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Be The Beer.
"Ah, good ol’ trustworthy beer. My love for you will never die." -Homer Simpson.
Lazy Summer Days
What do you really think about beers that label themselves as "summer brew"? Are they enticing? Appetizing? Refreshing? Belly Buddy Mark Stevens says no... er, and yes. Let him tell you why in his reviews of Pete's Wicked Summer Brew and Shiner Summer Stock. Also, check out Belly Buddy David Lauterbach's favorable review of Grant's Lazy Days.
The Beer Belly is overseen by Beer Belly Brew Master Rob Lieblein
Admittedly, Brian’s Belly is a strange place to find a vegetarian. Well, actually, I do eat fish and dairy products (cheese rules!), so technically I’m more of an "ovo-lacto-pisceterian" or something. (Then again, do you really care?)
Anyway, I wasn’t always this way, so I understand the culinary joys that dead animals can bring to the table, especially when complemented with a nice tasty brew. And besides, beer is arguably the only food item in The Belly that contains absolutely no animal products—making it not only suitable for vegetarians, but for vegans as well. In other words, everyone but Muslims and Mormons can enjoy it. I’m also one of the founding partners in the Outhouse Brewing Co. (currently on hiatus), famous for such renowned brews as "Wompahoofus Lager" and "Don’t-Do-It-Ed Wedding Ale." So I’m happy to offer my own sudsy thoughts for your consideration.
The Beer Belly will always provide you with plenty to think about before you go out and pick up a six pack of something new. For those of you who are dedicated Bud, Coors Light, or Blatz drinkers…power to you! Remember, the rule of thumb when it comes to beer is "if you like it, then it’s good." However, the beers we will explore in The Belly will probably be a little more off the beaten path—even exotic—compared to the beers your dad used to drink. But have no fear, I’m confident that before long names like "Turbo Dog" and "Pilsner Urquell" will be as much a part of your vocabulary as "Hosken Powell’s Amazin’ Fantasy Chili No. 7."
Mark likes chatting and writing about beer almost as much as he likes drinking it and brewing it. When something is boiling in his backyard brewery, the dark steam clouds almost certainly promise a storm of very big and very black beers.
Mark is certified as a beer judge by the BJCP and is also the co-author of three homebrewing books, published by Storey Publications of Pownal, Vermont, and available through bookstores everywhere and the links below. Mark has also written several articles about beer and breweries for various publications, and is a contributing editor to the "Encyclopedia of Beer" (Henry Holt Publishing, New York).
