It's been almost four months since my last post to The Grain. I feel terrible about it and for a while thought that it had just ended up like every other blog I've started and then quickly abandoned. The desire to write just wasn't there for a long time.
In early October my family was dealt a crushing blow. We lost my uncle after a long battle with alcoholism. Posting to my alcohol-related blog was no longer even close to being a priority. The whole situation made me take a step back and re-evaluate my relationship with drinking. That ugly disease is deep in my genetics and it's important to regularly take self inventory to make sure that I'm not traveling down that path.
The Grain is not a celebration of alcoholism. It's a celebration of the craft of making a great beer and the enjoyment that comes from drinking it. Don't drink to get drunk; drink because you enjoy the flavor or the beer. Drink because you enjoy the company of those around you in the pub, brewery or living room. Drink because you love life. Drink responsibly.
Most importantly though, it's okay to not drink at all. Sometimes it's good to take a break. Your body needs it occasionally, so treat it right and stay in control. If the only way for you to stay in control is to stay far, far away from alcohol.... then do that.
I'm resurrecting this blog in mostly the same format as before, but I'll be more careful not to glorify beer for the wrong reasons in my posts.
Stay tuned....
Drink pairing for this post: None, because it's not always the beer that binds us.
