Whats the only thing better than drinking beer? Drinking beer someone gives you! Ok, so maybe there are a few things better than drinking beer, but its sure nice when a generous coworker comes wandering by with a bottle of home brew for you to try. In this case, the brave soul was our own British expat, Jonathan Edwards. I had the pleasure of sampling one of the last bottles of dear Mr. Edwards Birthday Bitter, named in honor of both his birthday, and the birth of his cute little daughter Elizabeth.

Now, some of you who know me well may be wondering about me using the words “pleasure” and “Bitter” in the same sentence. I have been know in the past to strictly avoid Bitters, every since Grandpa Goodness had me try one that was the beverage equivalent of being punched in the teeth. So it was with a bit of trepidation and politeness that I geared up and gave Jonathan’s freshman brew a swig.

And wouldn’t you know it, as it turns out, Mr. Edwards has no idea how to brew a tooth punching Bitter. And I love him for it! This beer was really good. Despite its depressingly low alcohol content (2.6%!), it was a perfect complement to the Disney character shaped pasta the little Frosties and I had were having that evening. Full flavored, with a touch of hoppiness. After finishing it, Mrs. Goodness and I both remarked that it was very close in flavor to some of the Red Ales I enjoy. Kudos Jonathan, for renewing my faith in “Bitter” as a term not indicative of the experience of drinking it.