Well. It's a busy time of year: finals, holiday preparation, visiting lots of family and friends. And you know, it's all three of those things that have lead me to try the following new brews:
Rogue Santa's Private Reserve Ale: I picked this one up to help me meet a thesis deadline earlier this month. Appropriately a red ale, it was a decent combination of the bitter of hops and the sweetness of something citrus fruity. It was pleasant, and while it did not help me to stay awake and finish the section of thesis that I owed my advisor, it did help me in being less critical and over-thinking of what I was writing... but I don't think that was exclusive to this brew so much as beer in general. Hm. Anyway, this was not the most amazing thing ever, but not a terrible price or taste for being festive.
Flying Fish Exit 13: Very rarely do I seek out a beer. Usually I just keep a vague idea of what I've had and try to find things with funny or super unfamiliar names. However, embarrased by having missed two of the Flying Fish Exit Series so far (Exits 11 and 16 E W) (do you know how much I love Jersey!?), and having read of its release in an ongoing series in the Star Ledger, I asked the manager at the nearest liquor store with a decent beer selection. Surely enough, he'd received it-- hadn't even put it out on the floor yet, but I bought my bottle and opened it the moment I got home. This is a chocolate stout, and while the flavor is not overly complex or especially strong (think kick in the ass rather than punch in the face), it was really nice and smooth. I love me a strong stout, but I realize not everyone does. I love this beer because it's New Jersey themed and New Jersey brewed, but I also think it's a reasonably accessible stout.
Rogue Yellow Snow IPA: Taylor came to visit and chose this while I drooled over the Exit 13, but he was nice and shared (possibly because we bought an entire growler). He said, "meh" but is way more of an IPA aficionado than I am (which leads me to believe I should go back and retry a lot of earlier IPAs now that I'm sort of getting a taste for them). This one tasted kind of like flowers. It wasn't the most incredible IPA I've tried, but it also wasn't super gross like some I've had. Rogue can be somewhat hit or miss, but again, given the price on this, I thought it was pretty good. If nothing else, hilariously novel name.
"Black Ice": While this doesn't by any means count as a new beer, this is an interesting idea I stole from my cousin Andrew after seeing him post something on facebook about it last winter. It's half Guinness, half Sam Adams Winter Lager. I tried this at The Office catching up with Paul and Laura (with Taylor, too) but found it to be kind of... bland. Sorry Andrew. I think I'm missing something. Definitely interesting in theory, and definitely motivates me to try the concept on other beers-- the half and half is a go-to for both authors of this blog (Guinness and Harp).
The incredible Cheryl gets credit for choosing three different beers that were not on my list when she hosted Taylor and me for dinner this past weekend--
21st Amendment Fireside Chat: a lovely winter warmer, nice spiced flavor. I wasn't crazy about the aftertaste but the beer itself was worthwhile. Also, it came in possibly the coolest cans I've ever seen, featuring Franklin Delano Roosevelt giving a fireside chat.
Boulder Never Summer Ale: This was another warm, malty, wintery beer, though it was hoppier than I expected. It was a nice balance though.
Stone Imperial Russian Stout: This was more the punch in the face kind of stout that I love. Very strong, definitely got a taste of coffee. I approve of this beer!
Taylor actually hung out for an extra day in order to get the Stuff Yer Face Monday night experience. I feel it's worth rementioning Dogfish Head's World Wide Stout, which is currently on tap there, and is awesome. It's 18% ABV and so delicious and strong. Oh man. Good. No, GREAT.
After my love affair with the World Wide Stout, both Taylor and I ordered Stone Ruination. We noticed upon pouring them out that mine was much lighter in color. We checked the bottles-- one of us had one that was best by this past July, one of us had one that was best by this coming January. I suspect I had the older one, because while it was a decent IPA, Taylor's had much more flavor to it-- the strong hops, something citrus, and even a bit of yeast taste. Obviously fresher is going to be better, but in this case, it made a very noticeable difference. Mine was ok, but his was pretty good.
Some good stuff lately.
