Gary Monterosso knows beer. He is the New Jersey editor for Mid-Atlantic Brewing News and has won two national awards for writing excellence from the North American Guild of Beer Writers. Gary has appeared on a number of television shows, including the popular food show, "Let's Cook with Paul Dillon," "Your Morning on CN8," and "Good Day Philadelphia." He has been a featured guest on radio shows heard throughout the country and on the BBC. He appears nationally on the Sirius Satellite Radio network's Beer Radio and can be seen locally on his regular contributions to NBC40. Gary Monterosso serves as the unofficial master of ceremonies for the Celebration of the Suds and has the following advice for beer-lovers attending the show:
 Gary is a top researcher in his field. He sacrifices his liver to bring you the scoop on brews. Thank him when you see him at the show. 1. First Beer Tasting?
For the person who never has attended a tasting session that includes a wide array or beverages, the site of a hundred or so beers can be overwhelming. However, developing a plan of action can produce the most from your experience. Pick up a program upon entering the hall so you can familiarize yourself with the lineup of beers being served. Bringing a pen or pencil is a good idea, especially if you want to record tasting notes.
 2. Start Light
Start with the lighter beers, in other words, lagers and possibly some wheats. Lagers tend to be the smooth and thirst quenching. Many are very satisfying. Wheats are prevalent during spring and summer and can offer hints of citrus and cloves, depending on the style. Both are great openers to a beer tasting.
Recommendations:
Cricket Hill, one of the breweries that will be present at the show, is a good opener. They position themselves as a brewery designed for the person who is just getting into the complex flavors made by some of the other companies. I also am pleased by some of the new offerings by Anheuser-Busch. They are the world's largest brewer and have recently come out with a line of terrific new products.
"Fruit beers aren't "sissy" drinks."
3. Go Global
Although most of the beers will be from the eastern part of the U.S., there will be a representation of beverages from other regions. Check them out and see for yourself how brewing has evolved over time. American brewers have taken a page from the great breweries of the world and added their special touches, making them unique.
Recommendations:
Duvel, a Belgian beer meaning "Devil" in Flemish, is considered one of the best beers in the world. Yet, there are other beers that replicate its style, that of a golden ale. Try it, then look for others created in a similar way. Pale ales, British in heritage, have become extremely popular and should be in great supply at the festival. Sample a few of them and pick out your favorite. Fruit beers aren't "sissy" drinks. Most are tart and satisfying. See how various fruits affect the flavor of the drink, much like with wines. The finest come from Belgium, Great Britain and the U.S.
 4. Be Bold and Stout
From there, move on to some of the bolder flavors, such as those generated by brown ales, porters and stouts. Porters and stouts have a roasted and chocolaty taste, making them perfect matches for grilled dishes and even desserts. Although the color of these drinks is dark, there is no relationship between it and strength. In reality, they are usually quite low in alcohol. For example, a Guinness has practically the same alcohol content as Coors Light.
Recommendations:
Perhaps the boldest of all are the Belgian ales, considered by many to be the most complex of all beers. Merchant du Vin, an importer scheduled to appear, carries one of the top inventories in the country. All the beers in their portfolio are extraordinary. People think of them as a wine distributorship, but they have made their mark on the beer world by bringing in many of the best to be found anywhere. They also represent some exceptional British beers, as well. Also be on the lookout for Lancaster Brewing's Milk Stout, one of the best in its category.
5. Try them all, collect the set.
The beers that will be available at The Celebration of the Suds epitomize the growing appreciation the public has developed for flavorful drinks, as evidenced by increased sales. Gary Monterosso has these final recommendations: "Having the memorable beers from breweries such as Brooklyn Brewing, Magic Hat, Boston Beer, Dogfish Head, Rogue, and more under one roof is incredible. Those in attendance are in for a rare experience. The Celebration of the Suds will be an unforgettable experience for those of us who enjoy magnificent beers, assembled in one location."
ABOUT GARY'S RADIO SHOW
Catch Gary's show "Beer Radio," on the Sirius Satellite network, Channel 117, Saturdays from 4-6 p.m. with a rebroadcast the following day from 10 a.m. to noon. Saturday night broadcasts allow you to listen to the show and then go out and do your own field research. You can earn the status of "beerologist" and not be subjected to a savage beating when you say something like "Don't let the color of the beer fool you. Golden ales can be quite a bit more potent than the dark ones. I believe I can detect the subtle flavors of orange peel and coriander in this one".
"Guinness has practically the same alcohol content as Coors Light."
"Best Things Said About Beer"
24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case. Coincidence?
--Steven Wright
Give me a woman who loves beer and I will conquer the world.
--Kaiser Wilhelm
Not all chemicals are bad. Without chemicals such as hydrogen and oxygen, for example, there would be no way to make water, a vital ingredient in beer.
--Dave Barry
I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and beer.
--Abraham Lincoln
He was a wise man who invented beer.
--Plato
Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.
--Benjamin Franklin
They who drink beer will think beer.
--Washington Irving
Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you the wheel was also afine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.
--Dave Barry
I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer.
--Homer Simpson
If you ever reach total enlightenment while drinking beer, I bet it makes beer shoot out your nose.
--Deep Thought, Jack Handy
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