craft beer

[ross]

just wondering if any of you guys and gals have a taste for craft beer? seems that trying all sorts of chiles is similar to trying all sorts of beer (for me at least). also, by craft beer i am referring to anything that isnt budweiser, miller, coors, and sam adams.

beer is my favorite complement to hot food usually. a nice india pale or double india pale is fantastic with hot foods!:onfire:

[darthcarl]

800 beers logged. I really only remember about the top 5 and bottom 10.

[DEFCON Creator]

I wasn't aware Kraft made beer, oh Craft, my bad. I had visions of Mac & Cheese Lager...

[Sickmont]

Oh yeah...I try to avoid the obvious beers as much as financially possible...

[imaguitargod]

I am a huge brew fan. I just finished up (and by just I mean 6 months ago) a brewery tour of Los Angeles.

[ross]

800 beers logged. I really only remember about the top 5 and bottom 10.

hehe, im at that point too. ive had more than a thousand, and only a few stand out to me. ive started to dabble a bit into homebrew, its pretty fun and interesting thus far, but it can be a complete train wreck if you arent careful about sanitation.

[chuk hell]

Love 'em.

Dog Fish Head Brewery is my current obsession but I also love stuff from Flying Dog, Great Divide, St. Arnold, Avery, Left Hand and Anchor....and others. So many great American beers these days. They make some good erns in Belgium too...heh heh...

I've been thinking of starting a sticky thread for beer reviews.

[Sickmont]

two words....."Delirium Tremens"

If you dig Belgian beer....you gotta try this stuff!

Oh, yeah, i forgot one: "St. Bernardus Abt 12"

This stuff's even better than the Delirium!

[imaguitargod]

two words....."Delirium Tremens"
I have yet to try it, but with a name like that, you know the beer is good.

[marcosauces]

I have yet to try it, but with a name like that, you know the beer is good.

haha..i would be a little scared to try a beer with that kinda of name...hmmm...well...not true... i had the "horney devil" once.. :)

[ross]

two words....."Delirium Tremens"

If you dig Belgian beer....you gotta try this stuff!

Oh, yeah, i forgot one: "St. Bernardus Abt 12"

This stuff's even better than the Delirium!


if you like tremens (belgian strong ale) try out a rochefort 8. its a bit more expensive (roughly 4.99 an 11.2 oz bottle) but its very nice. or, (since you mention st b.) try the prior 8, its really nice as well, and at about 8 dollars for a 750ml its a good buy.

as for the abt 12, thats a fantastic beer too. ive yet to try the special edition 12, but i have a few in my cellar that should be fair game in the coming weeks. try a rochefort 10 (~5.99 per 11.2 oz) its great as well.

st bernardus is brewed with the same water as the famed westvleteren beer, and they actually contract brewed for westvleteren a while ago. the only difference in the two beers (i am told) is the yeast strain they use. having had both of them, i can tell you there is not much difference. its about similar to comparing apples to oranges. rochefort on the other hand is pretty nice, and is more commonly avaliable than the other previously mentioned beers.

i love the belgian beers, but i have since moved away from them and started to become more of an american beer fan, but sometimes there is nothing better than a big corked beer from belgium.

duvel, cinq cents (chimay white), st bernardus tripel, and some other belgian strong golden / tripel ales go very well with the spicy hot foods that i am sure so many of you prefer (otherwise whats the point in reading these forums :onfire: )

[ross]

haha..i would be a little scared to try a beer with that kinda of name...hmmm...well...not true... i had the "horney devil" once.. :)

horny devil is produced by alesmith. they make pretty good very big beers (most are over 10%). they make a fantastic stout (speedway), a really good barley wine (old numbskull), yet another fantastic scotch style ale (wee heavy) but those do not really compliment spicy foods, but more dessert type foods.

however, the horny devil is loaded with alot of spices and should pair very well with some spicier foods. if given the choice of alesmiths to drink with some very hot stuff i would suggest the IPA, its fantastic. the spicy flavors of the hops pair very nicely with spicy dishes, and sometimes even help to tame some of the heat from the peppers.:mouthonfire:

[ross]

Love 'em.

Dog Fish Head Brewery is my current obsession but I also love stuff from Flying Dog, Great Divide, St. Arnold, Avery, Left Hand and Anchor....and others. So many great American beers these days. They make some good erns in Belgium too...heh heh...

I've been thinking of starting a sticky thread for beer reviews.


my kinda guy. love the DFH line, especially the world wide stout and the 90 minute. great divide hercules is just an amazing double IPA, and avery makes a good amount of beers that are all very nice.

yet to try any st arnold, but i do have a bottle of their reserve #1 and #2 in my cellar, have you had those?

most of the beer that is made in texas that is good (st arnold, north by northwest, etc) is not sold in NC. all we get here is shiner, and yeah, thats not too special.

[Cap'n Bones]

Currently I'm in the Duvel groove. You're correct ross in stating that this beer is good with spicy foods. Expensive though, $14.00 for a 4pk. It's $5.00 a bottle at mello mushroom.

[chuk hell]

Ross,

I have the St. Arnold's Reserve #2 and it's mighty fine. It's kind of a cross between a Belgian style and something more American like DFH 90 minute. I think you'll enjoy it.

I'm jealous about the Worldwide Stout as I can't get it in Texas.

I just tried DFH's pumpkin flavored beer "Punkin" Ale and I like it quite a bit. It's the first pumpkin-flavored beer that I like ( I've had Buffalo Bills ans Shipyard's). It's good because the pumpkin flavor is very understated.

I too went through a huge Belgian phase a few years ago ( Delirium Tremens, Quak, Triple Karmelit, Leffe and others) but I haven't tried St. Bernardus Abt or rochefort although they are on my list.

Yes. It's American "Big" beers that turn me on these days. Usually ones with "Imperial" in the title. I think Avery's CZAR is a real good Imperial Stout ( although 2004 batch was better at 13.5 abv...it's now like 11.5) as is Great Divide's Yeti and yes I dig the Hercules as well. Man, Colorado is like craft beer heaven. I picked up some of Flying Dog's Gonzo Imperial Porter when I was in Denver last summer but it's another one I can't get in Texas which pisses me off to no end. Not only is it dedicated to the memory of Hunter Thompson, it's a really awesome beer. Although malty as hell the hop aroma reminds me of the aspen smell of the Rocky Mountains which is where I was when I first sampled it.

Cheers!

[Hillbilly Chili]

You mean like beer, other than Bud?? Never heard of it. What the heck you gonna do when you go to a booby bar??
"pardon me, might I have Queens ale ohe and if possible garnish it with a dollop of Grey Poupon'"
To heck with that man, I like Budweiser, cheep yella mustard and big boobies!! whooohooo
Oh and #1
Did I say that out loud?;)

[chuk hell]

Well! .....when in Rome.......my beer of choice in dive bars is PBR...and I'm more of a leg man.;)



Budweiser is beer for people who don't like beer. It's all that rice they use in it. Tastes way too watery to me...although it's fans...and I've drunk lakes of it in the past...call that taste "clean".

[imaguitargod]

Well! .....when in Rome.......my beer of choice in dive bars is PBR...and I'm more of a leg man.;)
Let me tell you a little bit of what people in California think of PBR...6 parks are sold at the 99 cents stores.


Budweiser is beer for people who don't like beer.
Budweiser is beer for people who like peeing alot. That shit goes right through ya.

[chuk hell]

Yeah, but I'm talking about being in a bar where the only choices are Bud, Coors Light and PBR. I'll take the PBR over those. Or if I'm lucky, a Mickey's Bigmouth!

Or better yet...when I'm in my home state, a Lone Star or a Pearl.

Hell, I wasn't always a beer snob.

There's even times when I enjoy a Bud. Like when it's 100+ degrees outside and you need a thirst-quencher...and there's no other beer around...in that case I'll have a budweiser, thank you very much.....what? ..."that will be five dollars"........:banghead:

[imaguitargod]

Five dollars, lol....it's funny because its true!

[ross]

You mean like beer, other than Bud?? Never heard of it. What the heck you gonna do when you go to a booby bar??
"pardon me, might I have Queens ale ohe and if possible garnish it with a dollop of Grey Poupon'"
To heck with that man, I like Budweiser, cheep yella mustard and big boobies!! whooohooo
Oh and #1
Did I say that out loud?;)

haha. the only thing bud is good for is mowing the yard, and even then high life is better.

at a 'booby bar' order some kind of scotch.

you live in colorado, and you limit yourself to bud, thats awesome. :rolleyes:

[SBLANE]

Heineken... Nothing super fancy just enjoy the taste, remember I wear a helmet.

