Cerveza Fever con Weaver

Beer Fever with Weaver: Stay classy at the open bar

Upon returning from a semester in Athens, Greece, I was confronted with a phenomenon that I wasn't quite ready for. Being old for my grade, turning 21 was nothing new to me. But fall 2005 was when a number of friends arrived at this milestone. To ring in this joyous occasion, said friends decided that an open bar would be the way to celebrate.

Beer Fever with Weaver: A bit of Maine in the fridge

Andrew's English Pale Ale?$7.95 for a six-pack at Uncle Tom's Market On mornings when I awake to that familiar glare of blinding snow through the window shades and the sound of snowplows backing down for another go at the street outside, I am often struck by the perpetual and unrelenting constancy of nature. No matter what we do, or don't do, nature is always doing something around us. Though many of you are cursing every innocent snowflake that hits the ground, bear in mind that with driving winds and 12 inches of snow come some unmistakable advantages as well. Now we all know this is leading to beer one way or another, so why don't I cut to the chase and offer the punch line (before I digress into the many benefits of schooling in a wintry wonderland): We all knew that a whopper of a snowstorm was coming eventually, so now that it's here, I find it fitting to offer Andrew's English Pale Ale, a beer brewed exclusively in Maine, because it is important to remember while trudging to class that there's a far more pleasant and tasty piece of Maine waiting for you back in your fridge.

Beer Fever with Weaver

This piece represents the opinion of the author:

Alex Weaver

Columnist

February 9, 2007

Negra Modelo?$9.15 for a six-pack at Uncle Tom's Market

Two weeks ago, I stressed the importance of putting the reconnection with friends high on the list of things to do upon returning from Winter Break. Now that the hollow "so how was your break" questions have all been asked, the icy kegs tapped, and the preliminary open bars (classily) attended, what stands chief atop the priority hill now? Why, Spring Break, of course!

That's right. Now that the novelty of new professors, different classes, and preparation-free meals has worn off, I find it somewhat ironic that what many people are looking forward to now is a two-week stint back home, away from Bowdoin. No doubt about it, the Bowdoin bubble is a great place to be. But let's be honest, that desire to get back into the academic grind toward the end of Winter Break loses its appeal pretty quickly. So as you stare blankly at that one-page response paper as if it's the SAT, what can you do to ensure that the upcoming Spring Break you so fiercely earned will be the best one ever? Two words: Mexico, baby.

If you're like me, Spring Break in Cancun spells a couple of things, none of which are particularly appealing. I picture an overweight hype-man, sitting poolside in a tank top that looks like it came from Baby Gap, yelling "Cancun, what?" obnoxiously into a microphone as crazy co-eds fight viciously to catch the free T-shirts being hurled into the air as if a free T-shirt was synonymous with a free week's stay at the resort. But don't laugh. Spring Break in Cancun has a lot to offer. And if you don't believe me, just ask my three roommates, who recently booked an all-inclusive five-night stay at a four-star beachfront resort in sunny Cancun.

Suffice to say, they are excited about their shot at MTV Spring Break glory (I'm just excited about the pictures). But if you don't have the cash (or the desire) to go bar hopping to the sounds of authentic mariachi, don't fret. For 10 bucks, you too can have a little taste of Mexico. So while my friends are drinking warm, sandy Miller Lites on the scorching beach while the hotel staff takes care of their ant problem, you can settle in for the "Gilmore Girls" marathon with a nice refreshing Negra Modelo.

Before I begin to tell you all the mouthwatering details, I will be blunt: If you are looking for your next beer tasting to be an earth-shattering experience, this is probably not the beer for you. But what I like best about Negra Modelo is that its taste is smooth and crisp, but otherwise fairly run-of-the-mill?it's like the oldest brother of Hanson: fun and talented, but not the main attraction (damn you Zachary!).

As a dark lager, NM pours a dark caramel color, but is still translucent in complexion. It is reasonably well carbonated, but produces little to no head. The aroma is dominated by sweet maltiness (think Yuengling) and doesn't singe your nose hairs, but rather makes them tingle with anticipation. After downing my first sip, the word that first came to mind was "pleasant." I don't mean pleasant in the way that your grandmother describes her Sunday drives, but rather like a cup of hot chocolate after an afternoon skating on the pond?it just feels right. Negra Modelo is to your stomach what bad publicity is to Lindsay Lohan: companions for life. If that doesn't grab you, the bottle cap comes wrapped in flashy gold tinfoil, so you feel like you're drinking a mini bottle of Cristal (at least before the top comes off).

So while many think that Spring Break in Cancun is a collegiate rite of passage, always remember that you can have a slice of Mexico right in your own living room. All you need is soothing mariachi music, some fake sand, and a case of Negra Modelo. While your tan may not benefit from your decision to stay stateside, your dignity certainly will. Besides, if it is sun and fun you are looking for, you can always play 20 Questions with yourself in the tanning bed. But for an authentic Mexican beer, you need not suffer through the neon man thongs and king-sized bed for three. Cancun, what?

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