Bottles and internships

May 1, 2008

My apologies for the sporadic updates.  It’s difficult for me to write about every beer I have, mostly since I have so many of them.  Nothing tremendously mind-blowing, alas.  I did come across a beer I had to pour out because I couldn’t drink it, but I swear, I gave it my best try.  Midnight Sun’s Arctic Devil was just too strong for my taste, and I poured it back into the bottle in the hopes that the next day it would be more palatable, but it was just as strong the next day and I was forced to first use it as a prop and then pour it out.  I hate–I hate–wasting beer, but I gave it an honest shot and it just didn’t agree with me.  To each their own.  I talked with some people and they agreed that it’s strong, but it sounds like I didn’t get a bad bottle, I just couldn’t take the strong flavor and aroma.

My first two batches of 2008 got bottled last weekend, and they both came out as well as can be hoped.  I was a bit disappointed that my chocolate chili porter didn’t have the heat to it that I wanted it to have, but it’s a nice-tasting porter and that’s all that matters.  The really hoppy amber came out nicely, though I’ll wait to pass ultimate judgement for a few weeks when I can try it carbonated.  I ended up with two 12 oz. six packs and a case and a half of 22 oz. bottles for each one, though that number will decrease a bit next month when I have my first beer-tasting party of the year.

In bigger news, I’ve been selected as one of the four finalists for the Four Points by Sheraton Best Brews Intern, and I’m flying to New York next week to interview with them.  I had to produce a five-minute video talking about why I’d be best for the position, and I guess they liked my ode to Portland well enough to give me a chance.  Both having never been to New York as well as being excited about what a paid summer internship in the beer industry might entail, next week will be a hell of a week and I’m looking forward to talking with them.

Perhaps as celebration I might break out some special beer tonight.  I can’t think of a better occasion to celebrate, save for actually getting the internship.  I’m willing to gamble on celebrating twice, though.

Posted in Beers, Bottling