Drink Generously -- Today Only!

For today (Monday, February 1st) only, various Decatur businesses will be donating a portion of their proceeds to the American Red Cross for earthquake relief in Haiti. You can see the full list of participants here.

Included are several of my favorite places to enjoy a beer:

• Brick Store Pub -- duh.
• The Marlay House -- formerly The Grange, they're donating not only tonight's proceeds, but those from this past Saturday's renaming party. Awesome.
• Twain's Billiards and Tap -- our closest brewpub -- plus they have trivia tonight at 8pm!
• Universal Joint -- sometimes I forget about them outside of patio season. I shouldn't.
  

Even more heartening for fans of beer (and Decatur)? All of the proceeds raised today will be matched by the Decatur Beer Festival. Impressive, no?

I hope everyone will take this opportunity not only to support the American Red Cross, but to encourage the generosity and kindness of our local businesses. Cheers!

Love at the Pub Book Trailer

One of the best bars around here (or around anywhere, really) is the Brick Store Pub. It's much more than a watering hole -- it was a catalyst for the renaissance of Decatur and the inspiration for a book, Love at the Pub.



Brick Store is hosting a block party for Love at the Pub on December 10th from 5 - 10. Apparently you get a free pint when you buy the book. Sold!

h/t Decatur Metro

Best Bar in the World?

In light of Ben and Katie's trip to Boston, I found this interesting: RateBeer has put out its 2009 ratings of the best bars, brewpubs, stores selling beer and restaurants serving beer in the world (as well as best beers in the world). (About the bars: what a weird concept, because how many people have even been to a handful of these? But I digress). They have the Brick Store Pub listed at #5, which is like saying they are B-team in comparison to BeerAdvocate's 2008 ranking, where the BSP was #2 (BA's 2009 list is forthcoming). What's worse is that the two American bars ahead of BSP are in Florida. I just mean, they probably love EPCOT.

So what do you all think of the rankings? Has anybody been to any others on the list? Ben just blogged about the Publick House. As for me, I'm ashamed to say I haven't made it to another on the list. Are they as good as they say? And I love the Brick Store, but is there anyone out there who thinks it's overrated? 

And now, for something completely different, beer haiku. My favorite:

My paddleboat’s speed
Is about two miles per hour.
Or two beers per mile.