Paul: 311
Colleen: 341 (no I did not count World Wide Stout again, although it counts as like 3 beers)
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query flying fish. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query flying fish. Sort by date Show all posts
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
BUFFing out the pain of the thesis, and other good beers
The first draft of my thesis was due last week. Ugh.
To help motivate myself to meet that deadline, I made myself a mixed six pack at the store near Cheryl and Gurzo's house, with the stipulation that I wasn't allowed to have any unless I called them and checked in with my progress on that paper. They are good friends, aren't they? At first I was just going to pick up two or three individual bottles, but then I found six that I was interested in.
The first one I was particularly interested in, given the somewhat recent discussion about our favorite microbrewers. You may recall I recently picked Dogfish Head, while Paul stands by Stone. You may also recall that a shared favorite of ours is a Victory brew (even if I haven't liked most of theirs that I've tried aside from Storm King, that shared favorite). Well. It turns out the three companies got together to create BUFF: Brewers United for Freedom of Flavor, and created Saison du Buff, a farmhouse beer made with parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. I bought it under the Dogfish Head label though I did later see it under the Victory label on the same shelf. Was it epic? Indeed it was. My notes say, "brilliant herby slightly hoppy light tangy farmhouse love." It was just really fresh and crisp tasting. Very, very good. I would absolutely recommend this. I am impressed with their work and sincerely hope the BUFF efforts continue.
What else have I tried lately?
Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale: Also part of my six pack, as per the recommendation of one of my good friend Noah. He described it as exquisite. While I respect his opinions, especially when it comes to beer, I may need to disagree on this one. The spices were great in this one, but it was too sweet for me, one of those pumpkin beers that tastes more like pie than vegetable. It was very smooth, but not my favorite pumpkin brew.
Sam Adams Latitude 48 IPA: Another addition to the mixed six, based on two criteria: I'm trying to get into IPAs, and it had a geographic theme. I ended up having this one in the midst of the writing process (which was about latitude 19, but that's beside the point, I suppose), figuring that I'd be able to try a new beer but wasn't totally indulging, since it was unlikely that I'd really like this beer anyway. False! This is a nice IPA. It was really hoppy, but it was smooth and had this sort of fresh citrusy thing going on. I approve. And if I approve of an IPA, you know it's worth your time.
Harpoon IPA: Another one that I give my seal of approval! I had this while out for dinner with JACK (the acronym for the girls I went across Canada with) while we were completing the NJ Lighthouse Challenge this past weekend. They didn't have anything else I wanted, so I figured, try another IPA. This one is just like a smooth, nice ale with a slightly hoppy-- not overwhelming-- aftertaste. A pleasant surprise for me.
Flying Fish Exit 4: This was another member of my mixed six, that I'd been looking for for a while, but had trouble finding since it was an earlier part of the Flying Fish Exit Series. I was excited to try it because I love New Jersey and had just finished a two day roadtrip around the coastline thereof, but I knew in my heart that I typically don't care for the style and probably wouldn't totally love it. However, another pleasant surprise: good stuff. This is a tripel, which tend to be too sweet for me, and this was still a little sweeter than I'd prefer, but it was very nicely balanced with the hops and I kinda liked it. Good luck trying to find this, but if you do, it was pretty good.
I have a few more in my thesis motivator pack and as to be expected, I have a few more things to do for said thesis, so those will come soon, I'm sure. In the meantime, Paul: 300 (congrats and welcome to the club, buddy) and Colleen: 309.
To help motivate myself to meet that deadline, I made myself a mixed six pack at the store near Cheryl and Gurzo's house, with the stipulation that I wasn't allowed to have any unless I called them and checked in with my progress on that paper. They are good friends, aren't they? At first I was just going to pick up two or three individual bottles, but then I found six that I was interested in.
The first one I was particularly interested in, given the somewhat recent discussion about our favorite microbrewers. You may recall I recently picked Dogfish Head, while Paul stands by Stone. You may also recall that a shared favorite of ours is a Victory brew (even if I haven't liked most of theirs that I've tried aside from Storm King, that shared favorite). Well. It turns out the three companies got together to create BUFF: Brewers United for Freedom of Flavor, and created Saison du Buff, a farmhouse beer made with parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. I bought it under the Dogfish Head label though I did later see it under the Victory label on the same shelf. Was it epic? Indeed it was. My notes say, "brilliant herby slightly hoppy light tangy farmhouse love." It was just really fresh and crisp tasting. Very, very good. I would absolutely recommend this. I am impressed with their work and sincerely hope the BUFF efforts continue.
