Great beer isn't always just about the tasty liquid inside the bottle, but often the label and packaging are a big part of the product as well. For those of you who enjoy the graphic design aspect of the market as much as me, check out ohbeautifulbeer.com, which showcases some of the great packaging of beers around the world.

As a special note, our own Columbus Brewing Company is featured on page 3!

I knew there was something I forgot to pick up while I was in New Zealand earlier this year. Williams Warn, a small company of two based in Auckland, New Zealand has come up with the next evolution in home brewing - Personal Brewing.  The Williams Warn Personal Brewing looks like a sweet system, including a draft tap to dispense what you've made.  I guess if your home brewing system costs ~$4,500 USD, it better be sweet and make awesome beer. 

Just wish I'd know about this a few months ago and I would have totally checked in out. Anybody want to buy me a sample unit? I'd likely share the results with you at least.

http://www.williamswarn.com

The American Dietetic Association thinks so, but note they stress "in moderation".  We all know that, but it's good to see there's actually some science behind responsibly enjoying a beer (or a glass of wine) and that maybe, just maybe, we're getting, um, healthier?

http://www.eatright.org/Media/content.aspx?id=6442462410

I've been enjoying this blog of a guy who's attempting to live like a monk for lent, by taking on 46-day fast consisting of only water and doppelbock.  Yeah, it's a beer-guy's version of "Super-Size Me", but it's a fun read none-the-less.  He's almost 30-days into it so far, so you've got some catch-up to do!  

http://diaryofaparttimemonk.wordpress.com

How did you get started with craft beer? I was asked this question tonight out at the pub and was mortified to realize I couldn't come up with the answer. Even after two beers, I thought about this the entire way home and finally came to the answer. I can't believe it took me that long to come up with it, but here goes.

For me, good beer and travel come hand in hand. I love to travel and see new places and often the most fond memories I have of a particular place is the food and drink.  Yes, I'm the guy who eats (or drinks) his way through a vacation. Having a particular food or drink later on can really take me back to being in a great travel spot.

I'm going to go back to Germany which I visited shortly after college. It was fascinating to me at the time that each town had it's own local brew and basically came down to light or dark. Each place's beer was distinctive and I can still remember a few of them fondly. This was well before the boom of craft beer in the US, but now, having a particular beer reminds me of all the great places I've visited - Corsendonk in Philly, Brooklyn Brewery and Sixpoint in New York, Saranac in upstate New York, Kona Brewing in Hawaii, Caffery's in Ireland and on and on. I know, a postcard would be easier.

So, great beer reminds me of great places and great times. I'm glad we can now get so many great beers from around the world and around the country here so I can remember these times even more often.

How did you get started with craft beer?

Cheers!