Almost perfect ending to Baltimore Beer Week

It was an almost perfect ending yesterday to Baltimore Beer Week. If the Ravens Steve Hauschka had made the field goal, it would have been a storybook finish.

I was among the crowd sipping  glasses of rare beer at Max's Taphouse watching the Ravens- Vikings on a giant screen.

The beers--- a Samichlaus 1996, George Gales Prize Ole Ale 1998, a Leg Coq Imperial Stout--- to name a few were exceptional.  I had never heard so many corks pop at a beer/football event.

The only clinker was a bottle of Brimstone. Its time had passed.

Spirits were high when the Ravens rallied and set up Hauschka for a 44 yard game- winning field goal.

When it sailed left---  I suspect a Vikings staffer of turning on the air conditioning fans at the Metrodome ---- we groaned. But I think the combination of the Ravens rally and all that good beer put almost everyone in a positive mood.

The day before at the SPBW Real Ale Festival a crowd of some 600 sippers jammed  the Pratt Street Ale House to feast on the firkins.

It was rotten weather but the crowd was in a good mood. Amazing what good beer can do.

Among my favorites were Olivers Bishops Breakfast, Victory Yakima Twiilight , and Clipper City Peg Leg Stout flavored with Tabasco- infused wood.

What were your favorites at the Sunday or Saturday event?

What were your impressions of Baltimore Beer Week?

How could it be improved?

Any compliants?

What does the future hold for the Ravens?

Photo by Baltimore Sun's Karl Ferron