Me & a few stragglers from CBC went here on Sunday. Bit pricey for small pours, but the selection was good. Standard menu was expensive($21-29 entrees), but the appetizers were approachable($4-14), but still in small portions. We shared the cheese plate, which had an average selection(cheddar, blue, soft cow). Tasty, though tiny selection for the price. The pate(duck with prunes & a beef selection) was awesome, & wasn't too small. Hummus was tasty, but tiny. The house pork rinds(6-8 pieces for $4), completely stole the show. Ordered two, then quickly ordered two more, & then another. Lime zest, red curry, ginger, mild heat, yummy. Bartender knew his stuff, & so did the waiter I talked to. Place was empty & filled up maybe a third of the way once we left around 8.

Had a Kentucky barrel aged, which was new to the area & so tasty & mild($8 for what seemed like 10 ounces), a Left Hand milk stout on nitro($6.50/14oz), & a couple standards to just have something with the food. And yes, they do serve mead. A local producer. Mixed results with that.

Overall, a pretty decent place. A bit expensive & I'm seeing as though it's going to be difficult to maintain with all the floor space & staff they have. No real theme going on here either. I'd probably hit CBC 8 times out of 10, & probably go to Lord Hobo more often as a nightcap. A solid tap list is sure to draw solid walk ins, but I'm not sure the place is going to survive as is.

Finally got around to checking out the Meadhall in Cambridge. It is definitely a nice space and beer is the focus. The bar itself is the center piece, it is custom made out of brass and it is gorgeous. 110 taps and it is all craft brew, no BMC filler. The place was totally packed when I stopped by. Luckily I snagged a seat at the bar pretty easily, but it took forever to get a brew. Most beers are $6,7,or 8 a glass and some of the high gravity stuff is small pours. :( They seem to have not only proper glassware, but branded glassware for every beer on tap. :shocking: Looked at the food menu and everything was pricey so I didn't get anything. I had a Saison Dupont and Ballastpoint Big Eye IPA. Here are a few pics of the bar and the kegroom. *not my photos

http://img806.imageshack.us/img806/983/bar1g.jpg

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/1825/bar2f.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/6636/kegroom.jpg

Sox

They finally opened a real craft beer bar in DE. If you're ever in the Newark area looking for a place, check out Two Stones Pub (http://twostonespub.com/).

It's so damn hot now that I feel like drinking the lighter stuff. In the winter, I'm more up for the heavier stuff. Does that make sense? :confused:

Anyway, I'll be drinking tonight. :beer:

someone got me a Coors Light and Bud Lite Lime.
The 1st 4 were obviously much better than the last 2

It's so damn hot now that I feel like drinking the lighter stuff. In the winter, I'm more up for the heavier stuff. Does that make sense? :confused:

Anyway, I'll be drinking tonight. :beer:


Yes. It is hot as hell down here. I have actually been drinking Bud Select 55 at the pool. Actually, not bad stuff when it is 105*. Or the new Shiner Light.

Victory Prima Pils is where it's at.

Yes. It is hot as hell down here. I have actually been drinking Bud Select 55 at the pool. Actually, not bad stuff when it is 105*. Or the new Shiner Light.
BS55 isn't bad, but I've been drinking more MGD64 when it's hot. What's so new about Shiner Light? Did they change it this year? :confused:

BS55 isn't bad, but I've been drinking more MGD64 when it's hot. What's so new about Shiner Light? Did they change it this year? :confused:

Shiner light was not out last year. It is a new product. Decent stuff.

Got some new beers in the past few days. First off, got the Sierra Nevada Beer Camp 12 pack. I have actually liked all 4 varieties in the box and was actually very surprised by the Juniper Black ale, which had a very mild juniper flavor. Was kinda fearing it after drinking the Rogue John John Juniper which I felt was overpowered with the juniper. Managed to pick up 3 more bottles of Gnomegang, which if you havent had it and can still find it get some. The final beer I got was Fegley Brew Works Monkey Wrench saison. Haven't tried it yet, but my beer guy told me it has a great funky taste.

Shiner light was not out last year. It is a new product. Decent stuff.
I could've sworn I saw Shiner Light in the liquor stores last year. :confused:

Just got back from a week in the mountains. Here's the beer that my buddy and I drank in 6 days. It was one hell of a beer week. But, expensive.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e66/Mavtech/Beerphoto.jpg

^ Well organized!

What are the 2 between the Jai Alai and the bombers?

What are the 2 between the Jai Alai and the bombers?

Avery IPA and Swamphead Swamp Ape. Swamphead is a new up and coming brewery in Gainseville, FL. For some reason, Swamp Ape is not reviewing well on BA. People complain that it's kind of "boozy". But, it's a relatively thin IIPA at 10% abv. So, I think that a little alcohol burn is to be expected. It's not well hidden like it is in Hopslam.

Just had a Burton Baton from DFH for the first time. I was surprised how much I like it considering I am not normally a big fan of DFH beers. It paired well with a CAO America cigar.

I loaded up on MGD 64 last night. It was hot, hence the light beer, and it's the best light beer of the domestics IMO.

I loaded up on MGD 64 last night. It was hot, hence the light beer, and it's the best light beer of the domestics IMO.

Yep. Will be packing the cooler full in a short while. It really is brutal in South Tex this year.

Where do I get a Sam Adams Utopias?

Yep. Will be packing the cooler full in a short while. It really is brutal in South Tex this year.
Enjoy. I'll probably load up on a ton of light beer next weekend when we hit the Guadalupe River. :beer: :cool:

Enjoy. I'll probably load up on a ton of light beer next weekend when we hit the Guadalupe River. :beer: :cool:

OHHHHH YEAH!!!!!!!! Have not been this year. Guadalupe still has decent flow rate. San Marcos and Comal are getting shallow and very slow.

OHHHHH YEAH!!!!!!!! Have not been this year. Guadalupe still has decent flow rate. San Marcos and Comal are getting shallow and very slow.
I've heard that Austin and south is still in a pretty severe drought. I'm getting a little nervous about low water levels, but we'll see. Regardless of water level, the beer level will be quite high! :beer:

Larrens into "Samuel Smiths Brown Nut Ale". Its really similar to a Newcastle, only smoother and lighter in color.

He also really enjoys "Deschutes Brewerys Black Butte Porter". Its REALLY dark and bitter.

Berrong on Beer – Going big on West Coast brews (http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2011/06/27/berrong-on-beer-going-big-on-west-coast-brews/)

He recommends a bunch of breweries on the west coast.

Where do I get a Sam Adams Utopias?
bevmo usually has it once and awhile...check any great beer liquor store...

Found a superb brew called Monk in the Trunk, a local brewed Belgian amber ale and only 5.5 alcohol. Spicey, slightly sweet, hoppy and nutty too. Very drinkable compared to some of the others we tried albeit expensive, as were every craft beer.
"The Office" bar is right in the center of the best downtown you will ever visit (Delray Bch FL).... I'll bet they have 10,000 show up for their "Jazz on the Ave" street party every month. At the bar you sit in the open air, your back to the street ... thot that was pretty cool.

http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/public/_fHltGggOQdRts9cYf0kO--VZrwbLGJHvrNMArWz8CqpvyPkQCS9F8ANoLnse2MMlIuQ-bQIA3J8aztyL9JgYx4Nao4HqFDFMAM4YFymzRLu4sslZHnKsXX8

There will be a lot of light beer consumed by yours truly while floating the river this weekend. :beer:

Going out to Portland Oregon at the end of the month. The Oregon Brewers fest is going down at the same time and my hotel is like right across the street. :woot: Should be a good time.

http://www.oregonbrewfest.com/

Sox

I just found this thread and I love it!

I had way too many beers over the holiday weekend, but nothing new. Light beers rocked while on the river. :cool:

I tried a new beer over the weekend. Very crazy name.

Clown Shoes (http://www.clownshoesbeer.com/) Eagle Claw Fist Imperial Amber

It was awesome. It was like drinking a red Ruination. Very very hoppy. Good hop mix in Simcoe, Centennial, and Citra.

Those of you in the NE should be able to find this. It looks like they are based in MA.

Enjoying some Bell's two hearted right now. Took a recent trip to Michigan and brought home just over 3 cases of beer (1.5 which was two hearted) and a mini keg of Bell's Oberon.

Enjoying some Bell's two hearted right now. Took a recent trip to Michigan and brought home just over 3 cases of beer (1.5 which was two hearted) and a mini keg of Bell's Oberon.

i was at OBX last week and saw a mini keg of oberon for like $22. makes me sick i hafta pay $15 a six pack in pa.

At the OBF now, but can't post any pics from my phone. This is a really cool event. I got here around 1pm and there were already a ton of people here. Good brews, good food, live music, all downtown right by the river.

Been trying a lot of IPAs so far. Firestone Walker Double Jack is my favorite so far. Hopworks Evelyn's Sunshine is really good too.

Sox

Tonight, I found 6 bottles of Stone Vertical Epic 2009 for $5.99 each after coupon. They are actually worth about $15. Of course, that's nothing compared to what my bottle of 03/03/03 is worth.

Happy International Beer Day! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Beer_Day) :beer: I'll celebrate w/ a few tonight. :beer:

have a 1/2bbl of ruination in my fridge.... last month sublimely this month ruin... mmmm

have a 1/2bbl of ruination in my fridge.... last month sublimely this month ruin... mmmm
If your ever in Florida hit up World of Beer: http://wobusa.com/Locations.aspx

40+ beers on tap that change as they run the keg out (daily) and 100s of bottles.

Example of the one I went to Saturday:http://viera.wobusa.com//Menus/Drafts.aspx and http://viera.wobusa.com/Menus/Bottles.aspx

I had a Rahr & Sons Gravel Road (http://www.rahrbrewing.com/our-beers/seasonal-beers/gravel-road.html) on draft, which was a bit too dark and hoppy for me, esp. in the summer. It's not a beer you chug. :lol:

http://www.rahrbrewing.com/images/beers/gravelroad.png

Here are a couple of pics I took at the OBF. It was a very good event. but man it was really crowded. I am glad I went early so I could sample a lot of beers before most people got out of work.

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/4253/img20110728130028.jpg

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/5827/img20110728131332.jpg

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/8375/img20110730155625.jpg

Sox

For Beer, I think Carsberg is the best one, because of my favorite football team Liverpool

For Beer, I think Carsberg is the best one, because of my favorite football team Liverpool

Ha! Manchester United rules ... But Singha beer????

troegs perpetual ipa

...an (imperial) pale ale.... delicious....citrus, grapefruit, pine... even better that the checkout girl didn't know how much it was so decided to make up a price. got a case for $3 a bomber.

http://kingbobyjr.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/beer-266.jpg

^ Lot of head! :P

A beer review I was reading: "Biscuit, cracker, and toffee flavors are underlined by oily marmalade and floral hops."

I seriously think these people just make this crap up to sound more beer geeky. Oily marmalade? Really? What a tool.

A beer review I was reading: "Biscuit, cracker, and toffee flavors are underlined by oily marmalade and floral hops."

I seriously think these people just make this crap up to sound more beer geeky. Oily marmalade? Really? What a tool.

was it oily marmalade ale? :look:

A beer review I was reading: "Biscuit, cracker, and toffee flavors are underlined by oily marmalade and floral hops."

...Oily marmalade? Really? What a tool.

was it oily marmalade ale? :look:

Good to know someone still reads my reviews. :P

I went to Ojos Locos last night (Tex-Mex version of Hooters) and the waitress asked me what I wanted to drink. I replied "MGD 64". She said, "What's that?" I looked at the MGD 64 coaster on the table, picked it up, and showed it to her. :shake: That's why 18 year olds shouldn't be allowed to work at bars, but then again, she is young and pretty, so it's all good, I suppose. :beer:

looking to try it for once......

Anyone know places in Denver that carry Boddingtons on draft? I can never find that deliciousness

Anyone know places in Denver that carry Boddingtons on draft? I can never find that deliciousness

If you are having a hard time finding it either contact the local distributor or even ab-inbev. They should be able to tell you who serves it.

