Brew Genius: 'Beer is proof that God wants us to be happy'

Editor’s note: Brew Genius, a new weekly feature, profiles some of the homebrewers competing at this year Big Beers, Belgians and Barleywine Festival, which takes place Jan. 8-10 at the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa. For more information on the event, visit www.bigbeersfestival.com or call High Point Brewing at 970-524-1092.

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Brief Stats:

Name: Jim “Doc” Damon

Hometown: Denver

Career: Physician (retired)

Number of years homebrewing: 20+

Name of homebrew club: Foam on the Range

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Daily Staff Report

newsroom@vaildaily.com

Vail Daily: Evolution of a brewer: From a style and/or technique standpoint, where did you start? Where are you now?

Jim Damon: I started brewing kit beers while living in Northern California, mostly pale ale, porter and stouts. I have evolved to all-grain system and now make almost every style of beer including ales, lagers, Belgians ... the whole kit and caboodle.

VD: Do you brew alone or with others? Why?

JD: Usually alone, but occasionally with club members to learn other ways of doing things.

VD: Where do you brew? How many beers do you have cellaring at any given time?

JD: I brew in the backyard, and usually have 50 gallons on hand at most times, half in five-gallon kegs and half in bottles.

VD: Do you brew enough to drink your own beer all year long?

JD: Yes, but I’m always interested in new and gourmet beers.

VD: What’s your favorite commercially produced beer?

JD: So many I like, but beers from Dry Dock in Denver are great, also Stone Brewing in San Diego, Deschutes in Bend, Ore., Sierra Nevada in Cali. and Avery and Great Divide locally.

VD: What’s your ultimate beer and food pairing?

JD: Chocolate cake and Imperial Stout.

VD: What are you entering in the Big Beers Homebrew Competition this January?

JD: Strong Scotch Ale, Belgian Strong Dark.

VD: What’s your favorite beer quote or motto?

JD: Ben Franklin — “Beer is the proof that God wants us to be happy.”

VD: Why is beer wonderful?

JD: Refreshing, flavorful, nutritious and satisfying.

VD: If you couldn’t drink beer, what would you drink?

JD: Water.

VD: Tell me about a beer you’re excited about.

JD: I recently tried the 2008 release of Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale and thought it was an excellent, hoppy beer.