Greetings, everyone. Sorry for the lack of posts lately. For those that do not know, Jason’s father passed away suddenly last week and we’re still reeling from the loss. Basem was a self-made man in every sense, overcoming things in life that would have been too much for many regular people. He was our mentor—one to many—who helped us get Bruisin’ Ales off the ground. While in the beginning, he wasn’t too fond of us putting our college education (and life savings) towards a beer store, in the end, he was unwavering in his support and one of our biggest champions. His absolute favorite beer of all time was Thomas Hardy’s Ale, which he would sip and simply utter the word, “delightful.”

Words cannot describe the way Asheville has rallied around us, helping out, showing support, giving love. Mike worked all last week week to keep the beer flowing you, and for that, we are also extremely grateful. All we can say is a humble thank you from the humble storefront.There are three things I’d like to pass on to you that he taught all of us:

1. Learn something new everyday.
2. Believe in hope and peace, and reach out to all people, even to those with whom you disagree.
3. Laugh and smile every day, even the difficult ones. “Basem,” in Arabic, translates as “one who smiles.” And, that he did. A lot.

Life aside, the beer keeps coming. Some new things arrived while we were gone. Yip-skippee for wet hop season! (Will edit as I find out more):

DOGFISH HEAD Pangaea*
FOUNDER’S Harvest Ale*
LAGUNITAS Lil’ Sumpin’ Extra*
SIERRA NEVADA Harvest Ale*
‘T GAVERHOPKE Extra
TERRAPIN BREWING (Midnight Brewing Project ’09) Depth Charge* (collaboration w/ Left Hand Brewing)
TERRAPIN BREWING (Side Project #8) Pumpkinfest*
THIRSTY DOG Barktoberfest*
THIRSTY DOG Pumpkin Ale*
WEYERBACHER Harvest Ale*
WIDMER BROTHERS Reserve: Cherry Oak Doppelbock*