:confused::confused::confused:

A beer review I was reading: "Biscuit, cracker, and toffee flavors are underlined by oily marmalade and floral hops."

I seriously think these people just make this crap up to sound more beer geeky. Oily marmalade? Really? What a tool.


+1. A distinctly smokey flavor underlined by notes of tree bark and barnyard. A bit of fish oil and mushroom on the finish. I have a review...."yep...tastes like beer"

+1. A distinctly smokey flavor underlined by notes of tree bark and barnyard. A bit of fish oil and mushroom on the finish. I have a review...."yep...tastes like beer"

Is this one you saw online? How does he know what tree bark tastes like?

Is this one you saw online? How does he know what tree bark tastes like?

Ha ha ha. No. I am just being a smartass. I may actually start posting BS reviews like this. See how far out I can get before I get called on it.

I loaded up on some Yeungling while I was on the East Coast. :cool:

I got a beginner homebrew kit, attended a class, have been watching videos, reading books... i'm gonna attempt a rye p.a. this weekend.

I haven't been in this thread in forever since I can't eat/drink gluten anymore.

However, I just tried Estrella Damm Daura which is gluten free. I was SO excited to taste a gluten free beer that actually tastes like beer!!! :whee:

Bard's is really good, but didn't quite hit the spot.

Redbridge is freakin awful.

Green's makes some...have yet to try it out.

Any other GF beers I'm missing out on?

Redbridge is freakin awful.



That is some terrible terrible stuff. Maybe the worst beer I have ever had.

That is some terrible terrible stuff. Maybe the worst beer I have ever had.

That was the first GF beer I tried and I was so sad. I wish there were more GF craft brews!

USA’s best local breweries (as picked by our authors) (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/travel-tips-and-articles/76796?hpt=hp_bn11)

Has anyone been to those recommended pubs? I have 1 in town, which I occasionally frequent.

I only drink imports. (Stella, Corona, Heineken, etc)

Only domestic beer I like is Sierra Nevada ~

I only drink imports. (Stella, Corona, Heineken, etc)

Only domestic beer I like is Sierra Nevada ~

you're missing a ton of great beer then.

you're missing a ton of great beer then.
:iagree:

On that note, TGIF and :beer: here I come!

USA’s best local breweries (as picked by our authors) (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/travel-tips-and-articles/76796?hpt=hp_bn11)

Has anyone been to those recommended pubs? I have 1 in town, which I occasionally frequent.


I have been to a few on the list. I am not sure I agree with all on the list, but then again, they failed to consult me.

That was the first GF beer I tried and I was so sad. I wish there were more GF craft brews!
stone is going to be making a pilot batch(not for the public as of now) that will be GF... maybe if it tastes according to stone's profile, they might make a small batch of it for the public....

ever since the baby came i've been digging in some of my cellared beers... today a bomber of 07 double bastard.... a few nights ago was an 08 worldwide stout.... i've got cases of beers to go through :cheers:

stone is going to be making a pilot batch(not for the public as of now) that will be GF... maybe if it tastes according to stone's profile, they might make a small batch of it for the public....

:whee: I wonder how they can prevent cross contamination....like with barley or whatever flying through the air?

My husband wanted to go to Stone but I don't think there's anything there I can have. :( He loves Levitation...his new favorite!

:whee: I wonder how they can prevent cross contamination....like with barley or whatever flying through the air?

My husband wanted to go to Stone but I don't think there's anything there I can have. :( He loves Levitation...his new favorite!


You should keep an eye out for New Planet Brewing from Colorado, they are making a lot of Gluten Free beers. They are not in all states though, so it might be available in your area. They just came to MA very recently. Supposed to be good stuff.

You should keep an eye out for New Planet Brewing from Colorado, they are making a lot of Gluten Free beers. They are not in all states though, so it might be available in your area. They just came to MA very recently. Supposed to be good stuff.


I just tried their pale ale last week! I was impressed! :highfive:

ever since the baby came i've been digging in some of my cellared beers... today a bomber of 07 double bastard.... a few nights ago was an 08 worldwide stout.... i've got cases of beers to go through :cheers:
Tasty stuff. I still have bottles of 120, world wide stout, and old school barley wine circa 2006 in my cellar. I also just added some Founders Canadian Breakfast stout to my collection. If you can find it, I highly recommend picking some up.

Ha ha ha. No. I am just being a smartass. I may actually start posting BS reviews like this. See how far out I can get before I get called on it.

Hey, I've chewed on my share of tree bark! Stop nitpicking at my reviews!!! :P

ever since the baby came i've been digging in some of my cellared beers... today a bomber of 07 double bastard.... a few nights ago was an 08 worldwide stout.... i've got cases of beers to go through :cheers:

I have an 07DB in the basement. Will let you know how terrible & one-sided it was. :D

Where is all the pumpkin beer love?! farking having pumpkin beer with my pancakes!

USA’s best local breweries (as picked by our authors) (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/travel-tips-and-articles/76796?hpt=hp_bn11)

Has anyone been to those recommended pubs? I have 1 in town, which I occasionally frequent.

I've traded for a few beers from some of these breweries, but I've only been to Nodding Head in Philly. Basically, they brew some solid beer & like to take some chances every now & then with styles(berninerweiss, wild ales, & they're pretty good), but every time I've been there, it's just been a crowded mess of college kids & guys strolling in because everything else in the area is closed.

Not thrilled that Lagunitas is not doing Brown Shugga this year. That is a top 5 beer for me. I look forward to it and hoard it every year. Dammit.

USA’s best local breweries (as picked by our authors) (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/travel-tips-and-articles/76796?hpt=hp_bn11)

Has anyone been to those recommended pubs? I have 1 in town, which I occasionally frequent.

I have been to Live Oak and the Saucer in Ft Worth. I can't believe Freetail did not make that list.

^ I live relatively close to that Flying Saucer, but it's been too long since I last visited there. A couple Saturdays ago, they had the annual Beer Fest, but at $30 for ten 4 oz samples of worldwide beer, it was too pricey. In previous years, I think it was $15 or $20 tops.

This past week was Cider Week here in the city. I think I averaged about 2 liters of fresh & nearly that much in hard cider, per day. Sweet ciders, dry ciders, ice cider, applejack, cider infused w/herbs, perry(pear cider), ice perry, hot spiced rum cider, hopped cider, cider caramel, whiskey & white wine cask cider, cider fermented with Irish stout & sake yeasts. Good times. :D

This affect the taste of my beer.... http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?sduid=1139564&t=3480658

Directv screwed it us

Space beer a step closer to coming right up (http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-20128042-71/space-beer-a-step-closer-to-coming-right-up/) :beer:

happy international stout day!

at least one founders breakfast stout is on my list for tonight...

happy international stout day!

at least one founders breakfast stout is on my list for tonight...

Good stuff. I drank a dogfish world wide stout last night to celebrate. I should have had a trifecta of founders last night. Three breakfast stouts, one of the Kentucky, one of the Canadian, and one of the regular varieties.

Good stuff. I drank a dogfish world wide stout last night to celebrate. I should have had a trifecta of founders last night. Three breakfast stouts, one of the Kentucky, one of the Canadian, and one of the regular varieties.

would love to get my hands on kbs and/or cbs...

would love to get my hands on kbs and/or cbs...
You would hate me if you saw my cellar. I managed to get my hands on 6 bottles of CBS. I also have about 8 bottles of KBS of various vintages.

Ok, not really a review here but more of a rant. Have you guys seen these new six pack holders for cans?
Like the one in the picture here: http://www.treehugger.com/green-food/ask-pablo-do-new-six-pack-rings-offer-a-more-sustainable-solution.html

Got a six pack of Avery IPA cans this weekend and it came in one of these new six pack holders. Maybe I am doing something wrong, but the cans where nearly impossible to get out of the holder with your bare hands. Did anybody actually try these things out before switching over?

Worst green redesign idea I have seen so far.

Sox

^ Wow, that looks pretty bad. Good thing I typically buy bottles. :lol:

thanks mate for posting this.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a142/hammondc/Public%20stuff/photo.jpg


OK.....I am digging the Holiday Ale. The very heavy grapefruit on the finish is hella strong and I like it. Like biting into a grapefruit after taking a swig of regular ol Pale Ale. That being said, this is NOT a substitute for Brown Shugga and expect it to be back next year. I swear, Lagunitas is one of the most underrated Pale/IPA brewers out there.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a142/hammondc/Public%20stuff/photo.jpg


OK.....I am digging the Holiday Ale. The very heavy grapefruit on the finish is hella strong and I like it. Like biting into a grapefruit after taking a swig of regular ol Pale Ale. That being said, this is NOT a substitute for Brown Shugga and expect it to be back next year. I swear, Lagunitas is one of the most underrated Pale/IPA brewers out there.

I saw that in the store the other day, but decided to pass. I really like Brown Shugga, but I might pick this up to try. Im in Michigan for the week so got my fill of Bells, Goose Island, and Founders. Been drinking Hell Hath No Fury and Expedition stout mostly.

i had a brewdog tokyo yesterday during work...i was very much disappointed in that beer... i know its 18% abv but way too harsh, boozy, and almost undrinkable... a 12oz bottle is good for 3-4 people due to the harsh flavor...it does have a very green woody taste in the backing thats decent though...i would give it a 3/10 rating...

Have not posted any reviews lately, even though I have been trying some new stuff. I have been slacking. :sleepy:

Tried a new beer on Sunday, from Jacks Abby which is a pretty new brewery here in MA. I think they are out in Framingham, but not positive. It was called Hoponius Union and it was described as a hoppy lager. It tasted like a really fruity IPA to me, so I am not sure about the lager part. I had three instead of trying anything else at the bar because it was that tasty. It reminded me a lot of Hop Stoopid which is one of my go to IPAs. I will definitely look for it in stores.

Saw Firestone Walker Double Jack on tap around here for the first time, I hope they are distributing out this way now. I had not had it since I was out in Oregon earlier this summer.


Sox

Hanson's 'MMMHop' beer taps new market for hop stars (http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2011/12/01/hanson-mmmhop-beer-taps-new-market-for-hop-stars/)

Who'd want to drink beer branded by the Hanson Bros.? :eek:

The '90s pop trio, famous for their long locks and the hit tune MMMBop, is in the process of expanding their brand (yes, they have a brand) with their own beer: MMMHop.

The India Pale Ale – to be made available in 2012 – will join Zac, Taylor and Isaac's other merchandise, which includes a board game and a record player.

“We of course make records, they are fundamental to what we do,” Zac Hanson recently told reporters in Oxford, England, via Rolling Stone. “But we wanted to create a brand so that our fans have a greater experience.”

LOL @ the other possible beer songs:

"Lager than Life" by the Backstreet Boys
"No Suds" by TLC
"(Dirty) Hop" by *NSYNC (stylized correctly)
"4 Saisons of Loneliness" by Boyz II Men
"Ale Be Missing You" by Puff Daddy
"Baby Got Bock" by Sir Mix-A-Lot
"This is How We Brew It" by Montell Jordan
"Weiss Weiss Baby" by Vanilla Ice
"Kreik" by Radiohead
"Bitte Sweet Symphony" by The Verve

Hanson's 'MMMHop' beer taps new market for hop stars (http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2011/12/01/hanson-mmmhop-beer-taps-new-market-for-hop-stars/)

Who'd want to drink beer branded by the Hanson Bros.? :eek:



LOL @ the other possible beer songs:

"Lager than Life" by the Backstreet Boys
"No Suds" by TLC
"(Dirty) Hop" by *NSYNC (stylized correctly)
"4 Saisons of Loneliness" by Boyz II Men
"Ale Be Missing You" by Puff Daddy
"Baby Got Bock" by Sir Mix-A-Lot
"This is How We Brew It" by Montell Jordan
"Weiss Weiss Baby" by Vanilla Ice
"Kreik" by Radiohead
"Bitte Sweet Symphony" by The Verve

i'd give it a shot. at least it's an ipa and not a generic light lager ala kid rock's "american badass lager"

Lagunitas is one of the most underrated Pale/IPA brewers out there.

