I never thought I’d even suggest buying this calendar as a gift, much less recommend it, having been given one myself on multiple occasions by well-meaning individuals. But that was back in the days that Bob Klein was author of the calendar’s many reviews, and I’ve always had a bit of a problem with the way Mr. Klein approaches the subject. Which is not to say that his observations have been wrong, tasting being the entirely subjective science it is, just that I find his writing style florid to the point of overwrought.
(For instance, in the 2006 calendar — the reverse of which I’m still using as a notepad — he wrote the following of Yuengling Traditional Lager: “The crisp, classic lager features the judiciously placed quality hops and streams of prickly effervescence that define the style.” Judicious placement of hops? Prickly effervescence? And this in a beer he evidently likes?)
Anyway, Klein is now out and Charlie Papazian is in, aided by Amahl Scheppach, and the improvement is blatant. Charlie may not be the most discerning reviewer — he’s been accused, not by me, of never having met a beer he didn’t like — but his prose is at least much more direct and to the point than Klein’s could ever hope to be. What’s more, Relax-don’t-worry-have-a-homebrew Charlie has also seen fit to include a bunch of short recipes for brewing at home, as well as the normal array of “Beer facts” quotes and other bits and pieces.
A few colour pages, at least on the weekend, would make it even better, but even without, this is very much an improved calendar.
Who to give it to: Anyone with a desk.
Buy it at: Amazon or your local retailer.
