Liquid Inspiration

Every writer must have a vice, and it appears that my favorite one is beer. Not just some Homer Simpson, Bud Light, sit around and piss beer, I’m talking craft brews at their finest. Lately I’ve dived head first into the world of somewhat high end microbrews that taste really good. The complexities of flavor are something new, and I can’t get enough. Now I’m excited when I walk into certain well-stocked liquor stores. I saunter over to the fridge case, trying to mask my excitement. “What do they have today? Maybe they got Sip of Sunshine.”

I’m in love with the New England brew style. The hazy opaque appearance,the heavy yeasts, citrus bouquet, and overabundance of hops. I’ve driven to Tree House and waited forever in line to try their brews that are redefining the standard of hazy. I’ve begged friends from Vermont to buy me Heady Topper. They provided. Such great friends.

I’m planning a road trip to my hometown in IL from Boston, and I’m scoping out all the microbrews along the way, especially in southern Michigan. Will my young family want to stop at a brewery after nine hours in the car? Probably not. But I’m hoping I get lucky and find some midwest master-brews in liquor stores.

I’ve even brewed my first batch of beer. I smelled the trub and it bursted with juicy, sweet aromas, that I’m hoping get better after the carbonation sets in. I’m no beer pioneer, I know, and I must admit that I’m way behind the trend. Some of my friends have been brewing for years. My sister gave up lights for IPAs decades ago. But I waited for my time, and I’ve arrived.

Writing is that way sometimes too. Relax. Wait for that spectacular idea. Don’t force it. It’ll come to you in due time. And while you’re waiting, have another beer, or two, or three.