There are hordes of unemployed people these days, but leave it to a fellow journalist to handle it in a way that most readers of this column will appreciate. Former Hartford Advocate staffer and now freelance writer Jon Campbell has dealt with being laid off by brewing Unemployed Reporter Porter, which he calls "the first beer brewed by print...
There are hordes of unemployed people these days, but leave it to a fellow journalist to handle it in a way that most readers of this column will appreciate.
Former Hartford Advocate staffer and now freelance writer Jon Campbell has dealt with being laid off by brewing Unemployed Reporter Porter, which he calls "the first beer brewed by print journalists for print journalists." While the beer is not readily available (he just brews small home batches), it got me thinking of other possible beers that might help ease the pain for various industries where downsizing has been happening. Here are some ideas, should anyone want to use them. Just give me credit (and some free beer):
Barnes and Noble Out-of-Print Pilsner – The once ubiquitous giant of the bookselling world will supposedly close a third of its stores over the next 10 years, according to the Wall Street Journal. As a former bookseller myself, this one also hits home. Despite it's somewhat musty aroma, this beer is one that you want to linger over like a good book. It's definitely a session beer, unlike it's rival, Amazon's IPA (In-Print Ale).
Salary Cap Sour – This one is brewed especially for NFL players that find themselves cut from their teamsdue to salary cap pressures. It's pungent aroma and tart taste may not be for everyone, but it's always a hit at the owners meetings, if not at the collective bargaining table.
Boeing Belgian Tripel – This one is brewed for the executives at the Boeing company's defense, space and security unit, which will be cut by 30 percent. It's high in alcohol content, but not cheap. Yet it's probably not as expensive as the martinis these high-flying executives might have enjoyed.
Mail Carrier Marzen – Marzen is the style of beer that we popularly know as Oktoberfest. With Saturday mail deliveries being discontinued in August, it's probable that some layoffs will occur, so mail carriers will have a good two months to prepare for drinking in this in October. As a big fan of the US Postal Service, I find this one a little hard to swallow. Here's hoping it's just a one-time specially brew. Good for quaffing any time, even though it leaves a somewhat bitter aftertaste.
Red Sox Rauchbier – While this beer isn't technically brewed for anyone losing their jobs, it's a pretty sure bet that the lot this year's lineup and pitching staff may be more like temps than full-time employees. And while this year's baseball brew will be a vast improvement over the one Bobby Valentine contaminated last year, I'm guessing the smoky, meaty flavor of this ale will have you wondering if you should stick it fork in it about midway through the summer.