SpudsMcKenzie’s Gateway Beer

Growing up in rural Kansas, I was frequently exposed to all of the “lesser beers”. My dad was a Coors Light guy in my formative years, and as we all did, I would sneak a drink or two from my dad’s can when he left the can unchaperoned. I can remember thinking, “Is this adulthood? Is this the promise of being 21? Because, I don’t think it’s worth it.” As I matured, so did my family’s beers of choice.

During high school, my cousin worked for a lesser known (for good reason) brewery and introduced his family to something other than Corona and Rolling Rock, which were the popular beers of the day. I think the beers from this brewery I will not name made a difference in the palates of the adults, in that they recognized there were things like hops, malt, and flavor. I tried these beers, also, and still was underwhelmed by the promise of beer.

Then during my late high school/early college years, my cousin dropped the sub-par brewery and moved onto being in distribution for New Belgium Brewery. I still remember my first bottle of Fat Tire. I remember thinking, “Oh, I get it.” The strong flavors in the profile of Fat Tire made me realize there was more to beer than merely drinking to obtain a buzz. Beer is more than just a conduit for alcohol consumption, it can be an always changing art of culinary ability mixed with chemistry that should be championed for it’s variety.

Today, I still order a Fat Tire on occasion, but I try to vary my beer experiences dependent on my locale and my mood. Where would I be today if I hadn’t been exposed to Fat Tire, but instead had only tried the beer from the brewery with no name? In my estimation, I’d still be ordering domestic draws, only discriminating among my options on the menu by which one is on special. Because, what’s the difference, right?

By SpudsMcKenzie

I'm from a small Kansas town where the beer of choice is "The Cheap, Gross One". I was introduced to good beer by my family, which is full of alcohol appreciators. I married an amateur beer brewer last year, and we take every opportunity we can to enjoy a delicious pint. My favorites? St. Louis Gueze Fond Tradition, Duchesse De Bourgogne, New Belgium La Folie, New Belgium Kick... do you see a pattern emerging?