I was going to write about my adventures brewing “5 Cooks English Pale Ale,” this weekend (so named because I had 4 homebrewers and 1 commercial brewer in my kitchen “helping”). But I’m sick- that achey, fluey kind of sic that makes it impossible to leave one’s bed.

For what it’s worth, the ale is bubbling merrily away in a downstairs closet, and a full report is due on my first homebrew. In the meantime, I’m curled up with Beer School, Bottling Success at the Brooklyn Brewery by BB founders Steve Hindy and Tom Potter. I’m actually learning quite a bit about the business from this book than I expected. It’s kinda reinvigorated my excitement and enthusiasm for the American craft brewing industry.

I hope to be all fine and dandy for tomorrow night’s Beer Social at the Tap & Mallet, where High Falls Brewing Company Head Brewer Dave Schlosser will take us on a magical journey through various interpretations of Bock. I’m gonna need a clear head for that one.

-Mark