in Brooklyn serves good beer and has happy hour all night on Tuesdays!
I discovered this at the end of a pretty interesting day in New York City this week-- Peace Corps interview (went well!), visiting the World Trade Center, lunch with my good old Heather at some delicious place near her work on Avenue of the Americas near Rockefeller Plaza, three and a half hours of wandering and people watching to kill time until Heather was off work. We then traveled to Brooklyn to this lovely place around the corner from her place, and were eventually met by my good friend from college Ross.
Did you ever have an evening spent with two awesome people who don't know each other, but both are so awesome that it's just a great time? That happened.
And beer happened--
Harpoon Chocolate Stout: I've had this before, but think it's worth rementioning. It's a really good, smooth, creamy chocolate stout, and really focused on the chocolate. If you like chocolate and stout but not necessarily coffee or weird fruits or whatever other flavors might float around in some stouts, this is a good one for you. And it's a good one for me too.
Chelsea Brewing Company's Hop Angel: Right out of New York City, I found this to be a pleasant and unobtrusive IPA, which was good considering I started with the heavier, more flavorful beer. It was refreshing but not distracting, and bonus points for being extremely local. I don't know what made me follow up the good stout with an IPA, maybe because this is what Heather was drinking (and apparently frequently drinks), but I enjoyed it.
Good beer and good company is such a good combination.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Genius.
When I went to edit the last post, I found this as a draft that I never posted. My bad. Originally dated October 19, 2011--
I have clever and lovely friends.
Last night, my friend and former office mate Irene hosted a dinner for a few of the geograph-tastic women at Rutgers to celebrate my Masters and our friend Purba's PhD. Debby and Ali also joined us, and brought beer.
They brought Negra Modelo because it's Mexican (in honor of my work in Mexico), but honestly, that's my favorite Mexican beer. I enjoyed it immensely while doing my field work in Quintana Roo, and I may have enjoyed it just as much, if not more, now that I'm well on the other side of that fieldwork.
The other beer they brought was Lakefront Brewery's Rendezvous, a delightful Biere de Garde, or beer for keeping. The real reason they got it was because it said GENIUS down the side of the bottle. It's part of Lakefront's Pure Milwaukee Genius Series, which I can't say I know much else about, but it was pretty awesome to pour out some good beer from a bottle labelled "Genius". I felt clever. Actually, I was just really impressed with how clever Ali and Debby are. But anyway, good beer. Debby volunteered to share it with me, and since neither of us are picky about beer being especially cold, we drank it a hair colder than room temperature. It's probably better a bit cooler than that, but it was really good as was. I was deeply pleased with how flavorful it was without being too strong or overwhelming-- as a commoner in the beer world, I couldn't even begin to pick out the flavors on this one. No one thing stuck out. It was just good. Interesting. And very good. A very fine beer with which to celebrate.
And so, I'm a Master of Science. Dr. Purba tried a little, but she doesn't really drink so I mostly enjoyed the beers. I am extremely grateful to all of the good friends and good beers that have gotten me to this point.
I have clever and lovely friends.
Last night, my friend and former office mate Irene hosted a dinner for a few of the geograph-tastic women at Rutgers to celebrate my Masters and our friend Purba's PhD. Debby and Ali also joined us, and brought beer.
They brought Negra Modelo because it's Mexican (in honor of my work in Mexico), but honestly, that's my favorite Mexican beer. I enjoyed it immensely while doing my field work in Quintana Roo, and I may have enjoyed it just as much, if not more, now that I'm well on the other side of that fieldwork.
The other beer they brought was Lakefront Brewery's Rendezvous, a delightful Biere de Garde, or beer for keeping. The real reason they got it was because it said GENIUS down the side of the bottle. It's part of Lakefront's Pure Milwaukee Genius Series, which I can't say I know much else about, but it was pretty awesome to pour out some good beer from a bottle labelled "Genius". I felt clever. Actually, I was just really impressed with how clever Ali and Debby are. But anyway, good beer. Debby volunteered to share it with me, and since neither of us are picky about beer being especially cold, we drank it a hair colder than room temperature. It's probably better a bit cooler than that, but it was really good as was. I was deeply pleased with how flavorful it was without being too strong or overwhelming-- as a commoner in the beer world, I couldn't even begin to pick out the flavors on this one. No one thing stuck out. It was just good. Interesting. And very good. A very fine beer with which to celebrate.
And so, I'm a Master of Science. Dr. Purba tried a little, but she doesn't really drink so I mostly enjoyed the beers. I am extremely grateful to all of the good friends and good beers that have gotten me to this point.
Some beers of late--
Founders Backwoods Bastard: Taylor left this at my house, so I drank it one night. I didn't like this beer because I don't like liquor, and it tastes like bourbon. It's technically a Scotch ale. That's about all I can say about it.
Heavy Seas Gold Ale: Hanging out with Paul on Thanksgiving Eve means plenty of interesting beer choices. This was one of the few in his fridge that I hadn't yet tried. It was pleasant and lighter feeling and tasting, and didn't overpower the homemade guacamole I brought to snack on. Win.
Sam Adams Old Fezziwig: Paul does not like this beer. Now, I can say the same. I split it with my friend (ok, and his fiancee) Laura, and neither of us were really crazy about it. It's just excessively underwhelming.
Sam Adams Black and Brew (coffee stout): I found this in the cooler on Thanksgiving after reaching in for a random handful of beers for my brothers and one of my uncles. Also in the handful: an Old Fezziwig (gave that to little brother), a Boston Lager (gave that to uncle) and a Becks (gave that to older brother). I totally disagree with the rating on Beer Advocate. This was a nice stout. It smells like coffee but tastes more chocolatey, isn't too heavy or strong, especially for being before I'd had anything more significant than crackers and baby carrots to eat. I approve of this stout. I kind of want to have it again, even.
Ommegang Rare Vos: I thought this was a solid Belgian with some extra awesome, which I thought was kind of pale ale like, but Brewery Ommegang reports as amber. Whatever, this was a great pint. Not too hoppy and not too boring. It's currently on tap at The Office, and definitely a steal on pint night.
In other beer news, I started brewing a stout last weekend, so I should have a case of that to share in January sometime. Once my fermenter is empty, I also have ingredients for an IPA, which takes way longer, so we'll see when I do that.
Also, I'm looking for suggestions for a good beer to buy for myself and put on a shelf until I get a job that actually utilizes my degrees (rather than the holiday retail purgatory I'm currently doing). Ideas?
Founders Backwoods Bastard: Taylor left this at my house, so I drank it one night. I didn't like this beer because I don't like liquor, and it tastes like bourbon. It's technically a Scotch ale. That's about all I can say about it.
Heavy Seas Gold Ale: Hanging out with Paul on Thanksgiving Eve means plenty of interesting beer choices. This was one of the few in his fridge that I hadn't yet tried. It was pleasant and lighter feeling and tasting, and didn't overpower the homemade guacamole I brought to snack on. Win.
Sam Adams Old Fezziwig: Paul does not like this beer. Now, I can say the same. I split it with my friend (ok, and his fiancee) Laura, and neither of us were really crazy about it. It's just excessively underwhelming.
Sam Adams Black and Brew (coffee stout): I found this in the cooler on Thanksgiving after reaching in for a random handful of beers for my brothers and one of my uncles. Also in the handful: an Old Fezziwig (gave that to little brother), a Boston Lager (gave that to uncle) and a Becks (gave that to older brother). I totally disagree with the rating on Beer Advocate. This was a nice stout. It smells like coffee but tastes more chocolatey, isn't too heavy or strong, especially for being before I'd had anything more significant than crackers and baby carrots to eat. I approve of this stout. I kind of want to have it again, even.
Ommegang Rare Vos: I thought this was a solid Belgian with some extra awesome, which I thought was kind of pale ale like, but Brewery Ommegang reports as amber. Whatever, this was a great pint. Not too hoppy and not too boring. It's currently on tap at The Office, and definitely a steal on pint night.
In other beer news, I started brewing a stout last weekend, so I should have a case of that to share in January sometime. Once my fermenter is empty, I also have ingredients for an IPA, which takes way longer, so we'll see when I do that.
Also, I'm looking for suggestions for a good beer to buy for myself and put on a shelf until I get a job that actually utilizes my degrees (rather than the holiday retail purgatory I'm currently doing). Ideas?
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Beer! (My creativity and motivation is kind of waning with my continued unemployment. Sorry.)
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA: I waited patiently and searched thoroughly for this beer, and couldn't hunt one down anywhere. Taylor managed to get a couple, which we finally enjoyed this weekend. This beer is strong. Whoa. Like World Wide Stout strong. However, unlike Dogfish Head's World Wide Stout, this was not everything I hoped and dreamed a beer could be.
The hoppiness wasn't as bitter and refreshing as I'd anticipated, having tried both 60 Minute and 90 Minute. It was kind of floral tasting. While it was a very good beer and I'm glad to have finally tried it, I would definitely choose the 60 Minute over 120 Minute. The 60 is more stereotypically IPA-y, and it's just good. And way more available. I think this was worth a try but I don't need to hunt it down again.
Guinness Black Lager: Being home and unemployed, I'm usually here when Mom and Dad get home from work. Dad likes to watch Pardon the Interruption before dinner, which features an ad for this beer at every break. At least once. I think the ad is stupid, but we all know about my love for Guinness. And so, when Taylor was buying beer for the Friend Thanksgiving he accompanied me to this past weekend, and told me to pick, I saw this and picked it.
Taylor bet it was going to suck, but the verdict: it's actually pretty passable. Obviously NEVER going to take the place of the standard draught in my heart and belly, but it didn't suck. It was plain in the same way I find the stout to be plain-- pleasantly so. Interesting enough to be drinkable but plain enough to just enjoy but not be overwhelmingly preoccupied with. But still not even a close second to the original.
Elysian Night Owl Pumpkin Ale: Friend Thanksgiving in Edison was awesome. I got to see all of my favorite Metuchenites and enjoy amazing food. There were so many vegetarians and friends of vegetarians present that for the first time in a very long time, I was absolutely sickeningly wonderfully stuffed. So so SO so good.
But yes, beer. Christy and Danni brought this wonderful brew and shared with me a glass of the prescribed amount for my records. I love pumpkin but generally have a hard time finding a pumpkin ale that tastes like vegetable rather than pie. This was good. Not too spiced but definitely flavorful, not too sweet but definitely pumpkiny. If you love fall at all and like pumpkin beer even a little, I'd recommend this one.
Soon I'll be starting a job in holiday retail purgatory, but hopefully the more structured schedule and occasional paychecks will allow me to continue trying interesting beers. Try anything good lately, Paul (or anyone else reading this)?
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA: I waited patiently and searched thoroughly for this beer, and couldn't hunt one down anywhere. Taylor managed to get a couple, which we finally enjoyed this weekend. This beer is strong. Whoa. Like World Wide Stout strong. However, unlike Dogfish Head's World Wide Stout, this was not everything I hoped and dreamed a beer could be.
The hoppiness wasn't as bitter and refreshing as I'd anticipated, having tried both 60 Minute and 90 Minute. It was kind of floral tasting. While it was a very good beer and I'm glad to have finally tried it, I would definitely choose the 60 Minute over 120 Minute. The 60 is more stereotypically IPA-y, and it's just good. And way more available. I think this was worth a try but I don't need to hunt it down again.
Guinness Black Lager: Being home and unemployed, I'm usually here when Mom and Dad get home from work. Dad likes to watch Pardon the Interruption before dinner, which features an ad for this beer at every break. At least once. I think the ad is stupid, but we all know about my love for Guinness. And so, when Taylor was buying beer for the Friend Thanksgiving he accompanied me to this past weekend, and told me to pick, I saw this and picked it.
