No, it’s not a tomato beer that can read. Yesterday, I brought in from my garden the first slicing tomato of the year, a Cherokee Purple. It was ugly and gnarly but oh so delicious with a sweet, rich taste.

Also, as planned, I tempted a volunteer in helping to label Devil’s Dad with poppers – grilled jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped with bacon – yum. We now have 2 labeled cases busy carbonating. I’ll be tasting a bottle or two next weekend, comparing it to a procured bottle of Saison Dupont.

Beer Reads

UPROXX, The Best Hazy Beers To Drink This Summer, According To Brewers. After a couple of steamy, hot weeks, it’s safe to say summer has arrived. I’m a huge fan of Trillium and Sierra’s Hazy Little Thing. On the other hand, my one experience with Bissel Brother’s was a big disappointment but I’m willing to give them a second look (or in this case, taste).

Men’s Journal, 15 Lagers That Should Be in Your Cooler This Summer. It is good to see lagers making a comeback in the craft world. Of this list, I’ve only tried the Brooklyn Lager. I’m always looking for a good pilsner especially on a hot and muggy day.

DC Beer, Brew at the Zoo…for less! Thursday, July 18th, 6-9 PM. $50 Fonz members, $65 non-members. This looks like a fun time at the National Zoo featuring nearly 70 breweries.

DC Beer, A Salute to the Amazing Bill Madden and Mad Fox Brewing Company. Thanks to alert reader, Brent, for passing on this sad note about the closing of Mad Fox Brewing.

VinePair, Hop Take: White Claw Rips Into Craft Beer Sales. I’ve never tried this new craze, spiked seltzer, but I have heard the rumor that it is taking over craft beer. It’s good to read that the sky is not falling.

Village Green/Town², Dueling Brews. I love Brian Seel’s Brews and Bus Tour. I would have gone today but I’m doing another walk to Sapwood Cellars.

Brewed in Maryland, Before the Banner. A little history about early Baltimore brewer, Thomas Peters.

Cheers!

Warren