Despite its picture window, the common room in Mather 426 lacks light. Why? Beer bottles. Hundreds of them. Blocking the view of the courtyard. Blotting the rays of the sun.

A problem? Not at all. A presentation. An Alcohol of Fame. Over two hundred different ales, all consumed and colorfully arranged, an investment of over $1,500, stand as testament to four roomates' devotion to beer, a devotion that's excessive even for Mather House.

Last Sunday night Allen Baler '94, Marsh Gardiner '95, Mike Levy '94, and Mike Theriault '94 took a moment from their tireless pursuit of lager to reflect and answer some questions. Baler was refereeing an intramural and missed much of the interview:

Fifteen Minutes How did this all start?

Mike Theriault Allen and myself started it sophomore year. We had about 40 [bottles]. Last year is when we started our three six-packs a week so it really took off from there.

Marsh The original point was to try different types of beer--

M.T.... Which has made Marsh obsessive. He's got a computer listing by glass color, size...

Marsh No, not anymore. No glass color or size--just down to the name.

FM You had a computerized list?

M.T. Still have one. We had to bring one with us to the store sometimes. We'd forget whether we had some or not.

FM How far have you gone to get beer?

Marsh Germany, England.

M.T. Mexico. I think we're about the only people who went to Cancun to try beers.

FM How are they arranged up there?

Marsh We tried to make it random.