I am not a big mid-week imbiber and, let's be honest, I have no skin directly in this game but as a big fan of spending election night watching TV, writing on the internet, listening to NPR web radio, leaving a radio on in another room where an AM radio station from somewhere far away fades in and out. I also have to admit I like both Obama and McCain. It's a bit of a shame that they are not both on the same ticket one way or another. It's maybe a bit of a bigger shame, come to think of it, that McCain is not winding up an eight year term...but that's another matter.

More as I think more about this critical question.

Fin Du Monde, VW. Excellent choice at 7:10 pm. I remember having that when Canada won the gold medal in men's hockey the 2002 Winter Olympics. It was for Super Mario...the other one. Me? I am wondering about that Budweiser American Ale to the side there. Perhaps it will be a basic ale that speaks to the average guy and a little to the hope for something better as well. Maybe that will be the best start. Looks good on the pour, a dark amber with a creamy rich head. Nice on the nose, too - a bit of fruity malt. Hey - this isn't bad. There is a bit of a drying twiggy hop that leans to black tea astringency but plenty of autumn apple in the malt and maybe a little orange peel. That will do for now, a good early in the evening nothing too crazy beer. Light-medium mouthfeel. Solid BAer respect. A bit sour on the finish but well within the range, especially at the price.

The feeling didn't last. Most of the BAA was poured away. Time for something a little more substantial. And what better thing to do on election night than to get rid of a King that has been around too long: specifically Mocha Java Stout from Michigan's King Brewing Company. I've had this in the stash for over a year and it could well be a lost cause. Some questions from the BAers raise suspicions. It looks great with a rick rocky mocha head over deepest mahogany ale. Yet a little too light where you want some oomph - especially when the brewer claims 9%. And a very fruity rather than solely roasty toasty profile. Don't get me wrong - yoinks of coffee flavour and creamy texture but there is that doubt about what it really wants to be: oatmeal stout, porter or what? Let's see how this one lasts...

That one didn't last either. Sure smelly good as it went down the drain. Next and perhaps finally? I need something I can rely upon. An old reliable that will give me what I need. What better choice than Gritty's Best Bitter from Maine, bought for $8.49 a six pack at Di Pietro's in South Portland a few weeks ago. I am a big fan of Gritty's and have been going for years as part of what others in my immediate circle call the family's summer holiday and what I call my annual trip to Gritty's. Why is this apt? The name! One will be best and one may be bitter. The beer pours a swell orange which a skiff of white foam and rim. Plenty of peachy candy aroma and a nice sweet/dry quaffable fruity ale in the mouth with plenty of black tea bitterness. BAer's give respect.