conditioning
I find myself intensely excited interested in the idea of nice cold dark beer, but never more so than when I know that I have to do some form of major writing. If such work indeed occurs or is truly necessary, which it is, the true potential energy of the idea of a nice cold beer creates a complicated relationship.
I have recently theorized that the second this desire kicks in, basically when I otherwise least want it and most want beer, is almost the ideal moment to actually try to start writing - as it replaces longing with penance and frustration with (potentially) minor accomplishment. Though I seem to have successfully diverted it onto livejournal this time, which I am not sure how to factor back in.
So here's why it is so appealing: In my fridge, downstairs, I have two extremely fresh and tasty beers on tap, an Oatmeal Stout, and a English Brown brewed with 2nd generation Oatmeal stout yeast. So sort of a Light Oatmeal Stout. I estimate about 5.5% and 4% respectively, but I don't know for sure because I dropped my hydrometer.
And those are merely the cold ones. The almost-cold ones (as it is cold and dark most of the time right now), involve a chocolate stout ("Imperial Rabbit Chocolate Stout") at around 6.5%, a double IPA ("Double Bunny IPA") at close to 8.1%, and a strong ale ("Hairy Weather Strong Ale") at around 6.6%. Also a couple of mystery bottles that I forgot to label.
Most of these make me also want to eat meat. Last week I made scotch eggs, this week I am thinking lamb chops and mint sauce. That's it. I'm going with the stout.
I have recently theorized that the second this desire kicks in, basically when I otherwise least want it and most want beer, is almost the ideal moment to actually try to start writing - as it replaces longing with penance and frustration with (potentially) minor accomplishment. Though I seem to have successfully diverted it onto livejournal this time, which I am not sure how to factor back in.
So here's why it is so appealing: In my fridge, downstairs, I have two extremely fresh and tasty beers on tap, an Oatmeal Stout, and a English Brown brewed with 2nd generation Oatmeal stout yeast. So sort of a Light Oatmeal Stout. I estimate about 5.5% and 4% respectively, but I don't know for sure because I dropped my hydrometer.
And those are merely the cold ones. The almost-cold ones (as it is cold and dark most of the time right now), involve a chocolate stout ("Imperial Rabbit Chocolate Stout") at around 6.5%, a double IPA ("Double Bunny IPA") at close to 8.1%, and a strong ale ("Hairy Weather Strong Ale") at around 6.6%. Also a couple of mystery bottles that I forgot to label.
Most of these make me also want to eat meat. Last week I made scotch eggs, this week I am thinking lamb chops and mint sauce. That's it. I'm going with the stout.