What else have I tried lately?
Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale: Also part of my six pack, as per the recommendation of one of my good friend Noah. He described it as exquisite. While I respect his opinions, especially when it comes to beer, I may need to disagree on this one. The spices were great in this one, but it was too sweet for me, one of those pumpkin beers that tastes more like pie than vegetable. It was very smooth, but not my favorite pumpkin brew.
Sam Adams Latitude 48 IPA: Another addition to the mixed six, based on two criteria: I'm trying to get into IPAs, and it had a geographic theme. I ended up having this one in the midst of the writing process (which was about latitude 19, but that's beside the point, I suppose), figuring that I'd be able to try a new beer but wasn't totally indulging, since it was unlikely that I'd really like this beer anyway. False! This is a nice IPA. It was really hoppy, but it was smooth and had this sort of fresh citrusy thing going on. I approve. And if I approve of an IPA, you know it's worth your time.
Harpoon IPA: Another one that I give my seal of approval! I had this while out for dinner with JACK (the acronym for the girls I went across Canada with) while we were completing the NJ Lighthouse Challenge this past weekend. They didn't have anything else I wanted, so I figured, try another IPA. This one is just like a smooth, nice ale with a slightly hoppy-- not overwhelming-- aftertaste. A pleasant surprise for me.
Flying Fish Exit 4: This was another member of my mixed six, that I'd been looking for for a while, but had trouble finding since it was an earlier part of the Flying Fish Exit Series. I was excited to try it because I love New Jersey and had just finished a two day roadtrip around the coastline thereof, but I knew in my heart that I typically don't care for the style and probably wouldn't totally love it. However, another pleasant surprise: good stuff. This is a tripel, which tend to be too sweet for me, and this was still a little sweeter than I'd prefer, but it was very nicely balanced with the hops and I kinda liked it. Good luck trying to find this, but if you do, it was pretty good.
I have a few more in my thesis motivator pack and as to be expected, I have a few more things to do for said thesis, so those will come soon, I'm sure. In the meantime, Paul: 300 (congrats and welcome to the club, buddy) and Colleen: 309.
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!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
staff meeting
Paul was up visiting his family this weekend before his youngest brother heads off to college. Despite it not being Pint Night, we got together at The Office with our friend Michael for a couple of rounds. I believe Paul had a new one, but I ran into a problem that happens every now and again: I had a beer that I thought was new for me, but it turns out it wasn't. Paul and I both keep pretty extensive databases about the brews we try, but it's impossible to commit 270+ beers to memory, especially when they aren't particularly memorable, which was exactly the case with Samuel Smith's Old Brewery Pale Ale. I love Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout, LOVE it. And I've generally liked the other Sam Smiths I've tried (Imperial Stout, Nut Brown Ale, Lager, Winter Welcome Ale). But the Pale Ale was just really boring and forgettable. Bummer.
I have tried a couple of others recently though:
Troeg's Java Head Stout: Really nice, strong, dark beer. It obviously has a strong coffee flavor to it. This is one of those beers that kind of punches you in the face. If I'm going to get punched in the face by anything, I should hope it's a good beer. This totally fits the bill.
Flying Fish Exit 6 Wallonian Rye: Part of the New Jersey brewer's Exit Series, which celebrates the New Jersey Turnpike (which oddly enough, is one of my least favorite aspects of the state, since that's all most people see and there's a few unpleasant miles up toward the northern end of it that people assume the entire state is like. In the end though, it is an important part of NJ, and so I love it, just like everything else that's part of NJ, including this brewer!). This was a really nice witbier sort of brew, light and refreshing, with a nice rye flavor to it. I like rye. I like wheat beers. I LOVE New Jersey. This was a really wonderful situation.
