People should envy me. I envy me.

My Portland buddies Bill and Todd, knowing my love of both beer and Western shirts, got me what might be the most awesome Christmas present ever. Yes, you should be jealous.

Hop Crisis Over

The worldwide hop shortage, which had microbrewers crying in their beer last year, has apparently ended, say Southwest Brewing News. According an article in its February/March issue, American crops were better this year and Germany had a very good crop.

I'd love to post a link to the article, but apparently SWBN doesn't put their articles online. (Seriously, guys – get with the times.) Pick up a copy at your local fine beer establishment and read all about it.

Maybe I should just splash Milwaukee's Best under my arms?

I just looked at the label for the hippie-dippy natural deodorant that I use, and was surprised to see that one of the ingredients is humulus lupulus.

That's right — hops.

The label says "The antimicrobial action of hops inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria while reducing the possibility of skin irritation."

Funny … the hops don't seem to do a damn thing for my breath after a night of drinking.

National Beer Radio

The severity of the hops shortage is finally starting to sink in. It's even getting attention from National Public Radio. (Thanks to the Texpatriate for the link.)

UPDATE: Shortly after I posted this, I stumbled across another NPR program, yesterday's episode of Talk of the Nation, on the subject of "The Science of Making Great Beer."

My story on the hop shortage

I had a feature story in today's Austin Chronicle on the global hop shortage. I hope you enjoy it. You should also check out Wes Marshall's roundup of Austin brewpubs, also in today's issue.

(Please note: that photograph is copyrighted to The Austin Chronicle and photographer John Anderson. Please do not use it without obtaining John's permission.)