American Beer: We've Come a Long Way

Nowadays, we take it for granted that a brewpub will offer good food. Some have lured award-winning chefs; there are even pubs where gourmet food has become as big a draw as hand-crafted beer. "Brewer's dinners," which pair four or five courses with the brewmaster's best ales, have become a regular event in many establishments.

Seabright Brewery, Santa Cruz...Samplers were available, so I ordered one.

Nowadays, the brewpub that doesn't have beer samplers is the exception. In many pubs, the bartender will offer you a taste of the seasonal ale, or perhaps something the brewmaster is thinking of adding. At the better alehouses, staff are proud of the local beer, and knowledgeable as well; their recommendations are almost invariably worth following. Some establishments have made sampling an event in itself, offering a range of beers of a particular style and providing information about them.

Wednesday night: call airline and reconfirm flights.

It's no longer necessary to hop a plane to the West Coast to enjoy good beer. Brewpubs are found just about everywhere; if there isn't one near you, chances are there's one on the drawing board. And craft breweries across America are offering their interpretations of traditional Old and New World styles. You'll find them on store shelves from Maine to Oregon. Wherever you travel, even if it's to the other end of the state, try the local product; you might fall in love with a new style of beer.

While there's good beer in your neighborhood, the best experiences are still to be found on the road: sipping a leisurely pint while reading the paper in a Seattle alehouse; watching a Hawaiian sunset over beer and snacks, and forgetting it's February; finding common ground at a beer festival with an alum of the school whose teams you grew up hating.

I reread my notes from 1993 on a sad and ugly day, but they still provided a needed lift. They made me realize that American beer has gotten better--a whole lot better--in a few short years. But more importantly, they reminded me how easy it is to take life's little pleasures for granted...and to forget how much we all have in common.

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