[ross]

Ross,

I have the St. Arnold's Reserve #2 and it's mighty fine. It's kind of a cross between a Belgian style and something more American like DFH 90 minute. I think you'll enjoy it.

I'm jealous about the Worldwide Stout as I can't get it in Texas.

I just tried DFH's pumpkin flavored beer "Punkin" Ale and I like it quite a bit. It's the first pumpkin-flavored beer that I like ( I've had Buffalo Bills ans Shipyard's). It's good because the pumpkin flavor is very understated.

I too went through a huge Belgian phase a few years ago ( Delirium Tremens, Quak, Triple Karmelit, Leffe and others) but I haven't tried St. Bernardus Abt or rochefort although they are on my list.

Yes. It's American "Big" beers that turn me on these days. Usually ones with "Imperial" in the title. I think Avery's CZAR is a real good Imperial Stout ( although 2004 batch was better at 13.5 abv...it's now like 11.5) as is Great Divide's Yeti and yes I dig the Hercules as well. Man, Colorado is like craft beer heaven. I picked up some of Flying Dog's Gonzo Imperial Porter when I was in Denver last summer but it's another one I can't get in Texas which pisses me off to no end. Not only is it dedicated to the memory of Hunter Thompson, it's a really awesome beer. Although malty as hell the hop aroma reminds me of the aspen smell of the Rocky Mountains which is where I was when I first sampled it.

Cheers!

awesome, cant wait to sample the #2.

yeah, imperial stouts are my favorite beer, period. but since my intention was to suggest beers that go great with hot stuff, didnt wanna bring them into the picture, but since you offered first! - theres nothin better than a dark ass beer like that. avery czar is really good stuff. i did have a bottle a few years ago when the ABV was alot higher, but theres a point where too much ABV is pretty bad - see avery the beast 2004 (18.x%). that was a drain pour, even though i paid what, 12 dollars for a bomber of it? ridiculous!

world wide stout, though it is 18.x% usually, is no where near as harsh as the beast. did you try avery's mephistopheles (sp?) stout? it was 15.1%, and it was killer. if you can do it right, then that is what counts. for me, once a beer is harsher than a glass of cragganmore, im not enjoying it.

also, it seems to be the newest pissing contest to make beers incredibly bitter (i love bitter beers, but some are pathetic). i dont like this trend, but there is really nothing i can do about it, other than not buy it.

have you sampled anything from michigan? i know you can buy bells beers in kansas , but thats quite a ways away from texas, correct? because in kansas you have to go right near missouri to buy them.

speaking of imperials and kansas, have you gone to free state brewing? they supposedly make a wicked imperial stout, called oud macks (i think?). its draft only, and sold out there only. so, ive never tried it.

you may or may not know, but just recently NC lifted its abv cap. we used to be at 6%, and now its been lifted to 15%. we have some nice breweries that are starting to produce some pretty good dark strong beers. the duck rabbit comes to mind, they make an awesome imperial stout and an imperial porter.

i could talk about beer for hours, sorry if i seem rambling in my posts on it :flamethrower:

also, this board has the best emoticons ive ever seen.

[ross]

Heineken... Nothing super fancy just enjoy the taste, remember I wear a helmet.

ive been known to drink alot of this and wake up in odd places. havent had it in a while, but its about my pale lager of choice if i cant find something else.

[chuk hell]

I agree about the Beast although I didn't pour it out. ;)

I missed Mephisto but I have had Avery's Samaeul...I guess the 3rd in their "demon" series. It's a bit too sweet for my tastes but is OK in a port wine desert sort of way....but at 7 bucks a bottle I doubt I'll revisit it.

What I will pay 7 or 8 bucks a bottle for is DFH's 120 minute IPA which is a whopping 20% ABV yet the dry hops overcomes the potentially cloying sweetness. Nice stuff for special times.

Super bitter beers? Do you mean like Arogant Bastard...super hoppy? I don't care for AG but I tell you that DFH 60 minute is a great drinking beer. I guess it's all in the execution.

Haven't had any Michigan beers that I'm aware of and never make it to Kansas.That's quite a hike from here in Austin but if I ever find myself in Lawrence I'll check Out Free State. We have some decent brewpubs here that have produced some pretty good local brews but none I can recall right now. You know, the usual wood-aged barley wines and variations on Belgian clones and lambics. I had an un-flavored lambic once and found it very sour and almost undrinkable, the brewer was a little hit or miss though.

I have a friend who is a sometime homebrewer but he hasn't been active in a while. too bad. I enjoyed being his taster!

I also have a second fridge "beer vault" out in my studio so I age a few brews like DFH 120, 90, North Coast's OLD STOCK ( got a couple 2002s!) and Bigfoot Barleywines. I also have a DFH Imort Ale I picked up in Colorado and a couple of those precious Gonzo Imperial Porters left.

BTW, have you tried DFH's Midas Touch? It's amazingly complex, made with muscat grapes and saffron. Damn amazing beer. Almost like a really good chardonay.

[ross]

ive yet to try the avery samaels but i hear that it is really sweet. i have a bottle here but ive yet to drink it. tomorrow ill take some pictures of my "collection" and post it for you.

ive had midas touch, but i am not that big of a fan of it, it was a little too sweet, and you do mention the chardonay aspect of it - i do not like white wine much at all, only red for me,

the super bitter beer comment was geared towards these brewers making 1 hop variety beers and just pouring them into them and it comes out smelling and tasting like a bitter ass grapefruit. dont know if you have ever had weyerbacher double simcoe, but it was so bitter it was just ungodly. i love me some bitter beers, pour me up a double IPA and ill go to town! but i have my limits, and when you substitue flavor for adding another 12 pounds of hops, youve lost me there.

arrogant bastard isnt all that bitter at all, its rather tame compared to some of the double IPAs i have consumed recently. double bastard is pretty brutal though, haha.

did you ever drink any 120 min back when they had it in the corked bottles? i hear that was some really good stuff back then. ive drank the 120 before, and if given the choice between that and the WWS, the stout will win every time. though i have never kept a bottle of 120 for more than about 6 months, ive been tempted to grab one whenever i go to virginia and just throw it in my cooler for about 10 years and see what happens. i felt the beer was a little too sweet for my personal tastes.

lambics, ah yes, spontaneous fermination - its a wonderful thing, but they are certainly ales that you have to get accustomed to, given the biting sour flavor that they produce. who brewed the unblended lambic you speak of? most brewers of unblended lambics know what they are doing (if they are from belgium). this (lambic) has started to become one of my more appreciatied styles, but nothing can top my love of the dark beer. on a positive note, lambics will age longer than just about every beer.

austin huh, i have heard there are some nice local pubs out there. i would love to see more beer getting shipped out of texas other than shiner.

no michigan beers? man, you dont know what youre missing. they arent distributed much outside of michigan, some over into ohio and illinois, but thats about it. i have several friends that ship me beer from michigan when im running low. bells brewery is fantastic, so is jolly pumpkin (they make french style biere de gardes (which also are phenomenal with hot food!!)) and founders brewery which just makes some very nice stouts. if you ever get a chance to get a hold of anything from bells make sure you give it a while. Expedition stout is the best beer they make, but all of their beers are good. Hell, even their lager is very nice, but it doesnt get the high marks that the stout and their more complex ales recieve.

going to bed, checking the post in the morning

nice talking with all of you guys today,

cheers

ross:onfire:

[ross]

Currently I'm in the Duvel groove. You're correct ross in stating that this beer is good with spicy foods. Expensive though, $14.00 for a 4pk. It's $5.00 a bottle at mello mushroom.

very nice! yeah craft beer does come with a bit of a price tag. try some ommegang hennepin instead. its about 7.99 a 4 pack (i think) and its a belgian golden (saison) but not a strong ale like duvel. its better on the wallet, and i actually like it more. just couldnt think of any other golden beer examples at the time.

actually, i believe duvel brewed by moorgat owns ommegang (located in cooperstown). or vise versa.

i know you can buy hennepin on the coast.

how far are you from kill devil hills? i know nothing about the coast of NC. if you arent far, see if you could make a trip here: http://www.chipswinemarket.com/

i hear that guy that runs it knows his beer as well as has a very nice stock. cheers!

[Sickmont]

What I will pay 7 or 8 bucks a bottle for is DFH's 120 minute IPA which is a whopping 20% ABV yet the dry hops overcomes the potentially cloying sweetness. Nice stuff for special times.



It's been in my experience that anything over 12 or so percent is usually terrible tasting stuff.
I'll have to give that stuff a try if i can find it.

[Sickmont]

if you like tremens (belgian strong ale) try out a rochefort 8. its a bit more expensive (roughly 4.99 an 11.2 oz bottle) but its very nice. or, (since you mention st b.) try the prior 8, its really nice as well, and at about 8 dollars for a 750ml its a good buy.



