Over half way through Dry January jumping back in on #beersaturday to scratch that itch. Speaking of which, hit 394 of #beersaturday and share some of your beer adventure so I can once again enjoy your beers.
I have come to find, being The Blockchain Beerologist definitely has its perks, including but not limited to getting paid to tour breweries and sample new beers! When I am not globetrotting or brewing my own beer, my fridge looks like a colorful mosaic of regional craft beer I enjoy sharing with the #beersaturday alliance of #beer bloggers on #hive.
This week, I am trudging boldly past the half way mark of Dry January and trying to maintain my #beerologist card.
A few other Hive Beerlogists told me that Heineken 0.0 is an acceptable NA for Dry January and beyond. I had to try it for myself as good NA beers are few and far between in my books. So, at a business lunch, I partook.
Turns out they are right about it being comparable to the normal Heineken. I am not a huge fan of the Amsterdam Canal Water but do love to grab one when hopping the train from Schiphol airport to Central Station. Similar taste, same negligible malt body but good in a pinch for those of us masochists doing without real beer to start the year.
Back to the Advent Beer Calendar!
For those just joining us now, I decided to shake things up to start the year with a new challenge of going dry in Jan. Sampling the NA beers I have avoided for so long and even brewing an NA beer of our own is getting me through, as is revisiting the Beer Advent Calendar from December that came about in this tale.
One of the individually-wrapped and numbered beers bore a familiar logo and I was very hopeful it was an IPA to rescue me from a bunch of lagers and light ales. Plenty of effort went into the wrapping and I gave the branded pop-socket to my little one for her phone.
Bingo! I have visited Toboggan Brewing in part #beersaturday entries as it is less than an hour from home and I have never had one of their beers I haven't enjoyed. for some reason, they are not among the most popular breweries in the crowded region but I was happy to see this familiar old friend under the wrapping.
Having turned to mostly enjoying the IPAs we have been brewing ourselves lately, it has been a while since I have tucked into a Lunatic Fridge IPA and it was like seeing an old friend. I have always loved the balance between malt and hop in this west coast style IPA but must have forgotten how clear it is. I suppose that is a key difference between the hazy east coast variety I have been leaning into and the clearer, more bitter west coast variety. Excellent addition to the beer advent calendar for sure.
Beer Number 11
Being almost 1/2 through dry January, Beer 11 of the advent calendar was just about half way through that flat of surprises. A nice effort on the wrapping on this one as well with the ribbon and nice flare on top. Oh please oh please make it another IPA!
Close! This was a nice surprise as I have never even heard of Grey Matter Beer Company despite it only being about a 90 minute drive towards the west coast of our province. You can see I used my icy Habs freezer glass so I could keep this one chilled while drinking it and show one of my newer friends
my team! ;)
They are rather sparse on the details on the website for Mission to Mars American Pale Ale but my research shows Mosaic and Citra hops which are 2 of my 3 favourites! I am digging the detail and style in the label/branding not only for this beer but the others in their line up. The beer itself was a little underwhelming in terms of hop and malt but definitely pleasant for a lighter 5% ABV APA.
With this style, the mystery of a new to me brewery in the region, and the variety of beers on their menu I may just have to take a road trip when the wintery road clear up for a tour. Well met and see you soon Grey Matter!
#BEERSaturday!
I am nothing if not dedicated. Not sure whether Dry January is proving to others that I don't have a problem or reinforcing the notion that I do! Whatever will be will be.
Join me, 
I am almost 2/3 through Dry Januaryu and plan a big return in Feb so thanks for keeping me beer up through your #beersatturday exploits.
