Just kidding! We live by the ancient (and wise) code of trying not to mix drinking and politics. Just like golf was once referred to as "a good walk spoiled", there usually is not much upside to these discussions, so we avoid them. That being said, beer has always been a very integral part of our society and our politics. From the Sons of Liberty meeting secretly in the dark ale houses of Boston before the revolution to Civil War soldiers brewing their "Pop Skull" and "O, Be Joyful" during the long winter camps, beer was always there. George Washington (a good Porter was his favorite) and John Adams brewed beer. Ben Franklin once blithely wrote to a friend that the very existence of the stuff was proof of God's love. Abraham Lincoln, working as a travelling attorney before he became President, would often get into his his cups of ale and hold court, telling long and raucous tall-tales to his fellow travellers and inn-stayers. Simply put, beer is cemented into our social culture as well as our political culture.So, we were excited to hear that The White House, under the direction of President Obama (a renowned beer lover), decided to release the recipes they have been using to brew their own beer for several months now. There are two--a honey ale and a honey porter both including honey from the White House's own bee hive, which is the first of its kind to reside at the famed residence. These recipes are detailed and provide step-by-step instructions on how to make one's very own version of their stately brew.
Any and all politics aside, we think this is cool. And wherever you sit politically, the country is better for having one of our oldest and most common traditions, the brewing of beer, taking place at The White House. So, the next time you're having a few pops with friends after work, find a moment in between conversations and calmly say, "now, let's talk a little politics....", then hit them with this fun story!!
