It's only a fairly recent phenomena, the ban on alcohol in lodge activities, in some Masonic jurisdictions in the USA. This ridiculous prohibition of spirits at Masonic functions does not exist in United Grand Lodge of America lodges, nor in most countries outside the USA.Modern Freemasonry was first practiced inside taverns, which means alcohol, most likely strong beer and ale, has always been an Masonic influence. I mean, all those feelings of brotherly love, not to mention the wacky walks and hand signs, probably owe much to subtle, gentle brain cell stimulation by alcohol molecules.
The October 2006 issue of Men's Journal magazine lists the top 25 beers in the USA.
The magazine ranked Firestone Walker Pale Ale as the best beer in America, followed by Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, made in Milton, Del.
Rounding out the top five are Stoudt's Pils, of Adamstown, Pa.; Russian River Temptation Ale, of Santa Rosa, Calif.; and Avery Mephistopheles' Stout, of Boulder, Colo.
The magazine said its editors put their "sensitive palettes to the test" and have determined the most flavorful microbrews, also judging on the basis of it being refreshing while appealing to a variety of different tastes.
The top 25 beers, according to Men's Journal, are:
1 - Firestone Walker Pale Ale: Paso Robles, CA
2 - Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA: Milton, DE
3 - Stoudt's Pils: Adamstown, PA
4 - Russian River Temptation Ale: Santa Rosa, CA
5 - Avery Mephistopheles' Stout: Boulder, CO
6 - Anderson Valley Boont Amber Ale: Boonville, CA
7 - Great Lakes Holy Moses White Ale: Cleveland, OH
8 - Full Sail Session Lager: Hood River, OR
9 - Rogue Brutal Bitter: Newport, OR
10 - Bell's Expedition Stout: Comstock, MI
11 - Southampton Double White: Southampton, NY
12 - Smuttynose Big A IPA: Portsmouth, NH
13 - Penn Weizen: Pittsburgh, PA
14 - Great Lakes Burning River Pale Ale: Cleveland, OH
15 - Ommegang Hennepin: Cooperstown, NY
16 - Samuel Adams Black Lager: Boston, MA
17 - Sprecher Hefe Weiss: Milwaukee, WI
18 - Alaskan Amber: Juneau, AK
19 - Deschutes Broken Top Bock: Bend, OR
20 - Lost Abbey Avant Garde: San Marcos, CA
21 - Jolly Pumpkin Bam Bière: Dexter, MI
22 - Victory St. Victorious Doppelbock: Downington, PA
23 - Allagash Interlude: Portland, ME
24 - Alesmith Speedway Stout: San Diego, CA
25 - New Glarus Yokel: New Glarus, WI
Image: William Hogarth's painting "Night," showing a drunk Worshipful Master and Tyler being led home after a lodge meeting.
Masons | Beer | 25 Best Beers | Freemasonry | BurningTaper.com | Men | Burning Taper
many of my lodge brothers enjoy throwing back some great lakes brews after lodge.....
ReplyDeleteat least 2 great lakes brews made the list..
maybe we be "allowed" to crack a beer in lodge after a meeting one day?
just like the southern lodges recognizing PHA
Brother Sam Adams!!! A beer for brothers!!!
ReplyDeleteLies, I tell you! Lies!
ReplyDeleteHey now, what about the "champaigne of bottled beers"? Didn't it at least make the top one hundred?
ReplyDeleteRolling Rock - I'm telling ya! It's got the mysterious 'No. 33' on the bottle, and it's made in the "Keystone" State. What could be more Masonic than that?
ReplyDeleteAuntie Em! Anti-M!
If I was on fire, I wouldn't let someone to pour Budweiser on me to put me out! That stuff is gnarley! Anyone that adds "rice" to their list of beer ingredients is inherently evil. :)
ReplyDeleteDarren Simpson