Remember the good ol' days of just drinkin' and enjoy'.

Chronically awake in the coastal pocket of progressives, outdoors men, and transients, my university days spent in Bellingham, WA ruined me for the joys of reading. My English degree aspirations had me dissecting, criticizing, and reviewing every word my eyes skimmed across. My professors stripped me of that thoughtless joy of just reading for the fun of it. Instead, it was analyze, analyze, analyze.

Three years later, here in the belly of Los Angeles, I find myself coming back to this same dilemma. Only my subject has shifted to the joy of drinking beer. Every cap peeled off, cork popped, or draft poured has me doing a sensory analysis. The hops are out of balance. Too much residual sugar. Oxidation. Malt is too harsh. I can't help but be critical.

Even though these observations are vital to becoming a great brewer, I feel the purest joy is often found in just soaking in the experience. No profound assessment. No recommended improvements. No criticism. Just the pleasure of good beer.

You don't need any previous knowledge, special vocabulary, or suggestive add campaigns, just the realization that what's sliding down your throat makes you happy.

Sure a little guidance to a good beer choice or the company of family and friends helps in pointing you in the right direction, but what I'm getting at is that you don't need to be a beer expert or hold any pretentions, you only need the sensation that what your doing brings you joy.