I mentioned earlier in this series that I used to get over to Brown’s Brewery, known as the Troy Pub back then, every other Friday with my colleagues from work. It was a great bonding experience for all of us and I miss it greatly. About 10 years ago, I had to abandon my friends at the bar because I was changing jobs.

In doing research for this series, I stopped over at lunch last Friday to chat with the pub’s owner and low and behold, there they were! …still sitting there at the bar I had left them at almost a decade ago!

I recall that it was during those years that the pub made such an impression on me. As a matter of fact, it was my friend Sue who made me try the Pumpkin Ale despite that I didn’t like pumpkin and that I also had strong feelings against fruit/adjuncts in beer. But it was a turning point and since then I have fallen in love with pumpkin ales.

The Golden Ale was a beer that the pub brewed during that time and has been the fuel behind my Quest for the Golden Ale. I had a keg of this Golden Ale for a party back in 1996. I remember pouring that first glass off the tap and my friend making fun at me as I prattled on about the beer… I know he read this blog, so I’ll leave myself open to be poked fun at again.

At one point in my career, my work turned back to Troy and I was able to frequent the pub once again. My favorite barmaid knew me by name and another whole slew of memories were made during those years as we drank many pints of pale ales and porters.

It was great to see my old friends again and it brought back many great memories, including something I didn’t realize I missed that much.

Brown’s Brewery is a welcoming pub that has everything I look for in a pub. But, it is the time you spend with friends that create the experiences you enjoy and will always remember. Brown’s Brewery provides the stage, the atmosphere, upon which to enjoy and relax and make memories that last a lifetime.

After all, while life is not all about beer, beer is all about life.