Hey Ross, i've tried that and the Rochefort 10...Exceptional beers, indeed!

And as for pricey, well, i'll pony up for some decent stuff anytime, just not at my shop. At my custom shop, we usually keep just Miller Low Life or Natural Light(piss water) 12 packs around to use while working on cars because we found out that drinking the good, stronger stuff and using serious metal working tools is a bad, bad combination. Real good way to start losing appendages and digits big time!

[marcosauces]

two words....."Delirium Tremens"

If you dig Belgian beer....you gotta try this stuff!

Oh, yeah, i forgot one: "St. Bernardus Abt 12"

This stuff's even better than the Delirium!

Golden Monkey is also very good..!!! i'm hooked to this one...expensive though..

[staffing]

I like beer. I just do. While I prefer microbrews, during the week I drink Mich Ultra (I have to keep my weight down, and it's either Ultra or no beer....sometimes you have to make sacrifices)

When I travel, I always ask for the local micro, and most towns have one. Even here in E. TN, we have a local brewery in Jonesborough that makes a Scottish Ale. Good stuff.

My point? I like beer.

BTW, if you're ever in Aruba, Balashi is about the best Pilsner you'll ever have.

[Sickmont]

I have yet to try it, but with a name like that, you know the beer is good.

They also make on called "Delirium Nocturnum"....it's an excellent strong dark.

[ross]

I like beer. I just do. While I prefer microbrews, during the week I drink Mich Ultra (I have to keep my weight down, and it's either Ultra or no beer....sometimes you have to make sacrifices)

When I travel, I always ask for the local micro, and most towns have one. Even here in E. TN, we have a local brewery in Jonesborough that makes a Scottish Ale. Good stuff.

My point? I like beer.

BTW, if you're ever in Aruba, Balashi is about the best Pilsner you'll ever have.

you can buy stone beer in tenn in the liquor stores.

my friend lives in nashville, and he has sent me some local micros from there, not half bad stuff i must say.

[ross]

It's been in my experience that anything over 12 or so percent is usually terrible tasting stuff.
I'll have to give that stuff a try if i can find it.

my thoughts as well. there are some exceptions to the rule though.

generally though, 12-13% is all ill go for, unless ive heard good things about it

[ross]

Golden Monkey is also very good..!!! i'm hooked to this one...expensive though..

golden monkey is 10 dollars a 6 pack down here. good stuff and widely avaliable!:lol:

[mikeyinokc]

Being in Oklahoma, our selection is a bit limited. One of my favorite breweries is the New Belgium Brewery, out of Fort Collins, Colorado. They make about 6 different brews with a coulple of seasonal brews as well. I guess their "Fat Tire" label is my favorite, but their 1554 is excellent as well. Problem is it can't be sold in Oklahoma. I always bring some back when I travel out of state.

Interesting reading on this thread. I do enjoy trying different beers. Budwiser is like drinking ice water.

[imaguitargod]

Ya know what my favorite beer is? J.W. Dundee's Honey Brown! Have one have this golden drink of the gods?

[mikeyinokc]

Ya know what my favorite beer is? J.W. Dundee's Honey Brown! Have one have this golden drink of the gods?

That is a good one. I also like Newcastle Nut Brown Ale.

[imaguitargod]

That is a good one. I also like Newcastle Nut Brown Ale.
Ya, Newcastle is tasty as well.

[ross]

That is a good one. I also like Newcastle Nut Brown Ale.

newcastle is a great gateway beer into much better beer. im not so much of a fan. had too much of it one night, and well, you know..

[chuk hell]

OK, I just got off work and picked up a bottle each of St. Bernardus Abt 12 and Rochefort 10. I will report back after I have imbided.

Also grabbed a sixer of Flying Dog "Snake Dog" IPA and a bottle of Samuael Smith's Imperial Stout.

Think I might start that sticky for beer reviews.....


Newcastle....the last couple times I've tried it I swear it tastes like it was brewed with sewer water. I dunno. People swear it's good but I'd rather drink PBR. Might have something to do with the clear bottles. I used to like it like 10 years ago.....

[imaguitargod]

Think I might start that sticky for beer reviews.....
Let's make a new site; TheHoppyBeer.com

[mikeyinokc]

OK, I just got off work and picked up a bottle each of St. Bernardus Abt 12 and Rochefort 10. I will report back after I have imbided.

Also grabbed a sixer of Flying Dog "Snake Dog" IPA and a bottle of Samuael Smith's Imperial Stout.

Think I might start that sticky for beer reviews.....


Newcastle....the last couple times I've tried it I swear it tastes like it was brewed with sewer water. I dunno. People swear it's good but I'd rather drink PBR. Might have something to do with the clear bottles. I used to like it like 10 years ago.....

It is the clear bottles. If they don't keep it in the dark it will turn into skunk p**s pretty quick. Where I buy it they keep it under a shelf in the cardboard box.

[Sickmont]

OK, I just got off work and picked up a bottle each of St. Bernardus Abt 12 and Rochefort 10. I will report back after I have imbided.

Also grabbed a sixer of Flying Dog "Snake Dog" IPA and a bottle of Samuael Smith's Imperial Stout.

Think I might start that sticky for beer reviews.....


Newcastle....the last couple times I've tried it I swear it tastes like it was brewed with sewer water. I dunno. People swear it's good but I'd rather drink PBR. Might have something to do with the clear bottles. I used to like it like 10 years ago.....

Don't forget you're supposed to pour the St. Bernardus into a globlet-type glass...it does seem to taste better that way.

[ross]

Don't forget you're supposed to pour the St. Bernardus into a globlet-type glass...it does seem to taste better that way.

YES! proper glassware is the only way to do it.

example: if you pour a belgian into a shaker (typical pint glass) it will taste over carbonated and blah.

pour the same beer into a goblet.

do some kinda sticky about beer reviews, i will chime in any time i can! hopefully sometime next year i can have more constructive things to say about peppers, but for now all i bring to the table is beers :lol:

gonna take a picture of my habanero and my beers tonight, will report back when i get that done.

[ross]

OK, I just got off work and picked up a bottle each of St. Bernardus Abt 12 and Rochefort 10. I will report back after I have imbided.


nice! they are both quads (quadrupel ferminted) but st bern isnt a trappist ale, so its not made by trappist monks.

try some chimay blue and westmalle double too. good stuff!

also see if you can get any abbaye des rocs beers. they make a grand cru and a brune that are fantastic.

[Cap'n Bones]

:onfire: WooHooo! It's Friday!!! Time to pop a top and Chill! :beer: :beer:

[ross]

:onfire: WooHooo! It's Friday!!! Time to pop a top and Chill! :beer: :beer:

damn, if thats the case then every day is friday for me :shocked:

[imaguitargod]

damn, if thats the case then every day is friday for me :shocked:
Ya, unfortunitly, me too.

[Cap'n Bones]

damn, if thats the case then every day is friday for me :shocked:

Ya, unfortunitly, me too.

Yeah the both of ya make a good point, but there is just something a little different 'bout a Friday night.

[imaguitargod]

Yeah the both of ya make a good point, but there is just something a little different 'bout a Friday night.
Friday night just means I can get an even larger hang over the next day. I usually drink till I'm almost seeing double through the week and on the weekends it double vision!

[Hillbilly Chili]

guitargod, dont look at you plant tonight then, or your buddies friends kiped a 3rd of it. That would suck.
Then again...twice as many (ehemm), brews in the fridge.

[imaguitargod]

guitargod, dont look at you plant tonight then, or your buddies friends kiped a 3rd of it. That would suck.
Then again...twice as many (ehemm), brews in the fridge.

LOL.

[imaguitargod]

Just had my first swig of Optimator....it's going to be a loooonnggg night.

