Two Beer Betts: Tallboys of Genesee Cream Ale

Welcome one and all! Welcome to my first brew review for S&A. I used to do these for Born Ugly zine and have been missing a reason to justify my drinking habit ever since Born Ugly went the way of Alien Workshop. Since that time I’ve had to curtail my expensive taste somewhat (a lot), but I’m determined to bring you the finest in drunken nonsense and psuedo-beer snobbery. But in honor of the liquid that’s kept me in good spirits for the past four months, I’d like to pay homage to my nightly libation of choice: two tallboys of Genesee Cream Ale.

My homie Brent (IG: @bourbonbarrel), who makes killer pickles by the way, turned me on to this Valero gas station near our houses that sells these 24’s for $1.09.. yeah, one dollar and nine cents! Fuck yes! That is some depression era pricing to be sure. I mean, it’s no craft brew or anything, but I promise you that two of these in an hour will provide you with a night full of sweet dreams and a wallet that isn’t empty in the morning.

Really though, the best thing to me about these is the experience of visiting the Valero to get them. It’s one of those gas stations that has a little market with it’s own name, as though it’s separate from the fuel dispensary. In this case, it’s called Friend Mart! And the old drunks that work there have become my friends. I usually go in around 11pm and they are always very clear that they are eagerly awaiting closing time at midnight so they too can go get plastered (although I’m quite certain they drink plenty while on the job.) They’re also really good friends with all the thugged out young black dudes that come in, which is refreshing to see in slightly ‘neck old white folk. And Acca Yard, a large yard on CSX’s main North/South line, is on my way home, so I usually stop by to watch the trains while downing one of the gorgeous green happy cans.

All in all, this beer isn’t the least but special; but buying it and drinking it has become part of my daily routine. I feel weird not doing it now. So yeah, this is what I’ll be doing for the foreseeable future.

Fair word of warning: The other Genesee products suck. Steer clear at all cost.