This is Brew Week By Renee Williams

For the life of me, I’m still not sure if blueberries or peaches should find their way into beer.

Craft brew options have my head spinning as I wander into the bars of Athens

with distributors from Heidelberg, Devil’s Kettle, Thirsty Dog, and Fat Heads all there.

An IPA was never my thing, but hand me a wicked wheat ale and I’ll be your BFF. 

I try to explain to my eighty-three-year-old mother the allure of this nonsense. 

How do you describe enjoying a flight of 8 different beers—

of various potencies and bouquets —with about ten of your closest friends 

all drinking from the same tiny shot glasses?

Yes, the tables at the J Bar are a little sticky, so best not to get too comfortable. 

But I have my 2026 Brew List on hand with an ink pen ready,

so I can mark down if I’ve tried the Elvis Juice from Brew Dog 

or the pilsner, Come At Me, Beau! from Little Fish Brewing. 

After a quick stop at Insomnia Cookies for some chocolate chip delectables to cleanse the palate,

we’re on to Tony’s because the night wouldn’t be complete

without indulging in the Femme Fatale Pink Boots, Double IPA at 8.2%

or the Oh, yOU, Oh Yeah, Imperial Stout because we’re all grads of Ohio University.

As the Court Street Shuffle comes to a close, and my tortured taste buds can tackle no more,

I find my way to the West End Ciderhouse to choke down …just a little more.

At that point, the Peach Melba and Raspberry Sauce ciders suddenly become tolerable

and for the next six months, Budweiser will remind me why it's the king of beers. 

Renee Williams is a retired English instructor, who has written for ONE Art, Alien Buddha Press and Pine Mountain Sand and Gravel.