Reflections on a Beer Release

Last night, I had the privilege of drinking Big Thaw Bock at the beer release party at Rams Head.

Like every major event in my life, I arrived early (Just ask my mother. The woman who gave birth to me....early).   The party started at 4PM, as it does every month. A frequenter of Rams Head Releases, I know that seats get taken quickly so sat at a table for 4, knowing that my friends would be by at 5.

Totally Packed -- SEE!?!? 

By 4:30, Rams Head was packed.  I was still sitting at the table by myself (Sometimes, when I am really hungry and by myself I order two meals and pretend like I was stood up). Right around that time, a couple started standing conspicuously near my table, glaring, like I had murdered their dog and sent them a postcard from the scene that said "wish you were here." The woman, a Dolly Parton look-alike, pointed at me with one hand, and firmly gripped a Miller Lite with the other.

Now, normally I am the type of person who will give up a table or seat to anyone.  But just seeing her there, staring like I owed her something, made me stand my ground.  So I sat. And sat. And sat. I was the one who got there early.  I was the one who staked out my table because I knew it would be packed.  As far as I am concerned, if I wanted to save a seat for Elijah, I had every right.

And then, of course, I started mentally critiquing her beer choice.  Don't get me wrong, I went through my Miller Lite phase, when I was in college and didn't know better.  And I still think that it has its place in society -- usually on the dance floor because the whirled edges make it easier to grip.  But I grew up.  I was enlightened to better beer.  Now whenever I see a Miller Lite not on the dance floor, I die a little inside.

The couple eventually found a table.  I was then able to enjoy the rest of the evening, away from their piercing gazes.  The Big Thaw was absolutely amazing and it paired PERFECTLY with Rams Head's crab dip (which, incidentally, is the best in Annapolis.  I know this because I have tried every crab dip in Annapolis)