Beer and Tears

Beer is connected to us through every range of life. Celebrations are borne on the spirits and effervescence of good brew. Some also wallow in the negative effects when life is too hard to swallow. Where there is joy or great sadness, there may be beer.

Oktoberfest beer was originally designed to celebrate the wedding of a Bavarian king to his queen. Annually this time of year millions descend upon Deutschland to drink the nights and days away. A sticky style of lager, Oktoberfests have a rich copper color and bold mouthfeel. The yeast - as well as the malts -- makes this beer unique.

In music, drinking and love lost go hand in hand. Hank Williams Jr. once wrote about the tears in his beer. The Gourds like drinking in attempt to forget. Many a breakup has been followed by many a bender. Liquor-fueled self-pity is not a pretty sight. Walk into any neighborhood dive bar and the emotions, though silent, are palpable.

As tears are made of water and salt, the treatment of water may bring out the best effects in the malts. The minerals of local waters have spurred classic beers including some unique English and German styles.

Having been a homebrewer and lover of craft beer, I have an understanding of the literal blood, sweat and tears that go into brewing quality beer. I've known of some brews that made the tears run down my nose.

As Chicago Beer Pairing Examiner I felt obliged to attend Oaktoberfest in Oak Park, Illinois. Multiple versions of Oktoberfest were available on tap, liquid to elicit teutonic times; I drank Sam Adams'. Music from bandsWestside Winders and Public Property put us all in a great groove.

Cheers to great beers!