We all have those moments in life when your outlook or
perception on a specific item or subject changes forever. In the beer
community, the first moment of enlightenment is when non-beer-drinkers take the
plunge into a new world they never knew existed. And it usually starts with a
single beer or an experience that will open your eyes to this amazing product. The
vast majority of us out there went through a moment like this because we were
unaware of the wonderful variations in flavors, aromatics, and experiences beer
had to offer. Those moments are worth sharing, talking about, hearing about,
and writing about.
I remember the moment like it was yesterday. A copper
colored beer, a smell that I never knew could come out of a beer, and a thick
head that did not fade away as quickly as I was used to. Then, I took a sip and
the epiphany was complete. "Wow!" I said. I didn't know what I was
drinking or even if I liked it. But I kept drinking it because it was so
different from the usual "beer" I had grown accustomed to.
My eye-opening brew was Samuel Adams Boston Lager. From
there, I used all the Samuel Adams beer verities available at the time as a
stepping stone. I was so impressed with Boston Lager that I told myself to make
it a mission to try all of the styles Sam Adams had to offer. Once I was
introduced to their other styles available though verity packs and seasonal
releases, the groundwork was set. I used those as stepping-stones as I ventured
off to authentic, flavorful beers from the small craft-brewing community and
from around the world. Although The Boston Beer Company receives a lot of
negativity because of their interpretation or twists they place on some of
their products, I hold them dear to my heart. It was because of The Boston Beer
Company and that European Amber Lager called Sam Adams Boston Lager that led me
to become an enthusiast, then a nerd, then a geek, and eventually a Certified
Cicerone®. I now always have a few bottles of it in my fridge at all times; it
is my go-to beer.
While tasting so many beers and learning everything I can
from every new beer I experienced, I was inundated with information overload.
Yet, I wanted to keep learning, tasting, experiencing, and sharing. I was so
moved by my life-changing experiences with full-flavored beers that I felt a
duty to share what I have learned. I knew that I had to let everyone else know
what real beer was. Problem was I didn't know how.
The opportunity arose when a friend of mine that I have
known since kindergarten wanted to have get-together at her home. Nothing but
lots of food, drinks, and video games! (Just like old times.) Her husband was
entrusting me to bring some good brews. (I was already establishing myself as
the go-to guy for beer recommendations amongst my friends). I arrived with a
case of easy drinking beer for the masses and two costume six-packs from my
local bottle shop for those that wanted to explore. It was a small group so
only six different beers (two bottles each) I thought would be enough.
After some good homemade delicious food and pot luck style
stuff, we all began to loosen up and play some games. It was time for me to
start opening some bottles. Everyone was eager to try the first offering. There
were fewer participants on the second beer and fewer still by the third. By the
fourth beer I popped open, only one guy that recently turned 21 years of age
kept coming back. The last three beers I had were split between this curious
fellow and me. I will never forget the look on his face when he tried the last
beer I offered. (It was an American Imperial IPA.) He takes a sip, looked at
his glass, then looked at me with a face of awe. His simple question assured me
that he experienced something magical. He asked, "Is this how beer is
supposed to taste like!?" I smiled and proudly said, "My job here is
done." I raised my glass and we toasted.
That single moment changed my personality and character. That
was not this first time nor has it been the last. My brother-in-law was your
typical beer drinker that only had one perception of what beer tasted like. I did not have to do much work with him when he came to me for guidance. He
already found the light with Bavarian Hefewiezen’s. I simply introduced him to
other styles that he might enjoy. Now, he is always excited to show off about
all the new beers he had and loved. I would be lying if I said that it does not
bring as smile to my face listening to him brag. Even more recently, a good
friend of mine admitted that she was introduced to the wonders of beer though
my willingness to share my knowledge (and my beers). It was second nature for
me to share my thoughts as we had some tasters at the brewery we were at, and
the end result was she was enlightened. I though I was being a good friend and
showing hospitality, but I guess my instinct of beer-teacher took over. The
rest is history and she is slowly, but surely, becoming a knowledgeable beer
enthusiast. And I could not be more proud of her.
If I can change only one person's perception of beer, it is
all worth it. All the negativity from those that are close minded becomes
obsolete in that moment and makes it all worth it. Samuel Adams Boston Lager
opened the doors for me. I find it only fair to return the favor by sharing my
experiences and knowledge. My moment of enlightenment lead me to help others
see the light and feel what I feel with every sip I take. I hope sharing my
experience here will incite others in the beer community to do the same.
Cheers!
Gilbert C. Perez, Certified Cicerone®