Wednesday, September 9 2009
Premeditated Journalism
We can't stop here: this is CAMRA country!
The great Doctor of Journalism, Hunter S Thompson, is a personal hero of mine. Not because of his personal conduct, or his persona as a substance-addled dangerously self-centered lunatic, but because when faced with a nation that no longer responded to solid journalism, he invented a new ethos, 'Gonzo journalism', where he injected himself into the story to try and make sense of a Rashomon-like cloud of contradictory and often self-serving viewpoints.
I've always found his writing, in contrast to the circus-like atmosphere surrounding him to be fascinating and thoughtful, with deep, slow ideas, strongly held and vigorously expounded. And while I wish I had his turn of phrase and ability to see the dark heart of a story, I've never had any inclination to be a reporter.
Until now. I am about to commit a premeditated act of journalism. I have been given press accreditation by the Great Canadian Beer Festival (GCBF) to cover the 2009 festival at the Royal Athletic Park in Victoria BC this weekend. Press pass, full access, total coverage and final wisdom. I'll be stringing both for my blog and for Winemaker Magazine, taking photos (LaCerda was busy) making tasting notes for the beers, and getting the feel for this massive Dionysian spectacle of excess and carbonation.
Oh that Vicky Hanover, what a strumpet!
Okay, the Thompson is creeping in. About the festival: if you want to go, tough. Tickets sell out as soon as they're available. If you're not already in, you're going to have to live vicariously through me. Sorry about that. It's the best beer festival in Canada, and since I can never get to the Great American Beer Festival, I've got to say it's probably the best one in North America too:
17 World Classic Styles of beer will be represented, including 15 samples of bitter, 18 samples of lager, 19 samples of fruit beers, 18 pale ales and 25 IPAs, along with 12 authentic Belgian beers and several Belgian-style local brews and four ciders
This year there will be 24 cask-conditioned beers – the most available at any Canadian beer festival.
The Great Canadian Beer Festival donates proceeds from the festival to local charities, and since the first festival in 1993 they have returned more than $110,000 to the community. Their current charity is CFAX Santas Anonymous
Great beers, great selection, cask ales and proceeds to charity? What part of this wouldn't a proud beergeek fall in love with?
I've attended ten previous festivals, from way back in the day when they were held in the Crystal Palace at the Empress Hotel in downtown Victoria. I've been serenaded by lunatics, showered with beer, filled with excellent food, belted in the noggin by an anonymous bun-tosser (I'll get you yet!) and tackled by security there. I've made new friends, met old ones and shared a kind of community that few other activities can match. This year as an added precaution I'm bringing my amanuensis and collaborator, who will also be acting as my attorney.
Amanuensis, inamorata, beloved attorney-of-record, armed to the teeth.
The ancient Sumerians (beer brewers of amazing range and subtlety) had a rule: they would pass no law until they had debated it both sober and drunk. They believed that beer induced a more holy state imbuing them with god-like wisdom, freeing their tongues and making them simultaneously simpler and more wise. Having been through the festival more than once I can see the wisdom in it, and can't wait to be there again.
Look for liveblogging and twitter feeds as I can manage, as long as I can maintain. After that, send search parties.
| Posted by Tim AT 9:03PM | 0 Comments |  |
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