The topic for today’s 49th gathering of The Session is “regular beer.” Since I’m the host I offered to publish posts from readers who don’t maintain blogs. This is the first of two.
By Jeffrey McElfresh, Dayton, Ohio
Regular beer holds a special place in my beery heart, because, it is anything but “regular.” First, a definition: regular beer, to me, can be anywhere between a Kolsch, CAP and an APA. It’s a beer that is subtle in complexity or character and super drinkable because of that trait. Regular beer is not “dumbed down” nor does it require a sophisticated palate or the ability to appreciate the “finer things.” It has individual balance to the point that it tastes “right.” It is both easily missed and easily recognized by all beer drinkers. So, this “regular beer” is truly something special. It is the measurement that allows each of us to put all other beer into a perspective that we can trust. Price point does not define this beer and neither does my definition of style.
More than any other beer regular beer helps to define our culture. I believe we all want something that feels comfortable, but not normal. We want something that others can relate to, that reflects our group mentality without destroying our individuality. This is regular beer. This is why it has so many names and faces. This is where we define the familiar. (Some draw lines in the sand they will never cross just to prove that last line) Sure, the majority of us spend a ton of time peeling off the pack (wild, sour, impy and oak), but unless you are a sociopath or cult of personality(J), we want to spread our joy and give it depth and meaning. We want to know we are happy by seeing it beyond our mirror. The social implications of regular beer may be one of the most significant tools we use in the days ahead to mediate the technological innovation that scars our interpersonal relationship skills.
And so I truly believe we will see “world class” regular beer flourish as the craft beer segment inevitably folds in on itself (sorry Sam?). That’s ok with me. I am always thinking of jazz when I consider this point. Beer can be angular, free, wild or careless, but it must have that swing (local innovation that delivers). It is after all, beer. Recognize it or not, the enjoyment will succeed.