Greetings,

I asked Dr. David Ryder what was the best thing about hailing from England. He said it was adding extra letters to wourds.

David is an incredible brewer and also a very colourful individual. I can’t wait to taste the results of the collaborative efforts of Jimmy the Brewmaster and Dr. Ryder; though I am not sure which of their beers will be my favourite.

Nearly three years ago, I walked into the Power House building and with a Nostradamus-like vision I clearly saw in my mind’s eye the majesty unfolding today as captured by the brilliant photography of Kris Hinrichs:

https://kristinehinrichs.smugmug.com/City-Lights-Post/n-hsp8T5/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/krisrunner/albums/72157674011770825

I had a mid-morning meeting with a City Lights vendor partner at one of our local favorites, Miss Katie’s Diner. Our always-friendly waitress said that they served breakfast anytime. I ordered two eggs and bacon during the French Revolution.

As the New Year draws near, it is customary to do a “Best of…”  Here are my favorites from the weekly e-mail updates in 2016:

- I spent all weekend searching the internet for U2 lyrics and still haven’t found what I am looking for.
- Hipsters may not flock to City Lights because our water-side location may be too mainstream for them.
- We may follow the “seasonal creep” and release our Halloween Beer in May and call it, “Premature Jack-O-Lanterns.”
- From Jimmy the Brewmaster (and some "Beer -wordsmithing fore-play")

Enjoy the Amber Ale out of the classic public; or the can glass will do it justice as well. The Amber Ale is about as unpretentious as it gets; Ole Reliable if you will. 

ABV: 5.5% IBU: 25 SRM: 13.2
If the hops and malt of this Amber Ale were on either end of a see-saw; it would sit at a standstill parallel with the ground. With a blend of German Tradition hops and American Willamette hops, there is just enough hop bitterness, flavor, and aroma to make keep your nose and taste buds wanting more. A combination of 5 different malts give this beer a hint of caramel sweetness, a splash of breadiness, and just the right amount of character to make this simple style wanting your taste buds to do The Waltz. 

Occasion
As Carol King once eloquently put it “Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall, all you have to do is pour yourself a City Lights Amber Ale.” That’s how I remember that song at least. A year-round pleaser best shared with a few friends. 

Food Pairings
The world is your oyster with this beer; coincidentally with a touch of horseradish and cocktail sauce this Amber Ale is a great pair for oysters. Also goes well with a wide range (free range of course) of chicken dishes, smoked meats, and burgers. Let’s not forget bacon either.“

The magic of City Lights wouldn’t be possible without the greatest group of brand enthusiasts, vendor partners, shareholders, stakeholders, civic leaders and beer lovers ever – all connected by a mutual passion to make the beer experience great and to make the world a better place for all.

Cheers, peace out and let’s make 2017 the greatest year ever!

Robin