The Sound of an Earthquake

Changes in the geomorphic world seem to tilt or ooze based on earthquakes or erosion, and in many ways our lives are altered similarly. Sometimes we are clearly the agents of this change, and other times we are simply acted upon by outside forces.

So I don't know what to make of this recent change in my beer preference, as not one but two favorite beers are receding quickly in the Tastebud Derby. First to fall was the Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA (Beer Advocate rating: 88). On a recent trip to a civilized Northwest Territory where it is distributed, I picked up a couple 6-packs to relish at home. But my enjoyment fizzled out like a sun-baked Budweiser. It was drinkable, but had nothing of the soothing pine-essence effervescence that had proved so endearing and enduring to my tastebuds of yore.

Next came the defrocking of the Victory HopDevil (BA rating: 89). We were out at the local Beer and Bowl and it was the third in a panoply of pale ales. I sipped it and immediately sensed that something was wrong- it did not have the special flair- that crisp citrusy hopolity. I called the waitress over to see if the pour was correct. She seemed knowledgeable that it was the beer brand I ordered. I couldn't say that it tasted BAD; it just wasn't the HopDevil that first wowed me at Quips Pub when I quaffed with their Tuesday night fish'n'chips wrapped in Brit newspaper.

So now we come to what has emerged victorious at the finish line. Sometimes at first sip, Bell's Two Hearted Ale (BA rating: 91) renders me breathless. And then sips number to 2 to n offer a parade of beatific bitterness.

So I'll let the geologists and theologians argue over the exact nature of this change. I'm going off with Nick Adams to fish that Two Hearted River.