[ross]

ok, told you guys i would post pictures of my beer (im sure you are anxious!!) so here goes:

the top shelf of my closet, pretty much no order to my closet, these are just misc 750s and 22oz beers.

http://rlaughter.net/images/beer/closet1.gif

the next shelf is corked bottles. ive been told to store them this way, as it helps prevent the corks from drying out, similar to wine. dunno if this holds true or not, but whatever, i felt like trying it one day :mouthonfire:

http://rlaughter.net/images/beer/closet2.gif

the bottom shelf in my closet is mostly stone beers, but there are some great divides ive had for several years back there, as well as some avery beers.

http://rlaughter.net/images/beer/closet3.gif

[ross]

over to my book case is where i keep the 12 oz bottles i have. i tried to use the big ones there,but it ended up they were making the shelves sag, so i moved them away :)

top shelf is misc beers and beers i dont intend on letting any age develop, these are just drinkers up there.

http://rlaughter.net/images/beer/shelfmisc.gif

next shelf is imperial ipas and stronger ales.

http://rlaughter.net/images/beer/shelfimpipa.gif

next shelf is imperial stouts

http://rlaughter.net/images/beer/shelfstout.gif

[ross]

bottom shelf is barley wines, im not a real big fan of these, but for some reason i keep getting some from friends and other people ive met. some are older, the style just isnt my favorite so these are slow movers.

http://rlaughter.net/images/beer/shelfbarley.gif

i also have a little wine cooler that works wonders except it will only hold so many. i put the beers that are the oldest in there as a general rule..

http://rlaughter.net/images/beer/cooler1.gif

bottom shelf is 12 oz bottles, these are my oldest bottles.

http://rlaughter.net/images/beer/cooler2.gif

[ross]

there is 2 pictures of run off...

http://rlaughter.net/images/beer/runoff1.gif

http://rlaughter.net/images/beer/runoff2.gif

finally, heres the 30 some odd bottles of the homebrew i just bottled a few days ago. supposed to be a porter, so we will see how it turns out. my first homebrew wasnt that great, and this was the second one i did, and it looked very clear and tasted pretty good from the fermintor, though it was flat (of course).

http://rlaughter.net/images/beer/homebrew.gif

thats it. ill get some pictures of my pepper tomorrow, though its not near as good as my beer collection! :onfire:

[ross]

i hope those pictures arent too large. i sized them down to roughly 200k per at 800x600. dont know if you guys have any forum limits. if so, let me know and ill fix it asap!!

[imaguitargod]

Holy drunkart, Batman!

[marcosauces]

good god my man....i think you REALLY like beers...hahaha
man i can't even keep a six pack for a day...
and what's up with that bootle and the socks..:shocked:

[ross]

good god my man....i think you REALLY like beers...hahaha
man i can't even keep a six pack for a day...
and what's up with that bootle and the socks..:shocked:

hahahah

i dont know, i was getting one of those corked ones out, and when i put them back somehow it didnt fit, so i just left it there. the socks are clean though :)

[ross]

good god my man....i think you REALLY like beers...hahaha
man i can't even keep a six pack for a day...
and what's up with that bootle and the socks..:shocked:

hey i just checked your sauce page. is your hot sauce not as hot as daves insanity? im looking for something that isnt so hot as that but has great flavor. sometimes i just dont want it to be scorching hot.

what would you compare the heat level to? it sounds good though, lots of garlic, thats a +

[chuk hell]

Holy Hops! That's some beer collection! And I thought I was outta hand. You've got me beat several times over! Wow!

Ross, I look forward to some reviews! I am interested in those Stone specialty beers. I 've only had Arogant Bastard and wasn't overly impressed; for that IPA "extra-hoppy" style I favor DFH 60 minute. Sadly, I've only seen Stone's AB and IPA available down here in Texas.

[ross]

Holy Hops! That's some beer collection! And I thought I was outta hand. You've got me beat several times over! Wow!

Ross, I look forward to some reviews! I am interested in those Stone specialty beers. I 've only had Arogant Bastard and wasn't overly impressed; for that IPA "extra-hoppy" style I favor DFH 60 minute. Sadly, I've only seen Stone's AB and IPA available down here in Texas.

ok!

i will just review stuff that is good with hot foods and widely avaliable.

i dont really feel the need to review something that you can only buy at the brewery, no one really cares about those :)

if you want to get into rating all the beers you drink, check out ratebeer.com

im a member of that site, and have been for 3 almost 4 years.

can ya get stone beers out in texas?

[Cap'n Bones]

WoW!! Impressive collection ross!!.
I am no where near responsible enough to have a beer collection. Maybe empty bottles because full ones don't stand a chance...Beer speaks to me so I must drink them before they totally freak me out.

[ross]

WoW!! Impressive collection ross!!.
I am no where near responsible enough to have a beer collection. Maybe empty bottles because full ones don't stand a chance...Beer speaks to me so I must drink them before they totally freak me out.

haha

most of the stuff i keep will improve with age. thats the only reason. and the only thing that keeps me from drinking them!

speaking of age, ive been reading threads and it seems that hot sauce will last for years in the fridge?? thats prolly how long its gonna take me to eat the ones i have! im still a rookie :onfire:

[Sickmont]

haha

most of the stuff i keep will improve with age. thats the only reason. and the only thing that keeps me from drinking them!



Ummmm....i hate you.

[ross]

Ummmm....i hate you.

:hell:

[Cap'n Bones]

very nice! yeah craft beer does come with a bit of a price tag. try some ommegang hennepin instead. its about 7.99 a 4 pack (i think) and its a belgian golden (saison) but not a strong ale like duvel. its better on the wallet, and i actually like it more. just couldnt think of any other golden beer examples at the time.

actually, i believe duvel brewed by moorgat owns ommegang (located in cooperstown). or vise versa.

i know you can buy hennepin on the coast.

how far are you from kill devil hills? i know nothing about the coast of NC. if you arent far, see if you could make a trip here: http://www.chipswinemarket.com/

i hear that guy that runs it knows his beer as well as has a very nice stock. cheers!

ross I'm just over 4hrs south of KDH, I'm on the SE coast about 45min from the SC line, but I spend alot of time on the Outer Banks. I was there this weekend and went by Chips. He was closed both times that I stopped by..UGH! :banghead:
I left him a nice big drooling face print on his window!

[ross]

ross I'm just over 4hrs south of KDH, I'm on the SE coast about 45min from the SC line, but I spend alot of time on the Outer Banks. I was there this weekend and went by Chips. He was closed both times that I stopped by..UGH! :banghead:
I left him a nice big drooling face print on his window!

oh man, that sucks!

you close to wilmington? i can recommend some stores there.

[Cap'n Bones]

oh man, that sucks!

you close to wilmington? i can recommend some stores there.

Thanks for the offer ross. Most of my stops for craft beer is at Lighthouse Beer and Wine in Wrightsville Beach. The owners name is Jason and he knows my taste so he points me in the right direction to a great beer most of the time. He has a small place, but a nice selection.

[Anija]

Being in Oklahoma, our selection is a bit limited. One of my favorite breweries is the New Belgium Brewery, out of Fort Collins, Colorado. I guess their "Fat Tire" label is my favorite, but their 1554 is excellent as well.

Fat tire is on every tap in town! I love 1554...it's based on a Belgium recipe from...yup, 1554!

Fort Collins is also blessed with Odells and Fort Collins Brewery for bottled beer, and Coopersmiths as a brewpub. Denver/Boulder has even more.

I actually brew my own. Just finished the last bottle of a chocolate nut brown, and haven't had a chance to make up a new batch...too many hobbies! We're actually investigating making a spicy beer mustard.

Oh Yeah! Gotta love that Duff beer!

[ross]

whats everyones deal with fat tire? its a good gateway beer into much better beer, but other than that..?

[Hillbilly Chili]

I went to a microbrew with the wife and her co-workers one day...
I ordered Bud (of course) and I think they had to run across the street to get that. Then everyone was trying to help my little hillbilly wife out with her selection, all kinds of options and they finally settled on "queen ale". Oh get that they said, you'll love it, its a lot like Bud Lite, So she said "then why dont I just get a Bud Lite? Back across the street the waiter went, hehe.
You know Budweiser used to be a micro brew too, then they got bigger and better and well now........The King!:P

[marcosauces]

hillbilly likes watered down beers.. :)

[Hillbilly Chili]

I actually have an ulterior motive here Marco,

I’m hoping the appropriate representatives of Budweiser and Hooters will view my unsolicited post in defense of their company and send me ….like a years supply, heck maybe even lifetime supply of their products:pray:

[Sickmont]

You know Budweiser used to be a micro brew too, then they got bigger and better and well now........The King!:P

More like The Ayatollah of Alcohol....

[Skydiver]

I actually have an ulterior motive here Marco,

I’m hoping the appropriate representatives of Budweiser and Hooters will view my unsolicited post in defense of their company and send me ….like a years supply, heck maybe even lifetime supply of their products:pray:

When I was first getting into the world of craft beer, I mocked Bud and Miller and all the mass produced crap mercilessly. I thought it would make me sound cool.

Then I met Max, my beer guru. The guy knew more about beer than just about anyone I've ever met. I got to be good friends with him and one day asked him to teach me how to properly review a beer.
The first beer he told me to practice on? Bud. I was shocked. He told me that it's a good beer to learn the different flavors a beer can have because it has one thing it does better than just about anyone else.
Consistency.
I took his advice, and really happy I did.

My current favorite beer is Victory HopDevil, and I'll always drink craft beer given the choice, but I no longer look down on Bud.

