing too many pours from kegs of Rolling Rock while attending Temple University in Philadelphia, I knew there had to be more to beer than the watery stuff. I did get the opportunity to sip Canadian beers with family in Canada and at least that was better than what we had at home. But it wasn't until I visited England and sat in a pub, did I truly understand that beer had many names, colors, serving temperatures, and of course tastes. Local pub brews were tasty and different. But it wasn't until I went to Germany did I truly fall in love. I began shooting photos of each glass of Hefe and Weissbier that I encountered. I loved the tall, slender glasses that they were served in. It seemed so sophisticated. When I returned home, I knew I wanted more. 

Once home, I began noticing the windows in the corner delis. They all seemed to be in competition with each other to display the most bottles of exotic beers from around the world.  These were truly the first bottle shops. Of course you could also get a toasted bagel and cream cheese to go with your beer. 

As my friends and I began exploring the bar scene, part of our mission was to drink as many different beers as we could find. We ventured through strange and obscure East Village pubs and venues such as the Knitting Factory. Back then we called them micro brews and at the time Amber Ales were of the essence. I strayed away from anything that was light blond and clear or anything that resembled my collegiate drinking days. 

Fast track to California circa 1994. I had sadly given up beer due to some health issues. I would sneak in a brew or two every now and again but at the time, beer and I were not good friends. I lived close to Pizza Port in Solano Beach and that was always a good thing. Stone Brewing was also a stone's throw away. 

The good news is that I fixed my health issue and craft beer and I are together once again. Since moving up to the Bay Area in 2010 and being introduced to a plethora of styles by a few close friends, I once again have been finding myself scouring the streets and avenues searching for my next favorite brew. Festivals, Beer Week, local brew pubs, and bottles shops are now on my list of regular activities and it's that enthusiasm that has inspired me to put this blog together. 

I enjoy learning about other people's beer-ventures and that's what I plan on sharing with you here!

Follow me on the app Untappd where you may find my reviews off the beaten path. 

Oh and more rose-petal infused beer please!