Talking Head: Festivus in July
July 8th, 2009 by Jeff Holland in Drink, Events
Have you ever wondered why cultures in hot climates load their cuisine with sweat-inducing spices? Scientists offer a number of plausible explanations, including the antimicrobial properties of peppers, the cooling effects of perspiration, and the stimulant qualities that counter heat-induced lethargy and loss of appetite.
It’s likely a combination of these things, but I think there’s a more visceral impulse involved, as well. It’s the same reason people jump into frozen lakes and pretend to be polar bears. Because doing the logical thing is boring. Sometimes you have to change up the game. So if those watery summer beers just aren’t doing it for you anymore, why not just do a 180? Which bring us to Festivus in July. Both Taco Mac and The Porter Beer Bar are celebrating the dead center of summer with big, malty winter beers. Brilliant.
Taco Mac Beverage Manager Fred Crudder had the foresight to tuck away some fall and winter seasonals from last year to break out this summer. On Friday, July 10 these kegs will be released at all of their stores, each of which will have a different selection. Among the offerings will be Sweetwater’s Festive and Happy Ending, Rogue Santa’s Private Reserve, Victory Old Horizontal Barleywine, Lagunitas Gnarlywine, Duck-Rabbit Wee Heavy and Rabid Duck, Oskar Blues Ten Fidy, Anchor Christmas Ale, and Sierra Nevada Celebration.
Meanwhile, over at The Porter, there will be a Christmas vs. Hanukkah off-season showdown on Friday, July 17, featuring Shmaltz Brewing Company’s He’Brew line facing off against a selection of Christmas brews from around the world. Red suit and yamulke are optional.
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