And so, Paul: 270, Colleen: 273
I have tried a couple of others recently though:
Troeg's Java Head Stout: Really nice, strong, dark beer. It obviously has a strong coffee flavor to it. This is one of those beers that kind of punches you in the face. If I'm going to get punched in the face by anything, I should hope it's a good beer. This totally fits the bill.
Flying Fish Exit 6 Wallonian Rye: Part of the New Jersey brewer's Exit Series, which celebrates the New Jersey Turnpike (which oddly enough, is one of my least favorite aspects of the state, since that's all most people see and there's a few unpleasant miles up toward the northern end of it that people assume the entire state is like. In the end though, it is an important part of NJ, and so I love it, just like everything else that's part of NJ, including this brewer!). This was a really nice witbier sort of brew, light and refreshing, with a nice rye flavor to it. I like rye. I like wheat beers. I LOVE New Jersey. This was a really wonderful situation.
And so, Paul: 270, Colleen: 273
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, 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!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
oh hey I'm Colleen!
Paul did a good job summing up how we know each other and what our deal with beer is, so I'll just briefly introduce myself.
I'm currently in my second year of grad school, working on a Master of Science in Geography. That's right, Geography. It's real. I specialize in biogeography and human- environment interactions. Basically, I hug trees and play in the dirt. My thesis is about invasive plants and slash and burn agriculture in Mexico, where I spent part of my summer doing research, and where their beer is all the same (not very exciting).
My top five beers at the moment:
1. Sam Adams Hefeweizen
2. Guinness (though this is what I have most often)
3. Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout
4. Victory Storm King
5. Flying Fish Oktoberfish
Also, the score is actually currently 153- 142, as I just tried Bud Light Golden Wheat. Don't ask me why, since I generally avoid stuff with "light" in the name, but it was surprisingly not crappy. I like wheat beer, what can I say.
Other stuff I like: old family photos, traveling, the beach, hugging trees, making and/or listening to music, the state of New Jersey
Also, if Brendan the cousin gets credit for encouraging us to blog about our beer adventures, and Paul gets credit for actually signing us up for the address and starting the blog, I totally get credit for the name. Paul is a dear friend, and my beer friend. I'm so clever sometimes.
I'm currently in my second year of grad school, working on a Master of Science in Geography. That's right, Geography. It's real. I specialize in biogeography and human- environment interactions. Basically, I hug trees and play in the dirt. My thesis is about invasive plants and slash and burn agriculture in Mexico, where I spent part of my summer doing research, and where their beer is all the same (not very exciting).
My top five beers at the moment:
1. Sam Adams Hefeweizen
2. Guinness (though this is what I have most often)
3. Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout
4. Victory Storm King
5. Flying Fish Oktoberfish
Also, the score is actually currently 153- 142, as I just tried Bud Light Golden Wheat. Don't ask me why, since I generally avoid stuff with "light" in the name, but it was surprisingly not crappy. I like wheat beer, what can I say.
Other stuff I like: old family photos, traveling, the beach, hugging trees, making and/or listening to music, the state of New Jersey
Also, if Brendan the cousin gets credit for encouraging us to blog about our beer adventures, and Paul gets credit for actually signing us up for the address and starting the blog, I totally get credit for the name. Paul is a dear friend, and my beer friend. I'm so clever sometimes.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
the butte of jokes
I couldn't resist sharing this article, because it seems like a joke unto itself:
Budweiser May Seem Watery, But It Tests At Full Strength, Lab Says
I've passed 500 beers on my list, which I have been pretty negligent in updating, but it looks like 500 goes to Black Butte Porter, if for no other reason than it was good, no, great enough to remember to add to my database. (In case you're not a geography geek, that's pronounced /byoot/.)
Deschutes Black Butte Porter, from Oregon, graced our refrigerator here in western Arizona, but it looks like the furthest east it's available is Illinois. Bummer. It was rich but wasn't heavy, with a really nice roasted flavor that nicely balanced the sweet and the bitter. This is one of the few beers I've seen on Beer Advocate with a rating of 100 from The Bros. I know the negligence has extended beyond my beer database, and to this blog (for both of us!), but this one was absolutely worth mentioning.
