Beer

Writers: Eimi
Date Posted: 1st March 2009

Characters: Daigoro
Description: Daigoro gets a little lost in the wonder that is beer
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 1, day 5 of Turn 5

"Beer.

"There is really nothing simpler. What is beer? It's just starches.
It's just a collection of grains. You open a sack of barley, wheat,
corn, rivergrains... What do you think? Bread, of course. Who was the
genius who though that those tiny grains held such a potent secret
power? Who was the first to mash them, heat them, mix them, add a bit
of yeast, let it sit, and suddenly there it was - beer. I wish I could
shake that man's hand.

"But what is beer? Is it a drink? Is that all it is? Just something
to cool your throat or to quench your thirst? Couldn't juice cool you
just as well? Isn't water the great satisfier of thirst? Why then does
beer hold such power over us? What is it about this simple drink that
draws us in?

"Some might say it's the alcohol, but if that were the case, why don't
we stop by the tavern for a bottle of wine? Or a shot of whiskey?
Could it be, perhaps, the almighty pint? Stemware in general holds
eight ounces, a copita holds even less. A shot is a couple ounces. But
a _pint_... Now that is a man sized drink.

"But can't mead be served by the pint? Or cider? Those are nice
drinks. Pleasant really. But you don't go to the tavern with your
mates and order a pint of mead or a pint of cider. No, you order a pint
of ale, or lager, or stout. Beer. Beer is part of the fabric of
manhood in our culture. It's not the alcohol. It's not the size. It's
not our thirst. It's what beer represents.

"So what does beer represent, eh? So many things, really. It's a
summer's day. You're out in the heat, fanning yourself, wiping your
brow, and the refreshing thought that comes to mind is that cool beer
waiting for you at the end of the day.

"It's a full day's work. You get up early with the sun. You go out
into the vineyards, you go down into the cellars, you carry kegs, you
stir
the brew. What carries you through those longest of days when you just
wish the candle would burn a little faster? It's the knowledge that
once you've put in your full day's work, there will be a beer waiting at
the end of it.

"Beer is companionship. It's sitting down with a group of your old
mates and you tell stories, you laugh, you bare your heart, you tell
your secrets, all with a mug in hand. It's sitting with your father,
looking out off into the distance and he hands you a bottle and you
drink in silence. In that moment, you are equals, you are both just
men, sharing a beer as men do.

"Beer is like a beautiful woman. It comes in all colors, all textures.
Some are dark and bold. Others are sweet and light. And you can try
them all - pilsner, ale, lager, amber, porter, stout. But unlike a
woman, you can try them all. Being faithful to the woman you love is a
man's sacred duty, and it is a honor and a privilege. Though you'll
probably fall in love with one kind or another, with beer, you can give
in to temptation and drink in the splendor of each one that comes your
way, and never feel a moment's guilt. It's a beautiful thing. You know
what I mean?"

Daigoro was so lost in his train of thought that he was almost shocked
with a high-pitched adolescent voice interrupted his revelry. "Um,
actually, sir, Master Pecread says we can't taste the beer for another
two turns."

"Ah." The Hallsecond cleared his throat as he scanned the group of
fresh-faced apprentices. "Right. Yes. Master Pecread would be right.
So... Well, you have something to look forward then. Right. Well. I
think that's enough for your tour of the brewery. I guess... Welcome
again to the Vintner Hall. I'm sure you'll all make fine apprentices.
Yes, well. Any questions? No? Right then. Class dismissed."

Last updated on the March 15th 2009

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Beer