Very true - it's kind of hard to come by around here. I found a couple of places that carry Lil' Sumpin Sumpin and Hop Stoopid from time to time. They are easily two of my favorites.

On Monday I was talking to a guy that's a beer rep - he said he hung out with the Lagunitas guys at a brewing convention and that they really know how to have a good time with their product.

I tried Hop Wallop the other day. I was kind of disappointed. It was very hoppy but kind of overbalanced with citrus flavors. It was really strong too.

I'm trying to find a place around here that carries Green Flash IPA - it's supposed to be fantastic.

Very true - it's kind of hard to come by around here. I found a couple of places that carry Lil' Sumpin Sumpin and Hop Stoopid from time to time. They are easily two of my favorites.

On Monday I was talking to a guy that's a beer rep - he said he hung out with the Lagunitas guys at a brewing convention and that they really know how to have a good time with their product.

I tried Hop Wallop the other day. I was kind of disappointed. It was very hoppy but kind of overbalanced with citrus flavors. It was really strong too.

I'm trying to find a place around here that carries Green Flash IPA - it's supposed to be fantastic.
green flash IPA is amazing when fresh...they have oxidation issues and the true hop profile dips... their double stout is delicious and if you can get your hands on a silva stout....well then :yummy: its double stout in bourbon barrels for 15 months... my buddy has 2 cases of it still....

right now i am drinking Stone's "smoking indian"... its not a packaged beer but a delicious beer that can be created at home, at the growler bar, etc... i like it 50% IPA and 50% smoked porter....its so delicious...

Thanks Matt for the info. You're local to them so you probably get a lot more access to the good/fresh stuff than I do. :whee:

I just found out that a new beer store opened the town next door (better than the 45 minute drive I had before to the specialty store.) I picked up a couple

Green Flash IPA - Very good. Just the right amount of carbonation, definitely one of the more creamy-headed IPAs I've had. A tiny bit too sweet and citrusy for my liking but overall it was pretty good.

Breckenridge 471 IPA - I'm not the biggest fan, but it didn't taste like a 9% ABV beer. I had their Avalanche Ale a couple years back when we were skiing there - that didn't knock my socks off either.

Thanks Matt for the info. You're local to them so you probably get a lot more access to the good/fresh stuff than I do. :whee:

I just found out that a new beer store opened the town next door (better than the 45 minute drive I had before to the specialty store.) I picked up a couple

Green Flash IPA - Very good. Just the right amount of carbonation, definitely one of the more creamy-headed IPAs I've had. A tiny bit too sweet and citrusy for my liking but overall it was pretty good.

Breckenridge 471 IPA - I'm not the biggest fan, but it didn't taste like a 9% ABV beer. I had their Avalanche Ale a couple years back when we were skiing there - that didn't knock my socks off either.

I had a new IPA the other day that I found to be pretty fantastic. Kane Head High, from Kane brewing in NJ. I honestly never heard of this brewery before I had it on tap at my local beer bar. Very nice fresh hoppy flavor. Here is a link to the BA reviews:

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/26676/72504

Thanks Matt for the info. You're local to them so you probably get a lot more access to the good/fresh stuff than I do. :whee:

I just found out that a new beer store opened the town next door (better than the 45 minute drive I had before to the specialty store.) I picked up a couple

Green Flash IPA - Very good. Just the right amount of carbonation, definitely one of the more creamy-headed IPAs I've had. A tiny bit too sweet and citrusy for my liking but overall it was pretty good.

Breckenridge 471 IPA - I'm not the biggest fan, but it didn't taste like a 9% ABV beer. I had their Avalanche Ale a couple years back when we were skiing there - that didn't knock my socks off either.
I remember clive reviewed a breckenridge beer a few years ago and he said it wasn't up to bar for the beer style...

tonight was a good beer night for me....
Stone 12th anni bitter chocolate oatmeal stout aged in bourbon barrels...
Stone 15th anni black IPA with expresso
stone collab, cherry chocolate stout
Russian River blind pig
Sierra nevada celebration ale
Stone 2010 Imperial Russian Stout....

:drool:

best of night was the 12th anni in bourbon barrels.... :cheers:
all the beer was freeeee!

tonight was a good beer night for me....
Stone 12th anni bitter chocolate oatmeal stout aged in bourbon barrels...
Stone 15th anni black IPA with expresso
stone collab, cherry chocolate stout
Russian River blind pig
Sierra nevada celebration ale
Stone 2010 Imperial Russian Stout....

:drool:

best of night was the 12th anni in bourbon barrels.... :cheers:
all the beer was freeeee!

Those are some great beers, even better for free. I am actually going to a Stone night here in NJ tomorrow of course I don't think there will be anything as crazy as what you had. There will definitely be no Russian River served, but it will certainly be a good time. Stone Imperial Russian Stout is one of my favorite beers, wonder how the Belgo Anise version will taste when I open it.

i'd give it a shot. at least it's an ipa and not a generic light lager ala kid rock's "american badass lager"
Well, if you do try Hanson's beer, I'd be curious of your review of it. :beer: :cool:

anyone tried the Cappuccino Stout from lagunitas before?

anyone tried the Cappuccino Stout from lagunitas before?

not bad... had it on nitro and it was considerably better than bottled.

Those are some great beers, even better for free. I am actually going to a Stone night here in NJ tomorrow of course I don't think there will be anything as crazy as what you had. There will definitely be no Russian River served, but it will certainly be a good time. Stone Imperial Russian Stout is one of my favorite beers, wonder how the Belgo Anise version will taste when I open it.
the belgo anise i would let sit...the anise is still pretty strong and the belgo yeast is very clean and very mellow... it tastes like russian stout with yager....

the belgo anise i would let sit...the anise is still pretty strong and the belgo yeast is very clean and very mellow... it tastes like russian stout with yager....

I was planning on letting it sit. IRS gets better with age as you know. Stone night was pretty good, unfortunately no IRS. I have become friendly with the bar owner and he gave me a gift of 2 bottles to take home: Allagash Fluxus 2011 and Weyerbacher 15th anniversary.

5@5 - Gifts for the beer lover (http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2011/12/07/55-gifts-for-the-beer-lover/)

This just made me very happy:

http://beernews.org/2011/12/port-brewing-the-lost-abbey-to-distribute-to-new-jersey/

This just made me very happy:

http://beernews.org/2011/12/port-brewing-the-lost-abbey-to-distribute-to-new-jersey/

I just had a Hoptimus Prime. It was wierd in that it totally struck me as being a bitter beer but not tasting all that hoppy (if that makes any sense.) It's definitely on the boozy side - not hiding anything.

A local convenience store opened up 5 minutes away from me, and the owner is a big (good) beer guy. Happy day. I've probably had a couple dozen new ones/retries in the past few weeks...


Dogfish Head - 90 Minute IPA. I've stayed away from these guys b/c the guy on the TV show really bothered me. Good beer though.
Lagunitas - Censored Copper Ale
Lagunitas - Lucky 13.alt
Moat Mountain - Iron Mike Pale Ale - The only IPA I've ever had out of a can. Pretty good/fresh.
Sam Adams - Third Voyage Double IPA - Pretty good for a big brewery.
Stone - Smoked Porter - I'm sure it's good, but it's not for my palate. I can't handle that much smoke/char.

File under "Never again":
Shipyard - XXXX IPA
Gritty's - Best Bitter
St. John's Brewers - Island Hoppin IPA

I had a few new (to me) beers over the X-mas weekend. I had an Affligem blonde, which is pretty strong for a blonde, goes down smooth, but a couple tall glasses of that on an empty stomach and I felt a little buzz, which I'd never feel on 2 light beers (regardless of hunger).

Then next day, I had a Franzikaner draft (wheat beer), which was tasted good. I also had a Shiner double wheat, which, no surprise, tasted quite "wheaty", but I enjoy that. A friend joked that it's basically liquid bread w/ alcohol. :lol: Finally, I wanted another Franzikaner, but the waiter brought out something much darker. Maybe it's the black and tan version of that? :confused: It was a free beer, so I didn't question it and decided to try it out. I took a pic of it and maybe one of you can ID it. That was a beer I sipped and took me around a football quarter to drink. :beer: It' 20 oz.

I'm also attaching a pic of the bar's liquor setup. :cool:

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/6338/20111224153322695.jpg

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/8567/20111224142656154.jpg

I picked up a couple bombers of Firestone Walker Double Jack from different stores this week. The first was fantastic, incredibly smooth and the alcohol was very well hidden. The second was incredibly boozy - still enjoyable but not nearly as impressive as the first. Neither bottle had a born on date, so I'm not sure which was which and if they were from different batches.

Also found that I'm a really big fan of SN Celebration 2011.

You west coasters sure have it good re: (D)IPAs and the like.

The New Glarus spotted cow is DELICIOUS

I picked up a couple bombers of Firestone Walker Double Jack from different stores this week. The first was fantastic, incredibly smooth and the alcohol was very well hidden. The second was incredibly boozy - still enjoyable but not nearly as impressive as the first. Neither bottle had a born on date, so I'm not sure which was which and if they were from different batches.

Also found that I'm a really big fan of SN Celebration 2011.

You west coasters sure have it good re: (D)IPAs and the like.


I am also happy that the Firestone Walker beers are now available in my area. I did notice something similar though. I bought bomber bottles at two different stores around here and one batch was really great and the other one was a little off. The difference I noticed was that the "good" bottles had a black plastic cover like a wine bottle over the bottle cap, the "not so good" bottles just had a regular bottle cap on them.

Sox

I picked up a couple bombers of Firestone Walker Double Jack from different stores this week. The first was fantastic, incredibly smooth and the alcohol was very well hidden. The second was incredibly boozy - still enjoyable but not nearly as impressive as the first. Neither bottle had a born on date, so I'm not sure which was which and if they were from different batches.

Also found that I'm a really big fan of SN Celebration 2011.

You west coasters sure have it good re: (D)IPAs and the like.

Firestone Walker makes some delicious beers. If you can find it, try picking up some Abacus or Parabola. The owner of a beer bar I frequent hooked me up with a bottle of each as a gift over the summer. I prefer a lot of the bigger beers, but these are great stuff.

I am also happy that the Firestone Walker beers are now available in my area. I did notice something similar though. I bought bomber bottles at two different stores around here and one batch was really great and the other one was a little off. The difference I noticed was that the "good" bottles had a black plastic cover like a wine bottle over the bottle cap, the "not so good" bottles just had a regular bottle cap on them.

Sox

I'll have to be on the lookout for the different caps - thanks!

Firestone Walker makes some delicious beers. If you can find it, try picking up some Abacus or Parabola. The owner of a beer bar I frequent hooked me up with a bottle of each as a gift over the summer. I prefer a lot of the bigger beers, but these are great stuff.

I'll add them to my list - thanks for the heads up.

I had a bottle of their Nectar IPA earlier this evening :whee:

I just had a bottle of Pretty Things' (a MA gypsy brewery) "Jack D'Or" - it was probably the most complex beer I've had in a long time. Really different and really, really good (I'm not even into the "Saison" style either) - I have a bomber of another brew of theirs for later in the week.

Finally had a KBS last night...in general I really dislike smoked flavors, but I liked it a lot more than I thought I would.

I just had a bottle of Pretty Things' (a MA gypsy brewery) "Jack D'Or" - it was probably the most complex beer I've had in a long time. Really different and really, really good (I'm not even into the "Saison" style either) - I have a bomber of another brew of theirs for later in the week.

Finally had a KBS last night...in general I really dislike smoked flavors, but I liked it a lot more than I thought I would.

I try amost every new beer I find and really liked the pretty things I have had. Jack D'Or is great. I also really liked baby tree and fluffy white rabbits. St. Botolph's Town was also really nice. I think I would put it on par, if not slightly ahead of Sam Smith's Nut Brown Ale.

Not to sound like a d-bag, but KBS doesnt really have any smoke flavors that I recall. I remember notes of oak, vanilla, coffee, bourbon, and even roasted malt, but no smoked flavors. To me, a smoked flavor is something like a rauchbier (which im gonna suggest you avoid). Pretty much any of the Schlenkerla beers are gonna be beyond smoked. They use smoked malt, which of course tastes like drinking a glass of BBQ, but pairs really well with it too.