Other beer news: I am extremely disappointed that I was on the other side of the country for the release of FU Sandy, a beer produced by my beloved Flying Fish to raise funds for Sandy relief. Oh, New Jersey. I love you so much, even (especially?) when I'm far away. It was such a limited released that I understand it sold out everywhere within a few hours of tapping. Good news: there are rumors that it will be rereleased in six packs this summer. A girl can dream. I know at least two people who got to try this though-- one liked it, one didn't, but the one who didn't is not into wheat-related beers.
Drink anything good lately, anyone? Craft beer choices are limited in western AZ, although we've found some gems of breweries in our travels, most of which we'll be returning to during Spring Break in March with visitors, and checking out a new one recommended to me in Phoenix during Spring Training.
Budweiser May Seem Watery, But It Tests At Full Strength, Lab Says
I've passed 500 beers on my list, which I have been pretty negligent in updating, but it looks like 500 goes to Black Butte Porter, if for no other reason than it was good, no, great enough to remember to add to my database. (In case you're not a geography geek, that's pronounced /byoot/.)
Deschutes Black Butte Porter, from Oregon, graced our refrigerator here in western Arizona, but it looks like the furthest east it's available is Illinois. Bummer. It was rich but wasn't heavy, with a really nice roasted flavor that nicely balanced the sweet and the bitter. This is one of the few beers I've seen on Beer Advocate with a rating of 100 from The Bros. I know the negligence has extended beyond my beer database, and to this blog (for both of us!), but this one was absolutely worth mentioning.
Other beer news: I am extremely disappointed that I was on the other side of the country for the release of FU Sandy, a beer produced by my beloved Flying Fish to raise funds for Sandy relief. Oh, New Jersey. I love you so much, even (especially?) when I'm far away. It was such a limited released that I understand it sold out everywhere within a few hours of tapping. Good news: there are rumors that it will be rereleased in six packs this summer. A girl can dream. I know at least two people who got to try this though-- one liked it, one didn't, but the one who didn't is not into wheat-related beers.
Drink anything good lately, anyone? Craft beer choices are limited in western AZ, although we've found some gems of breweries in our travels, most of which we'll be returning to during Spring Break in March with visitors, and checking out a new one recommended to me in Phoenix during Spring Training.
Monday, March 12, 2012
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
Monday, November 29, 2010
happy anniversary from Cheryl--live from Stuff Yer Face!
Happy anniversary, beer friends!
It is a great privilege and honor to wish Colleen and Paul a happy 'one year of being beer friends'. Their blogging about beer has been frequent and fun, and it feels appropriate at this time, as a third party to the shared beer experience, to wish them further happy quaffing.
In the spirit of sharing, Colleen has invited me to compose a guest blog regarding our mutual first drink of Flying Fish Grand Cru Winter Reserve. This stunning beer is a perfect mix of bottle-conditioned Belgian floral flavor with a subtle malty finish. In short, it's everything one would enjoy about a beer like Corsendonk or Hoegaarden, but with the warm lingering malt of a brown ale like Newcastle or a lager like Sam Adams.
After this shared experience, we set our sights in different directions. I opted for La Chouffe's Petit Houblon Dobbelen IPA Tripel, which at 9.0% ABV packs a strong punch in a highly aromatic start with a strong but balanced hop finish. The pour was yeast-tactic with a cloudiness that almost seemed "off". As our awesome bartender friend Jill put it, "it looked like a lava lamp". Colleen chose the Norse Porter from HaandBryggeriet. It's a Norwegian Dark Porter which poured out in a very fizzy way (causing Colleen a bit of discomfort when she tried to sip right from the bottle) but immediately gave a pungent chocolate aroma and followed with the same strong chocolatey porter flavor. Ironically, this heavily carbonated choice would imply that it should be bottle-sipped since it has a photoshopped-in set of fingerprints gripping around the bottle. In spite of exploding in Colleen's mouth, this fizzy deliciousness ranked well for Ms. Earp-Porterpants.
P.S. Happy belated birthday to the Colleenator herself, who shared her special day this year with turkeys and tofurkeys everywhere on November 25th.
