As a self-professed beer snob, it was with great sorrow today that I came across this blog post about top summer beers. It hurt me. The gathering together of mostly anemic, wussy beers made me tear up. I cried a little, mainly because I didn’t have my own beer. But then the sorrow turned to anger. Anger that could only be subdued by way of a passive-aggressive blog entry. Because that’s what my tech-obsessed generation does: we blog about things, and then pretend that anyone else actually cares.

And although most blog entries should, ideally, contain little to care about, I would hope that making lists about our personal preferences on something would be the exception. It should launch us into a holy war-like tirade, the likes of which civilized humanity (ie: pre-internet humanity) has never seen, and even if they had would find totally ridiculous. My opinions on stuff and things matter.

Now, I’m not suggesting that everyone drink beer, or even like beer. But what I am suggesting is that my opinions on the subject are more important than yours. You say you like fay, fruity beers for a cool down in the middle of sweltering heat? Pish posh, you silly muggins. You should enjoy what I enjoy, your own taste buds be damned! Therefore I dare you to fathom the brilliance that is…

Dave’s Own Little Beer List Of Stuff He Likes At The Moment

I should start off my list by saying that I’m limiting it to things I can get in my neck of the woods. I’m sure some of you have some “awesome” local or regional selections that would “totally put (such and such beer) to shame!”, but unless you’re willing to regularly send me some, it’s a moot point for my list. Also, I should point out that my list isn’t complete. There are several others that could just as easily have made the cut. I just only devote so much time to these things.

1. New Belgium: Fat Tire – This one shall be first (and first shall it be) because we just got the goodness here in good ole middle Tennessee. It’s delicious amber ale, with just a hint of awesome.


2. Yazoo: Dos Perros – I like to support the locals, and Yazoo makes it easily done with this beer.


3. Bar Harbor: Blueberry Ale – Hey, I have nothing against fruit in beers, as long as it’s done correctly. There should be a hint of fruit in your beer, and not the other way around. Bar Harbor’s Blueberry Ale gets it right.


4. Red Hook: Winter Hook – Seasonal beers are allowed on the list. Actually, it’s probably a good thing for all involved that this isn’t available to me all year round. It’s worth the wait.


5. Young’s Oatmeal Stout – Because sometimes you need a dark, thick and creamy beer that isn’t a Guinness.
   


6. Negro Modelo – I’ll forgive you for putting lime in a beer, but it should enhance the flavor, not fix it. This one makes a good complement, and is my default for Mexican food.


7. North Coast: Old Rasputin Ale – This one is for when you’re serious about having a beer. Seriously, take it serious. But enjoy.