Know Your Beer, Know Your Brewer

This fine photo was taken with cutting edge technology (in 2003)... my Motorola Razr.

Last week I was on the road for an internship's open house. I made good time getting to Chicago and decided to take a break from driving. I was sitting in an overpass oasis enjoying a coffee and when I gave Mr. Naughty Nutrition a call. I was feeling adventurous, and being close to the Illinois- Indiana border, thought I could swing by 3 Floyds Brewery. Mr. NN was able to give me directions to it because my not-so-smart phone was incapable of doing so. My phone was however able to take pictures and was the only piece of picture-taking technology I had to chronicle my journey with.

3 Floyds Brewery and Brewpub is located in a business park in Munster, Indiana; you would never guess that once you get inside. One wall inside serves as a movie screen that a Dr. Who movie was playing on when I arrived. The decor can best be described as a man cave of a metal head/beer connoisseur.

That blurry, brown mass in the front of my picture was hands down the most delicious grilled cheese I have ever had. When the bartender, Phil, asked me how my food was I told him, " They don't make grilled cheese like this in Wisconsin." This grilled cheese was made with cheddar cheese, arugula, sliced apples, and stone ground brown mustard on pumpernickel bread. Say what you will about them doctoring up a grilled cheese, but having the addition of greens and fruit made me feel healthier. In the background is the Imperial IPA Arctic Panzer Wolf. I know I should have paired my food with a beer a little nuttier, but I'm a hop-head at heart. I also knew I would have trouble finding that beer in Wisconsin.

With a plate full of food and beer that was intended to be sipped, I had the chance to converse with a few of the locals. The best story came from Phil. I asked him how his day was and he responded, "I'm just living the dream." He didn't say it in a cocky tone, but grateful. To many beer geeks, he was living the dream. He had been working at 3 Floyds at the brewpub for 2 years. Prior to that he had been a regular there. When the economy tanked in Munster, Phil lost his job. He was having problems finding a new job and the guys at 3 Floyds offered him a job bartending there. With no better prospects in sight, Phil signed on. Now not only does he sling beers, but he also helps in brewing the beer. Phil really is living the beer geek's dream.

There is a big movement to know where your food comes from. The same line of thought should apply to your beer as well. If you show them your support, they may return the favor.