Sláinte!

The annual St. Patrick's Day celebration sponsored by Blue & Gray Brewery was held Saturday. This year we arrived after the kickoff parade, to take in the food and the beer. There was a brief moment of sun when we first arrived, but soon, to make the Irish feel right at home, it began to rain. The rain stayed for about a long as we did; and we saw the sun once again soon after we arrived home.

I enjoyed a couple pints of Blue & Gray Stonewall Stout. I considered once again that this may well be my favorite among the brewery's beers, but one that I don't order all that often, outside of this annual celebration. Stonewall Stout has a nice balance of roasted malts and mild sweetness, with a creamy mouthfeel and very low carbonation. It's a great midday beer, especially when there's still more activities to get to. And just 5% ABV to boot! The falling rain didn't help my plate of bangers and mash, but the celebration was fun despite the weather.

Each year it occurs to me just how much the Irish love of the pub and pint is twisted by the "American" St. Patrick's Day festivities. Perhaps that's why I enjoy the Blue & Gray event so much. It's a family oriented time to enjoy a few pints and visit with friends. There's definitely no green beer, and the green wigs are few. That's a proper way to celebrate the day; tasty beer, food, family, and friends make for a good time. 

Glac bog an saol agus glacfaidh an saol bog tú

Take the world nice and easy, and the world will take you the same.