What We’re Drinking | May 14, 2021

For all of you who are excited about the CDC’s new mask guidance, slow your roll. I’m glad you’re excited, Mr. “I haven’t developed a third COVID chin,” but some of us were really enjoying having a covered face. I guess I’ll just start washing my whole face again…maybe start shaving again. I dunno, it’s a whole new damn world.

There’s plenty of reason to celebrate this week, obviously, and the PorchDrinking team never fails to deliver. Crack open whatever you’ve been holding onto for a special occasion and check out this week’s What We’re Drinking. 

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Brewery Vivant | Pumpkin Tart

Buckle up for spooky season. Ghosts and ghouls, sweaters and chai, crunchy leaves under your feet. You know the drill.

For the beer world, this time of year bears one of the industry’s most polarizing styles: Pumpkin Ale. To some, they’re as comforting and scrumptious as a slice of pie. To the rest, they taste like a scarecrow farted in their snifter. It seems the trick to making a successful pumpkin beer is using the gourd in pure form or in conjunction with other styles/ingredients. With Pumpkin Tart, a blended Farmhouse Ale brewed with real pumpkin and spices, Brewery Vivant checks both these boxes.

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Ultimate 6er | Snowed-In in Michigan

Growing up in Michigan, I have always found myself amazed at the power of snow. An overnight snowfall has the strength to shut down roads, schools, businesses, and any plans that I have for the day. As an employee of the public school system, I am one of those blessed adults who is still able to enjoy the thrill of having the phone ring at 5:30 a.m. to tell me that it is a snow day. My favorite winter days are those where the snow falls so quickly and in such great amounts that we have no choice but to stay home cozied up under blankets by our fireplace. With West Michigan’s “lake-effect snow,” it is not uncommon to have blizzards that last for several days in a row, making even a simple run to the grocery store a hazardous undertaking. Therefore, from November through March, I have learned to always be prepared by stocking our home with the essentials: a space heater, frozen pizzas, and of course, a few beers to keep us warm and cozy throughout these snowy days.

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What We’re Drinking | September 14, 2018

This week has been an emotional one as we honor the anniversary of 9/11 and watch the crazy number of storms brewing in our oceans. Even as I write this, there is a deluge happening outside my window, which means it’s time to kick back, grab a good book and a cold beer. My fellow PorchDrinking staff found some great brews this week, along with some much needed sunshine. This is What We’re Drinking.

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Ultimate 6er | Tornado

Severe weather can be crushing. Tornadoes can toss cars, homes and possessions upside down. Tornadoes can forever change the landscape. We know that occasionally, tornadoes can take lives. So why write a lighthearted beer article about tornadoes? Because anything that can raise your awareness about these storms, and potentially start you on a path of awareness and preparedness, is a good thing. Think about your disaster plan, and how you’d keep yourself, your family and your loved ones safe as you crack into some of these delicious, although ominously named, beers.

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Ultimate 6er | Christmas Movies

The holiday movie onslaught has begun. Here are my six favorite Christmas Movies, and a thoughtful beer to accompany each of them. Read More