Impaled by Massive Thumbs

There's something I do that I totally loathe, and when people do it I cringe. When I do it, and I do it often, I hate myself. But I keep doing it.

It's the thumbs up. To indicate approval or excitement. I do it all the time, and I hate it.

There is maybe one exception to this. The only person to make a thumbs up look okay is Joaquin Phoenix in the 2001 Ridley Scott film, Gladiator, and that might only be because of the implications behind the thumbs down. Although, I have heard that historically it was the opposite than what was portrayed in the movie. That the thumbs down meant you pass, and the thumbs up meant execution.

I knew there was a reason I never trusted Roger Ebert.

Was that too soon?

Tonight we're hanging out at the Iron Goat tap room here in Spokane. And by tonight, I mean this last Thursday evening, since I'm now editing this post after the fact. They're one of the newest local breweries, having been open only since this past June, and they came out of the gate swinging.

Behold, the Impaler. An imperial IPA. 72 ibu's. 8.5 abv. Big. But easy. Remarkably well balanced. Not too hoppy, which can be the case with a stronger beer. No, this bad ass beer is smooth and delicious. I guess you can call it Iron Goat's flagship beer. It was the first they released and I imagine it'll be around for a long time. Or it better be, anyway. 

I'm not too savvy about all the intricacies that go into brewing. For instance, I really couldn't tell you how this beer was made nor with what ingredients. All I know is that it tastes damn good, and Iron Goat should be proud. Especially considering it's their first effort. 

What I'm trying to say is this beer deserves a massive thumbs up. And here's the proof. With my massive thumb.

Okay, that's a bit of a fib. Not about the quality of the beer, but about the thumb. The picture on the right does indeed show a thumb, but it's not mine. It's my friend Luke's. We all know how I feel about myself giving a thumbs up, so I had him stand in for it. Pathetic, I know. You're probably thinking, "Wow, this guy can't even give one of the most bad ass upstart brewery's most awesome bad ass beer a thumbs up with his very own thumb?"

You're right. Yeah, you're right. Fine. I'll suck it up. Here it is. 

My massive thumb next to a pint of Impaler. And it felt good. I'll admit it. 

Maybe I've been wrong about the thumbs up. Maybe it all depends on what the thumbs up is being directed towards. Let's go ahead and throw our thumbs up for amazing local craft beer. Throw caution to the wind on this one and let those thumbs fly. 

Well done Impaler. You deserve it. 

And to amazing local breweries, like Iron Goat. You definitely deserve this thumbs up. Let's throw our thumbs up for them. We'll see you next Thursday, if not sooner.

And to everyone else, go check out the Iron Goat taproom, on 2204 E. Mallon. They're open Thurs-Sun and have a kick ass patio which often hosts kick ass music. You owe it to yourself and your thumbs to go. 

And while you're there, readers, don't forget to tap that glass. 

I really think I can come up with a better tagline.


All photos taken by the author without the permission of the fine folks at Iron Goat Brewing, but I really don't think they'd mind.