The Name of this Blog is

I’ve already had two beers, I’m ready for the broom

- Bob Dylan & The Band

[Welcome to Ready for the Broom, a unique, on-the-street view of the craft beer movement, as seen through my eyes. In this first article, I hope to give you a sense of my perspective and what to look forward to in this blog. I’ll do my best to write weekly.]

Craft beer is a necessary beast. As a society of drinkers, we’re inching ever closer to the watershed moment when quality, independent beer usurps the dominant watered-down, chemically-enhanced corn froth. More importantly, though, this fast-growing and incredible craft beer culture needs to be further developed, so that we can share it with others. The craft beer movement appreciates quality, craftsmanship, and integrity, with brewers that are experimenters, tinkerers, environmentalists, avant gardists, and those who just plain make damn good beer without frills. This is not a culture of false image, unnecessary pretense, marketing, excess profit and ostentatious wealth. That’s why it’s important that we keep craft beer real and alive, because it’s honest and timeless.

Craft beer is adored, but it’s also fetishized, subject to the various depravities and bent obsessions connoisseurs direct at wine, scotch, cheese, tea, chocolate, or whatever else can be commodified. We have elitism, snobbery, class and race issues, greediness, and a lot of geeks who get bent out of shape about a lot of not much. I know, I’ve been there, and I’m guilty. However, craft beer aficionados can be some of the most generous, excitable, and appreciative people out there. We can’t let the loud voices of a few obsessives become too much a part of this movement’s zeitgeist. Craft beer is too important for that; it must transcend. Aside from craft beer’s inherent value in fighting the big guys, it’s an important part of a larger swing from the rabid consumption of over-marketed brands to the simple enjoyment of real products, made by individuals, who have the freedom to express their creativity and individuality.

I’m particularly excited about the creativity of craft brewers and find a lot of satisfaction in the simple pleasure that comes with enjoying quality beer. The craft brewing world contains a whole universe of potential, individuality, and uniqueness. Brewers are constantly developing new beers, pushing the envelope with new ingredients, techniques, and styles. Some results are amazing, while others are undrinkable. Regardless, this creativity injects a lot of excitement and energy into the movement and that’s a big part of what makes it fun. At the same time, craft brewers have followed in tradition’s footsteps and produced an astounding array of quality beers that are meant for simple enjoyment and satisfaction. These beers need not be subjected to quibbling over rating scales, price units, or rarity. They’re just meant to be beautiful, abundant, and enjoyed by everyone. This has influenced me as a beer drinker, inspiring me to slow down and appreciate each beer, having reverence for the process, skill, and insight that went into the beer.

With this blog, I hope to offer some wisdom, insight, experiences, and enthusiasm into the craft beer movement that comes from a place of appreciating creativity, slow and simple enjoyment, and reverence for the project. This might be done by drawing from and making parallels to similar connoisseur cultures, including, but not limited to: tea, cheese, slow food, and birding – other passions of mine. At times, my perspective may also be influenced by elements of eastern philosophy, mindfulness, and sensory experiences that can help carve ourselves out as individual, appreciative, and worldly craft beer revelers. Specifically, I find the following topic particularly engaging: Saison, American Sour Ale brewing, the New England craft beer scene (moving to Rhode Island shortly), organic and sustainable practices, cellar management, and tastings.

At the same time, I will do my best to steer away from unjustified rants, broad generalizations, and ruthless attacks. Many aspects of craft beer culture are loveable, while others are loathsome. There may be times when I speak out against the latter. Further, I will strive not to bore readers by posting extended versions of my Ratebeer ratings, my photos of beer, news about upcoming releases, and my everyday life. There are plenty of places to find that information online, including twitter.com/rbCharlesDarwin, leaving this blog as a sanctum for insight, introspection, and creative thinking about the craft beer movement. I’m particularly excited about participating in a community blog and look forward to engaging with readers and other writers.