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.)
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
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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