Grate Roundups

2018 is off to a fast start, which is great, as I can't wait for warmer weather. Thankfully, we've experienced some unusually warm days making work on the grill deck fairly painless. I will leave out my opinion on the not so warm days. Like I said, bring on spring.

In January, I was honored to photograph some work for Southern Comfort. Now before your head does a 360 wondering why I'm espousing an admiration for SoCo, this is not the Southern Comfort of your youth, but rather a new 80 Proof version which, unlike its forebearer, contains whiskey. 

In 2017 Southern Comfort was purchased by Sazerac. While they do not reveal whose whiskey is in Southern Comfort, the Sazerac company holds a number of fantastic bourbons in their tent: Blanton's, Buffalo Trace, Van Winkle. Needless to say, after each shoot I looked forward to enjoying my poured glass (or two).

If you own a small business and are looking to hand out personalized calendars to clients and customers, might I suggest the fine folks at Bic Graphics. For the last several years, and now through 2020, I've supplied photographs, recipes, and tips for their grilling-themed calendar.

For Weber, the grill deck added a new member to the family: The Spirit II.

Even though it is the smallest of the gassers, I've come to love it. The GS4 ignition system, the open cart design, and the beautiful colored lids make for a great grill.

It's already been featured in my latest video for Jamie Purviance's Balsamic-Marinated Flank Steak Sandwiches.

Besides sandwiches, I turned to the Summit Charcoal Grill for chili. 

Still, my favorite grill.

I've been photographing wings.

I've been photographing snow.

And of course, I've been photographing beer.

If you have not tried Sam '76 from Samuel Adams, I recommend you give it a try. It's a unique blend of ale and lager yeasts resulting in a dual fermentation. It's complex, yet straightforward. For sure, a great summer beer. 

And, thanks to one of my favorite local bottle shops, I grabbed a trio of great New Zealand beers currently being enjoyed in the middle of summer by my grilling and beer friends down under.

Even though the mercury is down, everything else here is up. Cheers!

Note: All of my work for Weber, Bic Graphics, and Southern Comfort is compensated. I am a stockholder and friend of the Boston Beer Company.