Not to sound like a d-bag, but KBS doesnt really have any smoke flavors that I recall. I remember notes of oak, vanilla, coffee, bourbon, and even roasted malt, but no smoked flavors. To me, a smoked flavor is something like a rauchbier (which im gonna suggest you avoid). Pretty much any of the Schlenkerla beers are gonna be beyond smoked. They use smoked malt, which of course tastes like drinking a glass of BBQ, but pairs really well with it too.

Hmmm...maybe "smoke" isn't the best word for it - I can't stand bourbon because of the taste of the charred oak barrels (so maybe "char" is a better term), but the 2011 KBS I had you could definintely tell that it spent some time in bourbon barrels. In spit of it, I definitely appreciated KBS. :)

I had a few new (to me) beers over the X-mas weekend. I had an Affligem blonde, which is pretty strong for a blonde, goes down smooth, but a couple tall glasses of that on an empty stomach and I felt a little buzz, which I'd never feel on 2 light beers (regardless of hunger).

Then next day, I had a Franzikaner draft (wheat beer), which was tasted good. I also had a Shiner double wheat, which, no surprise, tasted quite "wheaty", but I enjoy that. A friend joked that it's basically liquid bread w/ alcohol. :lol: Finally, I wanted another Franzikaner, but the waiter brought out something much darker. Maybe it's the black and tan version of that? :confused: It was a free beer, so I didn't question it and decided to try it out. I took a pic of it and maybe one of you can ID it. That was a beer I sipped and took me around a football quarter to drink. :beer: It' 20 oz.

I'm also attaching a pic of the bar's liquor setup. :cool:

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/6338/20111224153322695.jpg

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/8567/20111224142656154.jpg


Optimator?

Optimator?
It could be, but I don't remember. The next time I go to that bar, which should be sometime this month, I'll find out. :beer:

Pretty Things' "Saint Botolph's Town" last night. I'm not the biggest fan of brown ales, but I ended up liking this one quite a bit.

Anyone heading to Boston in a few weeks for Extreme Beer Fest?

Anyone heading to Boston in a few weeks for Extreme Beer Fest?

Ahhh crap - tickets are gone. Maybe next year.

Ahhh crap - tickets are gone. Maybe next year.

Tickets sell out insanely fast every year. My friend might have 1 extra, if he hasn't sold it. If you have any interest PM me and I will check with him.

Ahhh crap - tickets are gone. Maybe next year.
Tickets sell out insanely fast every year. My friend might have 1 extra, if he hasn't sold it. If you have any interest PM me and I will check with him.

I'm going up. There might be a volunteer slot open somewhere on the schedule. That's how a few beer geeks go that can't get tickets. Very easy group to work for. I'll be the cliche bald guy with a beard, double-fisting Belgian waffles. :D

Tickets sell out insanely fast every year. My friend might have 1 extra, if he hasn't sold it. If you have any interest PM me and I will check with him.

Thanks for the offer - I appreciate it. I just asked my wife and it turns out she had planned ski trip that weekend (so I guess I couldn't have made it even if I got in on the tix.) :O


Speedway Stout and Racer 5 last night. I'm still an IPA guy, but I'm starting to re-appreciate stouts again.

Side trip in MA last week to Redstone Liquors - big haul :whee: Thanks Mattman for the recommendations for this noob.

I had a porter beer on Thurs. night and it was way too hobby and bitter for me.

Last night, I had a Magic Hat #9 on draft and it was probably about as hoppy as I'd want to get it. But the Franziskaner wheat I had afterwards (also on draft) was very good. :beer:

More drinking tonight to watch UFC 142! :whee:

I've had a few over the weekend - there were a few that went down the kitchen sink, but also a few standouts:

Ballast Point - Big Eye IPA
Stone - Cali-Belgique
Lagunitas Sucks
Cambridge Brewing - The Audacity of Hops

The last I think is my new favorite (Belgian IPA that isn't too heavy on the exotic yeasts.)

I had a couple large Killians during UFC 142 at BWW last night. Good red stuff. :beer:

Thanks for the offer - I appreciate it. I just asked my wife and it turns out she had planned ski trip that weekend (so I guess I couldn't have made it even if I got in on the tix.) :O


Speedway Stout and Racer 5 last night. I'm still an IPA guy, but I'm starting to re-appreciate stouts again.

Side trip in MA last week to Redstone Liquors - big haul :whee: Thanks Mattman for the recommendations for this noob.


If you are gonna drink a stout, Speedway is one of the best around. It gets even better with age, so buy a few bottles to cellar. So what was purchased in the big haul?

If you are gonna drink a stout, Speedway is one of the best around. It gets even better with age, so buy a few bottles to cellar. So what was purchased in the big haul?

Absolutely - it's not sold locally here, so when I see it next I definitely will stock up.


Recent "hads" that I liked (top of the list = my favorites) #1 and 2 are a tie for me.

The Alchemist - Heady Topper
Cambridge Brewing - The Audacity of Hops
Pretty Things - Jack D'Or
AleSmith - Speedway Stout
Ballast Point - Big Eye IPA
Ithaca Beer Company - Flower Power India Pale Ale
Bear Republic - Racer 5 India Pale Ale
Lagunitas Sucks - Holiday Ale/Holiday Leftovers
Pretty Things - St. Botolph's Town
Founders Brewing -Founders KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout)
Firestone Walker - Nectar IPA
Clown Shoes - Supa Hero
Stone - Cali-Belgique
Throwback - Hog Happy Hefeweizen


Beers on hand or en-route to me:
21st Amendment - Brew Free or Die / 21st Amendment IPA
Anderson Valley Brewing - Hop Ottin' IPA
Ballast Point - Sculpin' India Pale Ale
Baxter - Pamola Xtra Pale Ale
Bell's Brewery - Bell's Hopslam Ale
Dogfish Head - 120 Minute IPA
Firestone Walker - Walker's Reserve Porter
Founders Brewing - Centennial IPA, Double Trouble
Great Divide - Hercules Double IPA, Titan IPA
Green Flash Brewery - Le Freak, Rayon Vert
Russian River - Pliny the Elder
Sierra Nevada - Ruthless Rye
Slumbrew - Happy Sol, Flagraiser IPA
Stone - Levitation
Wormtown -Be Hoppy

That Extreme Beerfest always sells out super quick, usually in a couple of hours. I have never been to it, but I have been to other events at the Cyclorama. It is a cool space, but not all that larger which limits how many people can attend.


CBC stuff is usually pretty good. I have not sampled the Audacity of Hops yet though. I tend to not like a lot belgian/belgian style stuff because of the "funk" but I will give it a try since I love IPAs. I am curious to hear your thoughts on the Slumbrew when you receive it. I have sampled all three recently: Happy Sol, Flagraiser, and Porter Sq Porter. I thought Happy Sol was pretty good, kind of light and similar to a Alagash White. Flagraiser is a solid west coast style IPA. They are the new local* brewery.

*Contract brewing only at this time

Sox

That Extreme Beerfest always sells out super quick, usually in a couple of hours. I have never been to it, but I have been to other events at the Cyclorama. It is a cool space, but not all that larger which limits how many people can attend.


CBC stuff is usually pretty good. I have not sampled the Audacity of Hops yet though. I tend to not like a lot belgian/belgian style stuff because of the "funk" but I will give it a try since I love IPAs. I am curious to hear your thoughts on the Slumbrew when you receive it. I have sampled all three recently: Happy Sol, Flagraiser, and Porter Sq Porter. I thought Happy Sol was pretty good, kind of light and similar to a Alagash White. Flagraiser is a solid west coast style IPA. They are the new local* brewery.

*Contract brewing only at this time

Sox

I'm with you - I generally don't enjoy Belgians (most of the time the yeast is too much for me - which is fine because that stuff can be expensive) - but Audacity is a Belgian IPA that I think definitely leans more IPA. That, Holiday Leftovers and more Jack D'Or will be next on my list after I go through my backlog.


Have you had "Lunch" or any of the other stuff from Maine Beer Company. One of the ladies at a local bottle shop said that she thinks it's every bit as good as PtE. I can't wait to try it.

Absolutely - it's not sold locally here, so when I see it next I definitely will stock up.


Recent "hads" that I liked (top of the list = my favorites) #1 and 2 are a tie for me.

The Alchemist - Heady Topper
Cambridge Brewing - The Audacity of Hops
Pretty Things - Jack D'Or
AleSmith - Speedway Stout
Ballast Point - Big Eye IPA
Ithaca Beer Company - Flower Power India Pale Ale
Bear Republic - Racer 5 India Pale Ale
Lagunitas Sucks - Holiday Ale/Holiday Leftovers
Pretty Things - St. Botolph's Town
Founders Brewing -Founders KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout)
Firestone Walker - Nectar IPA
Clown Shoes - Supa Hero
Stone - Cali-Belgique
Throwback - Hog Happy Hefeweizen


Beers on hand or en-route to me:
21st Amendment - Brew Free or Die / 21st Amendment IPA
Anderson Valley Brewing - Hop Ottin' IPA
Ballast Point - Sculpin' India Pale Ale
Baxter - Pamola Xtra Pale Ale
Bell's Brewery - Bell's Hopslam Ale
Dogfish Head - 120 Minute IPA
Firestone Walker - Walker's Reserve Porter
Founders Brewing - Centennial IPA, Double Trouble
Great Divide - Hercules Double IPA, Titan IPA
Green Flash Brewery - Le Freak, Rayon Vert
Russian River - Pliny the Elder
Sierra Nevada - Ruthless Rye
Slumbrew - Happy Sol, Flagraiser IPA
Stone - Levitation
Wormtown -Be Hoppy

Some great ones in both lists. Pliny is simply amazing, both younger and elder, but younger is much harder to come by. I have never had a bad beer from Russian River. I just wish they were cheaper and easier to get on the East Coast. Hopslam is awesome, one of my faves. Bell's also has the Oracle, which is another double IPA similar to Hopslam with some different hops (i.e, no simcoe). Also, if you haven't tried it, try to get some Two Hearted or Expedition Stout. Pretty much everything on the list is great. What year is the 120 min IPA? I do suggest letting it cellar for a while if you have a place to properly store it.

That Extreme Beerfest always sells out super quick, usually in a couple of hours. I have never been to it, but I have been to other events at the Cyclorama. It is a cool space, but not all that larger which limits how many people can attend.


CBC stuff is usually pretty good. I have not sampled the Audacity of Hops yet though. I tend to not like a lot belgian/belgian style stuff because of the "funk" but I will give it a try since I love IPAs. I am curious to hear your thoughts on the Slumbrew when you receive it. I have sampled all three recently: Happy Sol, Flagraiser, and Porter Sq Porter. I thought Happy Sol was pretty good, kind of light and similar to a Alagash White. Flagraiser is a solid west coast style IPA. They are the new local* brewery.

*Contract brewing only at this time

Sox

I have been lucky, my friend has gotten us EBF tickets for the past 5 or 6 years. The space is pretty cool, but it seems attendance has gone up since it seems every year the place gets more and more crowded. It makes for a fun weekend trip up to Boston.

We seem to wind up at CBC every year after the fest for food and 1 last beer. The stuff I have had seems very hit or miss. Some of it great, some of it not so good.

I also love Belgians/Belgian style beers. In the past 3 years I have really gotten into a lot of funky beers: saisons, lambics (like Cantillon), beers with brettanomyces. They are definitely an acquired taste. You either love em or hate em and the first time I tried Cantillon I was repulsed, but I guess my tastes changed.

Also, for anyone that wants to check it out, here is the list of beers at EBF:

http://beeradvocate.com/ebf/saturday

I'm with you - I generally don't enjoy Belgians (most of the time the yeast is too much for me - which is fine because that stuff can be expensive) - but Audacity is a Belgian IPA that I think definitely leans more IPA. That, Holiday Leftovers and more Jack D'Or will be next on my list after I go through my backlog.


Have you had "Lunch" or any of the other stuff from Maine Beer Company. One of the ladies at a local bottle shop said that she thinks it's every bit as good as PtE. I can't wait to try it.

