Lipstick on a Blind Pig*

Okay, (almost) all hyperbole aside, the 3rd Annual Bootlegger's Bliss is shaping up to be the most successful to date. With 30+ confirmations, another year of brewing expertise under the belts of many attendees, and a brand new venue (rumor has it you can see Russia from the peak of one hill), this one is poised to really set the bar.

Speaking of which, I just sent out an email announcing the venue to all the wise folks who arr-ess-vee-peed to confirm their attendance. Anyone responding at this time to express an interest will roll the dice. And McFate can be a heartless pit-boss.

A little more information: in addition to the ride, the lunch, and the tasting, there will be a trialsy segment and a go-for-broke(n) derby or two (both voluntary). Got a nice, high-end wheelset? Just take out a second mortgage amidst an eroding and ever-more speculative economy (because, good sheep that you are, you've been led to believe that the "free" market¹ is free) to purchase a beautiful new Ti frame?² Leave it all at home or risk crying in your beer and wallowing out your wallet when it's all said and done. The Bliss cares not for sniveling, self-made trifles and pitiful property attachments; its skin and blood and bones are born of strife and resistance and rebellion. Against these things, these beautiful, meaningful things, what chance have you and your petty, narcissistic concerns?

We'll find out the answer to this and many more important questions on Satyrday, November 1^st. Until then, happy homebrewing.


Photo credits: first - B. Ramsey; third - M. Kegley

*From Wikipedia, 'cause some other unpaid individual already did the grunt work (with a little choice editing by yours truly, 'cause it needed it):

A blind pig, also known as a blind tiger, originated in the United States in the 1800s, when blue laws restricted the sale of alcoholic beverages. A saloonkeeper would charge customers to see an attraction (such as an animal), and provide a "complimentary" alcoholic beverage, thus circumventing the law.

It was during the years of prohibition that blind pigs were most common in the U.S.

The blind pig is a classic example of black-market economics, and with the end of prohibition in 1933, most blind pigs had to either become legitimate establishments or close shop. Common current examples of the blind pig (or transgressions of a similar spirit) include the after-hours club, the keg party, and, of course, the ingenious and increasingly infamous modern-day, semi-underground potlatch known as the Bootlegger's Bliss.

A blind pig differed from a speakeasy primarily in that it was essentially a "drinking only" establishment, whereas a speakeasy frequently offered music, dancing and a wide selection of food, too.

1. For a profound, witty, and insightful analysis of the free market and market populism, check out One Market, Under God, by Thomas Frank.

2. Jealousy is indeed a green-eyed monster.