Taylor bet it was going to suck, but the verdict: it's actually pretty passable. Obviously NEVER going to take the place of the standard draught in my heart and belly, but it didn't suck. It was plain in the same way I find the stout to be plain-- pleasantly so. Interesting enough to be drinkable but plain enough to just enjoy but not be overwhelmingly preoccupied with. But still not even a close second to the original.
Elysian Night Owl Pumpkin Ale: Friend Thanksgiving in Edison was awesome. I got to see all of my favorite Metuchenites and enjoy amazing food. There were so many vegetarians and friends of vegetarians present that for the first time in a very long time, I was absolutely sickeningly wonderfully stuffed. So so SO so good.
But yes, beer. Christy and Danni brought this wonderful brew and shared with me a glass of the prescribed amount for my records. I love pumpkin but generally have a hard time finding a pumpkin ale that tastes like vegetable rather than pie. This was good. Not too spiced but definitely flavorful, not too sweet but definitely pumpkiny. If you love fall at all and like pumpkin beer even a little, I'd recommend this one.
Soon I'll be starting a job in holiday retail purgatory, but hopefully the more structured schedule and occasional paychecks will allow me to continue trying interesting beers. Try anything good lately, Paul (or anyone else reading this)?
Friday, October 28, 2011
VArious
I'm hanging out with my big brother at home, routing for the National League and listening to him play with Siri on his new iPhone machine. His puppy is curled up on the couch next to me, the Cardinals are winning, ...
I was busy catching up with my brother and enjoying the game. Go National League!
So. I spent the last week in Virginia, welcoming home one friend from Peace Corps service and another from grad school in England. That plus camping plus a visit to the alma mater plus catching up with one of my favorite girls plus meeting up with Paul for the first time in a while plus my college roommate playing a show means I have a few new beers to report--
Sam Adams Rauchbier: part of the Sam Adams seasonal pack, this is incredibly underwhelming. I mean, the last time I tried a rauchbier, I wasn't thoroughly impressed either, but this just had nothing to it. Don't bother.
Starr Hill Dark Starr: While hanging out in Fredericksburg with some awesome former professors of mine, I of course tried this Virginia stout. There was some chocolate flavor, some coffee flavor, and lots and lots of awesome flavor. It was dark and dry and smooth and wonderful. I like stout, and it's always fun to drink local.
Port City Porter: Another one at Cap Ale with a crew of Mary Washington geographers. This is a good porter from a relatively new brewer in Alexandria, Virginia. I'd say they're off to a good start. You can't see through it and it's got some hints of chocolate happening. Awesome.
Six Point Righteous Ale: I had another Six Point brew recently that I found to be not so great, but this was good. My good friend Emily and I had gone out on Sunday night in search of the Cardinals game, as she is from St. Louis, and ended up in a place in Columbia Heights that she'd never been. They were out of the Brooklyn Brown I'd ordered so the server recommended this instead. It was nothing like Brooklyn Brown, rather, more hoppy but really clean and nice. I'm surprised to learn it involves rye, but not upset about it. Rye beer. Hoppy rye beer. Good hoppy rye beer.
51st State Amber Ale: This is a pretty not-exciting house beer, but was how I kicked off my first ever bar trivia night, in which a team of Mary Washington Geographers owned the rest of the crowd at 51st State. If you go to this place in D.C., it's a reasonable beer for its price, but there are most definitely more exciting things on the menu.
Starr Hill Boxcar Pumpkin Porter: Of course, an extended stay in the D.C. Metro Area is never complete without a DBF Staff Meeting. Bailey's, located in Ballston and Crystal City, has a $2 pint special on Tuesdays. This was the only new beer I tried there though. This was more spice than pumpkin, but if you like pumpkin pie esque beers and you like dark beers, this is a good combination. The spices are good but not overwhelming, with a really nice, smooth porter underneath. I usually see pumpkin ales, not specifically porters, so this was a really nice change to that particular fall beer.
Tallgrass Buffalo Sweat: Selected partially because of the ridiculous name and partially because it's a stout, this was way sweet. I mean, I liked it, but a pint seemed like a lot due to the sweetness. If you like milk stout, it's great, but if you're not into the very sweet stouts, steer clear.
New Belgium's Ranger IPA: Taylor ordered this, but I ended up finishing it. It's good. Very recommendable.
Hooray for good beer, good friends, JT and Boo getting home, and the National League (and the team that knocked out the Phillies) winning! It is past my bedtime...
I was busy catching up with my brother and enjoying the game. Go National League!
So. I spent the last week in Virginia, welcoming home one friend from Peace Corps service and another from grad school in England. That plus camping plus a visit to the alma mater plus catching up with one of my favorite girls plus meeting up with Paul for the first time in a while plus my college roommate playing a show means I have a few new beers to report--
Sam Adams Rauchbier: part of the Sam Adams seasonal pack, this is incredibly underwhelming. I mean, the last time I tried a rauchbier, I wasn't thoroughly impressed either, but this just had nothing to it. Don't bother.
Starr Hill Dark Starr: While hanging out in Fredericksburg with some awesome former professors of mine, I of course tried this Virginia stout. There was some chocolate flavor, some coffee flavor, and lots and lots of awesome flavor. It was dark and dry and smooth and wonderful. I like stout, and it's always fun to drink local.
Port City Porter: Another one at Cap Ale with a crew of Mary Washington geographers. This is a good porter from a relatively new brewer in Alexandria, Virginia. I'd say they're off to a good start. You can't see through it and it's got some hints of chocolate happening. Awesome.
Six Point Righteous Ale: I had another Six Point brew recently that I found to be not so great, but this was good. My good friend Emily and I had gone out on Sunday night in search of the Cardinals game, as she is from St. Louis, and ended up in a place in Columbia Heights that she'd never been. They were out of the Brooklyn Brown I'd ordered so the server recommended this instead. It was nothing like Brooklyn Brown, rather, more hoppy but really clean and nice. I'm surprised to learn it involves rye, but not upset about it. Rye beer. Hoppy rye beer. Good hoppy rye beer.
51st State Amber Ale: This is a pretty not-exciting house beer, but was how I kicked off my first ever bar trivia night, in which a team of Mary Washington Geographers owned the rest of the crowd at 51st State. If you go to this place in D.C., it's a reasonable beer for its price, but there are most definitely more exciting things on the menu.
Starr Hill Boxcar Pumpkin Porter: Of course, an extended stay in the D.C. Metro Area is never complete without a DBF Staff Meeting. Bailey's, located in Ballston and Crystal City, has a $2 pint special on Tuesdays. This was the only new beer I tried there though. This was more spice than pumpkin, but if you like pumpkin pie esque beers and you like dark beers, this is a good combination. The spices are good but not overwhelming, with a really nice, smooth porter underneath. I usually see pumpkin ales, not specifically porters, so this was a really nice change to that particular fall beer.
Tallgrass Buffalo Sweat: Selected partially because of the ridiculous name and partially because it's a stout, this was way sweet. I mean, I liked it, but a pint seemed like a lot due to the sweetness. If you like milk stout, it's great, but if you're not into the very sweet stouts, steer clear.
New Belgium's Ranger IPA: Taylor ordered this, but I ended up finishing it. It's good. Very recommendable.
Hooray for good beer, good friends, JT and Boo getting home, and the National League (and the team that knocked out the Phillies) winning! It is past my bedtime...
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
I guess red and scarlet are two different things, but I don't really care.
I mentioned a while back that I had purchased a bottle of Dogfish Head's Red and White and was saving it for the day I finished grad school. I figured the red was appropriate for Rutgers (which I guess is scarlet if you want to be technical), and I already drank my Flying Fish Exit 9 to celebrate passing my defense.
You probably heard me shout for joy from wherever you are yesterday when I received the email telling me my thesis and all of my paperwork had been accepted. Well, you probably metaphorically heard me shout for joy. The real event involved me only reading the word "congratulations!" and sitting at my desk crying a little bit. It's been a crazy three years.
So, fast forward to the part where I drank a bottle of Red and White. It felt like beer going down, but definitely tasted like a wine more than anything else. Then I read the label about all the pinot noir stuff involved in the brewing process. Apparently that is a legitimate assessment on my part.
It's good! It's definitely a bit... different... but good. If you hate red wine, don't drink this beer.
And so I sat, quietly smiling, in my little lake side cabin, drinking this beer and petting the three kittens who live with me. It was pretty peaceful and wonderful, which was probably the best possible way to celebrate after three years of craziness, especially the past few high stress weeks jumping through all of the final hoops.
Now I just need to find a good beer to celebrate getting a job... and then actually get a job!
You probably heard me shout for joy from wherever you are yesterday when I received the email telling me my thesis and all of my paperwork had been accepted. Well, you probably metaphorically heard me shout for joy. The real event involved me only reading the word "congratulations!" and sitting at my desk crying a little bit. It's been a crazy three years.
So, fast forward to the part where I drank a bottle of Red and White. It felt like beer going down, but definitely tasted like a wine more than anything else. Then I read the label about all the pinot noir stuff involved in the brewing process. Apparently that is a legitimate assessment on my part.
It's good! It's definitely a bit... different... but good. If you hate red wine, don't drink this beer.
And so I sat, quietly smiling, in my little lake side cabin, drinking this beer and petting the three kittens who live with me. It was pretty peaceful and wonderful, which was probably the best possible way to celebrate after three years of craziness, especially the past few high stress weeks jumping through all of the final hoops.
Now I just need to find a good beer to celebrate getting a job... and then actually get a job!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Hello again!
A summer under contract, a week without power and a two week roadtrip later, I'm back and have a few beers to share with you! Hope you have been well. I assure you that Paul is also alive, and probably even has a few beers to share. I'll do this in installments. Today's goes along with the pile of updates about my recent travels around the US. While my roadtrip companions searched for good gift shops to bring nice things back to their family and friends, I prefer to mark my travels by learning about new trees and trying new beers. My apologies to my family and friends. I do love you. Now I just know where to take you for a good beer should we ever travel together!
In Nashville
Yazoo Pale Ale: Really, really, really hoppy, bordering on tasting like a bouquet of flowers. So dry. My European friends did not like this at all. I liked it the more I drank. Very refreshing, smooth finish but holy hops, Batman.
Yazoo Dos Perros: Pretty malt-heavy brown ale. It was ok. I wonder if Yazoo does middle ground on the bitter to sweet spectrum of things? By the two I tasted, the answer is no.
Blues Brew: I can't find anything about this beer but I don't care. It wasn't about the beer, but where I had it. The beer was fine, whatever, kind of like an amber ale I guess, who cares. The BB King Blues Club was awesome. I've said it before, I know it's awesome because it's touristy, but I DON'T CARE. It's SO good! So whatever, I had a beer, got to keep the glass, beer was adequate, music was superb.
In Memphis
Lazy Magnolia Southern Pecan: Hearing the name made me think of pie, but that's not how it was. This was a pretty lightweight beer and I didn't get much pecan or nut flavor at all, just a plain brown ale. This was fine under the circumstances, the circumstances being that I was on Beale Street in Memphis, which gets closed off by police so you can just wander around with beer and listen to incredible blues bands. I was pretty overstimulated as it was, so I was happy to drink a relatively plain local beer at that moment.
In Chicago
Half Acre Daisy Cutter: Another very hoppy pale ale, but it was good. One of my travel buddies said it tasted like green tea. I'd disagree, but definitely had some kind of very fresh flavor going on... almost like grass, if that makes any sense. This has a very strong flavor but a very clean finish. I liked it. (Remember when I used to hate hoppy beers? I would have hated this beer once upon a time...)
Goose Island Green Line Pale Ale: After some deliberation, this was my second beer at Miller's Pub in the Windy City, mostly so I could compare two local pale ales. This was definitely a less severe pale ale, but still plenty hoppy and pale. I think I liked this one more because the first sip didn't completely punch me in the face. Still good though.
