1,984

"What's in the case?"





One of my favorite parts of the movie Pulp Fiction is the recurring interest and mystery surrounding the briefcase carried by a few of the characters for their boss, Marcellus Wallace. At two points in the movie, the case is opened with only the warm golden glow of it's contents shining on the characters' faces. The movie-goer at no point finds out what's in the case.

I got the same distinct feeling yesterday as the trunk of the Ford Taurus was opened to reveal a dull gray, cylindrical container with red stripes. Innocuous and plain, but I knew exactly what it was, for what is in that hulk of a container IS gold. Sweet, liquid gold from the Yuengling Brewery. D.G. Yuengling & Son is officially the oldest brewery in America, having been founded in 1829 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. This beer isn't even distributed in Arkansas, but one of my best friends found out that it is readily available in Memphis, TN. A five hour drive is all that is needed to aquire the beloved brew.

I focused on the half-barrel keg with complete joy, and my entire peripheral vision seemed to be filled with a golden glow. Fifteen and one half gallons of wonder, One hundred sixty four 12oz. servings, or 1,984 ounces of the glorious nectar of the gods.

"Where do we want it?"

"You know, I was thinking I'd put it in the same place you had it after picking it up from Memphis. I'll try to get it into the beer fridge out here in the garage."

"Let's do it."





Peppas reached into the trunk of the Taurus and hoisted the large treasure with the rear of the car rising in relief from the great weight. Peppas manhandled the keg to the front of the fridge where we discovered many shelves and drawers would have to be removed in order to contain it. After several minutes of shoving, turning, and trying to close the door, the sweet Vitamin Y was safe and sound in an icy cold place of rest. Karen and I will tap that keg in celebration of our marriage, along with many friends and family almost exactly 32 hours from now. Giddy like a schoolboy doesn't begin to describe it.


CZ