Posted by Matt Wilson on Sunday, April 25, 2004 at 12:45PM :
In Reply to: Beer / Power wagon posted by Andy on Saturday, April 24, 2004 at 11:17PM :
Well, I just have to chime in on this one, as both of these topics are near-and-dear to my heart. I have owned a '49 Power Wagon for over 13 years, and I have been a homebrewer for nine years. I get into both of these realms pretty deeply, so I just had to jump in.
I think that since Power Wagons are work vehicles in every sense of the word, and since work more often than not means sweating your a$$ off in the hot summer sun, then a very cold Light Lager or a very cold Pilsner is probably the best for a lot of people, at least under those conditions. I hate to admit that, since those are not my personal favorites.
However, since Power Wagons are also often used to work in cold weather, then the person who is inclined to drink a beer in cold weather (or maybe after the work is done) would probably do better to drink a Stout, Porter, Strong Belgian Ale, or perhaps a Dopplebock (German beer). These are traditionally (historically) winter-time beers. They are served at warmer temperatures (around 55-60 degrees, if I remember right). Furthermore, the rather high alcohol content of the Strong Belgian Ales and the Dopplebocks gives the consumer the (false) impression of warmth, and so is appropriate for that time of year.
Of course, if you are doing work with your Power Wagon in October or thereabouts, then it's appropriate (at least in Germany) to drink Oktoberfest beer. During the warmer months in Germany, a lot of folks drink wheat beer with a squeeze of lemon.
For Gordon (the other one), in Scotland, if he wants to drink a beer while doing work with his Power Wagon, he might opt for a Scottish Ale, or if he wants a little more kick, then he might opt for a Scotch Ale. (Sorry, Gordon, I don't mean to offend, since I don't know if you even drink, but I was trying to make the tie-in to those beer styles).
Back in the 18th and 19th century, when the British occupied India, they made what became known as India Pale Ale (still made today), and I'm sure they would have done so if they had used Power Wagons in their work.
There are hundreds of other styles of beers that are still around these days, and which go back way further in the history of the world than Bud or Coors, so the choices are almost limitless.
Anyway, my personal favorites, any time of year, are Porter, Stout, India Pale Ale (which is actually a British beer), American Pale Ale and Scotch Ale (not necessarily in that order). An occasional light lager is ok.
Sorry for the long post, but as you can see, I enjoy both of these topics a great deal. And I also happen to be bored at the moment, as I am once again out of town on business, and probably will be for another month or two.
Matt
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