EPISODE 6: Hoppy Holidays!

EPISODE 6: 

Hoppy Holidays!

The ever-imaginative Pine Box once again held “The Twelve Randalls of Christmas.”Of course I had to attend, and if anything it was more fun than last year’s event. It was just too big for one poem, so here are two:

THE RANDALLS OF CHRISTMAS – A DIPTYCH

1.

On Thursday, then, I set out in the rain

Upon the long walk to the Pine Box bar

No mere downpour could bring me any pain

As I drew near, a Magus to a star

And lo!  Within the courtyard there I faced

A dozen Randall gadgets in a row

In each a new ingredient was placed

Through which a different winter beer would flow

The Randall, a magnificent machine

(Devised by Dogfish Head, or so I’m told)

Creates new tastes that none before have seen

With flavors either delicate or bold

I stand in line to fill my glass with beer

Anticipating splendid Christmas cheer

2.

Within the first device there was a throng

Of brandied cherries, soon to be a part

Of St Bernardus Ale, already strong

But now with something extra, rich and tart

The Bayern Brewing Eisbock was infused

With star anise and just a bit of clove

And also just a few spruce tips were used

Fresh-picked, perhaps, from some Christmas-tree grove

“Abominable,” fresh from Portland’s HUB,

Had toffee caramels sweeten the hops

And “Jolly roger” also joined the club:

Its rum-soaked raisins pulled out all the stops!

Eight other beers were also featured here

A perfect showcase for some unique beer