I’m not much of a beer drinker these days, but there’s no denying the popularity of the foamy beverage. On average, each adult in the U.S. drinks about 28.2 gallons per year. That means 10 ounces per day, or about one six-pack per week.
I grew up around beer. Before my dad quit booze, he regularly swigged brews. His first favorite was Corona Extra. He would cross the border to bring cases of the Mexican brand into our California home (this was before 1979, when it was first shipped to the United States). I even grew up drinking juice out of glasses that were former Corona bottles. When my dad moved to Colorado, he became a Coors man. He was a big devotee, and the fridge was always stocked with his favorite cans.
As a young drinker, I fell in love with St. Pauli Girl Lager, because the label — showing an attractive girl holding multiple steins — appealed to me and the beer was smooth and easy to drink. I moved to microbrews when I took a job, supplementing my journalistic career, at a beer bar in Tacoma. The Swiss Restaurant & Pub was known for its live music shows, its early-1900s urinal trough (so sailors wouldn’t lose their place at the bar), and 31 taps pouring beers from Washington-based and small breweries. That is where I got into IPAs, which were all the rage in the early 1990s.
IPAs are one of the trends we discuss in this beer-focused issue. We also serve up stories about fab local beer bars and new breweries as well as an illustrated primer on beer ingredients, styles, and pairings.
Do you like to create when you drink? We rounded up a list of fun Reno-Tahoe places where you can paint with pinot, plant with pilsner, and craft with a cocktail.
Other intriguing features in this Drinks issue are on a local catador (or certified tequila expert), natural post-workout drinks, cozy winter cocktails, high tea experiences, and much more.
We include many helpful guides in these pages, too. Be sure to check out our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide, Wedding Guide, Home Guide, and Health & Wellness Guide. The Eat (Drink) Local Guide is packed with great places to not only find delicious and creative food and drink, but also to support local businesses!
I hope you drink it all in.
Cheers!
About the Cover
This year, our Drinks edition focuses on the Reno-Tahoe beer scene. Illustration by Melissa Washburn
