I became a beer blogger years ago because of the blockchain, I came to write either about that which I am learning, or know very well. The years I spent brewing for myself, the breweries I work with now on their technology and marketing, and the decades spent imbibing combine for the self-proclaimed title of the #Blockchain #Beerologist.
This week, I visit 3 of my all time favourite breweries to see what is good, what's new and what hopefully will be better a second time.
So, in rebellion to that notion, here is my demonstration. It is a nice cool pint of rum and whatever-was-in-the-kitchen (which turned out to be quite delicious) in my budding garden as I survey the work we have to do while celebrating resilient returning vegetation.
If only it were available year 'round, it could build a strong case for the top-10.
This beer is a NEw England Double IPA called Good Monster which is even a pretty cool name. According to their website (or the results from my 5 minute wrestling match with it,) this beer doesn't exist. The artist, however, does exist and she is known as Canadian artist Sarah Cannon, aka 
The beer? Hazy yet amazingly light-textured but a serious DIPA with a nice edge. Would buy again!
When you look at the side panel of the label, there is some informative detail, a moderate IBU and a list of great hops highlighted by one of my favourites, Galaxy. When I had the first batch in the summer, it was so dry and obnoxious, I had to choke through them and never have 2 in a row. Perhaps there was just too much Cashmere in it which put such a jagged edge on the hop character, it drowned out the other ones I usually enjoy so much. Maybe it was a bad batch, they were still refining, or perhaps it was a beer simply not for my jaded palate.
I had to give it another try these many months later and see for myself.
When you look at the well-done third panel on the label, you get a lifestyle splash that attempts to put you in a state of peace and love the beer before you even drink it for the sentiment. Having not enjoyed it overly the first time, I was wise to the game and was prepared to have a repeat performance.
Turns out, this was a much different experience! The hops seemed to balance out a little more and the Cashmere was restrained by the trio of other hops. My only conundrum was that I had only bought a single can, and wanted to give it another shot, but would have to wait. I will let this dog lie and see if it is available in a couple months. For, ifi it is, I discover it is available year 'round, and is even better this time, I may have to include it in a drink off to update the top 10 list!
This is a toast to 3 breweries which have brought my mouth and belly more joy than they can know over the years. Great Lakes , Collective Arts and Sawdust City, you each get the seal of approval for these and your many great beers.
@spirall on Twitter! Hop in on the marketing push with us and invite the world of beer bloggers to join us on Hive.
Only 1 more week 'til the monumental 200th #beersaturday celebration but we must pace ourselves as we are still at week 199 @detlev/199-weeks-of-beersaturday What craziness will 
I invite a friend to the party every week and this week I invite a new friend who valiantly accepted the Hive Torch, 
