A bit of Maine in the fridge

Beer Fever with Weaver: Cerveza Fever con Weaver

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!

Beer Fever with Weaver: Appreciating cheap beer

"Unclassy" Beer?Sold cheap. Everywhere. Ever since blindly stumbling upon the "Beer Fever with Weaver" crown at the beginning of the year, my life has changed in a number of significant ways: some good, some not so much. To begin?though admittedly flattering?it is a little hard to get my beauty sleep while throngs of autograph-seeking high school girls camp outside my room at night and take turns reciting their names with "Weaver" longingly attached to the end. Similarly annoying, around campus it seems that my name is slowly morphing into simply "Beer Fever"?as opposed to "Weaver" or (gasp!) "Alex."

Beer Fever with Weaver

This piece represents the opinion of the author:

Alex Weaver

Columnist

February 16, 2007

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.

But before beer talk, I think a little weather lesson is in order regarding Maine winters. For starters, snow is pretty. Cold and persistent as it may be, snow does add a certain charm to our beloved campus. Just look at the Bowdoin calendar, and you will see what I mean: February depicts Mass Hall and a sinewy oak tree, blanketed in heavenly white flakes?simply stunning. In addition, snow has the unique quality of making things that once radiated vibrant color (like the sky, or grass) seem suddenly solemn and drab. But come on people, haven't you read the new Cosmo Teen? Gray is the new black (so our campus is, like, totally fetch, right?).

Lastly, and most importantly, a good snowstorm offers the perfect excuse to do what every college kid holds truly dear in his or her heart?absolutely nothing. Now for those of you who have already basked in the glory of class cancellations, bravo. But for the rest of us who did not fare as well, have no fear. There is still a chance that the central heating could go and campus will shut down for a week (while the dining halls, mail center, and game room in the union miraculously remain open). However, should this not happen, always remember that the benefits of a snowstorm transfer far past the mere missing of classes. That's right, massive amounts of snow directly correlate into minimal amounts of schoolwork. This, of course, is where this week's beer (or any beer, for that matter) comes into play. So as you read this column on this lovely Friday afternoon, I say put down the books, grab a car, and head down to Uncle Tom's Cozy Castle of Classiness; because you're going to be grumpy about the weather and your workload anyway, so wouldn't you rather be miserable while enjoying an Andrew's Pale Ale?

I'm starting to become convinced that no one really cares about the details of the beer and that I would be better off telling a funny story and concluding with either a "yes, you should try this," or a "you know what? Better off with the Natty." But I think it is important to understand what qualities combine to make for a great taste. Since I happen to think that Andrew's Pale Ale is worth a try, I will offer all the gushy details to indulge myself, if no one else. To begin, Andrew's pours a brilliant red-amber with a small, consistent off-white head. It smells of fruit and mild hops. My initial whiff picked up hints of apple, grapefruit, and earthy aromas. It boasts an earthy and bready flavor that is rich but not heavy. On the palate, Andrew's is smooth, crisp, and satisfying. I recommend drinking Andrew's with a good meal (Papa John's will suffice), because its flavor comes out better, I think, in collaboration with food (kind of how Gutie only becomes functional after his second or third Philly cheese).

In the end, I find Andrew's English Pale Ale a refreshing local beer definitely worth a try. If the taste doesn't seem to grab you, hold on to your pants, because the label is, perhaps, one of the best I have seen yet. Now, for me, I was reminded of walking in on my roommates cuddling on the sofa last night, but for most of you, the adorable scene of a black cat burrowing into a furry golden retriever will take you to a happy place. So as the snow (and with it our grades) comes falling down all around us, what better way to lift our spirits than some cuddly little animals and a great-tasting Maine beer? So stock up now and prepare for a lengthy hibernation. After all, the weather can't get to you if you never leave your room.

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