THHG Book Club: The Great American Ale Trail.

Author Christian DeBenedetti and Communicator Guy.

Howdy! Artsy Guy here. Uploading some shots from a book signing. We're fancy. Seriously, we're totally diggin' Christian DeBenedetti's new book, The Great American Ale Trail, aren't we, Jimmy the Communicator Guy(TM)?

Ahem! Communicator Guy here, reporting that Artsy Guy takes some great Hipstomatics, and that this event here at NYC's Blind Tiger (one of the Holy Grail beer bars of the entire Universe) is just damn lovely. I've already begun to dive into the book and I'm here to tell you it's awesome. A must-read. What say you, Artsy?

The Great American Ale Trail.

I say "YEA!" Here's a guy who has really suffered for his art, traveling the country to make note of the best places to procure the craft suds. Can you write off your treatments for "barfly elbow", Mr. Christian? I hope so. You deserve it. This is such a resource for the traveling craft beer lover. And Garrett Oliver (brewmaster of Brooklyn Brewery and author of The Brewmaster's Table) seems to agree. Right, Communicator?

Communicator taking notes at The Blind Tiger.

He does indeed. And now Christian is speaking of his first days in NYC as a journalist (he arrived TWO DAYS before 9/11) and relating that were it not for great craft and great craft bars like the Blind Tiger, he would never have found his way as solidly as he has. Craft beer, everyone. It's not about the beer. IT'S ABOUT THE PEOPLE!

Yes! People like Artsy. (Me again.) And folks in communities all over the country: That film industry lawyer I chatted with at Tony's Darts Away in Burbank, CA. The college music professor in Pittsburgh, PA who gives me barleywine recommendations. The owners of Goebel's Liquor and Rob's World of Beers who are introducing Wichita, KS to a world of craft beer goodness. Communicator Guy?...

**wipes away a beautiful, cinematic tear**

Well said, Artsy. Well said. Check out this book, y'all. And, next time you have a chance, buy a great craft beverage for someone, whether it be a good friend, or a total stranger. Make this community, this worldwide group of Good People, even better than it already is. CHEERS!

P.S. That's what's HOPpenin'. (Artsy again.)

Bier Baron and all is well...

Communicator Guy here, at the former BrickSkeller, now known as the Bier Baron in DC. Happy to report that all is well here, and that they now have 20 or so draft lines downstairs! Yours truly is at this moment enjoying a Flying Dog barrel aged Imperial Porter... ON DRAFT. YOWZA!

The Brickskeller was one of the first bars in the DC area to really 'hang their hat' on craft beer - in fact, they were craft long before craft was cool.  And with the change of ownership just a handful of months ago, (as well as the name change) many were worried that their venerable watering hole would basically go away.  Not so.  In fact, the addition of all the draft lines is a welcome change, as before the Brickskeller was mainly known for an enormous bottle list (they still are, with over 500) and no draft.  

All's well in DC!

...because Mark and Artsy told me to. Churchkey!

Jimmy here! I'm in DC for a couple of days, and have been lucky enough to land RIGHT DOWN THE STREET from Birch&Barley/Churchkey, two wonderful additions to the District gastropub/beer bar scene.  The beer menu is astonishing, including their own 'tasting paradigm' to help newbies find their way (and taste their way) through the craft beer scene.  Add to that a food menu that rises far above most bar fare, and you've got something very special.  This place is a true gem!