[Sickmont]

When I was first getting into the world of craft beer, I mocked Bud and Miller and all the mass produced crap mercilessly. I thought it would make me sound cool.

Then I met Max, my beer guru. The guy knew more about beer than just about anyone I've ever met. I got to be good friends with him and one day asked him to teach me how to properly review a beer.
The first beer he told me to practice on? Bud. I was shocked. He told me that it's a good beer to learn the different flavors a beer can have because it has one thing it does better than just about anyone else.
Consistency.
I took his advice, and really happy I did.

My current favorite beer is Victory HopDevil, and I'll always drink craft beer given the choice, but I no longer look down on Bud.


Oh yeah, you really can't go wrong with Bud...
If you don't know what to bring to a cookout or a party, you can always(almost) show up with a twelver of Bud and no one will berate you for it...

[Hillbilly Chili]

Yet another unsolicited testimonial for the King,
Whooohoooo, Right on Skydiver. That is very cool to know and cool of you to admit to past attitudes toward the traditional brews. The one thing that drive me nuts is a haughty, arrogant attitude regarding long term, tried and true American traditions.
Sure change is cool, but you can change with an appreciation of “the one that brought ya”
Your friend Max sounds like a cool fella too. Its good to have buddies who can expand your horizon and keep you grounded at the same time. I would dig Max.
Now see…your post actually makes me wanna go out and try (I hope the Bud reps not viewing this) a Victory Hopdevil. Thanks Bro
Oh and by the way….I hope you guys stomp the heck out of the Chargers Sunday night!

[ross]

When I was first getting into the world of craft beer, I mocked Bud and Miller and all the mass produced crap mercilessly. I thought it would make me sound cool.

Then I met Max, my beer guru. The guy knew more about beer than just about anyone I've ever met. I got to be good friends with him and one day asked him to teach me how to properly review a beer.
The first beer he told me to practice on? Bud. I was shocked. He told me that it's a good beer to learn the different flavors a beer can have because it has one thing it does better than just about anyone else.
Consistency.
I took his advice, and really happy I did.

My current favorite beer is Victory HopDevil, and I'll always drink craft beer given the choice, but I no longer look down on Bud.

i would never deny any beer made by BMC or Sam adams, those are the beers that got me started for sure.

the hardest type of beer to homebrew is a lager like budweiser because of the weakness in the palate, one flaw will turn out to be a massacre of a beer. dark beer is much easier to home brew because of the massive roasted flavors, and hop additions, not having to crash the beer into 32 degree temps etc etc, and thus most home brew dark beers. also most into craft beer tend to drink the darker beers (myself included) because the flaws are much harder to notice.

if you have a skunked bottle of bud, you will know it.

if you got a skunked bottle of say, victory storm king imperial stout, it may not be as obvious. it may even have a sourish flavor, but it wouldnt be somethign that you would immediately drain pour.

right on with the hop devil, very good stuff, widely avaliable and pretty consistant.

[Hillbilly Chili]

The tides a changin:clap:

eb............and...........flow

Thanks Skydiver

[chuk hell]

Hmm.. I can see using Bud as sort of a "tabula rasa" when learning how to review beers. That makes sense because it has so little taste. The copius amounts of rice used to brew it assure that. Rice is not the grain I look for in a quality beer ( I'm a barley man) but whatever floats your boat. And speaking of floating, I will be the first to admit I have drunk enough Bud ( and Busch) to float a battleship back when I was younger and not such a beer snob. These days it just tastes like water to me...not bad pre se, just not much taste.


That said, I will now say something nice about Budweiser.







It's better than coors light. :flamethrower:

[Hillbilly Chili]

bum bump bum bum.....here come the King here come the big number One, bum bum ( Hope the Bud reps watchin)

Wow that remind me of Carlos Mencia......Rum pum pum pum...
too funny

Have you checked out Carlos, Chuk?

and that was a nice thing to say about Bud btw

[imaguitargod]

It's better than coors light. :flamethrower:

Ohhh! Burn! In all honesty though, I like Coors light over Bud......then again....that was based off of the last time I had coors (3 years ago)...ya know, before I knew what good beer was.

[Hillbilly Chili]

Now we're back to the eb.
oh my

[marcosauces]

NOW....if you talking about The Budvar brewery in checkoslovakia that brew "budweiser" now we talking... Very hoppie and awesome flavor, especially the dark one, I had plenty of this my old days.
for the american one I have only one opinion......
a beer for those suffering from fear of flavor. :)

[ross]

i prefer allagash interlude over budweiser..

as well as high life, so i guess the king is not really king is he?

king of beers is only because they sell more beer than anyone in the world, because of the huge production facility they have. oh and thier marketing doesnt hurt much :mouthonfire: bleh. id just as soon drink busch, which is another AB product, but its better than "the king"

[Cap'n Bones]

Beer Festival... :beer: Here in Wilmington. http://www.lighthousebeerandwine.com/beerfestival.asp

[imaguitargod]

Beer Festival... :beer: Here in Wilmington. http://www.lighthousebeerandwine.com/beerfestival.asp
BEEEERRRRRRRFEEEEEEESSSSSSSTTTTT!!!!! (sorry, movie refference, couldn't resist)

[ross]

Beer Festival... :beer: Here in Wilmington. http://www.lighthousebeerandwine.com/beerfestival.asp


man thats awesome, you should have fun. hope that it isnt too crowded, because i went to the one in charlotte and it sucked because there was about a 5 minute line on every beer at around 330. needless to say i didnt drink near what i should have, but i was also very hung over, haha

[xgrafcorex]

today is the first day of our home brewing :D got the kit a few months ago...finally got around to buying the ingredients and putting it together. first pic is of the yeast being added to the wort.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c345/xgrafcorex/other/IMG_6411s.jpg

these are the hops we used...doesn't look too tasty but my house has never smelled better!

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c345/xgrafcorex/other/IMG_6414s.jpg

[marcosauces]

man...those hops looks DEFINITELY awesome.....i guess is going to be a pale ale or dark...?

[xgrafcorex]

man...those hops looks DEFINITELY awesome.....i guess is going to be a pale ale or dark...?

well its pretty dark as of now...i'm not sure if it will get any lighter. the recipe called it something like "colonial light lager" or something like that.

[imaguitargod]

mmmmmmmmmm........ beer......

[ross]

you homebrewed a lager?

do you have some way to keep it at sub 50 degrees?

lagers shouldnt be dark, unless (duh) its a dark lager such as... i cant even think of an example. sam adams brews one.

also, you should have bought the glass ferminters instead, but thats ok, ill forgive you. :)

did you use proper sanitation on EVERYTHING?

oh yeah, and if you dont have some way to control the temp lagers are very hard to make...

hope it turns out good. how long has it been in the bucket?

[ross]

also, you shouldnt have taken the hops out of the wort. and you should have used hop pellets. sorry, im a dick, i know. pellets are way better, because they are able to be kept fresher, and they are broken up really small, so when fermination is done, all of the peices will be in the bottom with the yeast cake. did you by chance notice if the airlock has started bubbling yet?

[ross]

well its pretty dark as of now...i'm not sure if it will get any lighter. the recipe called it something like "colonial light lager" or something like that.

your beer looks like a porter or something. certainly not a lager.

and it doesnt get lighter, if anything it will get a little darker..

[xgrafcorex]

hi...yep a homebrewed lager according to the directions. we have an extra fridge with a thermometer. we're keeping it about 60-65 as per directions. yea glass is nice but i got this kit for free with the white plastic which is fine. though a glass container is on the list of future investments.

yep...we cleaned everything very well. its only been in the bucket for almost 2 days now. though the airlock is NOT bubbling so i think our yeast is no good. :( as for the hops...we just got what the guy at the store recommended...next time we'll be ordering all our ingredients online. the stuff at the local store looks like its been on the shelf since the 70s. we basically just followed this book guide to the t for this first batch. thanks for the advice.

[ross]

hi...yep a homebrewed lager according to the directions. we have an extra fridge with a thermometer. we're keeping it about 60-65 as per directions. yea glass is nice but i got this kit for free with the white plastic which is fine. though a glass container is on the list of future investments.

yep...we cleaned everything very well. its only been in the bucket for almost 2 days now. though the airlock is NOT bubbling so i think our yeast is no good. :( as for the hops...we just got what the guy at the store recommended...next time we'll be ordering all our ingredients online. the stuff at the local store looks like its been on the shelf since the 70s. we basically just followed this book guide to the t for this first batch. thanks for the advice.

northernbrewer.com or homebrew.com are the places to get ingredients. shipping is cheap too.

dont buy kits. they have you using LME which is not as good as DME. (liquid malt extract vs dried malt extract). 60-65 is high for a lager, but whatever. hope it turns out good. its good for a first batch (i bought a kit too) but my second batch is alot better. im fairly new at this too, but i have access to friends that are all grain brewers and they make some killer beer, and they always give me advice.

does the directions not have you crash the lager to 35 degrees or so?

does it ask for just primary fermination, or secondary as well?

you CLEANED the stuff, but did you SANITIZE it? there is a huge difference. did you use iodophor or bleach to sanitize? 2 days you should have active ferminatation. how much yeast did you pitch? 1 pack, 2 packs? was it liquid yeast, dried, what?

