‘Twas the Night at The Casual Pint

‘Twas the night at The Casual Pint, and all through the bar,
The kegs were all flowing, the best brews by far.
The taps were aglow in the warm, festive light,
As neighbors and friends gathered close for the night.

The flights were arranged with precision and care,
Each sip a new journey to flavors so rare.
The beertenders smiled as they poured out the cheer,
Crafting moments with passion, pint after beer.

The aromas of food wafted up from the grill,
With burgers and pretzels to pair with the swill.
And nestled in corners, all cozy and snug,
Sat patrons enjoying a laugh and a hug.

When out on the street there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my stool to see what was the matter.
Away to the window, I flew in a flash,
Spilling my lager, but saving my stash.

The moon on the foam of a freshly poured stout,
Gave a luster of magic to all those about.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a brewer’s sleigh and eight barrels of beer.

With a hearty old driver so lively and spry,
I knew in a moment it must be “Hop Guy.”
More rapid than lagers his barrels they came,
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name:

“On Porter! On Pilsner! On Saison and Gose!
On IPA, Stout, and the Witbier that flows!
To the top of the taps, to the shelves standing tall,
Now pour away, pour away, pour away all!”

As foam that is poured fills the rim of a stein,
The barrels all emptied—oh, how they did shine!
So into the Pint, Hop Guy made his way,
With a sack full of hops for the brews of the day.

He was dressed all in flannel, from his cap to his boots,
And he smelled of fresh barley and malty pursuits.
His eyes—how they twinkled! His laughter, so hearty,
He looked like the life of a great holiday party.

He spoke not a word but went straight to his work,
Tapped a rare winter ale with a satisfied smirk.
And raising his pint with a wink of his eye,
He toasted, “To craft beer and good times—oh, my!”

He sprang to his sleigh, to his barrels gave cheer,
And away they all rolled with a hoppy good year.
But I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight,
“Happy pints to you all, and to all a good night!”