Snow and sickness delayed our January meeting into February. We met at Andy’s Corner Bar in Bogota. I had a Sly Fox Bitter (cask). I spilled half of my first one — so I had to get another one. I followed with one of my favorites — Dale’s Pale Ale. Once we expand our site — we’ll get into reviewing the craft beer scene in northern NJ. For now, we’ll just stick to reviewing the beer we swap each month. Since Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, we made our theme — first craft beer love, latest beer love, latest infatuation or beers you’ve dumped. Thankfully, no one contributed a dumper.

I contributed Fuller’s London Pride. I love English ales (my first love) — and miss the abundance of labels like Watney’s Red Barrel, Bishop’s Finger, Whitbread and Old Peculiar. I’ve liked Fuller’s London Pride for some time (as well as Fuller’s ESB), we’ll see what my fellow pops think. I also contributed my infatuation this month — Bell’s Hop Slam.

Craig’s first love (other than the girl who loved his parachute pants) is Belgian Ale and he contributed Chimay White Ale. I’ve never had their white ale — so, I’m excited to give it a go. Craig also kicked in Lagunita’s Hairy Eyeball. I love Lagunita’s way with naming their beers and I’ll have to look this one up. On a side note, I just read a funny story about how they named their “Undercover Investigation Ale”.

John kicked in a Sam Adams brew — Lattitude 48. I think a lot of people can thank Boston Beer for introducing them to craft beer. John’s second offering is Ballast Point’s Big Eye. I’m glad the 6 pack he brought made it to the swap intact as he’s been drinking all the Big Eye he can get his hands on.

Should be a fun beer drinking month.