During often very busy and hectic days around the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, I have decided to take a breather, relax and look inward. I have taken up reading philosophy. Well, OK,it’s a book called “Beer & Philosophy.” Nevertheless I am becoming more enlightened with every sip… Um, I meant ’sentence.’

Here’s a thought that I think is a timely one, and one to remember during this Holiday season…

“Beer is a great uniter of human beings from every epoch of time, from every place on earth, and this very ubiquity of beer in our lives makes it a vehicle by which we can examine our lives-and that is the beginning of philosophy… “

“Beer drives the human condition, even if the human is no condition to drive…”

- Dr. Steven D. Hales - Editor “Beer & Philosophy” (Excerpt from Editor’s introduction)

This Holiday, may we all enjoy the company of our families and fellow man (and woman), over a beer, a glass of wine or maybe even good cup of coffee. Keep it safe and enjoyable! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year to all of you!

Hey, Rich,

My question is about hoppiness in beer. What is it about certain beers that leaves a terrible finish in your mouth and have a nasty aroma to them? I notice it most in beers that say “generously hopped” or other things like that. However, a Dogfish Head IPA I bought said that on the label and it was a great brew. Am I blaming the wrong ingredient? I mostly like dark beer and mostly ales. Now, also realize that I haven’t traveled and been exposed to the variety that you have. I like the recommendations you make and will try to find some of those beers and give them a shot. Thanks for time. Glenn

The “Beers To You” Answer:

Dear Glenn,

You pose a very good question. First, let me begin by letting you know that the “terrible finish” you describe isn’t terrible to everyone. (more…)

RELATED: See WineBoy’s wine-centric holiday gift suggestions

Like me, you probably have many friends and loved ones on your Christmas list that are tough to buy for… Chances are that one of them may also be a beer lover, or even a beer geek! I have come up with a failsafe list of “beer geeky” items that will put a big sudsy smile on the face of the beer geek in your life.

I present to you the 2007 “Beers to You” Holiday Shopping Guide…

Subscription to BeerAdvocate magazine- This is a great magazine for anyone interested in the American Craft-beer movement. It contains lots of pretty pictures of beer and stories about drinking it… (www.beeradvocate.com)

Michael Jackson’s Beer Companion – This is the Beer Geek’s bible… It is currently out of print and is selling for well above sticker-price. It can be found here… (more…)

The “Good Book” says “to everything there is a season.” So when the cold weather hits, I break out my stash of wintry beer delights. What if you don’t have such a stash? Never fear, I will guide through the maze of beer cases that are sitting out in the aisle at the grocery store, many claiming to be the right beer for those long wintry nights.

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