A Special Anniversary

On this day, February 6, 49 years ago, Alan Shepard became the first person to hit a golf ball on the moon. He smuggled the head of a 5 iron and a couple of golf balls on board Apollo 14, and when he was on the moon, he attached the head to an excavation tool and made an admittedly clunky one-handed swing. On Earth, such a swing wouldn't be very impressive, but when you've got one-sixth the gravity, it was enough to send a golf ball "miles and miles." So take that, other sports, you may be more popular, but let us know when someone's beaten golf on the moon.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Andygator Helles Doppelbock

Brewed by: Abita Brewing Company, Covington, Louisiana

Description (from the website): "Abita Andygator, a creature of the swamp, is a unique, high-gravity brew made with pilsner malt, German lager yeast, and German Perle hops. Unlike other high-gravity brews, Andygator is fermented to a dry finish with a slightly sweet flavor and subtle fruit aroma. Reaching an alcohol strength of 8% by volume, it is a Helles Doppelbock. You might find it goes well with fried foods. It pairs well with just about anything made with crawfish. Some like it with a robust sandwich. Andygator is also a good aperitif and easily pairs with Gorgonzola and creamy blue cheeses. Because of the high alcohol content, be cautious — sip it for the most enjoyment."

Would I buy it again?: I love a good doppelbock, and I'm happy to report that this is a very good one. It's nothing like any other doppelbock I've had before, which you can tell right away from the color. Doppelbocks are very dark and heavy beers, and while I can certainly down Troegenators quickly, they don't really lend themselves to the same sort of drinking that something like a pale ale does. But Andygator is golden and fairly transparent, and that translates to the taste as well. It is, strangely enough, a very drinkable doppelbock. You could absolutely relax with one on a summer evening. So not only would I buy it again, I'd recommend you try it too. It is that interesting.