[xgrafcorex]

iodophor or bleach to sanitize? how much yeast did you pitch? 1 pac? was it liquid yeast, dried, what?[/QUOTE]

yea we are looking to order from homebrew.com or another site my friends friend told us about. the kit i was refering to was just the buckets, capper, caps, tubes, airlocks etc. the ingredients we bought individually at this beer store here. but all their stuff looks like its been sitting there for a while.

60-65 was just what was writen in one of the books we have. the other book we just got seems much more in depth and i'm not sure what that one says. if you want, i could send you a copy. (its in pdf format...about 330 pages)

the recipe we are using right now is a single fermentation one.

i'm not sure what the stuff we used to sanitize is called..but it came with the rest of the kit. as far as the yeast goes..we used 1 pack of dried yeast. next time around our ingredients are going to be quite different.

[ross]

yea we are looking to order from homebrew.com or another site my friends friend told us about. the kit i was refering to was just the buckets, capper, caps, tubes, airlocks etc. the ingredients we bought individually at this beer store here. but all their stuff looks like its been sitting there for a while.

60-65 was just what was writen in one of the books we have. the other book we just got seems much more in depth and i'm not sure what that one says. if you want, i could send you a copy. (its in pdf format...about 330 pages)

the recipe we are using right now is a single fermentation one.

i'm not sure what the stuff we used to sanitize is called..but it came with the rest of the kit. as far as the yeast goes..we used 1 pack of dried yeast. next time around our ingredients are going to be quite different.

nah i got plenty of info on how to brew, thanks though!

that could be the problem. the last beer i made i used dry yeast, and i pitched 2 packs in, and i had ferminatation in a matter of 4-6 hours. maybe less.

is it ferminting (airlock bubbling) yet? if the airlock never bubbles, your beer will not have alcohol, and the yeast isnt working correctly, so when you prime the bottles it will not carbonate.

[xgrafcorex]

nah i got plenty of info on how to brew, thanks though!

that could be the problem. the last beer i made i used dry yeast, and i pitched 2 packs in, and i had ferminatation in a matter of 4-6 hours. maybe less.

is it ferminting (airlock bubbling) yet? if the airlock never bubbles, your beer will not have alcohol, and the yeast isnt working correctly, so when you prime the bottles it will not carbonate.

yea...unfortunately i didn't see any bubbling when i stopped by the house for lunch. i'm thinking the yeast was no good.

as far as the original intent of this thread goes...i love trying different beers of all types...well maybe not lite or NA :P just had dead guy ale for the first time ever last night. had another one with lunch today....delicious!! i wish it were less expensive..but i'm already thinking up excuses to justify spending that much again and soon. :lol:

[marcosauces]

Ya...sometimes is just better buying beer than making it....more affordable..:)

[Sickmont]

Ya...sometimes is just better buying beer than making it....more affordable..:)

And faster...i wouldn't have the darn patience to brew my own.

Now as for distilling....thats another story:D

[imaguitargod]

Now as for distilling....thats another story:D

Yep, still have to make my Still over the winter this year...that reminds me...I think I still have to
pm some people about absinthe...

[Sickmont]

Yep, still have to make my Still over the winter this year...that reminds me...I think I still have to
pm some people about absinthe...

yeah...i forgot about that. One of these days i'll do the still thing again, but i can't now. My apartments too friggin small, and there's no way i'm setting on up at my shop

[ross]

Ya...sometimes is just better buying beer than making it....more affordable..:)

it depeneds on what you are making.

i spent 35 dollars on ingredients and i had about 40 some odd bottles, or less than 1 dollar per bottle.

as for making something like bud, no way, you cant beat the price, but its cheaper stuff too...

homebrewing is cheaper if you are going to make darker or speciality beers.

[ross]

yea...unfortunately i didn't see any bubbling when i stopped by the house for lunch. i'm thinking the yeast was no good.

as far as the original intent of this thread goes...i love trying different beers of all types...well maybe not lite or NA :P just had dead guy ale for the first time ever last night. had another one with lunch today....delicious!! i wish it were less expensive..but i'm already thinking up excuses to justify spending that much again and soon. :lol:

the yeast was either no good or you did something wrong. id say you just start over, and buy glass jugs. :)

less expensive? how much is deadguy down there? 3.99 a bomber?

i have alot of 750ml that were more than $10.00...

[Hillbilly Chili]

ooohhhhh not back to pickin on the king again guys, please:pray:

[imaguitargod]

ooohhhhh not back to pickin on the king again guys, please:pray:
Elvis? Hey speakin of that, has anyone tried his fried Penutbutter Banana sandwhich?

[Hillbilly Chili]

I think it was fried bananas with peanut butter? No I haven’t tried it. I think we should do it with a little some sauce huh? Although the king did die at 42 :shocked: Holy sh*t I’m there dude.

[imaguitargod]

I think it was fried bananas with peanut butter? No I haven’t tried it. I think we should do it with a little some sauce huh? Although the king did die at 42 :shocked: Holy sh*t I’m there dude.
Better start eatin these things as fast as you can, if anyone wants to know the recipy it's at http://www.squidoo.com/eatlikeelvis/

[Hillbilly Chili]

awwwwww, now I'm missn the King:( running for my vinyl;)

[ross]

ooohhhhh not back to pickin on the king again guys, please:pray:

haha, what king?

[marcosauces]

ooohhhhh not back to pickin on the king again guys, please:pray:

ROFL....!!!
The KING is dead Hillbilly :D

[Hillbilly Chili]

He’s in my garage dude! All velvety and all. So last night I sat down with my 12oz King(s) and spun some vinyl of the King. I must have had a good time, because my head hurts this morn.:rolleyes:

And…I did not pee, just to spite ross :cool:

[Sickmont]

hey Ross, you ever try some scottish beer called "old engine oil"?
I saw it this weekend for the first time, but it was only for sale by the case(and i didn't have $89.99 on me), so i didn't try it.
I figured you'd be the guy to check with and see if it's worth the coin or not.

[ross]

hey Ross, you ever try some scottish beer called "old engine oil"?
I saw it this weekend for the first time, but it was only for sale by the case(and i didn't have $89.99 on me), so i didn't try it.
I figured you'd be the guy to check with and see if it's worth the coin or not.

you should be able to find it somewhere in single bottles. you can buy it in singles around here. its about 2.99 or 3.49 a bottle.

yes i have had it, but only once. it is an old ale, so it has a different flavor than you may be used to. it has a very earthy and old (i cant think of any better description) flavor. its not very bitter at all. i didnt care for it that much, its certainly a nice one to try; you may like it. but i wouldnt go and buy a case of it because you might have 23 bottles left of something you dont enjoy that much.

[Sickmont]

you should be able to find it somewhere in single bottles. you can buy it in singles around here. its about 2.99 or 3.49 a bottle.

yes i have had it, but only once. it is an old ale, so it has a different flavor than you may be used to. it has a very earthy and old (i cant think of any better description) flavor. its not very bitter at all. i didnt care for it that much, its certainly a nice one to try; you may like it. but i wouldnt go and buy a case of it because you might have 23 bottles left of something you dont enjoy that much.

I actually was gonna try it just for the name, but the price gagged me. i'll hunt down a single first to try. Thanks.

[ross]

I actually was gonna try it just for the name, but the price gagged me. i'll hunt down a single first to try. Thanks.

once i get to work, im gonna check another site and see if i can find you a beer store in sarasota.

do you have a total wine nearby? they should have singles of it.

ill post here in a few minutes

[Sickmont]

we've got a whole foods nearby, do you think they might have it?

I found this stuff about 2 hours south of here, so i'm not driving that far for an over-priced case.

[xgrafcorex]

i've never even heard of the stuff myself (old engine oil) but i found this http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/323/875 people seem to agree that it is good.

that is REALLY expensive though! is that a 24 or 30 case? 12 oz?

[Sickmont]

i've never even heard of the stuff myself (old engine oil) but i found this http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/323/875 people seem to agree that it is good.

that is REALLY expensive though! is that a 24 or 30 case? 12 oz?

It was thirty. I think....(i was making another beer run at the time)

they were small-ish, so i think they were 12oz.

