22. September 2008 by Brother Spargealot.

Many of our brothers and sisters were without basic necessities over the past week after Hurricane Ike ravaged the Houston area and there remain some without power today. The state of Zymurological stocks remain a source of concern given all our kegs and bottles lacked refrigeration for five days until we regained power on Thursday. St Arnold’s Brewing Company did indeed cancel its tour after the storm, a first in the company’s history, although several volunteers still showed up at the door ready to help that Saturday morning. St. Arnolds suffered no real damage and other area breweries reported the same, although Southern Star in Conroe lost its kettle stack. The state of its new Rauchbier (made form 100% Bamberg Pilsner malt) which was in secondary remains uncertain. Most quality beer establishments are open again in the affected area with a few new quality beverages just making their way into the markets to the South after first being introduced into Austin and other locals. Among those new offering Stone Smoked Porter and New Belgium’s Lips of Faith have garnered the most attention.

Peace and beer,

Brother Spargealot

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9. September 2008 by Brother Spargealot.

Greetings from the World Headquarters of the Church of Zymurology! This is indeed an uspicious occasion as it is the eve of the arrival of nasty weather. But we have faith…and plenty of commecial as well as local brewed beer to sustain us during these trying times. On this occassion I will begin the evening with a Chocolate Stout brewed by Brooklyn Brewing Company from New York of which we here at the Church have several. For those that have not tried this delicious concoction it is well worth seeking out and contrary to both the label and taste does not contain chocolate at all - rather miraculous.  Following the Brooklyn selection we anticipate delving into the finer points of well aged Bigfoot, the barleywine made by Sierra Nevada in Chico California. Recent study by our clergy scholars deemed 2002 a very good year and I must make sure they have nto been led astray by sampling one from our precious collection myself. Tomorrow I shall attempt to brave the weather and possibly volunteer my humble services at Saint Arnold Brewing company in Houston which claims it has never missed a tour in fourteen years. Wish me luck and stop in should the winds of fortune blow you in that direction.

Cheers,

Brother Spargealot

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