So for years, I’ve fancied myself as an experienced beer drinker. Not a connoisseur, perhaps, but at least well seasoned. It appears that I need a refresher course on this most noble of refreshments. For my birthday, Wine Girl bought me (among other items) two books on beer: The Naked Pint and Tasting Beer. (The [...]

We’re hot and sweaty at the Quarterdeck in Harbortown, Hilton Head. WineGirl and I have been riding bikes around the resort for the last 3 hours. We rolled up to the cafe, racked the cycles, and the first bottle was gone before I had a chance to review. So, round 2! The lager is pale [...]

“I shall have yours next …” she says, after tasting my Maibock. It’s the seasonal offering from Rock Bottom that she’s eying now. Her first round was the Randolph’s Ride Red Ale (American Amber Ale). A safe choice, but her curiosity was piqued. This beer is most appropriate for WineGirl on her birthday. Maibock (or [...]

“Warm and I want to lay in it …” That’s the mac’n’cheese, of course. WineGirl has a weakness for starches, so I’m not surprised. If she ever leaves me, it will be for a pot of mashed potatoes. It’s just hot enough to be sticky. Late afternoon, early evening — perfect for cold beer! We’re [...]

Nestled in the leafy, quiet streets of 4th Ward Charlotte, Alexander Michael’s has been delighting patrons for nearly three decades. After an afternoon of clicking the new camera, we found relief from the afternoon sun in the dark wood interior. Gazing around, I took in the comfortable bar, polished by many a busy night. For [...]