I started actively homebrewing beer in August 2015. Now, 4 ½ years later, I’ve just put my 100^th batch into the fermenter. It’s a nice milestone at the start of a new year.

Pardon me while I reminisce.

Over the last couple years I’ve been enjoying pens. It started with comparing various inexpensive disposable pens to see which was more reliable (go Bic Round Stick!). Then I picked up a few rollerball and gel pens. They’re so smooth, my beloved Zebra Sarasa never smears, and I adore the vibrant red of my Uniball Signo 207. It’s a thing of beauty.

I started homebrewing beer a few years ago. It’s been a great hobby. Not only do I get to enjoy some tasty beverages, but I also find the brewing process a joy. Start with an idea, create a recipe, alter it to fit what ingredients or equipment I have available, brew day (woo!), ferment, wait, package, wait, and finally taste the finished product… It gives me a chance to create something from scratch. It relieves stress. It teaches me patience (“Is it beer yet? Is it beer yet? Is it beer yet?”). It’s a wonderful experience.

Usually...