At the end of every rainbow there's a beer for everyone.
Charlie Papazian. Photo by Sandra Papazian.
In Denver during the DNC (Democratic National Convention) there’s going to be “liberally hopped ale,” double strength “Obamanator” bock beer, “Political Ale,” double style pale “Ale to the Chief” among other beers in Denver next week brewed by local, small independent brewers. But the real question on everyone’s mind should be “What beer would and should Obama drink?” – If he has the opportunity to do so.
I understand from a friend who has had a one on one conversation with Obama. He emphasized that the intriguing thing about conversations with Obama is that he doesn’t focus on himself, but rather he turns the conversation around to “you.” No matter what political bent you are this is something to keep in mind if you ever find yourself in a situation where you might be having beer and conversation with the man who will be nominated as the Democratic candidate for the Presidency of the United States.
Think about it. If someone is going to be drinking beer and talking about you, then you probably don’t want to be pouring one strong beer after another. Nor do you want a beer that’s supercharged with hops. Hops are a relaxant. If the conversation is going to be about you, then don’t encourage yawning. Nor do you want them feeling overwhelmed with bitterness.
At the DNC for Obama I’d find a session beer. That’s to say a beer with less than 5% alcohol by volume (abv). It should be full of flavor, but not heavy bodied. Notably hopped but not too liberally. Malt? Find a beer type and brand with some gusto, something just left of the middle. A light, refreshing, crisp amber ale with a sublte signature of hope and malt; perhaps Avery’s Karma Ale would fit the Bill. Avery’s description of this beer reminds you, “…After all, good things DO happen to good people. Here’s to good people.” Every one could use a dose of “good people” beer.
At the time of this writing, there' no decison on the Vice Presidential or what's been called Obama Running Mate. Perhaps a tall glass of Wynkoop’s Wixa Weiss (pronounced “vice”) beer would help get the momentum rolling.
Rock Bottoms Lumpy Dog Light Lager is their featured session beer. The beer is probably right, I mean not right, but correct, but I don’t know if Obama wants to be seen knocking down Lumpy Dogs. That’s a media event waiting to happen, crash and burn. Tabloid headline: “Obama seen knocking down Lumpy Dogs.” It might be safer drinking beer at the Bronx Zoo.
At Great Divide there’s St. Bridget’s Robust Porter. It’s contemplative dark ale, a bit over the top (5.9% abv) for a session beer, but has a robust platform, full of complex flavor and aroma. The brewery proclaims, “Prepare yourself for a religious experience.” From what I hear a little religion never hurt a Presidential candidate – in moderation of course.
Now what about Hillary? She'll need some well deserved comfort while in Denver for the Democratic Natonal Convention. If beer is going to be her choice at any point during the DNC, I figure she’d appreciate one of those “phew” beers. You know the ones that knock your socks off, force you to sit down, contemplate your achievements and then make you feel good about yourself. A beer that makes you glow, both from the inside and with a smile on the outside. She has got to try a downtown brewed, Great Divide Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout. Hillary, if you’re reading this, take care and don’t drink this beer too cold. It’s best when warmed up to 55 degrees or a bit more, bringing out the best experience. Share it with your best friend and don’t let anyone distract you from your enjoyment.
There are few more suggestions I could make, but my glass just ran dry. Gotta go.
For more ion DNC beer: Denver Brews... Who's your Weiss president.... Obamanator and more.
I’m finally getting around to the 2nd, and probably most hyped, of the new Coney Island Lager brews. This one is a weird one - it’s basically a witbier, but in lager form. So, we can basically expect a lager, but probably brewed with wheat, and it’ll have various spices, coriander, orange peel, etc. Could be crazy.
