Beer!

Last Monday I had the great pleasure of having dinner with my friend Father Larry.  It is hard to believe that it was almost a year ago that he hosted his homebrew tasting.  While together, we feasted on a some great BBQ at Hoggy's.  Larry considers it the best BBQ in Columbus.  I will take his word for it, because it was great.

I wolfed down a platter of ribs, pulled pork, chicken wings, mashed sweet potato and a nice pint of Great Lakes Christmas Ale.

Larry has been busy brewing (much unlike myself as of late) and as we parted, he left me with one of his homebrew samplers.  Tonight I tried...strike that...really enjoyed, his Roggenbier.

I have not had tons of experience with rye beers, but I must say, his was incredible. 

His brew is based on the Sahti style which originates in Finland (Insert Fish Slapping Song). It incorporates rye with juniper berries and has the most amazing tart finish.  I loved it.

Speaking of homebrew, BYOB, and beer swapping, I pulled out my traveling six pack case yesterday and forgot how much I loved it.

If you are looking for the ultimate in six pack transportation, then check out Built NY's six pack tote.  It is made of neoprene and claims to keep your brew chilled for up to four hours...that and it just looks cool.  With holiday parties on the schedule and the always uncertainty as to what the host describes as "beer", it never hurts to have your own private stash just in case.