Mark Twain Forum:

In Chapter 4 of Twain's A Tramp Abroad, our author describes Heidelberg students, and a tradition among their social organizations called a "kneip." 

"Kneips are held, now and then, to celebrate great occasions--like the election of a beer king, for instance. The solemnity is simple; the five corps assemble at night, and at a signal they all fall loading themselves with beer, out of pint-mugs, as fast as possible, and each man keeps his own count...When the candidates can hold no more, a count is instituted and the one who has drank the greatest number of pints is proclaimed king."

This coming month marks the convergence of Mark Twain, Germany and/or beer not once but twice! In Elmira a couple weeks from now on Twain's travel writing, AND Oktoberfest at the Mark Twain House and Museum this Friday (TOMORROW!).

For those of you who are local to Connecticut (and for those who are not but willing to travel) I cannot recommend a more surprising time than the MT House and Museum's Oktoberfest. As a beer drinker I love their local selection of microbrews while I wander through the museum exhibit upstairs. I still use the commemorative glass one year after my first visit, and can't wait to add to my collection.

So grab a pint in Hartford, then bring your copy of A Tramp Abroad to Elmira two weeks later. I hope to see you there!
Alex