In West Virginia but not a local beer
Coopers Best Extra Stout: Not local as in Australia... but this was good. A little sweet, but good. I do love stout. It was like a sweeter Guinness. Very smooth and no particularly strong flavors that you sometimes find in stouts. Just stout.
Good roadtrip (3225 miles) and good beers (just these and a few assorted Miller Lights and Yuenglings).
In Nashville
Yazoo Pale Ale: Really, really, really hoppy, bordering on tasting like a bouquet of flowers. So dry. My European friends did not like this at all. I liked it the more I drank. Very refreshing, smooth finish but holy hops, Batman.
Yazoo Dos Perros: Pretty malt-heavy brown ale. It was ok. I wonder if Yazoo does middle ground on the bitter to sweet spectrum of things? By the two I tasted, the answer is no.
Blues Brew: I can't find anything about this beer but I don't care. It wasn't about the beer, but where I had it. The beer was fine, whatever, kind of like an amber ale I guess, who cares. The BB King Blues Club was awesome. I've said it before, I know it's awesome because it's touristy, but I DON'T CARE. It's SO good! So whatever, I had a beer, got to keep the glass, beer was adequate, music was superb.
In Memphis
Lazy Magnolia Southern Pecan: Hearing the name made me think of pie, but that's not how it was. This was a pretty lightweight beer and I didn't get much pecan or nut flavor at all, just a plain brown ale. This was fine under the circumstances, the circumstances being that I was on Beale Street in Memphis, which gets closed off by police so you can just wander around with beer and listen to incredible blues bands. I was pretty overstimulated as it was, so I was happy to drink a relatively plain local beer at that moment.
In Chicago
Half Acre Daisy Cutter: Another very hoppy pale ale, but it was good. One of my travel buddies said it tasted like green tea. I'd disagree, but definitely had some kind of very fresh flavor going on... almost like grass, if that makes any sense. This has a very strong flavor but a very clean finish. I liked it. (Remember when I used to hate hoppy beers? I would have hated this beer once upon a time...)
Goose Island Green Line Pale Ale: After some deliberation, this was my second beer at Miller's Pub in the Windy City, mostly so I could compare two local pale ales. This was definitely a less severe pale ale, but still plenty hoppy and pale. I think I liked this one more because the first sip didn't completely punch me in the face. Still good though.
In West Virginia but not a local beer
Coopers Best Extra Stout: Not local as in Australia... but this was good. A little sweet, but good. I do love stout. It was like a sweeter Guinness. Very smooth and no particularly strong flavors that you sometimes find in stouts. Just stout.
Good roadtrip (3225 miles) and good beers (just these and a few assorted Miller Lights and Yuenglings).
Thursday, June 23, 2011
summer arrived fast
I can't believe it's already been a year since I went dry under contract at Johnsonburg last; while my contract has not yet been written, I'll be respecting those rules again and fasting from beer as of tomorrow. I've had a few new brews in the past couple of weeks, and thought I'd share--
Unibroue's Terrible: The irony of the name was enough to purchase this. Noah and I split it; it was anything but terrible. Really nice, interesting dark ale. Not too heavy, not too light, very drinkable but definitely a little different. I approve.
Dogfish Head Theobroma: We all know I love me some Dogfish Head, and this did not disappoint, but it also didn't quite live up to the hype, as far as I'm concerned. I've been stalking this bottle since I missed its last release more than six months ago. I was excited to find it. It's definitely got a lot of spice in its flavor but it wasn't what I expected, with ingredients such as cocoa and chiles listed. I didn't really taste either of those. It wasn't a boring drink by any means, just not quite what I was expecting given the description. Not my favorite Dogfish Head but definitely good.
Rogue's Somer Orange Honey Ale: I find Rogue to be hit or miss. This was probably a miss in that it was just super boring. I barely tasted honey and didn't really get any orange. It just came off as a plain boring ale, not even interesting for being a wheat beer. I was disappointed, since there were interesting and different things in the title. Oh well. At least Rogue isn't super expensive, and the hits are generally worth it (Chipotle Ale!).
Founders' Cherise: This was kinda bizzare. The fruit flavor was subtle, but it was very sweet and very tart at the same time. It was very interesting, but I don't need to repeat it. Then again, I'm not huge on fruit beers.
So, that's it until the end of August or beginning of September, assuming we get around to writing me a contract... staff training starts tomorrow though. It will be a busy summer as I serve as the program assistant at camp, but I hope to post a few things about beer that don't involve me drinking it. Now taking suggestions for what I should drink in September. I need to hunt down a bottle or two of Dogfish Head's 120 Minute to save till then (it was rereleased last week or so!)... what else?
Unibroue's Terrible: The irony of the name was enough to purchase this. Noah and I split it; it was anything but terrible. Really nice, interesting dark ale. Not too heavy, not too light, very drinkable but definitely a little different. I approve.
Dogfish Head Theobroma: We all know I love me some Dogfish Head, and this did not disappoint, but it also didn't quite live up to the hype, as far as I'm concerned. I've been stalking this bottle since I missed its last release more than six months ago. I was excited to find it. It's definitely got a lot of spice in its flavor but it wasn't what I expected, with ingredients such as cocoa and chiles listed. I didn't really taste either of those. It wasn't a boring drink by any means, just not quite what I was expecting given the description. Not my favorite Dogfish Head but definitely good.
Rogue's Somer Orange Honey Ale: I find Rogue to be hit or miss. This was probably a miss in that it was just super boring. I barely tasted honey and didn't really get any orange. It just came off as a plain boring ale, not even interesting for being a wheat beer. I was disappointed, since there were interesting and different things in the title. Oh well. At least Rogue isn't super expensive, and the hits are generally worth it (Chipotle Ale!).
Founders' Cherise: This was kinda bizzare. The fruit flavor was subtle, but it was very sweet and very tart at the same time. It was very interesting, but I don't need to repeat it. Then again, I'm not huge on fruit beers.
So, that's it until the end of August or beginning of September, assuming we get around to writing me a contract... staff training starts tomorrow though. It will be a busy summer as I serve as the program assistant at camp, but I hope to post a few things about beer that don't involve me drinking it. Now taking suggestions for what I should drink in September. I need to hunt down a bottle or two of Dogfish Head's 120 Minute to save till then (it was rereleased last week or so!)... what else?
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Beer and Sushi
Last night I had an inexplicable craving for sushi. Surprisingly enough, this was my first foray into pairing beer with sushi. I say this because The Office Lounge (a DBF favorite) is well known in the Toms River area for its sushi selection. In any event, I went with a spicy roll. Spicy food can be paired very well with hoppy beers. I found that it complemented the spicy roll rather well.
Highland Kashmir IPA: This was a classic IPA. By that I mean, it fit the style well and met my mental definition of an IPA. There was nothing that knocked my socks off, nor did it have any downside. It was a rather aggressive beer with a bitter hop flavor. It was a very nice gift from Laura's brother and his fiance, Katie. Thanks guys!
As you may have noticed, I have not posted in more than 3 months. It's been a long haul at work, and I've certainly been putting in a lot more hours these days. I've also managed to lose a fairly substantial amount of weight (25+ lbs). The alleged causation or correlation between my weight loss and lower beer consumption will be left to reader to determine.
I've tried new beers during this time. I will be adding some reviews over the next few weeks. Unfortunately, some of my reviews have been misplaced. It's a good thing we don't keep count anymore, because I'd never catch Colleen!
Cheers,
Paul
Highland Kashmir IPA: This was a classic IPA. By that I mean, it fit the style well and met my mental definition of an IPA. There was nothing that knocked my socks off, nor did it have any downside. It was a rather aggressive beer with a bitter hop flavor. It was a very nice gift from Laura's brother and his fiance, Katie. Thanks guys!
As you may have noticed, I have not posted in more than 3 months. It's been a long haul at work, and I've certainly been putting in a lot more hours these days. I've also managed to lose a fairly substantial amount of weight (25+ lbs). The alleged causation or correlation between my weight loss and lower beer consumption will be left to reader to determine.
I've tried new beers during this time. I will be adding some reviews over the next few weeks. Unfortunately, some of my reviews have been misplaced. It's a good thing we don't keep count anymore, because I'd never catch Colleen!
Cheers,
Paul
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
a-round in Virginia
So, thesis defense down does not equal slowing down. A week later, I was in Virginia. For the past few years, I have done the Muddy Buddy with a friend in the Richmond area. This spring would be my third. But, as always, visiting Virginia involved catching up with several friends... often over a beer or few.
Firestone Walker's Reserve Porter: From Taylor's fridge. It was nice and dark and heavy, with a strong coffee flavor.
On Friday evening, Taylor and I met up with Paul, Laura, Matt and others to go to Bier Baron, formerly known as Brickskeller. It's amazing to me how Bier Baron has scaled back the beer menu, and there are still over 500 options. This was a combination celebration of my successful defense, Matt's successful completion of his Masters work and a DBF staff meeting. Paul did try new beers. Maybe he'll even write about them. In the meantime, here's what I had--
Sam Adams Rustic Saison: I found this satisfying. Despite being see-through, I actually quite like the saison/ farmhouse style. They're refreshing. This was precisely that, a nice clean drink. This would be great on a hot day; that Friday was surprisingly cool out. This saison didn't have any particularly strong tastes to it, just a simple, refreshing beer.
Unibroue Maudite: A Quebecois beer that Paul and I both tried. "Strong dark Belgian ale" is not necessarily my favorite style. It kinda had a sweet fruity thing going on, but didn't taste like a particular kind of fruit to me. I don't know. My notes on this don't have much to say, and I don't remember much about it, and I think that sums this beer up just fine. It wasn't bad, just not really memorable or impressive.
Weyerbacher Heresy: Now we're talking. Russian Imperial Stout. This one tastes like a car bomb. It was nice and heavy and very smooth. Pleasant. I liked it. Not too sweet, not too strong or bitter. Good Imperial Stout.
After that, Paul ordered me a car bomb, and I'm still not sure why. It was delicious, but I can't drink fast enough to really enjoy these, although this time I managed to only leave a sip or two to curdle. It was great to see everyone, and really great to celebrate Matt's and my masters.
So, the Muddy Buddy is really awesome, but a nice perk at the end is the beer garden, sponsored by Red Hook. This year they served Copper Hook, a red/amber something. It was a bit hoppier than something like Killian's but really refreshing and crisp after the intense workout. Nothing fancy about it. It's very drinkable.
Sunday evening, after a long shower, Taylor and I met Justin and Deb to have dinner at Capital Alehouse in downtown Richmond. It was great to catch up with them since they were kind of busy the last time I saw them (at their wedding). Taylor ordered Laughing Dog Crotch Sniffing Bastard for its name alone. While choosing beers for their funny names often leads to interesting discoveries, neither of us enjoyed this one (I finished it for him just so I could add it to the list). I mean, it was light and beery, but it had some kind of weird sweet funk to it, both in smell and taste. Kind of like how moldy fruit smells-- kind of sweet and kind of weird, and then you see the fuzz and realize "weird" is actually "gross". Yeah. Maybe it was a bad bottle, or maybe I wouldn't recommend this.
I got New Holland Golden Cap Saison. Another fresh tasting beer. Slight citrusy something going on, but just pleasant and refreshing.
As usual, if I go to Virginia, I stay there for a few extra days. On Tuesday, I met up with my good friend Becky for an afternoon stroll, and we along with her husband Dana met Taylor at Lost Dog Cafe, where the food is amazing. The unpregnant 3/4 of the group ordered DC Brau's Pale Ale, which was far hoppier than I expected... bitterness verging on IPA. It wasn't bad, just not what I expected.
