Lipstick on the Rim

My first experience with beer was at the tender and innocent age of sixteen. I had an Uncle visiting from Holland and he was appalled that I had not sampled his merriment. So, forced into a sip, I tried. And the typical reaction of course was to spit it out. I won’t mention the label because that would be unfair, even though I still haven’t developed affinity for the brand. This name shall remain a mystery. So this first taste should not really be called an experience as it’s really something I tried to forget. It wasn’t until my middle thirties, sitting in a bar, trying my first Sierra Nevada IPA and “wow” what a difference. I had fruity hops dancing in bubbles across my tongue then to punch me with bitter. And then I gulped for another explosion. I think that may have been my first experience with love. (OK, OK I may be pushing it with that one. But you get the idea.) I don’t know if my taste buds were ready for the experience. But I have to say it was the first time I enjoyed beer and the experience showed me something new. And I opened myself into looking at beer.

As a wine drinker I scoffed at the idea of beer appreciation and here I was reflecting back to myself my own idiosyncratic perception. I think this is an interesting time for women to explore beer. I think the environment (historically being male driven) is more willing to have women sit and take part in the conversation. And I’m glad because this is the opportunity within Indiana for us to go and explore, talk and engage in ideas over beer.

So let’s start by sharing with Lipstick on the Rim your first taste and when did you actually experience beer for the first time?