Dave, Mark, George and a mouse named Mic
By Dave Perez

OK he really didn't have a name but we loved him none the less. We met this intrepid little rodent on our road trip to the Big Bend Brew Off in Tallahassee. So, it all began when the three amigos decided to take the trek northward and do a little judgin' as they call it up in Seminole land. I must say they do put on a damn good show up there. We went up on the Friday night before the competition and met the North Florida Brewers League - Zymurgists of Tallahassee at the Buckhead Brewery for a few pints of Wayne Wambles' finest and some good company.

They have a great program called "Beds for Brewers" and we were hosted by the Competition Organizer, Peter Pellermans. So after the Buckhead we retired to Peter's for the night. We're hanging out talking in Peter's living room when a mouse scurries across the floor. George being the Great White Mouse Hunter that he is says, "I'll catch him". George didn't catch him. Later as we begin to head for bed, Mark almost steps on the mouse and our little friend, scurrying for his life, decides he wants to get to know me a little better, if you know what I mean? Ran right up my pant leg! Now those of you who know me and my peculiarities, might think Dave could like this. Dave didn't like this. A quick and furious shake and the mouse and I parted ways. After we humans went to bed, Mic scurried to and fro for most of the night leaving me tossing and turning.

So what about the competition you ask? We went, we drank, we judged. What more do you need to know??? OK, there was a bit more to it than that. Mark weaseled his way into judging the Best of Show (lucky dog) and the Hogtown Brewers' entries rocked, taking 3 first and 2 second place ribbons. After the competition we headed to a Mexican restaurant for Margaritas and more beer. Then to the "Beer Nazi's" Leon Pub for, you guessed it, more beer. Overall, we had a Big Bend Blast. I will definitely go to this event again and again. Great beer, great food, and really great people.

So, if you've read this far, you are wondering what happened to the mouse. He and I are running off to Disney World together. Actually, he was tragically killed in a failed cheese heist at the Pellermans' residence. Alas, we will never forget our furry little friend.

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