My final beer for this jaunt to Virginia was Dogfish Head's Hellhound, kindly purchased for me by Becky and Dana, perhaps in celebration of my victory of the aforementioned thesis defense. Another beer in honor of an awesome musician? Ok! Dogfish Head again did not disappoint. While billed as excessively hoppy, I didn't think it was offensively so
Firestone Walker's Reserve Porter: From Taylor's fridge. It was nice and dark and heavy, with a strong coffee flavor.
On Friday evening, Taylor and I met up with Paul, Laura, Matt and others to go to Bier Baron, formerly known as Brickskeller. It's amazing to me how Bier Baron has scaled back the beer menu, and there are still over 500 options. This was a combination celebration of my successful defense, Matt's successful completion of his Masters work and a DBF staff meeting. Paul did try new beers. Maybe he'll even write about them. In the meantime, here's what I had--
Sam Adams Rustic Saison: I found this satisfying. Despite being see-through, I actually quite like the saison/ farmhouse style. They're refreshing. This was precisely that, a nice clean drink. This would be great on a hot day; that Friday was surprisingly cool out. This saison didn't have any particularly strong tastes to it, just a simple, refreshing beer.
Unibroue Maudite: A Quebecois beer that Paul and I both tried. "Strong dark Belgian ale" is not necessarily my favorite style. It kinda had a sweet fruity thing going on, but didn't taste like a particular kind of fruit to me. I don't know. My notes on this don't have much to say, and I don't remember much about it, and I think that sums this beer up just fine. It wasn't bad, just not really memorable or impressive.
Weyerbacher Heresy: Now we're talking. Russian Imperial Stout. This one tastes like a car bomb. It was nice and heavy and very smooth. Pleasant. I liked it. Not too sweet, not too strong or bitter. Good Imperial Stout.
After that, Paul ordered me a car bomb, and I'm still not sure why. It was delicious, but I can't drink fast enough to really enjoy these, although this time I managed to only leave a sip or two to curdle. It was great to see everyone, and really great to celebrate Matt's and my masters.
So, the Muddy Buddy is really awesome, but a nice perk at the end is the beer garden, sponsored by Red Hook. This year they served Copper Hook, a red/amber something. It was a bit hoppier than something like Killian's but really refreshing and crisp after the intense workout. Nothing fancy about it. It's very drinkable.
Sunday evening, after a long shower, Taylor and I met Justin and Deb to have dinner at Capital Alehouse in downtown Richmond. It was great to catch up with them since they were kind of busy the last time I saw them (at their wedding). Taylor ordered Laughing Dog Crotch Sniffing Bastard for its name alone. While choosing beers for their funny names often leads to interesting discoveries, neither of us enjoyed this one (I finished it for him just so I could add it to the list). I mean, it was light and beery, but it had some kind of weird sweet funk to it, both in smell and taste. Kind of like how moldy fruit smells-- kind of sweet and kind of weird, and then you see the fuzz and realize "weird" is actually "gross". Yeah. Maybe it was a bad bottle, or maybe I wouldn't recommend this.
I got New Holland Golden Cap Saison. Another fresh tasting beer. Slight citrusy something going on, but just pleasant and refreshing.
As usual, if I go to Virginia, I stay there for a few extra days. On Tuesday, I met up with my good friend Becky for an afternoon stroll, and we along with her husband Dana met Taylor at Lost Dog Cafe, where the food is amazing. The unpregnant 3/4 of the group ordered DC Brau's Pale Ale, which was far hoppier than I expected... bitterness verging on IPA. It wasn't bad, just not what I expected.
My final beer for this jaunt to Virginia was Dogfish Head's Hellhound, kindly purchased for me by Becky and Dana, perhaps in celebration of my victory of the aforementioned thesis defense. Another beer in honor of an awesome musician? Ok! Dogfish Head again did not disappoint. While billed as excessively hoppy, I didn't think it was offensively so
Friday, April 22, 2011
Exit 9
THIS IS AN EXCELLENT BEER.
I am so so glad this beer is awesome because I've been saving it as my reward for passing my thesis defense.
Oh yeah, I did that today.
Flying Fish's Exit 9: Hoppy Scarlet Ale seemed like the appropriate celebratory beer for the occasion of (nearly*) finishing my Masters at Rutgers, as it is Rutgers' exit and made at least partially in honor of the Scarlet Knights. The Flying Fish exit series have really been genius so far, celebrating my beloved home state and its history and geography, and have mostly really delicious. I regret not trying a few of the earlier releases-- I was not a fan of hoppy beers at that point in my life and turned down things with "hoppy" in the name. SHAME on me. At least I've learned. All part of that transition from being regular old Colleen to COLLEEN, MASTER OF SCIENCE. ha ha. Not.
But seriously, this beer is awesome. It's a really nice red ale with a really great, well-rounded hoppy flavor (not too strongly floral or citrus or whatever else you might associate hops with) without a foul aftertaste. Just straight up crisp, refreshing and lovely. I am a fan.
Oh, and I'm also a fan of passing my thesis defense today. Many thanks to those of you who have been cheering me on and buying me beers (and now owe me a beer, Paul) throughout this chapter of my life. This blog post cannot possibly convey how appreciative I am of all of the positive vibes and support. Please know.
What can this blog entry convey? Exit 9 is totally worth your time. Find one. I'm going to relax and enjoy this one after the crazy week I just had.
*I'm just a few revisions of the thesis paper itself shy of my MS Geography. Yay!
I am so so glad this beer is awesome because I've been saving it as my reward for passing my thesis defense.
Oh yeah, I did that today.
Flying Fish's Exit 9: Hoppy Scarlet Ale seemed like the appropriate celebratory beer for the occasion of (nearly*) finishing my Masters at Rutgers, as it is Rutgers' exit and made at least partially in honor of the Scarlet Knights. The Flying Fish exit series have really been genius so far, celebrating my beloved home state and its history and geography, and have mostly really delicious. I regret not trying a few of the earlier releases-- I was not a fan of hoppy beers at that point in my life and turned down things with "hoppy" in the name. SHAME on me. At least I've learned. All part of that transition from being regular old Colleen to COLLEEN, MASTER OF SCIENCE. ha ha. Not.
But seriously, this beer is awesome. It's a really nice red ale with a really great, well-rounded hoppy flavor (not too strongly floral or citrus or whatever else you might associate hops with) without a foul aftertaste. Just straight up crisp, refreshing and lovely. I am a fan.
Oh, and I'm also a fan of passing my thesis defense today. Many thanks to those of you who have been cheering me on and buying me beers (and now owe me a beer, Paul) throughout this chapter of my life. This blog post cannot possibly convey how appreciative I am of all of the positive vibes and support. Please know.
What can this blog entry convey? Exit 9 is totally worth your time. Find one. I'm going to relax and enjoy this one after the crazy week I just had.
*I'm just a few revisions of the thesis paper itself shy of my MS Geography. Yay!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Oatmeal and Beer
I love oatmeal. It's true. I recently learned how to cook it for real, not just make packets of the instant stuff, and I am slightly obsessed. My favorite additives so far are probably either dried fruit and milk, or a little molasses plus a little bit of ground cloves, ginger and cinnamon (which I discovered in this blog entry which also includes a hilarious quiz about oatmeal).
However, what is actually relevant to this blog is that I also enjoy The Oatmeal and just discovered and read this cartoon in particular, which is somewhat of a crass crash course (say that three times fast) in beer.
I'll let you know when I figure out how to make oatmeal with beer. I mean, we all know I enjoy a good oatmeal stout, so why not reverse it?...
However, what is actually relevant to this blog is that I also enjoy The Oatmeal and just discovered and read this cartoon in particular, which is somewhat of a crass crash course (say that three times fast) in beer.
I'll let you know when I figure out how to make oatmeal with beer. I mean, we all know I enjoy a good oatmeal stout, so why not reverse it?...
Monday, April 11, 2011
Have you missed us? Sorry.
It's been almost a month since there's been a post here.
Sorry.
Paul's been working a lot (although if the government closes down, perhaps we'll get an update from him? Just kidding, I don't actually want that to happen. The shutdown, not the update thing. I'm looking forward to hearing from Paul. Not a government shutdown over this. Anyway moving on...). I have little to no excuse. I could say I've been working a lot, but my work (thesis) is often accompanied by beer... and also, I like to take breaks from said work and do completely unacademic things like write about beer or go on adventures (and then write about them).
So yeah. Sorry.
I'm down to the last dozen Earpeweizens, so if you wanted to try one and haven't yet, you should let me know. (Justin Doyle, yours is in Taylor's fridge. He's holding out on you. Get on that.)
But aside from working my way through my homebrew by sharing it with wonderful friends, I have tried a few others lately--
Dogfish Head Aprihop: I really enjoyed this. The apricot taste was really slight, just a nice highlight to a pretty good IPA. This might be a reasonable way to transition your friends from super sweet fruity mixed drinks into good beer. I want this in the summer. Good work, Sam!
Dogfish Head Squall IPA: You know, I love Dogfish Head. Just as the Aprihop IPA was a hit for me, this was a miss. This is a really florally kinda tasting IPA. I've come to like IPAs quite a bit, but don't need them to taste like flowers. This might be shocking to hear from me, but-- it wasn't hoppy enough. However, if you like beers that taste like flora, you might enjoy this more.
Yards Philadelphia Pale Ale: I had this in a bar just outside of Philly while visiting my big brother. It seemed kind of novel to drink the local beer while watching the local baseball team win and the local hockey team lose. Good beer though. I thought this was pale ale was straightforward and honest, if that makes sense. No gimmicks. Just pale ale. Good.
The Great Divide Yeti Imperial Stout: This is one I've walked past many times in the stores, thinking I'd already had it (yeah, you try and keep track of all... how many beers have I tried now?). I finally remembered to check my beer list and discovered that I hadn't. If I had, I think I would have remembered it-- this was great. Dark, strong, really malty. Goodness. Poured like black paint with brown head. My mom's face as she watched me pour it was kinda priceless. I enjoyed this immensely and would totally recommend it to you imperial stout fans out there.
I was kind of hoping that if I had a beer and wrote about something not remotely related to my thesis, it would get me in writing mode and motivate me to accomplish great things this evening. Alas, totally not the case. Guess I better open another one... so I'll write again soon!
Sorry.
Paul's been working a lot (although if the government closes down, perhaps we'll get an update from him? Just kidding, I don't actually want that to happen. The shutdown, not the update thing. I'm looking forward to hearing from Paul. Not a government shutdown over this. Anyway moving on...). I have little to no excuse. I could say I've been working a lot, but my work (thesis) is often accompanied by beer... and also, I like to take breaks from said work and do completely unacademic things like write about beer or go on adventures (and then write about them).
So yeah. Sorry.
I'm down to the last dozen Earpeweizens, so if you wanted to try one and haven't yet, you should let me know. (Justin Doyle, yours is in Taylor's fridge. He's holding out on you. Get on that.)
But aside from working my way through my homebrew by sharing it with wonderful friends, I have tried a few others lately--
Dogfish Head Aprihop: I really enjoyed this. The apricot taste was really slight, just a nice highlight to a pretty good IPA. This might be a reasonable way to transition your friends from super sweet fruity mixed drinks into good beer. I want this in the summer. Good work, Sam!
Dogfish Head Squall IPA: You know, I love Dogfish Head. Just as the Aprihop IPA was a hit for me, this was a miss. This is a really florally kinda tasting IPA. I've come to like IPAs quite a bit, but don't need them to taste like flowers. This might be shocking to hear from me, but-- it wasn't hoppy enough. However, if you like beers that taste like flora, you might enjoy this more.
