Does it seem odd to have Beer Resolutions for the New Year? Maybe it is, or maybe it's a practical way to enjoy beer more in 2008.
I don't know whether I'm very good or very bad at resolutions. Well, I'm good at making them, and not at keeping them. This year, I decided to toss out dieting and exercising, and make a few that I might keep. Join me!
I will try more beer styles. This one should be easy, because I tend to do it already. But like most people, I keep coming back to styles that I'm already fond of. If I don't try something new, what if I miss out on a new favorite?
I will stray from my favorite bar. This sounds backwards, I know. I have my favorite local place. They consistently have a good variety, and the bartenders know their stuff. But I'm lucky enough to live in an area where there are several good places. Why aren't I trying them out? They might have something different.
I will go to more festivals. OK, it's a no-brainer. What's not to like about the chance to check out a lot of beers, all in one convenient place? For what it's worth, a festival isn't a great place to "rate" beer - there are too many options too close together, and your taste buds will get a little numb. But it's a great place to get a small taste of a lot of beers, and make a list of things you want to explore more later.
And last:
I will not be a craft beer snob. Yes, I think most craft beers are better than mass-market beers. But let's be honest. A mediocre recipe from an indifferent brewer is going to be a bad beer, no matter who slaps a label on it. We should always demand good beer, and not support bad beer, no matter how trendy.
Happy New Beer - um, Year!