Cheers,
Cheryl
It is a great privilege and honor to wish Colleen and Paul a happy 'one year of being beer friends'. Their blogging about beer has been frequent and fun, and it feels appropriate at this time, as a third party to the shared beer experience, to wish them further happy quaffing.
In the spirit of sharing, Colleen has invited me to compose a guest blog regarding our mutual first drink of Flying Fish Grand Cru Winter Reserve. This stunning beer is a perfect mix of bottle-conditioned Belgian floral flavor with a subtle malty finish. In short, it's everything one would enjoy about a beer like Corsendonk or Hoegaarden, but with the warm lingering malt of a brown ale like Newcastle or a lager like Sam Adams.
After this shared experience, we set our sights in different directions. I opted for La Chouffe's Petit Houblon Dobbelen IPA Tripel, which at 9.0% ABV packs a strong punch in a highly aromatic start with a strong but balanced hop finish. The pour was yeast-tactic with a cloudiness that almost seemed "off". As our awesome bartender friend Jill put it, "it looked like a lava lamp". Colleen chose the Norse Porter from HaandBryggeriet. It's a Norwegian Dark Porter which poured out in a very fizzy way (causing Colleen a bit of discomfort when she tried to sip right from the bottle) but immediately gave a pungent chocolate aroma and followed with the same strong chocolatey porter flavor. Ironically, this heavily carbonated choice would imply that it should be bottle-sipped since it has a photoshopped-in set of fingerprints gripping around the bottle. In spite of exploding in Colleen's mouth, this fizzy deliciousness ranked well for Ms. Earp-Porterpants.
P.S. Happy belated birthday to the Colleenator herself, who shared her special day this year with turkeys and tofurkeys everywhere on November 25th.
Cheers,
Cheryl
Saturday, August 7, 2010
contract/time is up, Paul!
Dear Paul,
Hope you've been having an excellent month and a half without any competition. I'm sorry to report that your time is (sort of) up!
Sincerely,
Colleen
I can't believe how fast my summer at camp has gone. Six weeks! I'm at home now-- didn't really have any big plans for the end of my contract. I thought I might enjoy a Guinness... not even a new beer for the count! However, the circumstances of my life have, as per usual, lead to other endeavors.
As I've mentioned here and there, I'm going to Malawi, and soon! I will be there in less than two weeks. (And yes, I plan on trying African beers during my lengthy time on planes/in airports). Subsequently, I'm going to be taking some intense antibiotics as malaria prophylaxis starting a few days before my 20 August departure. However, I got a head start on the strong antibiotics by discovering a bullseye rash on my thigh a few weeks ago, so I am not to be consuming much alcohol, among other things. The doctor's antibiotic of choice for the Lyme is doxycycline, which carries the following advisory,
"Take this medication 2-3 hours before or after taking any products containing aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc or bismuth subsalicyclate. Some examples include antacids, certain forms of didanosine (chewable/dispersable buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution), quinapril, vitamins/minerals, dairy products (such as milk or yogurt) and calcium-enriched juice. These products bind with doxycycline, preventing your body from fully absorbing the drug."
Guinness is probably one of the main reasons I haven't had any issues with iron deficiency in the past few years. But thank you, antibiotics, for disallowing me from consuming much of anything good, much less a nice Guinness.
So. I wasn't planning on trying a new beer, but stopped by one of the better beer sources near home as I headed there tonight, and found Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome Ale. I bought it for the following reasons:
1. I actually had my eye on Flying Fish's Exit 6 (how very New Jersey of me) but it was a larger bottle.
2. This was the next beer I noticed available in a single bottle that I hadn't tried before.
3. My mom keeps the house at winter-like temperatures, so I figured it was an appropriate homecoming beer.
So here I sit, very very slowly enjoying this beer. Seriously, I opened it about an hour ago and am halfway through. I'm enjoying it more as it nears room temperature, possibly because I'm sitting here in a hoodie and pajama pants and freezing (because I have water for blood now that my iron intake is severely reduced), but it's a good beer for winter. Very smooth, warm flavor, sort of like a nicely spiced pie or something. No, it's not fruity. I'm out of practice explaining what I think of beers. Let me try again: um... yeah. Really out of practice. Smooth. Accessible. Might compliment a warm pie. But doesn't taste like pie. That would be weird.
