And so it begins...

I don't really remember a distinctive moment when I fell in love with craft beer, but I definitely remember the moment I knew that waterbeer (or Macrobrews, big-name brews, or any of the "big 3", if you will) and I would never form a happy union.

I'm sure most of us have a similar story, so I'll keep it short and sweet: The first beer I ever tried was a Bud heavy. I was among other first-time beer samplers and the girl next to me affectionately deemed the taste similar to "bubbly crackers." Generous.

Don't get me wrong. I am not above waterbeer. If I am dying of thirst in the desert, am I going to turn down a Mic Golden Light? ....probably not. But would I order a Coors with dinner? Don't count on it. However, when it comes to PBR, well, I am an American after all. It's my guilty pleasure beer. More on that later, I'm sure.

Now, I'm not here to look down my nose (and over my glass) at anyone. To be honest, if you're a beer drinker in general, I'll raise a toast. Rather, I'm here because I need a hobby. Some people knit, others breed cats, I drink beer. Not only do I drink beer, I enjoy beer. 

Another incentive for me to drink, taste, enjoy, and write about beer is the simple fact that I'm a female. Let's be honest: you just don't hear about chicks drinking beer (outside of college keggers). Me? I'd order a Porter over a Pino Gris any day. In fact, studies are pointing to the fact that women may, in fact, be better beer tasters than men. (source: Wall Street Journal) I'm here to prove that theory right. 

You'll notice from the title of this blog that I've deemed myself "Small-Town." I'm from South Dakota. Quick: name three microbreweries located in South Dakota! .....okay, name two. .....one? If you named Crow Peak, congratulations: we're new best friends. If not, you're definitely not alone. The simple fact is, breweries are few and far between here in the Rushmore state. Access to craft beers is limited, but not impossible, and I'm making it my mission to explore the best I can within my means (more on my favorite SD brewpubs, beer bars, and breweries to come).

Source: craftbeer.com

Finally, I've decided to share my love for craft beer through blogging because I love to write. I daylight as a middle/high school English teacher. Because of a huge change in life plans, I'm currently substituting while searching for a full time job. Thankfully, though, substituting is temporary and allows me to look nationwide for my next job. We'll see what life brings.

So, there it is in a nutshell. I am no beer snob by any means. I'm truly a beginner. I know the basics, but am looking to expand my knowledge and develop my palate. I'm looking to network, share, and learn more. I'm searching for fellow beer, food, wine, coffee, and adventure junkies. 

Cheers.

Rachael