[Sickmont]

Check this link....
http://www.beerhunter.com/documents/19133-001407.html

[xgrafcorex]

interesting read..thanks for the link. ha i was actually just up at the local beer store going through their stock and i came across a $3 bottle of the old engine oil! i haven't tried it yet...it says its a great "after dinner beer" so i figured i'd wait till after i ate. right now just sipping on some imperial stout from left hand brewing co. its pretty good. heres some reviews about it from people that are more versed in describing beers haha.

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/418/2654

[ross]

interesting read..thanks for the link. ha i was actually just up at the local beer store going through their stock and i came across a $3 bottle of the old engine oil! i haven't tried it yet...it says its a great "after dinner beer" so i figured i'd wait till after i ate. right now just sipping on some imperial stout from left hand brewing co. its pretty good. heres some reviews about it from people that are more versed in describing beers haha.

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/418/2654

left hand imp, not a bad one. much better out there.

to honor the dark holiday, i drank:

brooklyn black stout
thirsty dog siberian night
victory storm king

(1 glass of scotch..)

all were imperial stouts, all fantastic yet different. ill throw up some reviews on them soon.

as for the beer store in FL, i got tied up at work today. about to see what i can see, give me a minute.

[ross]

sarasota:

try -

the butchers block
3242 17th Street
Sarasota, Florida, 34235
United States
phone: (941) 955-2822


palmer plaza fine wine and beer
8415 S. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Florida, 34238
United States
phone: (941) 925-4838

wine warehouse
1919 Southwood Street
Sarasota, Florida, 34231
United States
phone: (941) 922-8216


i would suggest calling them before going and asking if they have what youre looking for.

i have no idea how close any of those are to you. hope that helps some.

[pileiton]

'tis the season for Christmas brews. The only one I'm familiar with is Anchow Brewing. What others would you recommend? Thanks.

[chuk hell]

The Anchor Christmas is really good this year..I just picked up 2 sixpacks and I'll probably get more before it's all gone.

Other's I like are Avery's Old Jubilation and Great Divide's Hibernation. I also like, but not as much, Full Sail's Waisail and Pyramid's Snow Cap.

There's actually a Sam Addams I like... I think their Winter Porter......but I don't dig the over-spiced flavor of their Old Fetziwegler...or whatever they call it.

I've seen Brekenridge's Xmas Beer around but haven't tried it. Anyone?

[ross]

'tis the season for Christmas brews. The only one I'm familiar with is Anchow Brewing. What others would you recommend? Thanks.

oh the choices..

sierra nevada celebration ale
brooklyn chocolate stout
anchor christmas ale
any kind of belgian "noel" beer
avery old jubilation
pyramid snow cap
victory storm king / old horizontal
alesmith yulesmith christmas ale

i could continue but im not sure where you live..

alot of your local breweries will make "festive" ales as well and usually you can find them on tap which makes them even better.

[ross]

I've seen Brekenridge's Xmas Beer around but haven't tried it. Anyone?


no sir i have not. that is brewed in oregon correct? i dont think i have ever tried any of their beer actually. i know i can buy the ipa and the stout here but it hasnt been something i fancy.

yeah i agree on the anchor OSA too, its really good this year.

i am going to do a semi vertical next week sometime, so ill post my thought on that (2002, 2004, 2005, 2006)

[pileiton]

oh the choices..

sierra nevada celebration ale
brooklyn chocolate stout
anchor christmas ale
any kind of belgian "noel" beer
avery old jubilation
pyramid snow cap
victory storm king / old horizontal
alesmith yulesmith christmas ale

i could continue but im not sure where you live..

alot of your local breweries will make "festive" ales as well and usually you can find them on tap which makes them even better.I'm in Chicago. I think a trip to Goose Island is called for. Strictly for scientific purposes!

[chuk hell]

no sir i have not. that is brewed in oregon correct? i dont think i have ever tried any of their beer actually.

Colorado

http://www.breckbrew.com/

I like their Vanilla Porter when I'm in the mood for it, which isn't often but if you like vanilla, it's real good. I also like their Oatmeal Stout and Pale Ale.

I'll try their Christmas Ale soon.

[xgrafcorex]

just had lunch at a local place called brewzzi http://www.brewzzi.com/

they make a few of their own beers and serve food. i just had an angus cheese burger..was good but nothing spectacular. they have descriptions of their beers on that website. rather than a blonde or amber lager, we opted for their "premium" seasonal offering of a belgian dubbel. it was pretty good, fairly dark, but you could still see through. a dark red amber i guess. it was expensive though! the one beer almost cost as much as my burger!

in the end, i'd like to try their other beers, and i would...but its a bit pricey for me, so it will be some time till i get back over there.

[ross]

I'm in Chicago. I think a trip to Goose Island is called for. Strictly for scientific purposes!

yeah!

goose island makes a winter ale
ipa
imperial ipa
matilda
pere jacques
1800 demolition ale
bourbon county stout


mmmmmm yeah, you should have fun there!

in the chicago area you may be able to still find some bells beers on the shelves, though i am not 100% sure about that. they also may have some three floyds. if so - check out the alpha klaus christmas porter and behemoth barley wine. of course, 3f dreadnaught is an absolute must buy if you see it :)

[ross]

Colorado

http://www.breckbrew.com/

I like their Vanilla Porter when I'm in the mood for it, which isn't often but if you like vanilla, it's real good. I also like their Oatmeal Stout and Pale Ale.

I'll try their Christmas Ale soon.

ah! i have had nothing from them. did you ever contact your friend re: north by northwest beer?

[ross]

just had lunch at a local place called brewzzi http://www.brewzzi.com/

they make a few of their own beers and serve food. i just had an angus cheese burger..was good but nothing spectacular. they have descriptions of their beers on that website. rather than a blonde or amber lager, we opted for their "premium" seasonal offering of a belgian dubbel. it was pretty good, fairly dark, but you could still see through. a dark red amber i guess. it was expensive though! the one beer almost cost as much as my burger!

in the end, i'd like to try their other beers, and i would...but its a bit pricey for me, so it will be some time till i get back over there.

local places are awesome. especailly ones that make their own beer. even if the beer isnt stellar somehow it always manages to go with the food really well!

[Sickmont]

just had lunch at a local place called brewzzi http://www.brewzzi.com/

they make a few of their own beers and serve food. i just had an angus cheese burger..was good but nothing spectacular. they have descriptions of their beers on that website. rather than a blonde or amber lager, we opted for their "premium" seasonal offering of a belgian dubbel. it was pretty good, fairly dark, but you could still see through. a dark red amber i guess. it was expensive though! the one beer almost cost as much as my burger!

in the end, i'd like to try their other beers, and i would...but its a bit pricey for me, so it will be some time till i get back over there.

Oh hell yeah....now i have ANOTHER reason to make a weekend trip out that way soon.

[xgrafcorex]

Oh hell yeah....now i have ANOTHER reason to make a weekend trip out that way soon.

well i'll have to look it up, but i was reading some articles about a place in northern miami that is basically the same thing. the reviews i read for that were all positive, and i really want to check that would out. i haven't read any of the reviews from the place i went to yesterday though. it was good, but having gotten the need to try the place out of my system..i'm not sure when the next time i'll be back there will be. you ever go to the tampa bay brewing co? thats over in tampa, and is supposed to be very good! i'm looking forward to trying it out when i'm visiting my parents for christmas since my little brother will be 21 as of the 17th.

[Sickmont]

well i'll have to look it up, but i was reading some articles about a place in northern miami that is basically the same thing. the reviews i read for that were all positive, and i really want to check that would out. i haven't read any of the reviews from the place i went to yesterday though. it was good, but having gotten the need to try the place out of my system..i'm not sure when the next time i'll be back there will be. you ever go to the tampa bay brewing co? thats over in tampa, and is supposed to be very good! i'm looking forward to trying it out when i'm visiting my parents for christmas since my little brother will be 21 as of the 17th.

Oh, yeah...the T.B. brewing co. is killer!
Ever go to the Jetsetter Lounge in West Palm? It's gotta be one of my favorite places in Florida to go to eat, drink and be lively.

[xgrafcorex]

Ever go to the Jetsetter Lounge in West Palm? It's gotta be one of my favorite places in Florida to go to eat, drink and be lively.

nope..i've never heard of it. they brew their own beers? or its just a cool bar to go to?

[Sickmont]

nope..i've never heard of it. they brew their own beers? or its just a cool bar to go to?

It's just a really, REALLY cool bar and restaurant to go to.
For myself and some of my friends, it's worth the three hour drive to go for dinner.

http://www.jetsetterlounge.com/

[DevilDuck]

For those of you who have time when you get here for Firey Foods...

http://www.santafebrewing.com/

It's on the south side of Santa Fe (about 50 miles north of ABQ). They make the best Pale Ale I've ever had.

