Toasting isn’t just for wine and champagne – craft beer is all the rage for toasting!
“Let no man thirst for want of Real Ale.” – Toast in a matchbook from Commonwealth Brewing, Massachusetts 1986.
Even in family gatherings with acquaintances, friends and family, a few words can be profound when offered to commemorate a person or event or a simple gathering of at least 2 people.
Having gone through the pandemic for over a year and the loss of contact between friends, acquaintances, family and ceremonial events, craft beer can cure many past miseries. I say we bring back the art of “Toasting” with a pint of craft beer and “toasting” has a long tradition that can aid in recovery. Let’s carry on the tradition of Benjamin Franklin, known as the greatest person in history to offer “memorial” words to honor and respect, “worth remembering and honoring.”
Having spent time in the US Navy, I have attended many retirement ceremonies and gatherings where toasts were required. Frankly, a proper toast is expected on occasions that are celebratory and pleasant in nature, and not all of them were serious toasts. Wine/sparkling wine is generally recognized as the beverage used for toasting (water is also acceptable). But the great toasted drink is craft beer. Toasting builds honest friendships, respect, inspires and cements appreciation.
This gathering-associated art has a long history from the Middle East to Greece, where toasting was a way of acknowledging the perceived power of their god. Even toast burned by the Greeks, during toasts, played a role in paying homage to almost anything at a gathering. It seems that the burnt breads hid the bad taste of the wine.
“Toasting not only has a long history, but continues to be a useful ritual, providing a unique way to express warm and sincere feelings, show a bit of your personality, bring people together, and make special events even more special.” “, AoM.com.
Over the years, those who offer a toast at a gathering have demonstrated oratory skills. Historically, there are records of toasts for every occasion known to man, often a toast injects humor, sincerity, loyalty, and shows respect for people and special occasions.
Ladies and gentlemen, who appreciate the true nature of craft beer, “Let’s Bring Back the Roasting.” Where two or more come together to consume the art of brewing, the art of a pint should be displayed aloft.
Bring back the Toast!
A simple toast will do, “Love to God, family and homeland, sincere friendship to a few, and goodwill to all compatriots.”