Earp family Christmas beer selection 2011

Sorry this is overdue. My life has been busy with working holiday retail purgatory and family time. I wanted to share what happened when Mom gave me her credit card and told me to pick up eight 6 packs for the holidays. I had a stout fermenting but it wasn't going to be ready in time. It's now bottled and carbonating, should be ready to go in time to celebrate Grandma's birthday in another week (and oh man, is she looking forward to trying my beer). So, this Christmas's eight--

Miller Lite: Despite it being practically required in this family, there are still five left on today, the Twelfth Day of Christmas.

Lager: Stocking up on the standards. Worst case scenario I cook with this. Best case scenario we have Grandma over and enjoy a beer together.

Yuengling Black and Tan: You know what? I like this. So does my grandmother.


So, those first three are non-negotiable when Mom hands me the card and says go to town. The rest--


Killian's: I used to love this a lot, but to be honest, I haven't had it in a few years. I think it might be too carbonated for me, actually. I like red beers though, but this one I always get because I know my dad and my one uncle are fans.

Brooklyn Brown Ale: I got this because I know my big brother likes brown ales and I wanted to do something besides New Castle, which is good, but I always do for him. Well, I guess he was pleased, because I got none of them, and there are none left.

Sierra Nevada Kellerweis Hefeweizen: As much as I love beers that resemble black paint, I also love a good hefeweizen. This is definitely a good, good hefeweizen, tasting ever so slightly of cloves and bananas as well a good hefeweizen should, without being overwhelming. It's pleasant and feels warm and refreshing all at once. We always try to have a good mix around the holidays (basically meaning I can't get ALL stouts but I always won't allow for ALL light/plain beers), so the hefeweizen has been my go-to "see through" contribution. This one though goes so far above and beyond just filling a spot on the spectrum. Really. Drink it.

Magic Hat's Encore IPA: Another style I know Chris likes, and at this point I was desperate to try something new. This is part of the Magic Hat IPA World Tour, whatever that means-- last year I tried the Blind Faith IPA which I didn't find super incredible. This one, however, is pretty good. I don't know if the difference is that it's an American Wheat IPA (I do like wheat), but it's an IPA that does its job. It's bitter and refreshing without hurting my mouth or stomach. It's funny, because this one isn't anything exceptional, but I like it way more than I remember liking the Blind Faith. I'd recommend it.

Wolaver's Organic Oatmeal Stout: THIS WAS AWESOME. I know, I'm biased toward beer that you can't see through. I bought this because I hadn't tried it before, and only just learned in writing this post that Wolaver is the organic label for Otter Creek, a totally legit and good brewery in Middlebury, Vermont (which is clearly a great place, as that is where Dispatch formed). Anyway. I really only bought this because it was an oatmeal stout, but I was not disappointed. It's not very sweet, but it's very smooth and drinkable, a nice, not-too-heavy stout. I would get this again if I wasn't so hell bent on trying new beers all the time. What the heck. I'll probably get this again.


Other things I plan to repeat soon? Dogfish Head's World Wide Stout. Santa failed to leave one in my stocking but I think that's going to be my belated gift to myself as a reward for not messing up Christmas dinner this year (deep fried turkey! and half a dozen side dishes! all successful! AND THERE WAS GRAVY*!).







*Last year, there wasn't. And that may have also happened one other year that I was in charge of the meal. Sorry, vegetarians forget about these details...

Another two hashmarks

Tonight I had my friend Matt over for our semi-weekly pizza and beer night. It's a good time to see and hang out with a guy I've been friends with for 16+ years. Typically, we just hang out in front of ESPN/sports and discuss life. It's really a good time. In any event, I got a chance to continue tasting beers from the custom six pack my brother so graciously gave me for my birthday. There were four new beers in the pack, and these are the final two.

Saranac Black and Tan: The Black and Tan, which is a mix between a stout and a lager in this case, is a favorite here at DBF. To clarify terminology: if you order a Black and Tan at a bar, you should expect half Guinness and half Bass Ale. If you order a Half 'N Half, you should expect half Guinness and half Harp Lager. If you've followed me thus far, it seems Saranac hasn't completely followed the pattern here, but that's ok! This was a well balanced beer. The black and tan takes some of the best characteristics from the lager and the stout - which is typical. The lager provides the smooth body and crisp after taste. The stout on the other hand provides the roasted malt flavor. This is worth another try.

Harpoon Leviathon Imperial IPA: When I saw this name, it gave the unpleasant memory of Stone Levitation Ale. Fortunately, it did not give that impression when I tasted it. Harpoon has done a fine job with this beer. There is a quality hop character (or bitterness) that I didn't find overbearing, despite what the name suggests. Even better was how well balanced the hops were with the malt flavors - which can be rare for an IPA. Overall, I think this beer wouldn't be a bad starter IPA, for those unfamiliar with the style.

Looks like I've jumped back in the lead, but I am sure it will be short lived.

The scorecard:
Paul: 211
Colleen: 210

Cheers,
Paul