Wrong. Webster’s dictionary defines wrong as “the state of being mistaken or incorrect.” I can admit when I am wrong. I was wrong when I bet my younger sister that she could jump down an entire flight of stairs without breaking her ankle. I was wrong when I told my dad that there was no way the Denver Broncos were going to lose Super Bowl XXIV to the San Francisco 49ers. And, I was wrong when I wrote that wine was in a different league than beer.
Turns out, they are both in leagues of their own.
When beer lovers and advocates got wind of my previous viewpoint, they responded in a "What you talking 'bout, Willis?" manner. Stopping just short of taking all the worlds’ beers and pouring them down the drain (insert evil laugh here), I had done something worse. I had equated all beers with the less than stellar examples that fill the mini-fridges of dorm rooms everywhere: the Coors Light, the Budweisers, the Keystone Lights, and, cue gag reflex, the Natural Lights.
After the outrage from my article came to my attention, I walked along the city streets of Denver a little cautiously. At any moment, I expected an Imperial Stout to throw itself toward me, cutting my forehead with the tip of its (heart)broken bottle. I feared that beer drinkers everywhere would look at me and just know I was the enemy. I even went so far to convince myself that an IPA flipped me off as I dined at a local tavern.
Before too long, I realized I had a choice: live in fear of beer or be willing to drink my words. I chose the latter.
I suggested a beer tasting and agreed to sample from a list of beers chosen by beer lovers of the world. The final list was comprised of Saison Dupont Vieille Provision, Orval Trappist Ale, Great Divide Titan IPA, Bell’s Hopslam, Hoegaarden White, Great Divide Ridgeline Amber Ale, Goose Island Nut Brown Ale, and the New Belgium's La Folie.
The Hopslam and the Goose Island I was unable to locate; according to their respective websites, they are not distributed in Colorado. I did, however, locate the rest and I also threw in a Great Divide Saint Bridget’s Porter. It came in a sampler with the other Great Divide beers I had purchased and it was begging to be opened. Really, who am I to say no to alcohol?
Article comments
1 - homebrewaddict
That wasn't so bad now was it. I actually haven't tasted most of those beers either, they're not available in my area. The Orval is probably my favorite beer in the world but it's an acquired taste.
Now go out there and try a second list, maybe not right away, but you've really only scratched the surface of beer.
2 - Errrrrrrrr
Well done! And thanks for giving a little bit of equal time to good beer. And if our paths should ever cross I'll gladly buy you a pint of porter, or a glass of Pommard. Your choice!
JonW
3 - Alan
Cool article, it takes a strong character to follow up on a publication where you get flamed and patronized (by some). Even though the criticism was legitimate, I may have been defensive were I in your shoes. But, you're probably used to it being a writer!
4 - Ryan
Well done! You have much more of an open mind than most people would have given the criticism, and I give you my utmost respect for that. Your attitude and willingness to try new things is the sort of attitude I wish was the rule, rather than the exception, in this world. Glad you enjoyed the tasting!
5 - JJ
Yeah, I do think writers have to have thick skin and try not to get defensive. But, I also think, being a writer, you should be willing to take other points into consideration and I do think I didn't previously give beer a fair chance. I really can't believe how much I like porters, I would have never thought that before this tasting.
6 - Jim
Glad to see that it was an enlightening experience.
Actually, several porters and stouts have chocolate-like qualities. If you REALLY want a chocolate beer, try Young's Double Chocolate Stout and Rogue Chocolate Stout. With great beers like these, who needs dessert?
7 - Sean Wilson
JJ,
Very impressive of you to retract your words and venturing into the world of craft beer.
I'm convinced that nearly everyone who says "I don't like beer" simply hasn't found the beer that's meant for them.
If you're enjoying farmhouse ale and witte, try pairing them with a local artisan cheese or two.
And while wine is indeed a natural match for desserts, one of the most memorable finales I ever had was with a beer: a Vietnamese Coffee, Condensed Milk and Duck-Rabbit Milk Stout bombe.
Cheers to you! I'll buy you that beer if you buy me a glass of wine. ;)
8 - JJ
That Vietnamese Coffee, Condensed Milk and Duck-Rabbit Milk Stout bombe does sound good. Maybe I will have to try it sometime. I think desserts go well with wine, but some don't. The baked goods and fruit tarts do, of course, but I don't really like to mix chocolate and wine..I think it's like mixing orange juice and tooth paste. Chocolate and beer I think I would rather do.
I think I will also try the Young's Double Chocolate Stout and Rogue Chocolate Stout.Some people tell me that Guiness tastes like Chocolate, but I don't see that at all. That I really don't like..unless it has Irish Cream in it, then it's great!
9 - that one guy
That was a very nice piece and you are to be commended for your follow-up.I like your writing style as well. Good job.
10 - Benny
Thanks for considering our side. Well done!
11 - Shbobdb
Cheers! First, I want to thank you for having an open mind about the whole beer-drinking thing and for having the integrity to not only have a beer tasting, but to do it with an open mind.
I heartily respect that.
On a side-note, are there any wines you'd recommend to someone who loves La Folie?
12 - JJ
If you love La Folie, I would say, since it's sour and citrusy, that you would probably like Italian wines. I would try the Dolchetto D'Alba or the Barbera D'Alba.
13 - BeerAdvocate
May I commend you on your beer tasting, very impressive. Thank you for having an open mind about the situation - and I'm sooo happy that you actually enjoyed them. Good luck with future brews. Maybe you could try Rouge's Chocolate Stout or Brooklyn's Black Chocolate Stout - seeing that you love chocolate so much. Try the trappist brews again when the weather is warm - bet you like them a little better.
Cheers!!!
14 - robc
JJ -
Get a copy of The Brewmaster's Table by Garrett Oliver. He discusses extensively the pairing of beer with chocolate deserts and how wine completely fails at them. As you said, wine doesnt work well and beer should. And it does.
Very interesting book on pairings of food and beer.
Good job on the tasting and followup article. As a porter fan myself, Im disappointed I didnt suggest one, but they are relatively hard to find.
15 - IntriqKen
Now THAT is what I call investigative reporting.
Very nice, JJ.
Very nice.
16 - El Bicho
Very good to see a writer admit to changing their opinion, but don't you think you should be the one buying the beer as atonement?
17 - Shbobdb
I'll check out those Italian wines.
I figure tit-for-tat is a good way to go.
Thanks for the recommendation.
18 - clock
Awesome, glad to see you enjoyed the brews and realized the error in your previous piece. Thank you for the follow up and for going through with your research! Good job!
19 - Greg Clow
See, we told you so. ;)
Seriously, though - nice job. That was a great assortment of beers to start with, and I'm glad to see that you enjoyed so many of them.
20 - Mohjho
-looks down on JJ with a disaproving gaze-
You actually thought Joe Montana would lose a super bowl?...to the Broncos?...sigh..
21 - SC
Enjoyed your follow-up article, and enjoy your writing style as well. Glad that you seem to have enjoyed your beer tasting and even found some surprising discoveries (porters).
Should you ever find yourself in CT for some reason, look me up and I'll gladly buy you a beer, and introduce you to some of the finer beers brewed in this neck of the woods.
Cheers~
SC