Yards Philadelphia Pale Ale: I had this in a bar just outside of Philly while visiting my big brother. It seemed kind of novel to drink the local beer while watching the local baseball team win and the local hockey team lose. Good beer though. I thought this was pale ale was straightforward and honest, if that makes sense. No gimmicks. Just pale ale. Good.
The Great Divide Yeti Imperial Stout: This is one I've walked past many times in the stores, thinking I'd already had it (yeah, you try and keep track of all... how many beers have I tried now?). I finally remembered to check my beer list and discovered that I hadn't. If I had, I think I would have remembered it-- this was great. Dark, strong, really malty. Goodness. Poured like black paint with brown head. My mom's face as she watched me pour it was kinda priceless. I enjoyed this immensely and would totally recommend it to you imperial stout fans out there.
I was kind of hoping that if I had a beer and wrote about something not remotely related to my thesis, it would get me in writing mode and motivate me to accomplish great things this evening. Alas, totally not the case. Guess I better open another one... so I'll write again soon!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
hooray Heineken (sort of)
If I didn't already know that I didn't care for it, this commercial would have convinced me to drink Heineken:
It appeals to my liking of different cultures and everyone getting along. Open your world, indeed, just not your Heineken, if you can avoid it.
I've tried a couple of good beers recently--
Thirsty Dog's Siberian Night Imperial Stout: Reaaalllllly strong, really good. This was what I've come to hope for in this style. This reminds me of Victory's Storm King, which was probably my (and Paul's) first Imperial Stout, but also just a really good example of what it should be. Definitely got some coffee and a little bittersweetness, like dark chocolate. I like it.
Mikkeller's Coffee IPA: My older brother sent me to hunt this down several weeks ago, so when he stopped by this weekend, I shared it with him. It. was. good. This was a good IPA with an aftertaste of coffee-- not a coffee aftertaste, which is gross, but a taste of coffee after the sip goes down. It was definitely a bit different, but I thought it was good.
I'm looking forward to trying the two beers I got for celebrating my Masters, which I hopefully earn in the next five weeks: Flying Fish's Exit 9 (Hoppy Scarlet Ale, straight up Rutgers themed) and Dogfish Head's Red and White. Hopefully I'll be able to share my reviews next month!
It appeals to my liking of different cultures and everyone getting along. Open your world, indeed, just not your Heineken, if you can avoid it.
I've tried a couple of good beers recently--
Thirsty Dog's Siberian Night Imperial Stout: Reaaalllllly strong, really good. This was what I've come to hope for in this style. This reminds me of Victory's Storm King, which was probably my (and Paul's) first Imperial Stout, but also just a really good example of what it should be. Definitely got some coffee and a little bittersweetness, like dark chocolate. I like it.
Mikkeller's Coffee IPA: My older brother sent me to hunt this down several weeks ago, so when he stopped by this weekend, I shared it with him. It. was. good. This was a good IPA with an aftertaste of coffee-- not a coffee aftertaste, which is gross, but a taste of coffee after the sip goes down. It was definitely a bit different, but I thought it was good.
I'm looking forward to trying the two beers I got for celebrating my Masters, which I hopefully earn in the next five weeks: Flying Fish's Exit 9 (Hoppy Scarlet Ale, straight up Rutgers themed) and Dogfish Head's Red and White. Hopefully I'll be able to share my reviews next month!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
can't think of a clever heading for these
Paul may have been quiet for a while, but I assure you, he's alive. We had dinner together on Monday. You should be hearing from him soon about his Earpeweizen experience and other beer adventures.
In the meantime, I've been able to enjoy a few new brews with a few good friends:
Avery Mephistopheles' Stout: I liked how strongly flavored it was, but not what the actual flavor was, if that makes sense. I like that it had a certain amount of bite to it just for being a nearly 16% ABV stout, but it tasted strongly of molasses, which is just not my favorite version of sweet in a beer. I remembered Avery for another very strong beer I once tried, but this one won't be remembered as positively.
21st Amendment Bitter American IPA: Florally. It was a decent IPA, but definitely with some kind of flowery taste to it.
Stone Cali-Belgique IPA: Taylor and I just shared this over breakfast burritos for dinner. It balanced nicely with the spicy pepper jack cheese I used on my eggs. Hoppy, but not offensive. Taylor got more of the Belgian aspect of it, but he's also a bigger IPA fan than I am. I got more of the IPA flavor because it's still just strong to me. But this was nice. Clean and refreshing.
Also of note, Cheryl brought me lunch and snowshoes to play with last week after it snowed six more inches in Warren County. We shared Dogfish Head's My Antonia, which was a little hoppy and a lot refreshing. It went perfectly with the slightly hot/spicy Baja Fresh lunch. Pilseners aren't usually something I go after on purpose, but this was totally worth my attention. Dogfish Head is awesome, as ever.
In the meantime, I've been able to enjoy a few new brews with a few good friends:
Avery Mephistopheles' Stout: I liked how strongly flavored it was, but not what the actual flavor was, if that makes sense. I like that it had a certain amount of bite to it just for being a nearly 16% ABV stout, but it tasted strongly of molasses, which is just not my favorite version of sweet in a beer. I remembered Avery for another very strong beer I once tried, but this one won't be remembered as positively.
21st Amendment Bitter American IPA: Florally. It was a decent IPA, but definitely with some kind of flowery taste to it.
Stone Cali-Belgique IPA: Taylor and I just shared this over breakfast burritos for dinner. It balanced nicely with the spicy pepper jack cheese I used on my eggs. Hoppy, but not offensive. Taylor got more of the Belgian aspect of it, but he's also a bigger IPA fan than I am. I got more of the IPA flavor because it's still just strong to me. But this was nice. Clean and refreshing.
Also of note, Cheryl brought me lunch and snowshoes to play with last week after it snowed six more inches in Warren County. We shared Dogfish Head's My Antonia, which was a little hoppy and a lot refreshing. It went perfectly with the slightly hot/spicy Baja Fresh lunch. Pilseners aren't usually something I go after on purpose, but this was totally worth my attention. Dogfish Head is awesome, as ever.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
my first beer: The Earpeweizen
My home brew sat for two weeks carbonating. I opened one last night and had my first taste. I took a short video to send to the benefactors of this project, to share the moment with them. Here is the transcript:
"The time has come to open this. You're really watching this now. It sounded carbonated! Smells like beer... (sip)... THAT could pass for a beer! This is exciting."
Other reviews from the Earp household:
"Smells good... tastes fine, it's just a bit fizzy." -The Baby Brother (ok, not a baby, he's 23)
"Sounds like beer... looks like beer... tastes like beer... you know, for all that work, it came out like a beer!" -The Dad
and later-- "It tastes like banana pudding!"
Sort of. Despite no bananas occurring anywhere in the brewing process, my hefeweizen tastes ever so slightly banana-y. That's kind of typical though. I don't think it tastes quite like pudding, but that's just me. This might go nice with a slice of orange*. It is absurdly fizzy though. I'm going to have to read more about the carbonation process and figure that out.
So I hope you will join me for a quaff at some point! It looks like there will be a Dear Beer Friends staff dinner meeting next week, when I will share this with Paul and others and get their reviews. I'm really pumped to share this with friends and family. It's definitely not the most amazing hefeweizen I've ever had, but I think it's totally drinkable, totally passable as beer. How exciting!
In case you're interested in home brewing, here's a ridiculous article about how to take it a step further, kind of MacGyver style.
*I realize putting fruit in beer is totally against man law, but 1. I am a girl, and 2. a man who served as a marine who I went to college with said it was ok, so I'm pretty sure it's ok.
"The time has come to open this. You're really watching this now. It sounded carbonated! Smells like beer... (sip)... THAT could pass for a beer! This is exciting."
Other reviews from the Earp household:
"Smells good... tastes fine, it's just a bit fizzy." -The Baby Brother (ok, not a baby, he's 23)
"Sounds like beer... looks like beer... tastes like beer... you know, for all that work, it came out like a beer!" -The Dad
and later-- "It tastes like banana pudding!"
Sort of. Despite no bananas occurring anywhere in the brewing process, my hefeweizen tastes ever so slightly banana-y. That's kind of typical though. I don't think it tastes quite like pudding, but that's just me. This might go nice with a slice of orange*. It is absurdly fizzy though. I'm going to have to read more about the carbonation process and figure that out.
So I hope you will join me for a quaff at some point! It looks like there will be a Dear Beer Friends staff dinner meeting next week, when I will share this with Paul and others and get their reviews. I'm really pumped to share this with friends and family. It's definitely not the most amazing hefeweizen I've ever had, but I think it's totally drinkable, totally passable as beer. How exciting!
In case you're interested in home brewing, here's a ridiculous article about how to take it a step further, kind of MacGyver style.
*I realize putting fruit in beer is totally against man law, but 1. I am a girl, and 2. a man who served as a marine who I went to college with said it was ok, so I'm pretty sure it's ok.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
procrastination.
Well, I got back from Virginia yesterday afternoon and I leave for camp for a week tomorrow morning, stopping off at Rutgers on the way. I'm not motivated to pack again yet, so I'll share with you a few brews I've tried recently.
While I don't advocate the use of alcohol to soothe negative situations, I did keep Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout specifically for my most recent round of thesis revisions. I figured the strong coffee flavor to be expected from such a beer would perhaps trick me into staying awake longer to work on that thing while the alcohol helped lower my inhibitions just enough to open the floodgates of writing. Does it actually have caffeine in it? I don't know, or really care. It was a nice accompaniment to my work though. I really enjoyed the strong taste. It made me say wow. This is one of those beers that Taylor would accuse of "sucker punching" the taste buds. This is certainly not for the faint hearted or stout haters.
What was I in Virginia for this past week? This man. I did use Josh's Valentine's Day Brawl at the 9:30 Club on Monday as an excuse to visit that other dude I like to visit in Virginia though, and to make up for drinking all of the beers I left last time, he took me to the Dogfish Head Alehouse. The food was awesome, as were the beers (OBVIOUSLY). I ordered the Chicory Stout, which is so so good and I'm embarrassed to say I forgot was on my list. It's one I always see and mean to double check, but apparently never actually did. But it's so so good. It's a nice coffee stout, really mellow with a slightly fruity finish but it's not offensively fruity.
I also ordered the Lawnmower Light beer because it's not available commercially and I was curious what a craft light beer would taste like. As it turns out, it tastes like NOT WATER. It was interesting but still not heavy or strong in any way. It was pleasant.
Taylor also let me taste his beers-- he got the Palo Santo Marron, which I've also had before (drinks like a porter, really really malty, avorite Dogfish Head, but after getting over the fact that it's hardly your typical brown ale, I liked it), and the Shelter Pale Ale, which was very plain and hoppy and delightful. I imagine it'd go well with something spicy, but it was nice enough on its own. I approve, Dogfish Head, I approve. Keep up the good work. (For Taylor's side of the story, go here.)
On Monday night before the concert, I cooked dinner for Taylor and our friend Luke, and they gave me beers.
Leffe Blonde, which I swore I'd already had but it's not on my list, is a decent Belgian pale ale, tasting like a really strong hefeweizen.
Appalachian Trails' Hoppy Trails was not my favorite IPA ever, but not terrible. It just wasn't particularly impressive. It was an IPA, I guess.
Atwater Block Brewery's Vanilla Java Porter was my favorite of the evening, tasting like all of the things in its name, but not in an overly strong or sweet way. This was nice. Might be a better dessert beer rather than sitting outside on a nice evening with friends while waiting for the ziti to bake, but still enjoyable.
Another lovely trip to Virginia, another great concert by Josh Ritter and The Royal City Band, and now that I'm done writing, another attempt at thinking about packing...