I'd recommend this. In winter. Or in my parents' house.
I know Paul is holding out on a pile of updates, but till then--
Paul: 259
Colleen: 271
PS: Oh snap! I viewed the blog in another window to see what our numbers were at, and it seems that Paul is updating at the same time as me! So if I post this first... then I'm ahead for like, five more minutes.
Hope you've been having an excellent month and a half without any competition. I'm sorry to report that your time is (sort of) up!
Sincerely,
Colleen
I can't believe how fast my summer at camp has gone. Six weeks! I'm at home now-- didn't really have any big plans for the end of my contract. I thought I might enjoy a Guinness... not even a new beer for the count! However, the circumstances of my life have, as per usual, lead to other endeavors.
As I've mentioned here and there, I'm going to Malawi, and soon! I will be there in less than two weeks. (And yes, I plan on trying African beers during my lengthy time on planes/in airports). Subsequently, I'm going to be taking some intense antibiotics as malaria prophylaxis starting a few days before my 20 August departure. However, I got a head start on the strong antibiotics by discovering a bullseye rash on my thigh a few weeks ago, so I am not to be consuming much alcohol, among other things. The doctor's antibiotic of choice for the Lyme is doxycycline, which carries the following advisory,
"Take this medication 2-3 hours before or after taking any products containing aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc or bismuth subsalicyclate. Some examples include antacids, certain forms of didanosine (chewable/dispersable buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution), quinapril, vitamins/minerals, dairy products (such as milk or yogurt) and calcium-enriched juice. These products bind with doxycycline, preventing your body from fully absorbing the drug."
Guinness is probably one of the main reasons I haven't had any issues with iron deficiency in the past few years. But thank you, antibiotics, for disallowing me from consuming much of anything good, much less a nice Guinness.
So. I wasn't planning on trying a new beer, but stopped by one of the better beer sources near home as I headed there tonight, and found Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome Ale. I bought it for the following reasons:
1. I actually had my eye on Flying Fish's Exit 6 (how very New Jersey of me) but it was a larger bottle.
2. This was the next beer I noticed available in a single bottle that I hadn't tried before.
3. My mom keeps the house at winter-like temperatures, so I figured it was an appropriate homecoming beer.
So here I sit, very very slowly enjoying this beer. Seriously, I opened it about an hour ago and am halfway through. I'm enjoying it more as it nears room temperature, possibly because I'm sitting here in a hoodie and pajama pants and freezing (because I have water for blood now that my iron intake is severely reduced), but it's a good beer for winter. Very smooth, warm flavor, sort of like a nicely spiced pie or something. No, it's not fruity. I'm out of practice explaining what I think of beers. Let me try again: um... yeah. Really out of practice. Smooth. Accessible. Might compliment a warm pie. But doesn't taste like pie. That would be weird.
I'd recommend this. In winter. Or in my parents' house.
I know Paul is holding out on a pile of updates, but till then--
Paul: 259
Colleen: 271
PS: Oh snap! I viewed the blog in another window to see what our numbers were at, and it seems that Paul is updating at the same time as me! So if I post this first... then I'm ahead for like, five more minutes.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Anniversary Post... a week late.
Thank goodness the amazing Cheryl made an anniversary update for us, because Paul and I have both been busy lately, in case you couldn't tell by the lack of posts. I'm sure he's got a zillion beer update coming, and Cheryl shared my most recent beers for you (Flying Fish's Grand Cru Winter Reserve-- excellent; HaandBryggeriet's Norse Porter-- would be excellent except way too fizzy). So for now that leaves us at Colleen: 333, Paul: 306.
Wait, what? She's already shared scores. That was too quick! This post can't be over!
