This morning, I stumbled upon a new web site that actually encourages drinking while social networking, and I just had to share it.

Created by a crew of craft beer–loving techies, Untappd is a mobile app and web site devoted solely to froth–and just in the nick of time, too! With football tailgating in full swing, Halloween parties still raging, and the holiday season just around the corner, a lot of folks have beer on the brain. Problem is, there are about a bazillion different kinds of cold snacks on the market these days, and if you're like me, you don't always know which to choose. (I'm pretty sure I drive my husband to drink every time I ask him if "Pilsner" is code for "light" or whether or not I like especially "hoppy" brews, but, really, who can keep it all straight?)

By combining now familiar elements from popular networks like Foursquare, Facebook, Twitter, and Yelp, Untappd aims to demystify the beer world and enable members to share information more efficiently. Users sign into "the pub," share what they're sipping and where, and discuss the merits of a particular beer among their friends. Untappd also keeps Twitter-style tabs on trending micro and macrobrews. There's even a wish list function to ensure you remember which beers you liked even if the details of the session are a little fuzzy.

Though it's not exactly the kind of social drinking Samuel Adams and Co. probably indulged in, it is an interesting and well thought out way for beer lovers to connect.

Just remember, drinking, social networking, and drinking while social networking should be done responsibly and in moderation.