I was up in Portland in the early fall and I was hoping to get some of the Maine Beer Company fresh on tap, but could not find it anywhere. I have heard the same, that their Launch IPA is the East Coasts Pliny. It was sold out in all of the local liquor stores up there too. I did grab the Peeper Ale though and I thought it was really good. It was a happy ale with sort a reddish orange color, I have purchased it again down here in Boston too.

Tried some of the other local breweries on that trip also, Baxter and Oxbow. The Baxter IPA was pretty good but not great, too many better IPAs out there. The Oxbow farmhouse Saison was very interesting, not my normal style of beer but very drinkable.

Sox

I was up in Portland in the early fall and I was hoping to get some of the Maine Beer Company fresh on tap, but could not find it anywhere. I have heard the same, that their Launch IPA is the East Coasts Pliny. It was sold out in all of the local liquor stores up there too. I did grab the Peeper Ale though and I thought it was really good. It was a happy ale with sort a reddish orange color, I have purchased it again down here in Boston too.

Tried some of the other local breweries on that trip also, Baxter and Oxbow. The Baxter IPA was pretty good but not great, too many better IPAs out there. The Oxbow farmhouse Saison was very interesting, not my normal style of beer but very drinkable.

Sox

My wife is actually heading up to Portland for this weekend...I'm really tempted to ask her to swing by the brewery and pick up some Lunch and some Mean Old Tom, but she's up there for one day only and it's for a funeral, so I'm not pushing the issue :O

I was up in Portland in the early fall and I was hoping to get some of the Maine Beer Company fresh on tap, but could not find it anywhere. I have heard the same, that their Launch IPA is the East Coasts Pliny. It was sold out in all of the local liquor stores up there too. I did grab the Peeper Ale though and I thought it was really good. It was a happy ale with sort a reddish orange color, I have purchased it again down here in Boston too.

Tried some of the other local breweries on that trip also, Baxter and Oxbow. The Baxter IPA was pretty good but not great, too many better IPAs out there. The Oxbow farmhouse Saison was very interesting, not my normal style of beer but very drinkable.

Sox

Everyone keeps writing Portland and I keep thinking Oregon and not Maine. For some reason I have made it Portland, Oregon for beer multiple times, but never Portland, Maine since being old enough to drink. It is clearly much easier to travel 3000 miles (for beer) than 350. The last time I was in Maine I was like 14.

Everyone keeps writing Portland and I keep thinking Oregon and not Maine. For some reason I have made it Portland, Oregon for beer multiple times, but never Portland, Maine since being old enough to drink. It is clearly much easier to travel 3000 miles (for beer) than 350. The last time I was in Maine I was like 14.

Aside for Allagash, MBC and Throwback, there may not be all that much in terms of good stuff coming out of Maine nowadays. Most of the stuff available regionally (Shipyard, Gritty's, Geary's, Peak and even Baxter) haven't done much for me.

It's a fun city to drink in (the Old Port part) when you're in your early 20s.

Aside for Allagash, MBC and Throwback, there may not be all that much in terms of good stuff coming out of Maine nowadays. Most of the stuff available regionally (Shipyard, Gritty's, Geary's, Peak and even Baxter) haven't done much for me.

It's a fun city to drink in (the Old Port part) when you're in your early 20s.

Allagash is probably my favorite Maine brewer. All the Portland talk made me drink an Allagash Fluxus 11 last night. I really like their specialty beers (not a huge fan of white), including rare ones like Victor Frankenstein and Vrienden. The only problem is cost, most Allagash beers tend to run between $20 and $25.

I was just gifted a can of The Alchemist Heady Topper from the owner of my favorite beer bar a few hours ago. Can't wait to enjoy this, especially since its a top 50 beer on both BA and Rate beer.

I was just gifted a can of The Alchemist Heady Topper from the owner of my favorite beer bar a few hours ago. Can't wait to enjoy this, especially since its a top 50 beer on both BA and Rate beer.

Nice - those must be really hard to part with (a.k.a. you must be a really good egg to that kind of sharing.) I've only had one HT so far and I kept the can around for a couple of days after drinking it just for the aroma. It's out of this world.

I just took delivery (BA trade) of the middle guy in the below. I'm thinking that tomorrow night after the kids go to bed I'll do a side by side sampling of each and then enjoy the rest of them in their own right.

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m305/chanle51/DSC_1845small.jpg

Edit - I just thought of something...I'm totally not trying to one-up you antsmarchn - hopefully it didn't come across that way.

Nice - those must be really hard to part with (a.k.a. you must be a really good egg to that kind of sharing.) I've only had one HT so far and I kept the can around for a couple of days after drinking it just for the aroma. It's out of this world.

I just took delivery (BA trade) of the middle guy in the below. I'm thinking that tomorrow night after the kids go to bed I'll do a side by side sampling of each and then enjoy the rest of them in their own right.

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m305/chanle51/DSC_1845small.jpg

Edit - I just thought of something...I'm totally not trying to one-up you antsmarchn - hopefully it didn't come across that way.

No worries at all, I don't feel like you are trying to one-up me. I also hope my reply doesn't across that way either. Heady Topper is the only one of those 3 I haven't had before. I am just glad that everything I have read and heard from friends all put HT on par with Pliny and Hopslam.

I hooked the owner up with a 6 pack of two-hearted, an aged bottle of expedition stout, and 1 other beer I don't recall and he has paid me back 100 fold. The night I brought those in I was given a little gift. I got to drink my first and only bottle of Westvleteren 12 (it really is as good as the reviews say). He has also given me bottles of Firestone-Walker Parabola and Abacus, various Allagash bottles, KBS, 120 Min IPA, and a lot more that I won't list. The place is actually pretty serious and makes all employees get their Certified Beer Server level Cicerone.

hey monk...on the pliny, when is the bottle date?

hey monk...on the pliny, when is the bottle date?

I think it was the first or second week of the month.

I hooked the owner up with a 6 pack of two-hearted, an aged bottle of expedition stout, and 1 other beer I don't recall and he has paid me back 100 fold. The night I brought those in I was given a little gift. I got to drink my first and only bottle of Westvleteren 12 (it really is as good as the reviews say). He has also given me bottles of Firestone-Walker Parabola and Abacus, various Allagash bottles, KBS, 120 Min IPA, and a lot more that I won't list. The place is actually pretty serious and makes all employees get their Certified Beer Server level Cicerone.

That's fantastic! Sounds like a good guy :woot:

Let us know if what you think of the HT (and if you drink from the can or in a glass - I think it actually makes a difference for this beer.)

That's fantastic! Sounds like a good guy :woot:

Let us know if what you think of the HT (and if you drink from the can or in a glass - I think it actually makes a difference for this beer.)

The can says "drink from the can" around the top. I am thinking to try it both ways. Start with the can, some from a glass, and then go from there.

can anyone do me a favor and send me a can or 2 of heady topper? I'll prepay.

I've brewed tons of IPAs, including Pliny the Elder clones, but i never actually tried Piney, and still have tried heady toper. Ive tried blind pig, and the sam adams homebrew contest winner that was the clone of PTE, and the clones of PTE ive done have been my favorite beers to date so i really want to try it

I just had a pull from my second to last can of Heady - man those 10 days made a huge difference. The aroma is still fantastic, but it's not nearly as good as it was when it was 10 days fresher.

The Pliny was very good, but it's at 21 days old now and I don't think the bottle I have is a good representation of the beer. I suppose it's possible that it cold have seen some freezing conditions between SD and here. That said, the mouthfeel on this brew is amazing - the best I've ever had.

Heady Topper was boozy and the most enjoyable of the three.

Word on the street is that fresh Maine Beer Company's "Lunch" is on the shelves now. That's my next " must try".

can anyone do me a favor and send me a can or 2 of heady topper? I'll prepay.

I've brewed tons of IPAs, including Pliny the Elder clones, but i never actually tried Piney, and still have tried heady toper. Ive tried blind pig, and the sam adams homebrew contest winner that was the clone of PTE, and the clones of PTE ive done have been my favorite beers to date so i really want to try it

Your best bet is to post something on Beer Advocate...If you have access to some tradebait (Cigar City, Kern River, Lawson's, Three Floyds, Surly, etc) you'll probably find someone willing to do a trade.

You may also be able to find some HT on eBay (though most in the craft beer community frown on encouraging folks from purchasing there.)

If I was local to the brewery or places that sell HT I'd grab you some - unfortunately I had to call in a favor from someone going way upstate in VT to bring me back my 4 pack.

today was a great beer tasting day at work....
6oz of russian river consecration
6oz of stone IPA

then later it got even better...
3oz of vertical epic 06
3oz of vertical epic 07
3oz of vertical epic 08
3oz of vertical epic 09
3oz of vertical epic 10
3oz of vertical epic 11
2oz of Juxtoposition collab
3oz of more brown than black collab
2oz of cherry chocolate stout collab
2oz of scottish collab
2oz of 14th anni
2oz of 15th anni
2oz of 2012 Old Guardian...

i was feeling great after this!! my favorite from the list other than consecration was vertical epic 09. i loved it fresh and i love it now...14th anni and 15th anni i've never liked

Can any of you beer brothers get Surly Furious? I just did a homebrew clone and would like to have a couple cans to compare. I'd trade for some Texas brews...St Arnolds, Jester King, Regional Shiner stuff...whatever.

Can any of you beer brothers get Surly Furious? I just did a homebrew clone and would like to have a couple cans to compare. I'd trade for some Texas brews...St Arnolds, Jester King, Regional Shiner stuff...whatever.

That one and Abrasive are on my "must try" list too. :sadwalk:

I don't think I'm a fan of winter seasonals. I had the winter version of Blue Moon and Magic Hat Black this weekend and both are too hoppy for me. The spring version of Blue Moon was better. :nod:

Beo-

I can tell you to not waste the $$ on the Shiner spring this year. It is hella bad. It is a dortmunder, but there is very obviously some issues in manufacturing since it tastes very infected. I am taking mine back to HEB for refund. I even emailed Spoetzel about it. Little response other than send the date code. Kinda disappointed with them....

Beo-

I can tell you to not waste the $$ on the Shiner spring this year. It is hella bad. It is a dortmunder, but there is very obviously some issues in manufacturing since it tastes very infected. I am taking mine back to HEB for refund. I even emailed Spoetzel about it. Little response other than send the date code. Kinda disappointed with them....

At least you got some sort of response. I bought a few short's beers out of Michigan after trying them on tap and enjoying them. Rancid doesn't even begin to describe the nastiness in the bottles. I emailed them a few times as well as attempted to call. I am still waiting for a reply and they lost me as a customer.

I finally got my hands on a couple bottles of "Lunch" - I tried one that was bottled 6 days ago. The aroma is out of this world - unfortunately with the smell seemed to diminish significantly over time.

It's a really, really well done beer and totally something you could session. They nailed the carbonation/mouthfeel on this one.

I was lucky to get a couple. My new go-to place put in an order for five cases and were only allocated two. They were sold out in three hours. The place in the city that is supposed to be "the" place to go for new and highly sought after beers received none - I talked to the beer manager and he was pissed.

Beo-

I can tell you to not waste the $$ on the Shiner spring this year. It is hella bad. It is a dortmunder, but there is very obviously some issues in manufacturing since it tastes very infected. I am taking mine back to HEB for refund. I even emailed Spoetzel about it. Little response other than send the date code. Kinda disappointed with them....
That sux, but thanks for the heads up. Do you think that perhaps your store just got a bad batch of them? I'd be interested to see how Spoetzel follows up w/ you on this.

That sux, but thanks for the heads up. Do you think that perhaps your store just got a bad batch of them? I'd be interested to see how Spoetzel follows up w/ you on this.

No idea. It was really good last year. I doubt they'll followup. Hell, I thought at least they'd send me a sticker or offer to replace the sixer. Nada....

Did anyone get their hands on Goose Island Bourbon County Coffee Stout this year?

No idea. It was really good last year. I doubt they'll followup. Hell, I thought at least they'd send me a sticker or offer to replace the sixer. Nada....
That stinks. Well, I wouldn't mind trying the draft version of it at a bar (Shiner Spring Seasonal (S^3), that is).

