Monday, December 1, 2008

Days of the Beer, December 1

The beer for today is Pabst Blue Ribbon.

On December 1, 1981, the AIDS virus was officially recognized. Prior to being named AIDS, it was known as GRID, for Gay-Related Immune Deficiency (I am no relation).

December 1, is World AIDS Day. Now, granted, you are supposed to wear a Red Ribbon to show your solidarity with HIV-positive and people with AIDS, but I can't find a Red Ribbon beer, so a blue one will have to suffice.

AIDS has killed more than 25 million people between 1981, and 2007. It is estimated there are 33 million people worldwide who have HIV. In 2007, AIDS claimed an estimated 2 million people, of which, about 270,000 were children.

World AIDS day originated in 1988 at the World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programmes for AIDS Prevention.

The theme this year is Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise - Lead - Empower- Deliver.

As to the beer:

PBR is produced by the Pabst Brewing Company. Their beer is currently produced on a contract by Miller Brewing Company.

Here's Charlie Papazian's notes on it.

"A contrasting counterpoint of sharp texture and flowing sweetness is evident at the first sip of this historic brew. A slowly increasing hoppiness adds to the interplay of ingredients, while the texture smooths out by mid-bottle. The clear, pale-gold body is light and fizzy. Medium-bodied Blue Ribbon finishes with a dusting of malts and hops. A satisfying American classic and a Gold Medal winner at the 2006 Great American Beer Festival."
If you look at the PBR logo, you will notice a red strip behind the blue ribbon, this was put there in 1958, to commemorate the sale of 100 million barrels since the beer was first brewed.

So, for the day where you are to show your support for AIDS and HIV folks by wearing a Red Ribbon, have yourself a Blue Ribbon.

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