"We're getting the blog back together"

It's a New Year, and there are two resolutions here at Short Pours.

One is the usual: “Drink better beer.” That gets harder over the years.

The second is: “Post more!” That's always easy at first.

Today is in some ways a relaunch, because I am committing to regular updating and to adding more links and content.

Please, if you are new, take a few minutes to read the other posts. It will give you a pretty good idea of what to expect in this blog. I always appreciate comments and links.

The corollary to my first resolution is: “Always drink good beer.”

I went to bed early last night, after a sipping evening, and so far, the only beer this year is a Joshua Chamberlain Pale Ale from Shipyard Brewing in Portland, Maine.

Two interesting things about this beer:

It's one I got as a gift because of its name. I am a History teacher, and Joshua Chamberlain was the commander of the 20th Maine at Gettysburg. My friend thought I would like it. Oddly, even though it was bought for the name, I like it a lot. That doesn't always happen.

The second surprising thing is that I like it, and it's from Shipyard. Don't get me wrong, Great brewery. One of the best tours I ever got – from a very knowledgeable young man. But I tend to not like their stuff, because they use British hops. I grew up on the American craft beer movement, so I am all about American hops.

Unless, of course, it's Belgian Night.

OK, question: What is the one beer you think folks oughta try this year?