Columbia, MD September 1, 2018

Hysteria Brewing celebrated their one year anniversary, yesterday. To celebrate a year in business, they invited the vendors Bullhead Pit Beef, McAllen’s Toffee, and Neat Nick Preserves.

On my way into the bar, I stopped and talked to Bill McAllen, proprietor of McAllen’s Toffee, just as I had done for Hysteria’s initial opening. I sampled his dark chocolate toffee; it was as good as I remembered from last year.

Inside the crowded bar, I wandered through the crowd and purchased a 10-ounce pour of A Dark and Hazel Fortnight, plus a 4-pack of Trash Panda. Fortnight is an American Brown Ale, nutty with a touch of roasty smoke. Trash Panda is a terrific IPA, some would say the best beer in Howard County. I was lucky enough to purchase the last 4-pack in the fridge.

Medi and Mike were kind enough to share a table with me. Medi is French but has lived in Morocco for many years. He has just moved to America, and it was his first day here. His friend, Mike and I had fun helping Medi try to speak like a Maryland native. Mike, who is originally from Salisbury, MD, now lives in Columbia. Mike is a homebrewer and plans to brew a beer tomorrow with Medi’s help.

On the way out, I spoke with Tom, the husband of Nicole (Nick) of Neat Nick Preserves. I sampled a cranberry preserve which was delicious. I learned that I can purchase preserves at farmers’ markets, including the Oakland Mills Farmers’ Market.

Cheers!

Warren