Yeah, pretty ... but where's the damn Alpine?

Have you ever had Alpine? The only guy I know who drinks it is somebody's uncle who keeps it behind the wood stove because he likes it real warm.

Honestly ... I don't drink beer. I used to, of course, when I got out of University and got a job in PR with Molson Breweries. But somewhere along the line I just decided it didn't suit my taste buds. But because of that job, I believe I still have a high lifetime average ...

While I would not push anyone too unwillingly back to strong drink, there are many delights of the hop and grain that escape Monsieurs Molson. That being said, I was a cook at Mc<strike>Pigs</strike>Donalds and can only eat a few things there. I just can't imagine such revulsion attaching to ales.

I don't think it's so much revulsion as a generalized realization that I'm not much for the "bitter" end of the spectrum ... where most beer falls. I still occasionally have a beer - but I find one is more than enough and I usually search out a sweet taste afterwards to wash the beer flavour away ...

Might I suggest hunting out styles like mild, witte or southern english brown. Even a belgian dubble like Maudit or Chemay red which tends to use hops which are over two years old and lack the acids. Unlike you I am a hop fiend who would spread them on toast. My goodly wife is more of the mellow brown persuasion.

Don't get tricked by US brown or northern english brown. They are both hoppy, the first very.

Or, (blasphmy to Al, but I know what I like) my favourite - mix it 50-50 with ginger ale...a Shandy, I believe. In a pitcher of ice on a hot day after 18, there is nothing better. I introduced it to the cute bartender at Avondale, the one with the offensive piercing, and she thought it would be a "hit" there.

No blaspheme at all. I am a great believer in the shandy. Sussex Golden Ginerale and a Bar Harbor, Maine brewed 11.8% honey ale called Bragget by the Atlantic Brewing Company. They make Dan James's beloved blueberry ale as well. I might even add shaved raw ginger root into it.

Never saw the offending piercing, but enjoyed the course - one of the great bargains in PEI golf. I can take Shandies or leave them, to be honest ... but you're right, the ginger ale does help take the edge off the bitters. I may go with Alan's suggestions .. especially since I have a tour in Britain lined up in May and it's so hard to find rye whiskey over there.

By the Way(ne) ... what's the best formula for reconditioning those several dozen golf balls I have rattling around my tool room?

Are you touring near Bury St Edmunds? Our pal Ale Fan who posts here has just opened a fine brew shop. You'd learn more in a hour in that shop than I could ever convey on a blog, Nils. <p><i>Rye whiskey, rye whiskey,<br>rye whiskey I cry<br>If I don't get rye whiskey<br>I surely will die.</i><p>Me, I can't stand that stuff. Somewhere, though, I have a tape of that three barrelled name western singer something something Murphy singing old cowboy songs and that is one of them.

Right now the tour calls for me to be in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire ... and perhaps Lancashire as well. Negotions are underway for Yorkshire and others. Which doesn't mean I won't make it towards Bury St. Edmunds ... I haven't seen that side of England and I'm an inveterate explorer.

I'd like to find some sort of ale product that I could acquire a taste for, because when I tour over there, so many lunches and suppers are at the local pub. I love going in (being eyed somewhat warily by the locals), ordering whatever the speciality de la maison happens to be, then falling into conversations (they always want to talk to some "Yanks" and are only a little disappointed when we turn out to be Canadian).

One time in Richmond we ended up in a pub with a billiard table and pairs of guys challenging one another. We watched, and chatted with some locals, and one fellow who was there with his 15 year old son asked about my skills. Well, I've always owned my own pool table, and play it a lot, so I allowed as how I'm not a disgrace with a cue in my hand. He asked if I'd team up with his son to challenge a couple of the local blokes.

"Sure, why not?" says I.

"Right then, blokes. My boy and this Canadian chap will take on all comers. 10 quid each a game."

As the lineup of challengers formed, I got a sinking feeling in my stomach. Four challenging teams of two at ten quid apiece ... my potential losses would be 40 pounds, or ... $100 bucks. But there was nothing for it but to just chalk up the cue and smile gamely.

Turns out the 15 year old was the Northern England Juvenile Champion. I barely had to contribute. We cleaned up, bought everyone an ale, and had a lovely time.

I love touring over there, to small villages and towns with names like Cropwell Butler and Tealby and Sleaford and Louth and after the shows the locals all pitch in to take down the lights and then it's across to the pub for bangers and mash ...

I glad you shared. We can help. We can find you the ale you need.