Beer 34 - Stout, Saint Arnold Brewing Company

Victory or Death. That was the resolve of our first president as he lead troops in a war for our independence. I think it should also be our resolve as we live our lives. It may seem like those are our only two options because eventually one of the two will come to pass. There is one more option though, and that is to run in the face of danger and opposition. I think that's the option old George threw out.

Scene Setting: After all the kids went down to bed I sat down to watch "A drive through history" about George Washington. That is a man I can drink to. He was stout.

Verdict: Stout, very stout. It starts strong and doesn't yield much, but the flavor was smooth. Here's to the Patron Saint of Brewing.

Beer 32 - Anniversary Stout 250, Guinness

"We must all fear evil men but there is another kind of evil which we must fear most, and that is the indifference of good men." -The Boondock Saints

The degradation of our society has primarily come from the indifference of good men. First, we need to resurrect the production of "good men," and second we need the "good men" that are out there to put on their armor and fight.

Scene Setting: Watching the Boondock Saints and trying to stay warm on the couch with a little Guinness Anniversary Stout.

Verdict: This Anniversary Stout has a hint of the regular stout except that I'm noticing some chocolate undertones, and a little higher quality (not that Guinness doesn't bring superior quality every time.) I think the Anniversary has the essence of celebration with it, an extra smoothness. With Guinness and the Boondock Saints you can't go wrong.

Day 17 - Old Plowshare Organic Stout, North Coast Brewing Company

The picture on the front of this stout from North Coast Brewing Company reminded me of something my friend and pastor quoted this morning. "If you sow sparingly you will reap sparingly and if you sow bountifully you will reap bountifully." It reminds me that there is a certain amount of work that must be done. In all things. My marriage, kids, family, friends, job, and anything else worth doing all take work. Some more than others but all at some point are painful work. But the truth is where you sow you will reap, and the amount you reap is directly related to the amount you sow.

This is something I have learned my whole life watching my dad. I never saw the man do anything half way. The powerful part about it is that I'm reaping what he sowed. I can't think of a decision I have to make as a man now that "what would Dad do?" doesn't affect the outcome. So I drink this stout in honor of a man that has never put down the plow as long as I can remember. Thanks for the life lesson Dad, and you didn't even have to say a word.

Scene Setting: An empty house. The kids are with Pamaw and Dan Dan. The silence overtakes me as I think back over a life with my dad and thank God for the man I got to watch demonstrate devotion, kindness, endurance, faithfulness, and integrity.

Verdict: I'm not sure if it was the organic ingredients or the memories but this beer was a great experience. Excellent flavor, strong without being overpowering, kind of like my dad.

Day 13 - Double Chocolate Stout, Young's

The bar has been raised. One of my students who found out about my blog brought me a beer today. I'm not sure where the days of bringing the teacher an apple have gone, but I'm sure I'm not that disappointed.

Now all the rest of you have something to live up to. So if you have a beer suggestion that you would like to make, please feel free to send one over. I will definitely put it into the line-up.

Comment with any suggestions. I look forward to hearing from whoever is reading. It's always good to see a new follower too.

Scene Setting: Girl's night just started and every bit of estrogen has left the house or had a bed time of 7:30. It's just me, James Bond, and my Double Chocolate Stout. The World is Not Enough.

Verdict: I really enjoy a stout, and I've had a few that boasted chocolate goodness. None, however were so convincing than Young's. I usually skip dessert. I know, I'm weird. I think this chocolate stout would satisfy a dessert craving if I ever had one.