Session # 74

“April’s topic from This is Why I’m Drunk is “Finding Beer Balance.” It’s a discussion I hope will offer a variety of responses as people consider their interests outside of finding the perfect pint.

Is beer your vice? Is beer your reward? Does beer really have to be either? Do you find lifestyle balance through work, hobbies, family or maybe even “Dry Days” like David Bascombe? There are a variety of ways to find balance.

These questions are simply a jumping-off point. No matter what your answer, I’d love for you to join us in April. ”

 I have employed many different tactics so that I don’t “burn out” either myself or my palate. 

– Beer Off-Days where I don’t have any beer.

– Having spirits (my favorite being gin) or wine instead of beer.

– Ordering lagers and pilsners instead of bigger choices on the menu board

And that doesn’t even take into consideration going to a movie or heading out to the beach or Farmer’s Market or other numerous (non-beer) activities.

But what I found works best is to simply curtail the amount of beer that I consume.  For example, I recently went to a “One Night Stand” featuring Beachwood Brewing at one of my favorite Los Angeles craft beer spots, Beer Belly.  Now, I could easily order three or four pints because Julian Shrago brews GABF winning beers. 

But instead, I will either order a taster tray or just get one pint.  When I do that, I leave wanting more and not not feeling like I had overdone it.  Plus, if I order a smaller amount, I can leave a barstool for the next customer sooner and get home and watch Parks and Rec.

The younger me would want to sample every beer on the list but now that I know that there is no way that I can drink ALL of the great beers out there.  And the side benefit is that I am now forced to slow down and really enjoy the craft beer that is in front of me and the more enjoyment I have the more “in balance” my life is.