Exactly two years ago (11/24/2008), I wrote a blog entitled "Giving Thanks". I just went back and took another look at it. While a little tongue in cheek, like most of my blogs, I actually had some fairly decent things to say. Amazing, I know, but there it is. As my dear old dad likes to say: "Even a blind hog manages to root up an acorn now and then".
Anyway, what with me being two years older and all, I thought perhaps I should again give some thought to what I have to be thankful for.
Of course I'm thankful for the usual stuff: my health, the health and happiness of my family and friends, having a job in this lousy economy, etc. But this is a beer blog, so let's see what there is to be thankful for on that front.
I'm thankful for being fortunate enough to be selected as the 2010 Beer Drinker of the Year. Besides the honor (and the free beer), being the BDOTY has opened many doors for me over the last year and given me the chance to go places and meet people that have greatly broadened my beer horizon.
Speaking of going places and meeting people, I'm very thankful that I got to go to the Great American Beer Festival this year. Seeing the GABF again after twenty years, and doing it this time around with press credentials and my family, was something very special.
I'm thankful that craft brewing here on the Kenai Peninsula seems to be going from strength to strength. A new homebrew supply store, The Copper Kettle, is about to open. Kassik's Kenai Brew Stop is putting the finishing touches on a big expansion. Kenai River Brewing plans to start canning come the new year. Business at St. Elias Brewing is booming and Zach Henry keeps putting out amazing new brews, like his new blended brown ale, Tin Hat.
I'm thankful that the statewide craft beer scene keeps getting better and better. Distributors and store owners keep getting us more and more great beers from Outside. Alaskan breweries keep expanding their distribution. New breweries keep opening, established breweries keep growing and winning awards, and more and more people Outside are realizing just what exceptional brews are made in Alaska.
I'm thankful that the Kenai Brewing & Tasting Society looks like it's going to get off the ground. Don't forget the next meeting is Wednesday, December 1st, 6:30 pm at Kenai River Brewing Company.
Here's hoping each and every one of you has a safe and happy Thanksgiving, and I'll see you next week.
Until Next Time, Cheers.
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