Don't worry, it's not. I haven't tried any new beers since then (though I bought an awesome looking one today to share with Cheryl and Gurzo next time I visit-- a preemptive thank you of sorts), but for no real reason I went through the saved text messages in my phone last night, and thought it would be fun to celebrate our beer friend anniversary (a week late) by sharing a few texts from Paul during the past year:
"pint night?" --I actually had three of these saved
"Mom used Sam Winter Lager to cook the roast with. I tried to stop her, but she said it was the cheapest beer we had. Sad part is she's right. Merry Christmas." 12/25/2009
"I don't know this for a fact, but I'm pretty sure that a 6 dollar pint of Guinness makes baby Jesus cry. Thoughts?" 03/06/2010
"Drinking Guinness at 9am. Be jealous." 06/23/2010-- actually sent at 8:25AM
"You are actually up by 1." 08/07/2010-- sent moments after I posted this.
Cheers, beer friend. Here's to many more responsible, delicious beverages!
Wait, what? She's already shared scores. That was too quick! This post can't be over!
Don't worry, it's not. I haven't tried any new beers since then (though I bought an awesome looking one today to share with Cheryl and Gurzo next time I visit-- a preemptive thank you of sorts), but for no real reason I went through the saved text messages in my phone last night, and thought it would be fun to celebrate our beer friend anniversary (a week late) by sharing a few texts from Paul during the past year:
"pint night?" --I actually had three of these saved
"Mom used Sam Winter Lager to cook the roast with. I tried to stop her, but she said it was the cheapest beer we had. Sad part is she's right. Merry Christmas." 12/25/2009
"I don't know this for a fact, but I'm pretty sure that a 6 dollar pint of Guinness makes baby Jesus cry. Thoughts?" 03/06/2010
"Drinking Guinness at 9am. Be jealous." 06/23/2010-- actually sent at 8:25AM
"You are actually up by 1." 08/07/2010-- sent moments after I posted this.
Cheers, beer friend. Here's to many more responsible, delicious beverages!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
a toast to Cheryl and Gurzo
You often hear about Cheryl and Gurzo in this blog. It makes sense, since these are the people who I drink beer with the most, especially new beers during our almost weekly gatherings at Stuff Yer Face. Well, this weekend they got married to each other in a totally lovely ceremony on a totally gorgeous day!
newlyweds!
Their wedding featured beers and wines all made in New Jersey. I actually had a cocktail (so weird for me) at the groom's request, but other than that focused my efforts on the two Flying Fish brews they had available-- Oktoberfish, which I'd had before, and in fact gave them my vote for when it was between that and the Abbey Dubbel being at the party (and it did not disappoint, though was slightly hoppier than I recall, but it's a really good Oktoberfest), and the Extra Pale Ale, which it turned out I hadn't had before! It's a little hoppy, but somewhere between what I'd expect from a pale ale and what I'd expect from an IPA. It was pretty good. I enjoyed it with some spicy rice and beans and was plenty happy.
But more important than me adding another beer to my list, way way way more important, is celebrating the exciting-ness of my two good friends, who are now wife and husband. They are two excellent people, and I am so honored to have been part of their wonderful day!
(But, for the record, I'm at 304 to Paul's 288, though I'm sure he'll have some great stories about visiting breweries across the country when he returns soon!)
newlyweds!
Their wedding featured beers and wines all made in New Jersey. I actually had a cocktail (so weird for me) at the groom's request, but other than that focused my efforts on the two Flying Fish brews they had available-- Oktoberfish, which I'd had before, and in fact gave them my vote for when it was between that and the Abbey Dubbel being at the party (and it did not disappoint, though was slightly hoppier than I recall, but it's a really good Oktoberfest), and the Extra Pale Ale, which it turned out I hadn't had before! It's a little hoppy, but somewhere between what I'd expect from a pale ale and what I'd expect from an IPA. It was pretty good. I enjoyed it with some spicy rice and beans and was plenty happy.
But more important than me adding another beer to my list, way way way more important, is celebrating the exciting-ness of my two good friends, who are now wife and husband. They are two excellent people, and I am so honored to have been part of their wonderful day!
(But, for the record, I'm at 304 to Paul's 288, though I'm sure he'll have some great stories about visiting breweries across the country when he returns soon!)
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