This month’s Session is hosted by Joe and Jasmine of Beer at Joe’s, and their topic of choice was Beyond the Black and Tan. Here’s what they had to say in the original post:

Most people have had a black & tan, which is a combination of two kinds of beer and think it’s pretty tasty. Most people have heard of a Shandy, beer with lemonade…

Before I moved to the States my impression of American bourbons and whiskies was not a high one. I’m delighted to say that through the encouragement and generosity of some good friends that original impression has been significantly altered. It all started with Knob Creek… but that’s a story for another day. I claim no intimate knowledge of bourbon, and consider myself a fledgling enthusiast, but I’m thoroughly enjoying the ride…

With out of state travelling and wedding festivities these last few days my poor blog has been suffering patiently and quietly. This is not to say that beer, scotch, and philosophy have fallen by the wayside – nay, the opposite is so very true. I’m staying in the home of my best friend, himself a keen lover of the aqua vitae, and we have enjoyed quite the menu this weekend.

Take a look at this happy spread:…

As is apt to happen just a little too often, my research into one project led me down a rather odd rabbit hole. In doing some reading on absinthe, I found some interesting writing of the Aleister Crowley, which in turn led to some fascinating historical brewing connections.

Aleister Crowley (1875 – 1947) has to be one of the more curious and peculiar figures of the last century. From rather…

Last night Nic and Vanessa, my wonderful neighbours, thought they’d take care of hapless and wifeless your’s truly, and invited me over for dinner. The invitation came before I helped Nic gut and prepare an eski full of trout he’d caught that morning, so I’m pretty sure it wasn’t a guilt feed. Either way, I’ll take what I can get.

Nic made up his special spice rub to coat some pork chops which he barbequed…