While I don't advocate the use of alcohol to soothe negative situations, I did keep Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout specifically for my most recent round of thesis revisions. I figured the strong coffee flavor to be expected from such a beer would perhaps trick me into staying awake longer to work on that thing while the alcohol helped lower my inhibitions just enough to open the floodgates of writing. Does it actually have caffeine in it? I don't know, or really care. It was a nice accompaniment to my work though. I really enjoyed the strong taste. It made me say wow. This is one of those beers that Taylor would accuse of "sucker punching" the taste buds. This is certainly not for the faint hearted or stout haters.
What was I in Virginia for this past week? This man. I did use Josh's Valentine's Day Brawl at the 9:30 Club on Monday as an excuse to visit that other dude I like to visit in Virginia though, and to make up for drinking all of the beers I left last time, he took me to the Dogfish Head Alehouse. The food was awesome, as were the beers (OBVIOUSLY). I ordered the Chicory Stout, which is so so good and I'm embarrassed to say I forgot was on my list. It's one I always see and mean to double check, but apparently never actually did. But it's so so good. It's a nice coffee stout, really mellow with a slightly fruity finish but it's not offensively fruity.
I also ordered the Lawnmower Light beer because it's not available commercially and I was curious what a craft light beer would taste like. As it turns out, it tastes like NOT WATER. It was interesting but still not heavy or strong in any way. It was pleasant.
Taylor also let me taste his beers-- he got the Palo Santo Marron, which I've also had before (drinks like a porter, really really malty, avorite Dogfish Head, but after getting over the fact that it's hardly your typical brown ale, I liked it), and the Shelter Pale Ale, which was very plain and hoppy and delightful. I imagine it'd go well with something spicy, but it was nice enough on its own. I approve, Dogfish Head, I approve. Keep up the good work. (For Taylor's side of the story, go here.)
On Monday night before the concert, I cooked dinner for Taylor and our friend Luke, and they gave me beers.
Leffe Blonde, which I swore I'd already had but it's not on my list, is a decent Belgian pale ale, tasting like a really strong hefeweizen.
Appalachian Trails' Hoppy Trails was not my favorite IPA ever, but not terrible. It just wasn't particularly impressive. It was an IPA, I guess.
Atwater Block Brewery's Vanilla Java Porter was my favorite of the evening, tasting like all of the things in its name, but not in an overly strong or sweet way. This was nice. Might be a better dessert beer rather than sitting outside on a nice evening with friends while waiting for the ziti to bake, but still enjoyable.
Another lovely trip to Virginia, another great concert by Josh Ritter and The Royal City Band, and now that I'm done writing, another attempt at thinking about packing...
Thursday, February 10, 2011
fun, friends, falafel and beer
This year, I "watched" the Superbowl with Cheryl, Gurzo and Cristina at Cheryl and Gurzo's house. I may have been paying more attention to my friends, falafel and... there doesn't seem to be a synonym for drinks that starts with the letter F, so the alliteration ends there.
We split several 22 ounce bottles partially because good stuff came in them but also because I have realized that I do not have enough bottles for my homebrew, which I am set to bottle tomorrow (and will be buying more bottles in order to do so due to my poor planning).
HUB's Abominable Winter Ale: As much as I seem to have developed a taste for hoppy beers, I just felt like this was really unbalanced in favor of hops. It wasn't bad, just not particularly more interesting than a really hoppy beer.
Oakshire's Ill Tempered Gnome: This was relatively plain but had some nice spice to it, if that makes sense. It wasn't particularly complex tasting aside from the spices, I mean. Whatever. It was smooth and I enjoyed it and it seemed like a good beer to drink in winter when you're cold and just need something warm and spiced in your life.
Ninkas Oatis Oatmeal Stout: This was a little sweeter than the average oatmeal stout but very smooth and mellow. I liked it, but it's not about to win the favorite oatmeal stout award (that would most likely go to BORIS, Shakespeare or Samuel Smith, or the overly- built- up- in- my- mind- epic Southend Brewery Oatmeal Stout that I tried with the Mary Washington Geography Department at the SEDAAG conference in 2007).
Dogfish Head Sah'Tea: Ahhh, Dogfish Head, you almost never let me down. This was really excellent, like if beer and chai had a beautifully delicious spiced baby (my love of spiced chai is severe). You could kind of taste the spices and the tea, but it was just so unique and enjoyable. I was worried when I saw juniper berries in the description after not totally loving tree flavors in another beer, but no problem. It was a hint but not overpowering. Subtle and complimentary. Ah. Loved it. This also introduced me to a new type of brew: the sahti. I had never heard of it before. I suspect this is not super typical of the style though...
Fort Collins Brewery's Double Chocolate Stout: I had this on Tuesday in hopes that another 22 ounce bottle would alleviate the bottle crisis... not even close, but it was still a worthwhile beer. If you like offensive, sucker-punch flavored stouts, this is for you. I really enjoyed this. The chocolate was present but not super sweet. The stout was mostly just strong and... strong. Yep. Delicious. My kind of beer.
Long Trail Hibernator: My little brother gave me one of these this evening because I'm his favorite big sister (probably more because I picked up some snacks for him on my way home from choir tonight...). It was not as interesting when it was ridiculously cold from sitting in a fridge in our ridiculously cold garage, but once I let it sit for a few minutes, I got a hoppier- than- expected- but- not- overly- so kind of flavor. Decently balanced, pretty smooth going down. This was more delightful than I expected. It's reasonable and generally unoffensive.
So, tomorrow I bottle my first batch of beer! It will need a week or two to carbonate before I can find out if I did it right or not... I'm really nervous, but excited. In the meantime, I have a few beers around waiting to be tried, including Mikkeller's Coffee IPA (I got the last two available in the region as per my big brother's request), Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout (which I plan to use to get me through the latest round of thesis revisions... ugh) and Dogfish Head's My Antonia (which was purchased to cover up someone's worst boyfriend ever moment of drinking all of my beer).
We split several 22 ounce bottles partially because good stuff came in them but also because I have realized that I do not have enough bottles for my homebrew, which I am set to bottle tomorrow (and will be buying more bottles in order to do so due to my poor planning).
HUB's Abominable Winter Ale: As much as I seem to have developed a taste for hoppy beers, I just felt like this was really unbalanced in favor of hops. It wasn't bad, just not particularly more interesting than a really hoppy beer.
Oakshire's Ill Tempered Gnome: This was relatively plain but had some nice spice to it, if that makes sense. It wasn't particularly complex tasting aside from the spices, I mean. Whatever. It was smooth and I enjoyed it and it seemed like a good beer to drink in winter when you're cold and just need something warm and spiced in your life.
Ninkas Oatis Oatmeal Stout: This was a little sweeter than the average oatmeal stout but very smooth and mellow. I liked it, but it's not about to win the favorite oatmeal stout award (that would most likely go to BORIS, Shakespeare or Samuel Smith, or the overly- built- up- in- my- mind- epic Southend Brewery Oatmeal Stout that I tried with the Mary Washington Geography Department at the SEDAAG conference in 2007).
Dogfish Head Sah'Tea: Ahhh, Dogfish Head, you almost never let me down. This was really excellent, like if beer and chai had a beautifully delicious spiced baby (my love of spiced chai is severe). You could kind of taste the spices and the tea, but it was just so unique and enjoyable. I was worried when I saw juniper berries in the description after not totally loving tree flavors in another beer, but no problem. It was a hint but not overpowering. Subtle and complimentary. Ah. Loved it. This also introduced me to a new type of brew: the sahti. I had never heard of it before. I suspect this is not super typical of the style though...
Fort Collins Brewery's Double Chocolate Stout: I had this on Tuesday in hopes that another 22 ounce bottle would alleviate the bottle crisis... not even close, but it was still a worthwhile beer. If you like offensive, sucker-punch flavored stouts, this is for you. I really enjoyed this. The chocolate was present but not super sweet. The stout was mostly just strong and... strong. Yep. Delicious. My kind of beer.
Long Trail Hibernator: My little brother gave me one of these this evening because I'm his favorite big sister (probably more because I picked up some snacks for him on my way home from choir tonight...). It was not as interesting when it was ridiculously cold from sitting in a fridge in our ridiculously cold garage, but once I let it sit for a few minutes, I got a hoppier- than- expected- but- not- overly- so kind of flavor. Decently balanced, pretty smooth going down. This was more delightful than I expected. It's reasonable and generally unoffensive.
So, tomorrow I bottle my first batch of beer! It will need a week or two to carbonate before I can find out if I did it right or not... I'm really nervous, but excited. In the meantime, I have a few beers around waiting to be tried, including Mikkeller's Coffee IPA (I got the last two available in the region as per my big brother's request), Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout (which I plan to use to get me through the latest round of thesis revisions... ugh) and Dogfish Head's My Antonia (which was purchased to cover up someone's worst boyfriend ever moment of drinking all of my beer).
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
friends forever
Dogfish Head's brewmaster Sam Calagione and I are practically best friends.
After watching Beer Wars, I sent him an email, because he said in the film that people could do that. I told him about my love of Bitches Brew and World Wide Stout and how much I appreciated his efforts to make cool beers despite the challenges in competing with the behemoths. He wrote back!:
Thanks for the kind words and support Colleen. And thanks for taking the time to see the movie. Keep drinking the good stuff. Cheers, Sam
Just wanted that here for posterity, and also to show that we're on a first name basis. Awesome.
After watching Beer Wars, I sent him an email, because he said in the film that people could do that. I told him about my love of Bitches Brew and World Wide Stout and how much I appreciated his efforts to make cool beers despite the challenges in competing with the behemoths. He wrote back!:
Thanks for the kind words and support Colleen. And thanks for taking the time to see the movie. Keep drinking the good stuff. Cheers, Sam
Just wanted that here for posterity, and also to show that we're on a first name basis. Awesome.
Monday, February 7, 2011
American beers
Taylor shared this with me today, and I thought it was neat:
http://awesome.good.is/transparency/web/1102/beer-map/flat.html
I definitely was happy to see the results for New Jersey and Delaware in particular. I've tried beers from 17 of these brewers. I guess I need to travel more... Idaho, for one, has just moved up on my places I should visit sometime.
http://awesome.good.is/transparency/web/1102/beer-map/flat.html
I definitely was happy to see the results for New Jersey and Delaware in particular. I've tried beers from 17 of these brewers. I guess I need to travel more... Idaho, for one, has just moved up on my places I should visit sometime.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
FINALLY
I have been suffering in silence for the past month and a half. SUFFERING, I TELL YOU! Suffering the sheer excitement of the fact that my dear friend, my beer friend, Paul, was going to propose to his girlfriend Laura. Well, now that she is officially his fiancee, I can finally offer a very happy and public congratulations to them both!
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!
(Ask Paul. I totally made a scene at The Office Lounge when he told me he bought the ring but would be waiting a few weeks to give it to her. But I kept it a secret anyway!)
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY!
And, just to keep with the theme of the blog--
Erie Brewing Co's Fallenbock: I am not usually a fan of the bock beers but my notes for this one read, "kinda fruity but not offensive, definitely tasted chocolate". It was pretty lightweight and I didn't mind it terribly. I didn't dislike it, but I'm just not a huge fan of the style.
Leinenkugel Creamy Dark: Wasn't sure how this would go over. Paul didn't like what he tried by this brewer, but this particular beer wasn't bad. It tasted kind of toasty (I don't know how else to describe the flavor, maybe like toasted nuts or something? I dunno.) but was very creamy indeed. This was an ok beer. It was pleasant enough.
HaandBryggeriet Dark Force: This was a little sweet but very interesting and pretty good. The infamous Jill at Stuff Yer Face said, "Wheat stout?" and I was sold. It was very, very dark but not very heavy. Lots of typically stouty flavors happening. Also, the name was flippin' cool. It's not cheap though. It was pretty good but I don't need to repeat it.
