ASK MR. BEERHEAD – Volume I:
LENETTE BRADLEY OF INGLESIDE, IL ASKS….
“MR. BEERHEAD… WHAT’S A COOPER?”
Before the advent of steel barrels, all beer was stored in wooden casks. The barrels have to withstand over 40 pounds of pressure per square inch. Empty, each 36-gallon barrel weighs between 140 and 160 pounds! These casks absorb flavors, yeast, and bacteria that add to the beer’s character. The watertight barrels last for as long as 60 years! Today only a handful of coopers, the highly-skilled craftsmen who build these barrels, still work making them.
SGT. JERRY RUNDAHL OF ASHLAND, WI, ASKS:
“AS A PATROLMAN, I’VE HEARD SOME CRAZY EXCUSES FROM DRIVERS OPERATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE?”
I truly believe that all things are fine in moderation, but that alcohol of any kind, in any quantity, should not be combined with getting behind the wheel — ever. Having said that, I had to chuckle when I heard that an elderly Wisconsin driver disputed his DUI charge. He failed the Breathalyzer test, and his blood alcohol level proved to be on the high side. Adamant that he had not had a drop to drink, he blamed it on his supper — beer-battered fish — at the local bar. (Give him an A for Creativity!)
MANUEL SVOBODA OF MOONVILLE, OHIO ASKED:
“SOME DAYS I’D MOVE HEAVEN AND EARTH FOR A CRAFT BREWED BEER. ANY LINK BETWEEN BEER AND OUTER SPACE?”
Two things I know for sure:
Number 1: There is a solid link to beer and the Moon. Wilhelm Wolff Beer (1797-1850) produced the first exact map of the Moon between 1834 and 1836. The Moon’s Beer Crater is named in his honor.
Number 2: NO extraterrestrials have returned to their planets and not embarked on a return visit back to Earth. They simply cannot get craft beer anywhere that’s better than what is available from your favorite Beer of the Month Club!
BRUCE LEONHARDT OF MINOT, NORTH DAKOTA ASKED:
“I AM BETTING MY STATE LEADS THE NATION IN BEER CONSUMPTION — AM I RIGHT?”
Bruce, my buddy, you know your brew. Hope you have a beer riding on this bet! According to the latest available statistics, North Dakota leads in annual per capita beer consumption at 43.6 gallons. New Hampshire (42.2), Montana (40.5) and South Dakota (at 38.2) are followed by fifth place Vermont at 35.9 gallons. And our nation’s beer drinkers proudly out rank our Canadian neighbors per capita consumption. Newfoundlanders are first, enjoying a mere 21 gallons a year.
Send your inquiries to: MR. BEERHEAD
484 W. Wegner Rd., Lakemoor, IL 60051
Did You Know . .
In keeping with the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516, all of our featured microbrews are traditionally brewed from only all natural ingredients: barley, hops, yeast and water. Absolutely NO chemicals, corn, rice or preservatives are used in these beers!
Learn more about our Beer of the Month Club!
