Re-entry beers
The bad thing about going on vacation is that eventually you have to show up back at work, a grim exercise known as re-entry.
Monday, after a week of no responsibilities and going barefoot, I had to put on real shoes, other "professional garb" and show up at the office. No sooner had I signed on and slogged through the e-mail than the fire alarm went off. It was a faux fire drill, the second in less than a week. The entire office workforce trooped outside for 15 minutes, then filed in, with the security guard pretending to check everyone's badge.
The day didn't get much brighter from there. Roofers arrived at my house, indicating they might be there for quite some time. Wall Street melted down, shrinking the 401K. And on the ride home up Calvert Street there was the clown who, rather than pulling into a spot on the corner, double parked in the middle of the street during rush hour.
It was a two-beer night.
The first was a Paulaner Oktoberfest, one of the picks of our Oktoberfest tasting panel (look for the story in tomorrow's Taste section). It was smooth, but now somehow sweeter than it seemed during the tasting a week or so ago. That is what happens when you sample 42 beers.
My second beer was a Dogfish Festina Peche. That name reminds me of the hilarious Peter Cook and Dudley Moore sketch, about a failed restaurant called Frog and the Peach. The beer was slighty sour, as was I. I sipped it while enjoying a big piece of peach pie, made by my wife with Eastern Shore peaches, a remnant of vacation days. My mood brightened; I watched the Monday night football game. Re-entry was complete.
Anyone else have a favorite re-entry beer? How about a story of seeking solace in suds?
Comments
Cleaned out part of the basement storage area the other day to get old baby clothes out. While there, I found a stash of brews in the corner, including several that were years old. That included 2 yo Devil's Milk and my very last Perkuno's Hammer. Nothing better to re-enter into a forgotten beer stash than Perkuno's (it was excellent, BTW).
Posted by: Cheese | September 16, 2008 4:41 PM
For solace I prefer something a little stronger. Say scotch or bourbon.
For re-entry I'd probably pick an old standby, like Dogfish IPA (60 or 90) or an imperial stout or porter. In the summer, Magic Hat 9, maybe.
Posted by: Grant | September 17, 2008 12:48 AM
Generally upon my re-entry I tend to dry out a while. I'm generally guilty of sampling too many "products" while on vacation so I tend to ease up a bit when I return.
I am looking forward to the onset of the "Oktobfest" beers that will soon be flooding my local beer store.
Posted by: Jr Copper | September 17, 2008 7:57 AM
My re-entry would have to be Hop Wallup from Victory (if i have any left over, they normally do not stay long in my fridge or storage). DFH 60 or 90 min or Sierra Nevada may suffice
Posted by: Jason | September 17, 2008 12:14 PM
Rob, Re-entry to me means that one would be returning to a sense of normalcy in their every day surroundings – for me, this would generally entail imbibing in a beverage from my native habitat - in other words, I would be looking for a fresh locally produced beer immediately upon re-entry. My personal favorite at this time of year would be a stop off at the Wharf Rat for a few pints of cask ale or a bottle of either Balti-Marzhon or Loose Cannon from Clipper City. DeGroens would have been a natural choice years ago – but alas… and there is always the nostalgic option of Natty Boh!
Posted by: Joe Gold | September 17, 2008 9:24 PM
For me, a re-entry type beer would be analogous to a cool-down lap after a race. In my case, I would opt for something easy going and refreshing like a High Life. Nothing too complicated.
Posted by: Beer Fan | September 18, 2008 12:27 PM