So, here's to Paul and Laura! I promise I will toast you both in person... with a beer that's already on my list. Congratulations again, friends!
PS: I bought a 12 quart pot to boil wort and there's snow on the ground with which to cool it. Homebrewing, here I come! (Tomorrow, probably.)
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!
(Ask Paul. I totally made a scene at The Office Lounge when he told me he bought the ring but would be waiting a few weeks to give it to her. But I kept it a secret anyway!)
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY!
And, just to keep with the theme of the blog--
Erie Brewing Co's Fallenbock: I am not usually a fan of the bock beers but my notes for this one read, "kinda fruity but not offensive, definitely tasted chocolate". It was pretty lightweight and I didn't mind it terribly. I didn't dislike it, but I'm just not a huge fan of the style.
Leinenkugel Creamy Dark: Wasn't sure how this would go over. Paul didn't like what he tried by this brewer, but this particular beer wasn't bad. It tasted kind of toasty (I don't know how else to describe the flavor, maybe like toasted nuts or something? I dunno.) but was very creamy indeed. This was an ok beer. It was pleasant enough.
HaandBryggeriet Dark Force: This was a little sweet but very interesting and pretty good. The infamous Jill at Stuff Yer Face said, "Wheat stout?" and I was sold. It was very, very dark but not very heavy. Lots of typically stouty flavors happening. Also, the name was flippin' cool. It's not cheap though. It was pretty good but I don't need to repeat it.
So, here's to Paul and Laura! I promise I will toast you both in person... with a beer that's already on my list. Congratulations again, friends!
PS: I bought a 12 quart pot to boil wort and there's snow on the ground with which to cool it. Homebrewing, here I come! (Tomorrow, probably.)
Sunday, January 23, 2011
New Year
With all this freezing weather, I feel like my beer tasting has been on ice - bad pun intended. I've got a few more beers from Christmas to try, so those reviews will be up soon. The bottles are just 24+ oz, so I want to be able to try them with a group. Perhaps we can break them out the next time Colleen and I get together?
I've been rather busy with work lately. I'm about to go into a more formal review process of my work, so I've been spending a lot of time with a mentor to help get my work product to a better level. Not that I am in trouble at work, it's actually the opposite. I'm extremely grateful to have prospects move my career forward. Once this is all over, I need to buy said mentor a beer.
Cains Dark Mild: This was a rather dark ale with a mild taste. I thought it was well balanced and got a nice malt flavor from the beer.
Great Divide Yeti Imperial Stout: This was quite an experience. I like Imperial Stouts. This had a head that definitely had a chocolate malt flavor. There was also a distinct coffee malt flavor. It's not a beer to be reckoned with as it weighs in at 9.5% alcohol by volume. The hop characteristic was quite interesting, as it added to the bee'rs flavor without overpowering the best parts of an Imperial Stout (the malts).
The following beers were a gift from my friend Matt. We split the bottles, which makes for a nice tasting. Add in some pizza, and you've got a relaxing Friday night.
Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye: I tried Terrapin Rye Pale Ale a few weeks ago. After trying this beer, I decided to give a beer with rye based malt another shot. I enjoyed this more than the Terrapin. It was a strong pale ale, and the rye gave it a nice malt flavor to the strong aroma of hops.
Bear Republic Racer 5: Contrary to the rate beer ratings, I thought this was a pedestrian pale ale. It didn't do anything wrong, nor did it do anything that outright impressed me. It's your standard pale ale - medium in color with a bitter hop taste.
Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale: This beer had quite an interesting taste to go along with it's long winded name. The bottle states that the beer is brewed with hops, hops, and more hops. This was quite bitter on contact, but got sweet during the after taste. It's interesting how one can affect a beer in a variety of ways using hops, and this beer is a good example of that.
The scorecard:
Colleen - 355
Paul -329
Cheers,
Paul
I've been rather busy with work lately. I'm about to go into a more formal review process of my work, so I've been spending a lot of time with a mentor to help get my work product to a better level. Not that I am in trouble at work, it's actually the opposite. I'm extremely grateful to have prospects move my career forward. Once this is all over, I need to buy said mentor a beer.
Cains Dark Mild: This was a rather dark ale with a mild taste. I thought it was well balanced and got a nice malt flavor from the beer.
Great Divide Yeti Imperial Stout: This was quite an experience. I like Imperial Stouts. This had a head that definitely had a chocolate malt flavor. There was also a distinct coffee malt flavor. It's not a beer to be reckoned with as it weighs in at 9.5% alcohol by volume. The hop characteristic was quite interesting, as it added to the bee'rs flavor without overpowering the best parts of an Imperial Stout (the malts).
The following beers were a gift from my friend Matt. We split the bottles, which makes for a nice tasting. Add in some pizza, and you've got a relaxing Friday night.
Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye: I tried Terrapin Rye Pale Ale a few weeks ago. After trying this beer, I decided to give a beer with rye based malt another shot. I enjoyed this more than the Terrapin. It was a strong pale ale, and the rye gave it a nice malt flavor to the strong aroma of hops.
Bear Republic Racer 5: Contrary to the rate beer ratings, I thought this was a pedestrian pale ale. It didn't do anything wrong, nor did it do anything that outright impressed me. It's your standard pale ale - medium in color with a bitter hop taste.
Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale: This beer had quite an interesting taste to go along with it's long winded name. The bottle states that the beer is brewed with hops, hops, and more hops. This was quite bitter on contact, but got sweet during the after taste. It's interesting how one can affect a beer in a variety of ways using hops, and this beer is a good example of that.
The scorecard:
Colleen - 355
Paul -329
Cheers,
Paul
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Guess what wasn't on the list?
I don't even know what made me check... but the Bud Light I had last night to celebrate my friend's brother's 21st birthday totally counts. Pathetic, but true.
My notes read, "Water?"
Colleen: 355
Paul: 324+ whatever he's been up to so far this year...
My notes read, "Water?"
Colleen: 355
Paul: 324+ whatever he's been up to so far this year...
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
beerproof camera
Aside from a bit of angst about driving places unlicensed, the rest of my time in Virginia was pretty lovely. The wedding was beautiful and the reception was a good time. It was awesome to see so many friends! (And I have since renewed my license.)
Hilary, Paige and I got ready for the wedding together in my hotel room, but did so without beer until Deron arrived with a bottle opener. You know, I really just need to get myself one. I actually have at least two, but they don't fit in my pockets. The problem is, it needs to be tiny-- I took the car door unlocker thingy off my keychain because it was too big for my pocket. I unlock my door by hand. I digress.
Deron arrived with a bottle opener, and before we left for the wedding, I had Lancaster Milk Stout from a mixed six pack that Taylor and I made that morning. It was a little sweet but mostly just unexciting, which was fine by me. Very smooth, pretty plain, very drinkable, which was good, because we had a wedding to get to.
Between the ceremony and reception, a few of us went back to the hotel and had a round of Starr Hill Northern Lights IPA. While I do seem to be on a bit of an IPA kick these past few weeks, this one was a bit strong for me. Really, really hoppy. It kind of obscured anything else. I didn't totally hate it but prefer my IPA's a little better rounded.
The wedding was lovely and we made use of the open Budweiser. These pictures are from my waterproof digital camera dunked in Taylor's Bud, because he's sweet and tolerant of me:
(And yes, we also drank the Bud-- not my favorite macro brew, but not my least favorite either, and yes it was already on the list.)
After the wedding, several of us went back to the hotel to watch the end of the Jets-Colts game. There were Miller High Lifes aplenty, but Taylor and I also split Dogfish Head's Burton Baton, another IPA (more specifically an Imperial IPA). This one was also a bit stronger than I'd like, super duper hoppy, but this one was a little smoother going down. Not my favorite Dogfish Head brew, not my favorite IPA of theirs either, but it was pretty good. You true IPA fans out there might appreciate it more than I did though.
I'm back in New Jersey now, traveling nearly 1300 miles so far this year. (Note to self: perhaps I should keep a running tally this year?) Before heading to camp to start working today, I had a layover in Edison with Cheryl (and Lauren, via Skype!). Cheryl and I shared Deschutes' The Abyss, a stout from the west coast brewed with licorice and molasses and aged in some kind of liquor barrels. I've had bad experience with licorice in beer; I've had bad experience with beer that even mentions liquor. However, the worst part of this beer was the pain in the butt wax seal. Really smooth. Basically it was a strong flavored stout that didn't taste like coffee or chocolate. Very good.
Well, my current position at camp doesn't require me to abstain from drinking, but I imagine living alone in my lakeside cabin part time up here will keep my sampling to a minimum. Visiting friends in Virginia always puts me way ahead, and it seems I have some extra encouragement.
Colleen: 354
Paul: 324
Hilary, Paige and I got ready for the wedding together in my hotel room, but did so without beer until Deron arrived with a bottle opener. You know, I really just need to get myself one. I actually have at least two, but they don't fit in my pockets. The problem is, it needs to be tiny-- I took the car door unlocker thingy off my keychain because it was too big for my pocket. I unlock my door by hand. I digress.
Deron arrived with a bottle opener, and before we left for the wedding, I had Lancaster Milk Stout from a mixed six pack that Taylor and I made that morning. It was a little sweet but mostly just unexciting, which was fine by me. Very smooth, pretty plain, very drinkable, which was good, because we had a wedding to get to.
Between the ceremony and reception, a few of us went back to the hotel and had a round of Starr Hill Northern Lights IPA. While I do seem to be on a bit of an IPA kick these past few weeks, this one was a bit strong for me. Really, really hoppy. It kind of obscured anything else. I didn't totally hate it but prefer my IPA's a little better rounded.
The wedding was lovely and we made use of the open Budweiser. These pictures are from my waterproof digital camera dunked in Taylor's Bud, because he's sweet and tolerant of me:
(And yes, we also drank the Bud-- not my favorite macro brew, but not my least favorite either, and yes it was already on the list.)
After the wedding, several of us went back to the hotel to watch the end of the Jets-Colts game. There were Miller High Lifes aplenty, but Taylor and I also split Dogfish Head's Burton Baton, another IPA (more specifically an Imperial IPA). This one was also a bit stronger than I'd like, super duper hoppy, but this one was a little smoother going down. Not my favorite Dogfish Head brew, not my favorite IPA of theirs either, but it was pretty good. You true IPA fans out there might appreciate it more than I did though.
I'm back in New Jersey now, traveling nearly 1300 miles so far this year. (Note to self: perhaps I should keep a running tally this year?) Before heading to camp to start working today, I had a layover in Edison with Cheryl (and Lauren, via Skype!). Cheryl and I shared Deschutes' The Abyss, a stout from the west coast brewed with licorice and molasses and aged in some kind of liquor barrels. I've had bad experience with licorice in beer; I've had bad experience with beer that even mentions liquor. However, the worst part of this beer was the pain in the butt wax seal. Really smooth. Basically it was a strong flavored stout that didn't taste like coffee or chocolate. Very good.
Well, my current position at camp doesn't require me to abstain from drinking, but I imagine living alone in my lakeside cabin part time up here will keep my sampling to a minimum. Visiting friends in Virginia always puts me way ahead, and it seems I have some extra encouragement.
Colleen: 354
Paul: 324
Friday, January 7, 2011
the good, the bad and the uggghhhhh-ly
Greetings from Midlothian, Virginia! My adventures leading up to Justin and Deb's wedding continue.
This post is a mix of all sorts of things, just like my week has been. These beers were all tried at Galaxy Hut in Arlington, a bit dark but overall a cool place. I met up with a gaggle of geographers and associates (hooray Jonathan "Crumpet" Trenary, Scott and Alison Berry, Taylor Harper, Matt Gallo and Anna Cloeter!) and it was really fun to catch up over a few new brews!
