I remember when I was a child, my father would crack open a beer at dinner in summer. I can't recall him ever drinking more than two drinks -- usually just one. What a fascinating thing for a child to look at. The "spz" sound of the gas and the bubbles bubbling up. Of course, like most kids, I was allowed to take a sip, and hated the taste of it.
Many years later, I started drinking beer full-time (actually rather late -- around the age of 20). I do remember the first time I went to the pub close to the music building (my major was music in University) and I can't say I disliked the taste. Just like any drug, it takes a bit of time to get accustomed to but after a few months of steady sipping, I gradually fell in love with the stuff. A bitter delight for the tongue.
What are some of my earliest beer memories… chugging three Guinnesses in Maple Ridge (a suburb of Vancouver) and being completely plastered (the stuff tasted incredible at the little pub, The Billy Minor). I have to thank Scott for driving me home safely that night.
Then there were the times I would walk around the music building and, lo and behold, there would be Matt the tuba player. We'd basically look at each other's eyes and take off to the pub and drink a pitcher or two between breaks. I actually enjoyed those times quite a bit.
This pub that I've mentioned a couple of times was roughly about 5 minutes (or perhaps less) away from the music building. You've got to wonder why a University would have drinking establishments on campus. As far as I'm concerned this idea doesn't exist in Japan… I hate to say this but all those Japanese students are missing out on "good-times".
Back to the pub. I remember first going to the pub and it was always very quiet during the afternoon. There was a spacious patio where you could see the ocean and mountains -- the mountains being across the strait (?) several kilometers away. Actually, it was kind of beautiful when you think of it. Sometimes you take things for granted in life…
I'd say there were seats for about 50 people inside with enough room for a pool table. One of the workers there was a real Irishman (I believe) and he poured the Guinness slowly. I can still remember the creaminess of the foam when he'd bring it to me. I also recall observing a worker (from England) pouring a pint of Hoegaarden properly. It's wonderful to see bartenders with some standards. After years of drinking, the thing I hate most is establishments that do not wash/clean the beer lines… absolutely shameful behavior and to think that people pay good money for grungy tasting beer.
I had many long chats with my fellow cronies during University at this pub. And I have only beer to thank for this.
How many types of beers have I drunk in my life? Well over several hundred. Beers that I like… Boddington's (kind of taste like an apple), Bombardier (tastes good at room temperature!) and Sapporo Classic (especially the limited edition Classic made from hops from Furano, Hokkaido).
Well, someone in this small world must be able to relate to me with these beers.