I finally got my hands on a couple bottles of "Lunch" - I tried one that was bottled 6 days ago. The aroma is out of this world - unfortunately with the smell seemed to diminish significantly over time.

It's a really, really well done beer and totally something you could session. They nailed the carbonation/mouthfeel on this one.

I was lucky to get a couple. My new go-to place put in an order for five cases and were only allocated two. They were sold out in three hours. The place in the city that is supposed to be "the" place to go for new and highly sought after beers received none - I talked to the beer manager and he was pissed.

Glad you found some. I still have not been able to get my hands on it. I take back what I said about the MBC Peeper Ale earlier though. I think I was getting it confused with something else I tried recently, maybe the Sierra Nevada Harvest? :confused: Peeper is actually really pale in color, kind of looks like a cheap ginger ale. It has a very light floral taste, but not really a traditional hops flavor. Not a bad beer, but not that great either. Hard to describe the taste because it is very different then most beers.

Tried the Firestone Walker 15th Anniversary the other night. Not my normal style of beer, but I like to switch things up and try new brews. You never know what you might like until you give it a shot. This was a pricey brew at $10ish for a 10oz pour. It had good flavor up front, almost coconutty but the bourbon barrel finish was a little too much for me. I think I would have like it a lot more if it wasn't barrel aged.

Sox

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to mattman688 again. :P

Maybe I'll see some of you guys this weekend. Guess which volunteer I am & I'll buy you a beer. That should make for some awkward conversations. :wave:

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to mattman688 again. :P

Maybe I'll see some of you guys this weekend. Guess which volunteer I am & I'll buy you a beer. That should make for some awkward conversations. :wave:

Damn you for getting in (actually, good for you - have a great time!) I just saw that Hill Farmstead and Cigar City are going to both going to be there - those two alone are enough for me to be really jealous.

Glad you found some. I still have not been able to get my hands on it. I take back what I said about the MBC Peeper Ale earlier though. I think I was getting it confused with something else I tried recently, maybe the Sierra Nevada Harvest? :confused: Peeper is actually really pale in color, kind of looks like a cheap ginger ale. It has a very light floral taste, but not really a traditional hops flavor. Not a bad beer, but not that great either. Hard to describe the taste because it is very different then most beers.

Tried the Firestone Walker 15th Anniversary the other night. Not my normal style of beer, but I like to switch things up and try new brews. You never know what you might like until you give it a shot. This was a pricey brew at $10ish for a 10oz pour. It had good flavor up front, almost coconutty but the bourbon barrel finish was a little too much for me. I think I would have like it a lot more if it wasn't barrel aged.



I recently had Peeper too for the first time (it's been all over shelves here forever) - you're right about the color - mine actually poured a cloudy khaki color. I thought it was well crafted and interesting, but nothing that knocked my socks off. The malty aftertaste to it tasted a bit off to me, but in all fairness the beer I got was bottled a few months earlier - so that could have come into play. I really want to try their Mean Old Tom too.

I really want to try the 15th too, but the places up here are really gouging on the price and I can't justify spending that much on a beer that is an unknown quantity to me (especially the bourbon aspect (and don't want to encourage the bottle shops that are asking $28 a bottle for it)). The same goes for Rasputin XIV up here.

What part of MA are you in? If you are north of the city I'll be happy to give you a heads up of any hard-to-find stuff I come across in my travels (not that I find much of it, but you never know :whee:)

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to mattman688 again. :P

Maybe I'll see some of you guys this weekend. Guess which volunteer I am & I'll buy you a beer. That should make for some awkward conversations. :wave:

Am I correct in assuming you are talking about EBF this weekend? Not sure how you will "buy" a beer there since the samples are free. I just hope its not a repeat of the past few years when Founder's taps CBS and KBS and 75%+ of the crowd rushes over to their booth. Good to get other beers, not so good if you want KBS or CBS.

Am I correct in assuming you are talking about EBF this weekend? Not sure how you will "buy" a beer there since the samples are free. I just hope its not a repeat of the past few years when Founder's taps CBS and KBS and 75%+ of the crowd rushes over to their booth. Good to get other beers, not so good if you want KBS or CBS.

Pre, post, Sunday brunch. I think I've only met one person casually on SD, & we both didn't even realize it at the time. Ha!

It will be crowded, as every beer rep brings a full load of helpers, then there's event & venue staff, then there's security, then there's a bunch of big fluffy coats worn by fat men.

I personally don't even try the hyped stuff unless it's on early. The "we're tapping at 15min half past" thing just leads to stampedes & five less beers to try. So many good other good things to try.

Pre, post, Sunday brunch. I think I've only met one person casually on SD, & we both didn't even realize it at the time. Ha!

It will be crowded, as every beer rep brings a full load of helpers, then there's event & venue staff, then there's security, then there's a bunch of big fluffy coats worn by fat men.

I personally don't even try the hyped stuff unless it's on early. The "we're tapping at 15min half past" thing just leads to stampedes & five less beers to try. So many good other good things to try.


So what is your "must try" beer for the festival? I am still debating what mine is.

So what is your "must try" beer for the festival? I am still debating what mine is.

Spin the wheel, win a prize! (http://beeradvocate.com/ebf/graphic)

It's either going to be awesome or terrible:

Jackie-Os Baklava Braggot -- Braggot, 8% (Honey Ale w/ lemon zest, cinnamon & walnuts)

Jackie-Os Dark Apparition - Nuts -- Russian Imperial Stout, 10.5% (Brewed with hazelnut, almond, pecan, cashew, and coconut.)

Shmaltz Pastrami On Rye -- Herbed / Spiced Beer, 5% (Rye Pale Ale Spiced with Peppercorns & Mustard Seeds)

Everything else is gravy & very uncertain. More Cerise from Cambridge Brewing is a must. Probably the only beer I've had on the list more then once. Awesome beer that I just can't get enough of(hope the pub has some on tap Friday/Sunday).

Hey guys - what's your take on this...I recently had a very old (March 2011) can of Oskar Blues G'Knight.(I know, bad move not checking the date, especially with highly hopped beers.)

The smell was a malty, banana mess. The taste was also really malty and sticky.

I've come across this (boonanas) in a couple of other beers including another Oskar Blues (not fresh here) and a Lagunitas IPA of unknown age.

Is this what happens when IPAs are allowed to age (especially the banana smell / (esters?)) I was expecting more of a Barleywine of the older IPAs. :dontknow: I'm a noob. :)

Thanks!

I tried a fresh DFH 120 Minute last night - I have one cellared, but I wanted to try a fresh one just so I could compare. It wasn't nearly as overpoweringly hot as I expected (it's definitely a sipper, but not the "hop Everclear" I had heard about.)

I tried a fresh DFH 120 Minute last night - I have one cellared, but I wanted to try a fresh one just so I could compare. It wasn't nearly as overpoweringly hot as I expected (it's definitely a sipper, but not the "hop Everclear" I had heard about.)

I had 1/2 of a 2007 bottle last year. for the price, i'll pass and go for a fresh/drinkable ipa or iipa. i heard they were bottling 75 minute... i want to try that (they were out the last time i was at the brewpub).

Shiner Light Blonde is enjoyable.

Just cracked open a growler of Moat Mountains' Scottie's IPA. Nice use of citrusy hops - pretty tasty but a bit undercarbonated for the style. A very decent crack at a west coast style A-IPA.

I have a sixer of Holiday Leftovers and some Unibroue stuff in the fridge with my name on it too (to spread over the next week or so.) I need to buy a case of Leftovers before they are gone. Easily a top five beer for me.

I tried a fresh DFH 120 Minute last night - I have one cellared, but I wanted to try a fresh one just so I could compare. It wasn't nearly as overpoweringly hot as I expected (it's definitely a sipper, but not the "hop Everclear" I had heard about.)

I don't think I have ever heard of DFH 120 referred to as "hop Everclear", but reading that did make me laugh. It can certainly have a little "heat" to it when fresh, but it hides it very well compared to some other big beers I have had. I guess that's just one of the inherent risks of drinking high ABV beers.

On a random DFH note, a friend of mine is building a vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, DE. This means a lot more trips to the brewpub for me.

Finally found someone to send it to me. I traded some TX local beers...Shiner Wild Hare Pale, Ranger Creek OPA, Real Ale Sisyphus.


http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a142/hammondc/Public%20stuff/photo-2.jpg

I may check out a German restaurant during happy hour today, where supposedly they sell a liter of German beer for just $5! :eek:

Tried a new beer last night that I got from a friend. It came all the way from Wisconsin and is not normally available out on the east coast.

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/133/img20120216211329.jpg


New Glarus Brewing Spotted Cow Ale. I think it is supposed to be a Saison Style, but it did not say on the label. It was very light in color and taste. It was smooth and very drinkable, but the flavor was a little tangy. Seemed like a nice warm whether brew to enjoy outside. Would probably go really well with some fish or other seafood.


Sox

I may check out a German restaurant during happy hour today, where supposedly they sell a liter of German beer for just $5! :eek:

There's a place in New Braunfels that does it. Cannot recall which place. Not Gristmill.

Drank an interesting saison last night. Fantome Strange Ghost. Very tasty, mild tartness with a predominant aroma of cherries. If you can find it I think it is worth a try.

There's a place in New Braunfels that does it. Cannot recall which place. Not Gristmill.
Ahh, I'll have to check that out the next time I hit the Guadalupe, which will be sometime this summer. :nod:

The guy at my bottle shop in MA was doing tastings for Oskar Blues' "Deviant Dale" DIPA. I only got a small taste, but I'm really interested in checking out a full can of this when it hits our area - very, very citrusy and sweet (it could be overly sweet in quantity, but I'll definitely check it out.)

Also picked up some Uinta "Hop Notch" - not my favorite (thin/watery body, low carbonation and all the flavors were really understated). Kind of bummed on this one.

In happier news, he said that he recently heard from his distributor that Lagunitas was going to be offering a rebranded Sucks/Holiday Leftovers as a permanent offering after they get their new brewery on line. When fresh this is a top five beer for me, so this makes me very happy (if true).

the most wonderful time of the year...

http://aleheads.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/nugget-nectar.jpg

...was released.

Nice! Got to keep an eye out for the Nugget Nectar, I really like that stuff.

Drinking a Wormtown Be Hoppy right now. I am definitely enjoying it, one of the best local MA IPAs I have had in a while.

Sox

Drinking a Wormtown Be Hoppy right now. I am definitely enjoying it, one of the best local MA IPAs I have had in a while.



:iagree: I'm really happy that some of the local breweries are embracing the West Coast IPA / citrus hops. I love their bottle art too.

And I didn't think that Troegs was even available in MA...your post prompted me to check the brewery/state spreadsheet. Thanks!

the most wonderful time of the year...

http://aleheads.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/nugget-nectar.jpg

...was released.

It is amazing how fast this is flying off shelves this year. I am all for supporting craft beer, but it is getting impossible to pick stuff up anymore. A few years back I was able to get up to 6 bottles of KBS at one store. Then they started a list and it was sold off in order you got on the list. This year the same liquor store is taking all names on the list and doing a lotto.

It is amazing how fast this is flying off shelves this year. I am all for supporting craft beer, but it is getting impossible to pick stuff up anymore. A few years back I was able to get up to 6 bottles of KBS at one store. Then they started a list and it was sold off in order you got on the list. This year the same liquor store is taking all names on the list and doing a lotto.

same here. i will never camp out or even wait in a long line to get a beer. if i get it, i get it...

at the end of the day...no matter how good it is...it's just a beer.

Avery Maharaja - Not bad but a bit too sweet and full bodied for my liking. Hides the booze pretty well.

:secret: I broke the news to my wife that I purchased homebrewing equipment and will be going to buy an ingredient kit while she is getting her hair did. Minor bruises, but I don't think I require stitches. :)

Tried a new beer last night that I got from a friend. It came all the way from Wisconsin and is not normally available out on the east coast.

