Last week, I decided to treat myself to a quick stay at McMenamin’s Edgefield in Troutdale, Oregon.  When I say quick, I mean quick.  I was there for less than 16 hours.

Which does not do this place justice.  I had a business trip in the area and decided to roll into town a night early.  When I parked my car on property it was just 9pm.

I grabbed my bag and walked toward where I thought would be the main office.  People, mostly college age, were buzzing around.  With the tall brick buildings covered in Ivy, it felt like a college campus.  I checked in and asked about the restaurant and bars.  I was told that most everything was shutting down in an hour so I quickly dropped my bags off in my room, grabbed my camera and headed to the Black Rabbit.

The hall to the restaurant reminded me of  The Shining.  I expected to see twin girls in knee highs at the end of the hall asking to play with Danny.  SPOOKY!

I got to the restaurant and bellied up to the bar.  I order the special which was Lemon Sausage with Garlic Sauteed Rapini and Grilled Sourdough.  I chose a light supper so that I would have room to sample the beer.

I have had all of McMenamin’s beer, so I thought.  The bartender said that they have the Black Rabbit, a nitro Stout only served here.  He recommended the Bloody Rabbit (Sorry Heike), if I wanted something new.  The Bloody Rabbit was a blend of their Black Rabbit Stout and their Ruby Ale.  It was delicious.  I asked for a sample of the Black Rabbit and he was very generous with the free portion. 

I finished dinner and asked about the other bars. He said that everything closed in fifteen minutes except for Lucky’s Pool Hall which was just downstairs.  I asked about The Red Shed.  He said that if I hurried, I could probably make it so he cashed me out and told me I could carry my beer with me. 

I found my way to The Red Shed just in time to have a cigar.  The bar was closed but that was okay.  I still had my beer that I brought over from the last spot.  I had about twenty minutes to enjoy a fine cigar then off to the Lucky’s.

It was a work night, so I did not plan to stay long.  I met some fine people and socialized a bit then off to the pool tables.  I watched as those who thought they could play, couldn’t and those that could.  At 11:30, I started to head out to my room when suddenly, I was challenged to play.  I respectfully declined.  I hadn’t played in years.  This woman, cocky as hell, had been running the table all night.  For some reason, she thought I looked like a person who could play.  I took the challenge, bought one last beer, rack the balls, then…

We played a great match.  Things were head to head.  She liked to slam the balls in to make her point.  She was a very skilled player however, I think that was her downfall.  My dad always told me that slamming was for show.  Take your time, chaulk the que on every shot, no slops, call your shots, plan your next shot (that is more important than making your current one), and most of all, shoot with ease and purpose.  Well, with a bit of luck, my dad’s advice and some skill, I kicked her butt.  She was not happy.  We shook hands, she took her balls and called it a night.  Knowing when to stop when you are ahead, I did the same.

The next morning, I had three conference calls so I woke up early, took a stroll around the property to snap off pictures (pics here). and then back to the Black Rabbit for a fabulous breakfast.  I asked for a late checkout so that I could attend my calls in the room and they graciously obliged.  One note, the rooms have no phones or television which is perfect.  They do have WIFI.  I was able to conduct business, which was alright.  I managed to get in a little play, which was great.  I am definitely going to go back with some friends when I have time to truly enjoy; and there will be NO BUSINESS next time.

I just received an email from Beer Advocate today that had some interesting Thanksgiving Beer Menu Suggestions.  The recipes come from a site called The Home Brew Chef.  The Roasted Garlic IPA Mashed Potatoes look very interesting.  I am definitely going to have to try them.   Brewing and cooking are just two of my passions.  I found The Home Brew Chief website so interesting that I added it to my Blogroll as a permanent addition.  I hope you enjoy it as well.

You will notice that there is a photo gallery on this site.  Over the past few years I have documented my projects, brew sessions and experiences.  In the coming days, I will start using these photos in posts as I describe my adventures in brewing, cooking, building my brewery and more.

At the moment, they are not organized.  I am anxious to get this site up and running so that I can share my story.  And, there are certainly more pictures to come.

This is the beginning of Holden A Home Brew. First, I want to thank many of my closest friends who have helped me build my “out of contol” home brewery.

Most of all, I would like to thank my wife who has been so patient with me as I have put so much time and effort into this hobby. She has been a great support and has provided me encouragement. It is very common for us home brewer guys to create posts on beer forums and say things like, “I plan to build this or buy that if only SWMBO will let me.” While I may say that in jest, my wife has allowed me to run down the trail of what seems to be a never ending journey. Thanks doll.

I LOVE making BEER. This site is dedicated to the obsessive hobby of making beer and the steps necessary to getting carried away and the possibility of finding oneself in the business fulltime. Grab a beer, sit down, and try not to hurt yourself as you navigate this new site.

And, if that is not enough, I have many other interests that will show up on this site. I am excited about throwing all of this out there and then seeing what all of you have to say.

So grab a beer and join the discussion.