Mikkeller Beer Geek Breakfast Stout: This was a bit pricey but good. It had a strong coffee flavor to it (how appropriate for something named "breakfast") but surprisingly almost no aftertaste. Very clean finish. Really smooth beer.
After that one, I couldn't really decide what I wanted, so I made use of the bar's 4 ounce "flights" to sample a few different things:
Cricket Hill Wet Hopped Pale Ale: Where did this appreciation for hops come from? I really liked this. It was hoppy but still really gentle and drinkable. Hooray New Jersey beers!
BBC Bourbon Barrel Stout: This would be "the bad" part of this post. I should have known BBC stands for Bluegrass Brewing Company. I've had other beers that were aged in various barrels usually used for some sort of liquor or something, but this just tasted straight up like bourbon. Good for people who like bourbons and stouts, perhaps, because it definitely had stout weight to it, but I could barely finish this without gagging. I do not like liquor. I absolutely did not like this beer. (Alison rather enjoyed it though, as she is a fan of bourbon.)
After the epic disaster of the bourbon beer, I decided to try two IPAs side by side, just to see what happened-- Sierra Nevada IPA and Terrapin Hopsecutioner IPA. I found the Sierra Nevada to have less of an aftertaste and overall better balanced, while the Hopsecutioner had a bit of a lighter flavor but I found it to be a little weirder fruiter. Hopsecutioner had the better name, but I think I preferred the Sierra Nevada. Both were good though!
And now the uggghhhh part. Last night was spent in Richmond with the imminent newlyweds and assorted friends. That's not the ugghhh part-- that was pretty great! We hung out at Justin and Deb's place in the Church Hill section of town before heading a few blocks down to Patrick Henry Pub. This was the first time in a long time I was greeted by a ton of cigarette smoke, which I wasn't totally thrilled about, but focused on a new beer on tap, the french fries we planned to order, and the good company. Uggghhh number one: I was not served, as my license expired on the 31st. Not good. Uggghhh number two: the kitchen was closed?! At 10PM!? LAME. I wasn't offended that the bartender was following the law and not serving me, but I was offended that their kitchen was already closed before we arrived, not even that late in the evening. So much for "delicious and reasonably priced food" that they advertise first thing on their website. At least we had good company!
A few more days in Virginia, including tomorrow-- Justin and Deb's big day. Very excited! A slightly early congratulations, friends!
Paul: 324
Colleen: 350 (how nice and even!)
This post is a mix of all sorts of things, just like my week has been. These beers were all tried at Galaxy Hut in Arlington, a bit dark but overall a cool place. I met up with a gaggle of geographers and associates (hooray Jonathan "Crumpet" Trenary, Scott and Alison Berry, Taylor Harper, Matt Gallo and Anna Cloeter!) and it was really fun to catch up over a few new brews!
Mikkeller Beer Geek Breakfast Stout: This was a bit pricey but good. It had a strong coffee flavor to it (how appropriate for something named "breakfast") but surprisingly almost no aftertaste. Very clean finish. Really smooth beer.
After that one, I couldn't really decide what I wanted, so I made use of the bar's 4 ounce "flights" to sample a few different things:
Cricket Hill Wet Hopped Pale Ale: Where did this appreciation for hops come from? I really liked this. It was hoppy but still really gentle and drinkable. Hooray New Jersey beers!
BBC Bourbon Barrel Stout: This would be "the bad" part of this post. I should have known BBC stands for Bluegrass Brewing Company. I've had other beers that were aged in various barrels usually used for some sort of liquor or something, but this just tasted straight up like bourbon. Good for people who like bourbons and stouts, perhaps, because it definitely had stout weight to it, but I could barely finish this without gagging. I do not like liquor. I absolutely did not like this beer. (Alison rather enjoyed it though, as she is a fan of bourbon.)
After the epic disaster of the bourbon beer, I decided to try two IPAs side by side, just to see what happened-- Sierra Nevada IPA and Terrapin Hopsecutioner IPA. I found the Sierra Nevada to have less of an aftertaste and overall better balanced, while the Hopsecutioner had a bit of a lighter flavor but I found it to be a little weirder fruiter. Hopsecutioner had the better name, but I think I preferred the Sierra Nevada. Both were good though!
And now the uggghhhh part. Last night was spent in Richmond with the imminent newlyweds and assorted friends. That's not the ugghhh part-- that was pretty great! We hung out at Justin and Deb's place in the Church Hill section of town before heading a few blocks down to Patrick Henry Pub. This was the first time in a long time I was greeted by a ton of cigarette smoke, which I wasn't totally thrilled about, but focused on a new beer on tap, the french fries we planned to order, and the good company. Uggghhh number one: I was not served, as my license expired on the 31st. Not good. Uggghhh number two: the kitchen was closed?! At 10PM!? LAME. I wasn't offended that the bartender was following the law and not serving me, but I was offended that their kitchen was already closed before we arrived, not even that late in the evening. So much for "delicious and reasonably priced food" that they advertise first thing on their website. At least we had good company!
A few more days in Virginia, including tomorrow-- Justin and Deb's big day. Very excited! A slightly early congratulations, friends!
Paul: 324
Colleen: 350 (how nice and even!)
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
more from Virginia
Obviously this is a Colleen post. It isn't out of the ordinary for Paul to write about what's going on in Virginia.
I meant to tell you last time about Beer Wars, which Paul recommended a while back. While not quite what I thought it'd be, this was really good and I definitely recommend it. It was all about the ongoing battle between craft breweries and the big guys. I was really surprised to learn just how hard it is for small scale brewers to get their stuff out there. Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head was featured quite a bit, giving me even more appreciation for the unique stuff he's making and getting out there for beer dorks like me.
I'm generally a fan of smaller industries and more local endeavors, so it's no wonder I was more disappointed in the behemoth macrobrews after seeing this. I suspect if you're reading this blog though, you have at least a little love for the little guys out there. Watch the movie!
I meant to tell you last time about Beer Wars, which Paul recommended a while back. While not quite what I thought it'd be, this was really good and I definitely recommend it. It was all about the ongoing battle between craft breweries and the big guys. I was really surprised to learn just how hard it is for small scale brewers to get their stuff out there. Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head was featured quite a bit, giving me even more appreciation for the unique stuff he's making and getting out there for beer dorks like me.
I'm generally a fan of smaller industries and more local endeavors, so it's no wonder I was more disappointed in the behemoth macrobrews after seeing this. I suspect if you're reading this blog though, you have at least a little love for the little guys out there. Watch the movie!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
holiday beers
Good morning from a very chilly northern Virginia (currently 27°F/-3°C)! In effort to feel like I'm being productive without actually getting out from under the blanket, I thought I'd share my most recent few beers. Typically, the holidays and visits to Virginia mean visiting and celebrating with friends and family and habitually choosing new brews to do so. Paul actually called me a few days ago to ask what the holiday damage was. Here it is:
Flying Fish HopFish: This IPA was a little bit sweeter and fruitier than I've come to expect. While definitely not the greatest IPA I've ever had, I didn't dislike it. Part of that probably comes from the charm of drinking a New Jersey beer, but I think it's also legitimately ok.
Yep, that was it for the holidays. However, now we transition to my holiday in Virginia-- spending a week here to hang out with the Taylor and visit other friends, and to take part in a wedding this weekend. This is often a sort of danger zone for Paul; visiting with my college friends often involves going out to restaurants and bars, and being in Virginia allows me to find micro brews from VA, MD and DC that I don't normally have access to in NJ.
On Sunday night, Taylor and I went to Leesburg to meet up with our friend JT and his girlfriend Riley at Vintage 50. The food, particularly the waffle fries, was really good. The beers received mixed reviews.
Ole Brown Ale: Three of us enjoyed this one (the fourth didn't order it). Very smooth, straightforward brown ale, no tricks, nothing offensive about it. Went great with dinner.
Head Knocker: I had been eying this based on the name, but it was Taylor who actually ordered it... and then passed it off to me because he didn't care for it. Neither did I, but I finished it. It was kind of fruity and weird tasting and a bit more alcoholic than the rest of its counterparts on the menu (just over 11% ABV). I wouldn't get this again. Thankfully I had some awesome waffle fries to get rid of the taste.
Yesterday, I traveled out to the outlet stores in Leesburg with my friend Becky-- neither of us particularly care for shopping but both needed to accomplish things. She had mentioned a restaurant that had a lovely looking menu that could perhaps motivate us through the treacheries of shopping... guess where we ended up? Vintage 50! More excellent food, the excellent company of one of Becky's college friends and her very cute and well behaved 3 year old son, and I had a beer:
Molasses Porter: I generally expect a porter to have a strong flavor, but this one did not. However, it was a pleasant taste-- sweet but not offensively so, well balanced with the more bitter side of molasses. What surprised me more was the weight of the brew, or the lack thereof. It felt really light for a porter, but was very smooth and pleasant. I liked it.
Meeting up with a few more friends this evening, but Paul's Christmas presents will surely catch him up soon... speaking of Christmas presents, my brother and sister-in-law have provided me with a home brewing kit! Something I always figured I'd get into when I lived on my own, but since I have been given the opportunity now... look out for those adventures in the coming months, starting with a hefeweizen (even though DBF rules state that homebrews don't count toward the totals). Thanks, Chris and Kerin!
Paul: 324
Colleen: 345
Flying Fish HopFish: This IPA was a little bit sweeter and fruitier than I've come to expect. While definitely not the greatest IPA I've ever had, I didn't dislike it. Part of that probably comes from the charm of drinking a New Jersey beer, but I think it's also legitimately ok.
Yep, that was it for the holidays. However, now we transition to my holiday in Virginia-- spending a week here to hang out with the Taylor and visit other friends, and to take part in a wedding this weekend. This is often a sort of danger zone for Paul; visiting with my college friends often involves going out to restaurants and bars, and being in Virginia allows me to find micro brews from VA, MD and DC that I don't normally have access to in NJ.
On Sunday night, Taylor and I went to Leesburg to meet up with our friend JT and his girlfriend Riley at Vintage 50. The food, particularly the waffle fries, was really good. The beers received mixed reviews.
Ole Brown Ale: Three of us enjoyed this one (the fourth didn't order it). Very smooth, straightforward brown ale, no tricks, nothing offensive about it. Went great with dinner.
Head Knocker: I had been eying this based on the name, but it was Taylor who actually ordered it... and then passed it off to me because he didn't care for it. Neither did I, but I finished it. It was kind of fruity and weird tasting and a bit more alcoholic than the rest of its counterparts on the menu (just over 11% ABV). I wouldn't get this again. Thankfully I had some awesome waffle fries to get rid of the taste.
Yesterday, I traveled out to the outlet stores in Leesburg with my friend Becky-- neither of us particularly care for shopping but both needed to accomplish things. She had mentioned a restaurant that had a lovely looking menu that could perhaps motivate us through the treacheries of shopping... guess where we ended up? Vintage 50! More excellent food, the excellent company of one of Becky's college friends and her very cute and well behaved 3 year old son, and I had a beer:
Molasses Porter: I generally expect a porter to have a strong flavor, but this one did not. However, it was a pleasant taste-- sweet but not offensively so, well balanced with the more bitter side of molasses. What surprised me more was the weight of the brew, or the lack thereof. It felt really light for a porter, but was very smooth and pleasant. I liked it.
Meeting up with a few more friends this evening, but Paul's Christmas presents will surely catch him up soon... speaking of Christmas presents, my brother and sister-in-law have provided me with a home brewing kit! Something I always figured I'd get into when I lived on my own, but since I have been given the opportunity now... look out for those adventures in the coming months, starting with a hefeweizen (even though DBF rules state that homebrews don't count toward the totals). Thanks, Chris and Kerin!
Paul: 324
Colleen: 345
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