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/133/img20120216211329.jpg


New Glarus Brewing Spotted Cow Ale. I think it is supposed to be a Saison Style, but it did not say on the label. It was very light in color and taste. It was smooth and very drinkable, but the flavor was a little tangy. Seemed like a nice warm whether brew to enjoy outside. Would probably go really well with some fish or other seafood.


Sox

Yeah I live in WI and people here are crazy for it. I don't really know why. New Glarus makes a few different kinds but everyone wants Spotted Cow. When I go to MN people ask me to bring them some. I don't get it.

I drank a bit too much this weekend :beer:, but one new beer I had at a hole-in-the-wall bar I hadn't been to before is "Avalanche", which was pretty good. I'm not sure where it's from, but it sounds like a Colorado beer.

I drank a bit too much this weekend :beer:, but one new beer I had at a hole-in-the-wall bar I hadn't been to before is "Avalanche", which was pretty good. I'm not sure where it's from, but it sounds like a Colorado beer.


Yep. It's Breckenridge Brewing.

Yep. It's Breckenridge Brewing.
Thanks for confirming that. Good beer and I think the board listed it at 5.1% ABV. I took a pic of it and will post their chalkboard of beers and specs once I get around to offloading that pic from my phone.

Yeah I live in WI and people here are crazy for it. I don't really know why. New Glarus makes a few different kinds but everyone wants Spotted Cow. When I go to MN people ask me to bring them some. I don't get it.

I have had a bunch of New Glarus, including spotted cow, some of it is decent. I guess people just want what they can't have. Spotted Cow belongs in the same category as New Belgium Fat Tire. It is incredibly popular and over-hyped. I have always been disappointed when I had it.

Nugget Nectar arrived on Monday. My go-to MA place posted on FB "Three case maximum", then they posted "One case max." Then they posted "sorry, fresh out" - all within a couple of hours. :whee:

Another local place posted "Nugget Nectar is arriving Friday - for the love of god stop calling"

I'm OK waiting 'til next year if I'm going to get bloody just trying to buy a sixer.

Nugget Nectar arrived on Monday. My go-to MA place posted on FB "Three case maximum", then they posted "One case max." Then they posted "sorry, fresh out" - all within a couple of hours. :whee:

Another local place posted "Nugget Nectar is arriving Friday - for the love of god stop calling"

I'm OK waiting 'til next year if I'm going to get bloody just trying to buy a sixer.

A lot of liquor stores do that here in NJ too. Super popular beers with huge purchase limits so that 5 people get to buy and everyone else misses out. I would be happy with being able to purchase 1 bottle, 4 pack, or 6 pack (depending on beer/bottle size) of a lot of beers so that there is more to go around. The problem is too many people are greedy and liquor stores want to make the quick sale and blow out stock.

A lot of liquor stores do that here in NJ too. Super popular beers with huge purchase limits so that 5 people get to buy and everyone else misses out. I would be happy with being able to purchase 1 bottle, 4 pack, or 6 pack (depending on beer/bottle size) of a lot of beers so that there is more to go around. The problem is too many people are greedy and liquor stores want to make the quick sale and blow out stock.

I'm thinking that in this case the beer manager wasn't there and someone else was doing the FB updates. He usually has a finger on the pulse of what will be hot and does a good job of limiting quantities - like when "Lunch" came out a few weeks back he kept a 1 bottle limit (even though they were only 16 ouncers.)

Yeah - I hear you on the greed thing.

I'm thinking that in this case the beer manager wasn't there and someone else was doing the FB updates. He usually has a finger on the pulse of what will be hot and does a good job of limiting quantities - like when "Lunch" came out a few weeks back he kept a 1 bottle limit (even though they were only 16 ouncers.)

Yeah - I hear you on the greed thing.

I guess I am partially to blame. I got my greed going when Founder's CBS came out. I got my hands on 5 bottles through a bunch of different liquor stores and and a trip to Michigan from NJ. Although 3 bottles did make it to friends that couldn't get any.

As we all know, having the proper glassware is important with drinking quality beer. I was just curious, does anyone else here collect beer glasses? I started when I first turned 21, nearly 14 years ago , when my friend and I each purchased a Duvel gift set with a glass. Then it was trying to get a proper glass for a specific style of beer. Since then it has been a combination of purchasing, begging, gifts, or stealing to acquire glasses. Now I have at least 100-125 glasses in all sorts of random shapes, sizes, and breweries. Anyone else collect beer glasses like I do?

As we all know, having the proper glassware is important with drinking quality beer. I was just curious, does anyone else here collect beer glasses? I started when I first turned 21, nearly 14 years ago , when my friend and I each purchased a Duvel gift set with a glass. Then it was trying to get a proper glass for a specific style of beer. Since then it has been a combination of purchasing, begging, gifts, or stealing to acquire glasses. Now I have at least 100-125 glasses in all sorts of random shapes, sizes, and breweries. Anyone else collect beer glasses like I do?

I used to. I've recently gotten away from it (actually donated the last of mine to Goodwill last weekend.) Right now all I have left are a set of imperial pints, a footed something or other, a snifter and a Budvar pilsner glass.

Stone makes some good glassware, so if my MA store ever gets some in I'll pick some up (they do a deal where if you buy the beer, you get the glassware for the same brand for free.)

I used to. I've recently gotten away from it (actually donated the last of mine to Goodwill last weekend.) Right now all I have left are a set of imperial pints, a footed something or other, a snifter and a Budvar pilsner glass.

Stone makes some good glassware, so if my MA store ever gets some in I'll pick some up (they do a deal where if you buy the beer, you get the glassware for the same brand for free.)

That's a great deal, a free glass with the beer. Unfortunately, most liquor stores in NJ don't sell glassware. Those that do either have a horrible selection or try to charge some insane amount for it (I'm talking like $15 a glass).

I will say that if anyone here needs a goblet/chalice to drink out of the Rogue XS goblet is awesome. It is made from some crazy thick glass, so it has a nice weight to it, but you don't have to worry about breaking it (mine has been dropped). It might not be a nice or fancy as a lot of the Belgian goblets, but I don't worry about breaking this when using it.

Here is a link for anyone that wants to check it out http://rogue.com/store/products/Xs-Goblet-12-Oz-Set-Of-2.html

a local bar does a lot of "keep the glass" nights, so my collection has gotten a little out of control. and i really only use 6-8 different ones on a regular basis.

a local bar does a lot of "keep the glass" nights, so my collection has gotten a little out of control. and i really only use 6-8 different ones on a regular basis.
We have that too, but very rarely do you see anything super cool.

First attempt for me. I have low expectations, but the process is damn fun.

Edit: Removed picture - crazy big for some reason

First attempt for me. I have low expectations, but the process is damn fun.

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m305/chanle51/firstsuds.jpg

Good luck. Hopefully it comes out better than my first attempt a few years back.

Good luck. Hopefully it comes out better than my first attempt a few years back.

What happened to yours?

First attempt for me. I have low expectations, but the process is damn fun.

Edit: Removed picture - crazy big for some reason

looks good... what are you making?

What happened to yours?

I unfortunately don't remember the style, but it became over-carbonated and had a strange taste. I assume I didn't sterilize enough. It was nearly impossible to pour into a glass, no matter how small an amount, without it foaming over. It was almost as bad as mixing diet coke with mentos. Of course this didn't stop my friends and I from drinking it to maintain our buzz, but we were all in our early 20s still.

I unfortunately don't remember the style, but it became over-carbonated and had a strange taste. I assume I didn't sterilize enough. It was nearly impossible to pour into a glass, no matter how small an amount, without it foaming over. It was almost as bad as mixing diet coke with mentos. Of course this didn't stop my friends and I from drinking it to maintain our buzz, but we were all in our early 20s still.

I suspect similar dissapointment is in my future as well. I'll make sure not to go overboard on the priming sugar for sure! :)

looks good... what are you making?

The recipe is for a sweet stout. We'll see how it turns out ( I took a hydrometer reading the other day and it was sort of in the ballpark taste-wise, but it has a way to go) :) It's still in the primary.

I have very low expectations for batch #1. Still really fun for me. :whee:

I suspect similar dissapointment is in my future as well. I'll make sure not to go overboard on the priming sugar for sure! :)

I will admit that I strayed from the recipe the first time around. I knew that more sugar = more alcohol. Guess I was trying to make something on par with Brewdog's End of History (minus the rodent). Oh well, live and learn.

I will admit that I strayed from the recipe the first time around. I knew that more sugar = more alcohol. Guess I was trying to make something on par with Brewdog's End of History (minus the rodent). Oh well, live and learn.

I had thought about doing the same (adding some boozed up vanilla beans) but decided to not go off roading just yet. :)

Unrelated:

I picked up a sixer of Nugget Nectar yesterday (never had it before). It's good, but nothing I'd be selling my first born for.

The recipe is for a sweet stout. We'll see how it turns out ( I took a hydrometer reading the other day and it was sort of in the ballpark taste-wise, but it has a way to go) :) It's still in the primary.

I have very low expectations for batch #1. Still really fun for me. :whee:

your temps look good... keeping fermentation temps under control are critical. i just did a sweet stout myself and it turned out really well.

your temps look good... keeping fermentation temps under control are critical. i just did a sweet stout myself and it turned out really well.

The temps are the one thing I was stressing about. I'm getting to know my basement microclimate a lot better recently. :)

I suspect similar dissapointment is in my future as well. I'll make sure not to go overboard on the priming sugar for sure! :)

Measuring the priming sugar incorrectly in my first batch caused me to wake up in the middle of the night to bottles popping in the guest bathroom. It was a mess. I'm glad to never have to mess with bottle carbonating again. Force carbing in the keg is so much easier and safer.

Measuring the priming sugar incorrectly in my first batch caused me to wake up in the middle of the night to bottles popping in the guest bathroom. It was a mess. I'm glad to never have to mess with bottle carbonating again. Force carbing in the keg is so much easier and safer.
I am keggin my next batch.

Was out in Vegas for a few days. A few things have changed since the last time I was out there. Good to see craft beer showing up in a lot more places, but like everything on the strip it was crazy overpriced unless you hit it up for happy hour. One of the best beer selections on the strip was surprisingly Walgreens. Around here you can't get booze at Walgreens, so I was impressed by the selection of beers that they had.

There is relatively new brewery in town, Tenaya Creek. I did not make it out to the actual brewery, but I did try their Hop Ride IPA which was very solid. The Triple 7 brewpub and the Ellis Island brewpub were still respectable and a great value at $2.00-$2.50 for a 24oz draft.

Stopped by the Yardhouse while I was there and had a Stone Sublimely Self Righteous for the first time. Some Black IPAs I like a lot and some I don't, but as usual Stone is putting out a good product. I really enjoyed it.

Sox

Was out in Vegas for a few days. A few things have changed since the last time I was out there. Good to see craft beer showing up in a lot more places, but like everything on the strip it was crazy overpriced unless you hit it up for happy hour. One of the best beer selections on the strip was surprisingly Walgreens. Around here you can't get booze at Walgreens, so I was impressed by the selection of beers that they had.


Wow - yeah WG beers around here are pretty much only canned blue, red and silver stuff. That's pretty cool.

I just tried DFH - Aprihop (interesting and admirable, but I wouldn't buy it again) and Alesmith X (a big dissappointment - I had high hopes given the brewery.) Salvaged up the night with a bottle of Double Trouble.

In other news, the paint doesn't seem to come off of Alesmith bottles. :sadwalk:

Wow - yeah WG beers around here are pretty much only canned blue, red and silver stuff. That's pretty cool.

I just tried DFH - Aprihop (interesting and admirable, but I wouldn't buy it again) and Alesmith X (a big dissappointment - I had high hopes given the brewery.) Salvaged up the night with a bottle of Double Trouble.

In other news, the paint doesn't seem to come off of Alesmith bottles. :sadwalk:

Aprihop is probably one of the better apricot beers out there. Way better than Magic Hat #9 and Ithaca Apricot Wheat, which are probably the 3 most common apricot flavored beers around by me. I have of course pretty much stopped drinking apricot beers, unless its the only option at the bar that isn't bud or coors.

