I have a personal tradition.  In the dead of winter, on the coldest night, I bundle up and head out to a local bar for some beers.  I’ve never thought of it as a “tradition,” but looking back, its something that I’ve consistently done for several years, so I’ll name it as such.

So last night, in 15 degree weather, I braved largely unplowed icy roads on a charming 1/2 mile ride to Johnny Brenda’s.  I thought I was going to see some friends bands play and I was grateful for a fun night out.

Funny thing, though.  I paid the $10 cover, found a friend at the bar, and cozied up with a glass of Legacy Bruin (delicious, though maybe not as hearty as such a night called for).  I realized that other than Alex at the bar, whom my meeting was a happy accident, I didn’t recognize another face in the place.  I didn’t even see my friends who were supposed to be playing.  I finally got suspicious enough and checked out the band list for the night, and realized that I was totally at the wrong show.  Oops!  For the record, don’t trust Facebook invites, they often have the wrong dates.

So I took my Weyerbacher Fireside ale down to the main bar and spent the rest of the night there.  Despite the show confusion, it was a great night.  The tap list at Johnny Brendas usually bores me, but there was quite a selection last night.  Besides the Fireside ale, which was sublime, the Dock St Imperial Stout was impressive.  I don’t remember the Sly Fox Gang Aft Agley being so smokey, but I loved it.  Overall the beer selection was perfect for a frigid and ill planned evening.

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