This week, the media solemnly suggested that, with a tropical storm bearing down on the Gulf Coast, the RNC should considering canceling their convention. It would be in poor tasted, they scolded, to continue with political speeches and celebrations while New Orleans was threatened with another devastating storm. Today, as the storm moves north and residents of the Gulf Coast begin to clean up, over 500,000 people are without power and thousands remain in shelters. In other news today, the White House released its own beer recipe.
From the White House:
Inspired by home brewers from across the country, last year President Obama bought a home brewing kit for the kitchen. After the few first drafts we landed on some great recipes that came from a local brew shop. We received some tips from a couple of home brewers who work in the White House who helped us amend it and make it our own. To be honest, we were surprised that the beer turned out so well since none of us had brewed beer before.
As far as we know the White House Honey Brown Ale is the first alcohol brewed or distilled on the White House grounds. George Washington brewed beer and distilled whiskey at Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson made wine but there’s no evidence that any beer has been brewed in the White House. (Although we do know there was some drinking during prohibition…)
Since our first batch of White House Honey Brown Ale, we’ve added the Honey Porter and have gone even further to add a Honey Blonde this past summer. Like many home brewers who add secret ingredients to make their beer unique, all of our brews have honey that we tapped from the first ever bee-hive on the South Lawn. The honey gives the beer a rich aroma and a nice finish but it doesn’t sweeten it.
Today marks the start of the Labor Day holiday weekend. Unfortunately, 23 million Americans are unemployed or underemployed this weekend. Gallup expects the unemployment rate to move higher in next week’s August jobs report. And, of course, residents of the Gulf Coast are suffering through floods in the aftermath of Isaac.
At the end of the convention in Tampa, Romney surprised the media by immediately visiting the areas ravaged by the storm. It was something neither President Obama nor any senior members of his Administration had thought to do.
So, by all means, enjoy the holiday weekend with a nice ale. The White House may have been late to the Gulf and continues to tread water on creating jobs or improving the economy, But, at least they have figured out the right amount on honey for its ale. Too sweet would ruin that “nice finish.”