I have never had Alesmith X, but love a lot of their big beers. At one point I had between 18-24 bottles of Speedway stout in my cellar. I also have a few bottles of the Old Numbskull, Wee Heavy, YuleSmith (winter and summer), Grand Cru, Horny Devil, and Decadence. All which are worth trying.

Its good the paint doesn't come off the Alesmith bottles. The worst brewery ever was Southern Tier before they switched to stickers. I got tattooed with letters from the bottles more than once.

Its good the paint doesn't come off the Alesmith bottles. The worst brewery ever was Southern Tier before they switched to stickers. I got tattooed with letters from the bottles more than once.

:lol:

:lol:
It was pretty funny when it happened since I was drunk. I looked at my hand and had all these white specks and random letters stuck to my it. I think it was either a bottle of Gemini or Jah-va, but I don't recall. Although there are still marks on the Duvel glass I was using at the time.

Irish beers for SPD (http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2012/03/12/55-irish-beers-for-st-patricks-day/)

1. The Porterhouse Brewing Co.
2. O’Hara’s
3. Brooklyn Brewery
4. Left Hand Brewery
5. Sly Fox Brewery

Saw some Short's Brewing beers for the first time at the liquor store this week. I think they must be pretty new around this way. Drinking some Pandemonium Pale Ale right now. It is OK, a little too sweet though maybe from the malt :dontknow: .

Sox

75 Minute – it didn’t stand out as anything all that special (great head retention though, like most DFH stuff.)

Double Crooked Tree IPA – This was a really pleasant surprise. I knew nothing about it before trying one…it’s definitely on the abrasive side and I guessed it was a 9 or 10% beer – it turned out to be 13.6%. The booze is definitely there, but they did an amazing job at making a big IPA like that so drinkable.

75 Minute – it didn’t stand out as anything all that special (great head retention though, like most DFH stuff.)

Double Crooked Tree IPA – This was a really pleasant surprise. I knew nothing about it before trying one…it’s definitely on the abrasive side and I guessed it was a 9 or 10% beer – it turned out to be 13.6%. The booze is definitely there, but they did an amazing job at making a big IPA like that so drinkable.

still need to get 75 min. is it only the 750ml bottles or are they doing 12oz?

i'll look out for double crooked tree...i've only had crooked tree, but i remember liking it.

still need to get 75 min. is it only the 750ml bottles or are they doing 12oz?

i'll look out for double crooked tree...i've only had crooked tree, but i remember liking it.

Big bottles only, I think - I was expecting 12 oz. Cool label art. My local place sold out within two hours (even with a "one bottle per" limit)

Big bottles only, I think - I was expecting 12 oz. Cool label art. My local place sold out within two hours (even with a "one bottle per" limit)

DFH 75 MIN IPA is supposed to be hitting stores in NJ on Monday. Supposedly the same day that KBS hits. I am not looking forward to this cluster f*** of trying to get a bottle.
Also, I included a pic of just a small portion of my beer glass collection, I apologize in advance for the blurry pic.

DFH 75 MIN IPA is supposed to be hitting stores in NJ on Monday. Supposedly the same day that KBS hits. I am not looking forward to this cluster f*** of trying to get a bottle.
Also, I included a pic of just a small portion of my beer glass collection, I apologize in advance for the blurry pic.

Jeebus man - that's a ton of glassware!

One of the stores in South Boston got their KBS today but is not selling it until Monday b/c of the St. Pat's craziness. If a bottle of KBS hits me on the head I'll pick it up and drink it, but I'm not going to go out of my way for it.

No green beer yesterday, other than a bottle that was green. SPD was fun in Greenville Ave., Dallas. :cool:

Afterward, I went to a pub where they had "keep the glass" promo for drinking Guinness, so I finally have a Guinness pint glass now. :cool:

I am just curious, does it make me a d-bag to send back a beer at a bar? I was at a bar with friends the other day and ordered a Belgian Abbey Triple style beer. I even paid the extra $2 premium for this beer. What was brought to me though was an IPA. I sent it back more than once as I was just not in the mood for an IPA. After the 4th time sending it back they decided to check the beer and realized that the tap line was hooked up to the wrong keg. Should I have just accepted the IPA and drank it or was I right in sending it back?

I am just curious, does it make me a d-bag to send back a beer at a bar? I was at a bar with friends the other day and ordered a Belgian Abbey Triple style beer. I even paid the extra $2 premium for this beer. What was brought to me though was an IPA. I sent it back more than once as I was just not in the mood for an IPA. After the 4th time sending it back they decided to check the beer and realized that the tap line was hooked up to the wrong keg. Should I have just accepted the IPA and drank it or was I right in sending it back?
totally right

I am just curious, does it make me a d-bag to send back a beer at a bar? I was at a bar with friends the other day and ordered a Belgian Abbey Triple style beer. I even paid the extra $2 premium for this beer. What was brought to me though was an IPA. I sent it back more than once as I was just not in the mood for an IPA. After the 4th time sending it back they decided to check the beer and realized that the tap line was hooked up to the wrong keg. Should I have just accepted the IPA and drank it or was I right in sending it back?

Yeah, especially for a spendy beer like that you were totally right.

I tried Gandhi Bot for the first time - really, really good. It smelled almost like Heady Topper and had the dry finish of Pliny.

saw 75 minute at a local quick 6. they wanted $14 a bottle...screw that. i don't know how they sell any of their craft beer. they have a nice selection but everything is overpriced.

i have a friend going to the dfh brewpub next week...i'll have hime pick some up.

saw 75 minute at a local quick 6. they wanted $14 a bottle...screw that. i don't know how they sell any of their craft beer. they have a nice selection but everything is overpriced.

i have a friend going to the dfh brewpub next week...i'll have hime pick some up.
Wow, thats crazy overpriced. I bought a bottle today, but I paid only $7.99. Also picked up 2 bottles of KBS and a bottle of Firestone Walker Sucuba.

It is truly amazing how much some liquor stores try to rip people off. For example, I have seen KBS ranging from $6 to $10 a bottle this year. Luckily today it was only $6 a bottle. Sadly though, people will really want the new, hot beer and pay those prices when they can't get it anywhere else.

Wow, thats crazy overpriced. I bought a bottle today, but I paid only $7.99. Also picked up 2 bottles of KBS and a bottle of Firestone Walker Sucuba.

It is truly amazing how much some liquor stores try to rip people off. For example, I have seen KBS ranging from $6 to $10 a bottle this year. Luckily today it was only $6 a bottle. Sadly though, people will really want the new, hot beer and pay those prices when they can't get it anywhere else.

$7.99 for a 750 of 75 minute (or are they bottling them in 12oz bottles too?)

$7.99 for a 750 of 75 minute (or are they bottling them in 12oz bottles too?)

Nope, was the 750. This store has pretty good prices and the beer guy is a certified Cicerone, so he actually knows his stuff.

Wow - the 75 minute places around here I that I visited were getting $15 for a 750ml (and it sold out in a matter of hours).

Wow - the 75 minute places around here I that I visited were getting $15 for a 750ml (and it sold out in a matter of hours).

It's a great beer, but $15 is just too much.

So DFH is making a 75-minute IPA now? They've always had it at their restaurants and brew pub, but my understanding was that it was a 1/2 and 1/2 mixture of 90 minute and 60 minute. It was alway my favorite at their restaurants.

Yes, they have officially bottled the 75 minute and now it is available in 750ml bottles. It is pretty expensive up this way though. Probably cheaper to make your own from some 60 and 90 minute.


Had a new brew over the weekend, the Ovila Saison from Sierra Nevada. Got it as a gift from a friend and it had been sitting in the fridge for a while. Did not realize it was from Seirra Nevada until I looked closely at the label. It was a corked bomber bottle with the wire cage thing on top like a bottle of champagne. It was very tasty and almost exactly what I expected it to be. Light and refreshing, but also a little spicy. Not my normal choice of styles, but a nice change of pace.

Sox

So DFH is making a 75-minute IPA now? They've always had it at their restaurants and brew pub, but my understanding was that it was a 1/2 and 1/2 mixture of 90 minute and 60 minute. It was alway my favorite at their restaurants.

Don't forget the maple syrup! :whee:

Don't forget the maple syrup! :whee:
You beat me to it. I was gonna say that, but ran out this afternoon and completely forgot to hit submit reply.

Wow, I keep killing this thread. Went to a Weyerbacher event last night and won a bottle of double simcoe.

Wow, I keep killing this thread. Went to a Weyerbacher event last night and won a bottle of double simcoe.

Nice! Good pickup.

I just tried The Alchemists' "Celia" saison (first time in a bottle, I think.) Everything about it seemed off (the head dissappeared immediately in clean glassware, off tastes, even for a farmhouse beer....and then I read the label. It was made with sorghum and orange rinds.

Given the ingredients it was pretty good, but compared to a traditional saison it was really unimpressive.

Nice! Good pickup.

I just tried The Alchemists' "Celia" saison (first time in a bottle, I think.) Everything about it seemed off (the head dissappeared immediately in clean glassware, off tastes, even for a farmhouse beer....and then I read the label. It was made with sorghum and orange rinds.

Given the ingredients it was pretty good, but compared to a traditional saison it was really unimpressive.

Would have preferred to win a new ipod touch, since mine isn't holding a charge anymore, but free beer is still great. BTW, I thought the Alchemists were only making heady topper? Of course I haven't been to their website in over a month. The fact that they are using sorghum sounds like a gluten free beer and I have yet to try a great tasting gluten free brew. The last gluten free beer I tried was DFH Tweason'ale, which I would suggest avoiding unless you really need gluten free.

Would have preferred to win a new ipod touch, since mine isn't holding a charge anymore, but free beer is still great. BTW, I thought the Alchemists were only making heady topper? Of course I haven't been to their website in over a month. The fact that they are using sorghum sounds like a gluten free beer and I have yet to try a great tasting gluten free brew. The last gluten free beer I tried was DFH Tweason'ale, which I would suggest avoiding unless you really need gluten free.

I had thought so too (Heady only since the flood took out their old brewery). You're right - it is gluten free. At first I was surprised that it poured with an almost 1" head. Then I turned around for 30 seconds and looked again and it was gone, no lacing at all.

I still want to try that Guinness made with sorghum, but I think I have to fly to central Africa to get it. :)

I downed a few Franziskaner (sp) Heffe beers on draft last night. Great deal at $3 ea. during happy hour. :cool: That is becoming one of my fav. beers when I go to that bar. :beer:

Had the Deviant Dales from Oskar Blues . I cannot describe how underwhelmed I am. ESPECIALLY for $14 a fourpack of cans (16oz cans). Tastes damn near exactly like Big Swell IPA from Maui Brewing. I am actually kinda pissed about this one. Skip it.

Had the Deviant Dales from Oskar Blues . I cannot describe how underwhelmed I am. ESPECIALLY for $14 a fourpack of cans (16oz cans). Tastes damn near exactly like Big Swell IPA from Maui Brewing. I am actually kinda pissed about this one. Skip it.

I had a sample from a distro can a few months back and it didn't knock my socks off either. It was a small pour but I remember it being really sweet and dry and the taste didn't live up to the smell. I'll give it a shot once it hits my local bottle shop, but this one is on the list with Resin as a "buy a can just to be sure" beers.

I had a sample from a distro can a few months back and it didn't knock my socks off either. It was a small pour but I remember it being really sweet and dry and the taste didn't live up to the smell. I'll give it a shot once it hits my local bottle shop, but this one is on the list with Resin as a "buy a can just to be sure" beers.

Buy just one can. Really....I am still pissed off about this one. I am considering taking it back to the store and telling them it was flat and I want my $$ back.

Just curious, when Westvleteren 12 comes to the US in the near future is anyone planning on buying the gift set? It will be pricey, between $80-100 a set, but will still be hard to get. At the same time, would anyone here consider splitting the gift set? if so, please feel free to message me.

Just curious, when Westvleteren 12 comes to the US in the near future is anyone planning on buying the gift set? It will be pricey, between $80-100 a set, but will still be hard to get. At the same time, would anyone here consider splitting the gift set? if so, please feel free to message me.

I'll probably buy it if it every really happens.