Keith’s Favorite Things from 2018
Posted December 5, 2018
2018 was a banner year for Brightly Creative. We’re fortunate to be blessed with great clients, great partners and interesting, rewarding and fun work. Our jobs take us to all pockets of the United States and even around the world. Here’s my list of my favorite things from 2018.
Favorite Beer: Supercruise Batch 3 – Black Project Spontaneous & Wild Ales
What an impossible task to narrow it down to just one. I’m truly blessed to have a career where tasting beer is part of the job description, and there were so many great beers I tasted this year. If I’m forced to narrow it to one (and Alison is making me narrow it to one), then I’m going to go with Black Project’s SUPERCRUISE Batch 3. The SUPERCRUISE series is the brewery’s fruited sour beer line.
The beer starts with grapes and is blended with Black Project’s base Golden Sour. Batch 3 used Cab Franc grapes, resulting in a beer that thrived complexity. I wasn’t hit over the head with the acid or the fruit, but instead grabbed flavors from both plus a little barnyard funk. And, the color…beautifully ruby. In a year of great beer, this was a standout.
Favorite Work Trip: Seattle/Canon Whiskey & Bitters Emporium
It was my busiest year ever of travel and I went to some pretty amazing places, from New York City to Clearwater Beach to Seattle to San Diego to quite a few places in between. Seattle was my favorite trip of the year. I’ve never been to the Emerald City so I booked an early flight to give me time to see the city the best way I know how: running. After I landed, I spent the next 2+ hours and 18 miles running through the city with no particular idea of where I was going. It’s a great way to explore.
After my run, I reluctantly checked out the Pike Place Market, hoping it would not be a tourist trap. As everyone told me, it was amazing and a must for anyone going to Seattle. Next, I walked over to Canon, considered one of the best bars in the world and home to an exceptional amaro collection (see below). After a long flight, long run and long walk to the bar, this place hit the spot. Amazing cocktails and a jaw-dropping amaro selection, all without any pretension whatsoever. I felt like I was drinking in my neighborhood brewery, not one of the best bars in the world. A perfect end to a great day exploring Seattle before I had to get up early and get to work.
Favorite Meal: Privado – St. Louis, Missouri
This makes me sad. By far my favorite meal of the year was Privado in St. Louis. 18 courses over four hours, each perfectly paced and executed. Alas, the place had to close down despite exceptional reviews. I just don’t think St. Louis is ready for this type of dining experience yet.
Favorite Spirit: Amaro
I’m going to cheat a bit with this one and go with a whole category. In 2018, I fell in love with Amaro. All of it. The super bitter, the slightly sweet and even the licorice-tinged offerings. I went deep into Amaro this year, reading a book on the topic and even ordering roots and leaves from all over the world to make my own. Similar to my forays into home brewing, the results of my own Amaro-making were disappointing. I guess I’ll just stick to drinking what the professionals make, which isn’t a bad option.
Favorite Packaged Food or Beverage: Peatos
Peatos for the win! I first tasted these at Natural Products Expo West and immediately fell in love with them. They’re essentially healthier Cheetos made with pea protein. They are delightful.
CATEGORY: Brightly Creative
