I'm back and I'm fine - thanks for your concern, fellers.

About those Porters - I'm enjoying that Mother's Winter Grind has appeared in stores again. It's more of a Stout, I suppose, because of the roasted barley content - and it's adulterated with coffee to boot. Because it's so doggone good, though, I've waived my "no foo-foo beers rule" for that one.

And so far as brewing porters, I've believed for years that Charlie Papazian's "Silver Dollar Porter" recipe from the New Complete Joy of Homebrewing produces one of the finest beverages known to man. I'll have to try an Old Tom.

Merry Christmas, everyone!