My first beer of 2003 (yes, on January 1) was Sea Otter Amber Ale, from Rogue Brewing. It’s a 22-ounce special edition beer you can only get from the brewery itself in Newport, Oregon, and a portion of the proceeds are donated to the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

On my 30th birthday (just over a week ago, alas), I enjoyed one of the last 2 bottles of a homemade barleywine. I think I made it about 3 years ago, and it had aged nicely. Now there’s only one left.

This weekend will be either Terminator Stout from McMenamins, or Toad Spit Stout, homebrewed by my good friend Justin.