Summer is here!

My summer break officially started a few weeks ago, but now that I'm settled in working preseason at camp (the contract begins at the end of June, so don't worry, these beers are still legit!) it's really feeling like summer. It's rather warm and humid out, and the preseason crew has been working hard to prepare Johnsonburg for the summer. I've tried two new ones that fit the theme:

Brooklyn Summer Ale: I went to see Josh Ritter play in Brooklyn with two fabulous ladies this past weekend (AMAZING show!). We thought it would be appropriate to stop by the Brooklyn Brewery, but we ended up stopping for dinner at a little deli in Manhattan that had miscellaneous Brooklyn brews in their case for sale by the bottle. So the three of us enjoyed this beer with our sushi and salads. It's a pale ale, but a pretty straightforward one-- not particularly strong, nothing very specifically memorable about it, but a good and refreshing drink, as well it should be if it has "summer" in the name.


on our way to the Music Hall of Williamsburg

The other summer beer I've tried this week is Magic Hat's Wacko Summer Seasonal. I bought this because I've enjoyed almost all other Magic Hat beers I've tried, and hey, it's summer! It was not until later that I realized that it's made with beet juice... here's the thing about beets. We keep them on our salad bar here at camp, so it's something I regularly interact with only in that I carry the bowl of sliced beets to the salad bar, and back into the kitchen after the meal. I do not enjoy beets. Beets would be the first thing I would vote off the island that is our salad bar, but that's not my call. I like to think someday I'll like them, and a friend of mine at Rutgers once gave me a piece of beet-chocolate cake which wasn't too bad, but in general, not my thing.

Anyway. As far as beets in beer goes, Wacko was kind of weird, but interesting and drinkable. The beer was actually pinkish, as was the head. It was very smooth though. I think I'd like it more if it was really cold-- it was cool at best when I had it. I don't regret buying it, but wouldn't be in an absolute hurry to get it again soon, unless it was for my friend who made the chocolate cake.

Summer has definitely begun, though the official start of summer camp and thus, my contract, is still 29 days away. This gap is getting comfortable, though I'm sure Paul will have a good time catching up and overtaking me this summer. I don't mind-- I'm looking forward to spending my summer going all Henry David Thoreau on my thesis in my cabin by the lake between working meals in the kitchen. Working at camp is definitely a good way to spend the summer.

Paul: 229
Colleen: 247