Special Delivery from the Land of Cleves

"Ohio!"

Here’s an original quote from me: “Craft beer drinking is a team sport.” Let me explain.

It’s been said that the whole is equal to the sum of its parts. I tend to believe that, especially since this axiom fits so easily into drinking beer, where access to delicious craftiness is such a large part of the overall mission. After all, how can you experience a particular craft label if you can’t find it?

So many craft brewers only distribute on a regional level, which creates a nice local flare to the craft industry, but it severely limits an east coast based beer lover’s ability to enjoy west coast based beer, and vice verse. This is where having crafty friends comes in handy, as they often have access to beers you don’t, and can help you get your hands on regional rarities that you’d never be able to find otherwise.

So we're parting Lake Erie now?

I have a friend named Johnny who recently went home to visit friends and family in Cleveland, Ohio, where all the little chicks with the crimson lips go “Cleveland Rocks!” As many of you know, in addition to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and burning rivers, Clevestan is also home to the Great Lakes Brewing Company, which is one of my favorites. We have access to some of the Great Lakes’ labels here in Northern Virginia, but not many, and certainly not to the seasonals and occasional rarities. Johnny courageously bridged the gap between me and Great Lakes by acquiring a sixer of their Holy Moses White Ale. Good looking out Johnny.

Clearly, Johnny’s access to the Land of Cleves and their Great Lakes Brewing Company beers has made me a stronger craft beer drinker, which is why team work is the key.

Here’s to craft-brewed happiness… Cheers!