I heard somewhere it was International Be Good To Yourself Day…so I was. I visited the fine folk atFinger Lake Beverages with Gary of Ithaca, sometimes posting author around these parts, and went on a small spree. The sort of spree you go on when you realize winter is coming and a quick zip south may be out of the question at a very inopportune moment. Belgians a plenty now in the stash: a couple of Goliath, the beer so nice I forgot to take notes last time, a couple of Fantome Saison, Kwak (with the complimentary glass that is available to those who hear the siren call ofInternational Be Good To Yourself Day) and a whack of others that I have no idea about. Plus some big US bombs including old pals Arrogant Bastard and Dragon Slayer, two highlights of the last months of 2004 and 2005 as well as newcomer Ithaca Double IPA with local New York hops and Smuttynose Farmhouse. Suffice it to say that when the provincial liquor mark-up portion of the custom’s office’s take is $13.82, it was a good haul.
You know – I can’t think of a nicer place to buy beer given the town, the company and the amazing 700+ beer selection. It made me think of starting a “Good Beer Blog Shield of Approval” program, with a wacked sort of plaque that I can mail places I like. I know it sounds sort of insane and slightly egotistical but I have to little to give to the shopkeepers, bartenders and brewers who give so much. Just my little plaque. Off to the hardware store…or maybe the flea market.