[xgrafcorex]

well, the holidays aren't quite over yet, but i've had quite a bit of beer over the last week or so.

we went to the tampa bay brewing co restaurant and it was what i was hoping it would be. :) i had a "jack the quaffer" porter, some old elephant foot ipa, and tried a swig of their blonde lager and their barley wine beer. they were all pretty damn good! the barley wine stuff was kinda weird...the first beer of this style i've ever had. it was 9.8% i believe..and you could taste it, though not too much.

[ross]

the barley wine stuff was kinda weird...the first beer of this style i've ever had.

north coast old stock ale is a barley wine. werent you talking about drinking that?

[xgrafcorex]

north coast old stock ale is a barley wine. werent you talking about drinking that?

ahh...i didn't realize it was. i tried one, but the rest are in the back of my closet to be forgotten about. i guess i had just assumed it was a belgian style ale. :oops:

[ross]

ahh...i didn't realize it was. i tried one, but the rest are in the back of my closet to be forgotten about. i guess i had just assumed it was a belgian style ale. :oops:

nope! belgians are usually much lighter than those. thats an american style barley wine. try some english style ones - thomas hardys, jw lees harvest ale - to get an example of those. they are much sweeter, more after dinner drinks than the american style ones.

good thing youre forgetting about them! they should be ripening as we speak. try one in june and see how its doing

[chuk hell]

Well I had Dogfish Head's FORT (http://www.dogfish.com/brewings/Limited_Edition_Beers/Fort/23/index.htm) new year's eve. A very strong ale ( around 18% I believe) flavored with raspberries. Tasty, but a little too sweet for my taste. At $17+ bucks a bottle I doubt I'll get another one.

Next up is their Raisin d'EXTRA (http://www.dogfish.com/brewings/Limited_Edition_Beers/Raison_DExtra/19/index.htm).

[ross]

Well I had Dogfish Head's FORT (http://www.dogfish.com/brewings/Limited_Edition_Beers/Fort/23/index.htm) new year's eve. A very strong ale ( around 18% I believe) flavored with raspberries. Tasty, but a little too sweet for my taste. At $17+ bucks a bottle I doubt I'll get another one.

Next up is their Raisin d'EXTRA (http://www.dogfish.com/brewings/Limited_Edition_Beers/Raison_DExtra/19/index.htm).

chuck, those are 2 beers ive not yet had. i have both of them in storage (2002 extra, and 2005 fort) but the extra i am probably saving until i have "rated" 2000 beers on ratebeer.com, (im at 1200 now..) and the fort i am just gonna wait until i have 3 or 4 people to drink it with, because the though of taking on a 18% fruit beer solo in a 750 ml is quite daunting. the extra though, that is for me. i may try to share it with my best friend, but the 2002 bottle is 21.5% abv and its in a 750ml, so yes, ill be pretty drunk upon finishing that one.

[xgrafcorex]

anyone try that immort ale from dfh? saw it at the store or at this restaurant..i forget which. either way, i wound up going with something else.

hell yea..this saturday is a beer tasting at the local total wine and more. can't wait!

[ross]

anyone try that immort ale from dfh? saw it at the store or at this restaurant..i forget which. either way, i wound up going with something else.

hell yea..this saturday is a beer tasting at the local total wine and more. can't wait!

yes. it cellars well. i drank a 2003 bottle last year, and it was awesome. i have about 15 bottles of it i think. (not the 03, but 05). very good stuff.

[JayT]

yes. it cellars well. i drank a 2003 bottle last year, and it was awesome. i have about 15 bottles of it i think. (not the 03, but 05). very good stuff.

I want to get in that cellar of yours Ross :cheers:

[ross]

I want to get in that cellar of yours Ross :cheers:

haha. im pretty open about sharing whatever beer it is that i have. :)

[Sickmont]

haha. im pretty open about sharing whatever beer it is that i have. :)

I'll be stopping by tonight!:lol:(kidding)

[xgrafcorex]

blind beer tasting...

so i bought a handful of similar beers to have one of my roommates pour for me (and them) to try. only i won't have any idea which is which. the only thing i was wondering about was pouring witbiers.

the beers i bought are: allagash white, blue moon, st bernardus wit, avery white rascal, spanish peaks summer white, and sterkens white ale.

some of them say to swirl the sediment around after pouring some of the beer, then to pour everything into the beer..others don't say, and for the ones that don't say to..i try to disturb the sediment as little as possible.

so do you all just pour the whole thing in? i figure that would be easiest for my roommate since he isn't used to swirling this, pouring only so much of that, etc..i'm sure he could manage..but after buying all those beers i though..damn..would've been simplier if i just bought some ipas or something.

[ross]

i dont drink the sediment. swirling the sediment around is something done with most witbiers and hefes, but i dont drink the sediment on any beer, period. if you want to, feel free, it wont change the way the beer tastes until the very bottom of the glass.

[xgrafcorex]

i've done it with some but not with many. if it specifically says to, that is what i do because that is how they intend their beer to be consumed...otherwise i figure just leave it out.

on another note..after talking to someone a bit about the rouge xs imperial stout...i figured what the hell..drank a bottle earlier. i'll post a review a little later.

[imaguitargod]

because that is how they intend their beer to be consumed.
Ya mean other than through the mouth.......


;)

[xgrafcorex]

haha i prefer it like this:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y298/Zahgon/BeerIV.jpg :lol:

[Sickmont]

haha i prefer it like this:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y298/Zahgon/BeerIV.jpg :lol:

I only use those for vodka and gin.

[xgrafcorex]

haha not a fan of either of those. :P i'll drink them..but i don't buy them. i like whiskey and rum.

well i was farting around ebay looking at things and came across a pretty cheap set of trois pistoles glasses that also came with 100 unibroue coasters. got them in the mail today. :D

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c345/xgrafcorex/beer/IMG_2484s.jpg

[Sickmont]

haha not a fan of either of those. :P i'll drink them..but i don't buy them. i like whiskey and rum.

well i was farting around ebay looking at things and came across a pretty cheap set of trois pistoles glasses that also came with 100 unibroue coasters. got them in the mail today. :D



I can barely stand the brown liquors nowadays...i can only do the clear ones. Probably due to severe over-usage in my youth:lol:


Yo, how much you want for a few of those coasters?

[ross]

i like those glasses, have 2. they are some of my favorites.

[Pam]

I can barely stand the brown liquors nowadays...i can only do the clear ones. Probably due to severe over-usage in my youth:lol:


*raises hand*

It's a rare occasion when I drink anything but wine or beer these days; but when I do, it's generally some sort of vodka drink. Even a sweet rum drink can give me evil flashbacks.

[xgrafcorex]

Yo, how much you want for a few of those coasters?


if you want i can just mail you some(i think i have some extras :P )..or if you really want to trade something...send me a bottle of beer you guys get on your coast that i can't get here heh.

ross - yea they are very nice. it's too bad i'm out of trois pistoles now though. :(

[csigi_chili_sauce]

If you are drinking a Hefeweizen you should swirl the yeast around in the bottom and pour the remaining contents into your glass. If the beer is filtered and the yeast removed, then it isn't considered a true 'Hefeweizen'. If you prefer your beer to not contain any yeast particles, then I would suggest not buying any type of top-fermented wheat style beer, be it German, Belgian, or the like.

In Germany a wheat beer MUST be top-fermented. Since I've had the opportunity to have been to Germany and sampled the beer, I can understand why. Quality is everything, and Germans know how to brew some really great beer, some of the best in the world next to the Belgians.

Ever have a Delirium Tremens?!? Excellent example of what a really great top-fermented blond beer should be like. Not to mention the killer buzz this stuff will give you after 2 pints!

To each his own. -Lars-

[xgrafcorex]

i got into the habit of not pouring the yeast in, unless the bottle specifically said to do it, from drinking various belgian and belgian style ales. i guess that will make things easier though whenever i finally get around to doing this damn tasting..the beers have been in my fridge for a while now hah. i just usually have other stuff to drink, so i just say "ehh, i'll do that whole thing later."

right now i'm celebrating canada day with some unibroue brews. :D

[ross]

uh ive been drinking alot of busch recently. haha

i think im gonna do multiple bombers of stone runiation / ipa on the 4th tho. :onfire:

[Sickmont]

Ever have a Delirium Tremens?!? Excellent example of what a really great top-fermented blond beer should be like. Not to mention the killer buzz this stuff will give you after 2 pints!

To each his own. -Lars-

Lars, D.T. is one of my faves....not only because it's good, but also because i'm basically an alky and i occasionally get the "D.T."s.