Author: Mac Sheldon

Posted: Sun Feb 29 22:25:47 -0800 2004

These were the three emails that went out to members of the Mount Hood Ski Patrol for our annual Battle of the Beers.  Basically, we pour 2-oz cups of 10 different beers in a blind taste test.  We ask each person to bring their beers in a paper bag and leave them with the pouring crew.  We select the top 3 or 4 of each test then do a sip-off of the top scoring entries.  You'll have to read to the bottom to find out how Moose Drool did!
Enjoy!

The Announcement -
High in the alpine village of Government Camp, Oregon on February 28th, there will come a gathering of friends destined to do battle in an ancient and honorable tradition.  Those who enter will leave their frosty flasks with the gatekeeper and will prepare themselves for the ultimate test.  Soon the elite guards will present the liquid samples to each contestant and the battle will begin.  Each contestant will be charged with two ominous tasks; first to arrange the samples of beer that he is handed in the order of preference to his or her refined palate, and second to pick the beer that he or she brought to this esteemed event.  Low, I caution you mates, that many have tried the latter, but all have failed. 

The Legend Of The Battle Of The Beers ñ Continued
 Only days before the mighty battle there was a hush across the land though from their camps one could hear the rustling of tents and the clatter of armor.  The warriors prepared in ways taught by their masters and passed through the centuries to those who would defend the honor of their clan.  Some sought solace in the sanctuary of the chapel, others found a peaceful meadow to prepare their mind for the rigors of the contest before them.  Still others sought the comfort of a wench and drown their fears in mead.  Still all knew that soon the day would come when they would present their arms and enter the ring of that esteemed competition.  Rumors flew in those final days of Drop-Top and Eel River, and Rogue Yellow Snow, and each contestant was sure that he could be the first to select his entry from the official offerings

The Results -
News of the battle and the victors spread throughout the land.  Messengers carried the stories from village to village, and most rejoiced to hear the names of their favorite grog mentioned among the elite seven selected by the most discerning palates ever assembled for such an event.  In two hamlets however, the news was not so good and itís rumored that in one, the local brew-master was beheaded as his selection was judged the worst in the land.

That selection so disdained by all who tasted it was Heineken.  In a similar display of disappointment, the brewer of Becks was flogged and ordered never to return to the brewery for his second to last finish.

In a more festive celebration, the brew-master of MacTarnahans Amber Ale was celebrated for his third place entry.  Redhook ESB was the second place finisher, and the grand champion of this yearís Battle of the Beers was Moose Drool Brown Ale from Big Sky Brewing Co.  The now famous brew-master of the coveted Moose Drool was knighted by the King of the land and was given the hand in marriage of the Kingís most beautiful daughter. 

And so the serfs and handmaidens returned to their duties, the farmers returned to their fields and the shepherds to their flocks.  The legion of weary warriors returned to their barracks, each one with a case of that legendary brew, Moose Drool Brown Ale.

This year two of our contestants accomplished what none before them have; both James Schuler and Corinna Kupelwieser were able to identify their own entries.  Mind you, the 18 others were unable to do so. 

Now hear me fellow citizens, that this event will repeat just twelve moons hence.  So sample much brew oíer the months to come and join us when next you hear the battle cry from the alpine village of Government Camp.  Itís rumored that next year the selections might shift to darker hues.

Thanks to Ulla and Don for letting us use their place.  Thanks also to Lisa for helping to tabulate the 340 samples of beer that we poured for our 20 contestants, and to Toby for helping to pour the final round.

Cheers,
Mac