Since forum topics pertaining to peoples' lists of favorites seem to be a hit lately, I'm going to step it up and ask about my favorite thing besides film: beer.
My Top 5:
Cascade IPA (Amherst Brewing Company): Hoppy, strong, delicious. I used to tend bar here in my post-college days. I know that suggests bias, but it's just the best beer around. Unfortunately, it can only be purchased at the pub, on tap or in growlers. They don't distribute it to retailers at all. http://www.amherstbrewing.com/
Switchback Ale (Burlington, VT): A very small brewery in the mountains. Hoppy without being bitter, hint of citrus in the finish. They don't bottle it, but every restaurant in a 30-mile radius of Burlington has it on tap.
Long Trail IPA (Bridgewater Corners, VT): It was disappointing when Long Trail got bought out by some conglomerate, but they did start making a serious IPA. Unfiltered and yeasty, just the right amount of hoppy kick. This is my standby.
Arrogant Bastard Ale (Stone Brewing Co.): As a certified hop-head, I don;t usually go for the malt-intensive brews, but this one is great. Tread carefully, it packs a wallop. Bonus: the description written on the side of the bottle is perhaps the best and funniest instance of subversive marketing I've ever seen. Check it out: http://www.arrogantbastard.com/index2.html
De Ranke XX Bitter (Belgium): It's blasphemous for a beer afficianado to say so, but I generally think European beers are overrated. 4 of my top 5 are relatively recent American upstarts. But this one takes the cake. Tastes like fresh-squeezed hop juice. Don't be fooled by its innocent-looking light color; at 8% abv, it'll knock you on your ass if you're used to yellow lager beers.
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I honestly don't have any
January 21, 2008 - 16:37 ET by KarmaI honestly don't have any favorites and I seldom have the same beer twice in succession. A good line-up is like a great buffet. A little of this, a little of that. I don't even bother remembering the names so I can be surprised every time.
Jason
January 21, 2008 - 17:34 ET by RESTLESS 1I've tried arrogant bastard (as I am one ;>)). Liked it a lot. Can't say I have heard of the others. Will keep an eye out for them.
Like the topic and look forward to feedback.
Hahaha it might be not a
January 22, 2008 - 09:32 ET by BinxlyHahaha it might be not a big surprise since I'm pretty patriotic but I gotta say my favorite beer is Samuel Adams, preferable the Winter Ale. It's got a dark color, rich taste, and not too heavy.
Arrogant Bastard I must say is a great, yet strong beer. Certainly not the first beer to drink in your life. Its dark, strong, and I'd say has a *very* acquired taste. The label itself is humorous and explains it pretty well in a very 'arrogant bastard' way.
The other beers I'm fond of are European brews such as Boddington, Hoegarten, Harp, and the German beer Delirium Tremens and Delirium Nocturne. That said, if its at a bar, I'll drink whatever is on special! :-P I'm probably the only person in my bar friends who will drink Pabst all night if it means saving 5 bucks. :-P
The craziest beer I ever had though cost me 16 bucks for the bottle and was so strong (24%!!!!) that they had to pour it and serve in a wine sifting glass. It was strong but tasted great. It was, I believe, called the Dog Fish Head Ale World-wide Stout. Its pricey but worth the experience, I'd suggest it to any beer fan :)
Binx, 24%? You crazy
January 22, 2008 - 17:11 ET by JasonCBinx,
24%? You crazy SOB! I haven't tried that one, sounds like a true sippin' beer. Dogfish makes its IPA in 60, 90, and 120 minute varieties. The number corresponds to the length of time that the brewer spent adding a new batch of hops to the mash every minute. The 60 is a decent all-around beer. 90 is a nice treat. 120 is a madman, and $10 for a 12 oz. bottle at the store.
Also, Allagash makes a winter seasonal called Curieux, which is a 14% ale conditioned in old oak bourbon casks.
Finally, if you like Sam's Winter, you should check out their Scotch Ale. As far as I know, it's only sold in their 12-pack sampler, but it's definitely worth it; plus, then you have 5 other brews to sample. Win-win.
"He was, and is yet, most likely, the wearisomest, self-righteous
pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself
and fling the curses on his neighbors." -Emily Bronte
Eeeeeewwww! Boddingtons is
January 23, 2008 - 04:45 ET by BritcomEeeeeewwww! Boddingtons is shite.
The best beers are: Corona (with lime), Yuengling (which is Americas oldest brew), Sam Adams ale, OV, Skol, Ice House and Michelob Light. The best dark beer is Newcastle Brown Ale, but it has to be from a keg (preferably one located in England).
Newkie Brown. That used to
January 23, 2008 - 05:45 ET by Jack BauerNewkie Brown. That used to give me a serious headache.
Me, too. I used to really
October 5, 2009 - 15:15 ET by fitzfongMe, too. I used to really like Newcastle, then succumbed to some nasty headaches and won't drink it anymore. Besides, Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale, Goose Island Brown Ale, Anderson Valley Boondt Brown Ale, Brooklyn Brown and even Downtown Brown are better.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." -George Best
Newcastle
October 5, 2009 - 15:21 ET by Sergeant ROCKAfter spending, I forget how many, weeks helping my neighbor put a dent into a keg of Dogfish Head 90 Minute Pale Ale we went down to a wing place and the only decent beer they had was Newcastle. Pfftt.. it was like water! Weak...
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
I love Dogfish Head 90
October 5, 2009 - 15:27 ET by fitzfongI love Dogfish Head 90 Minute. It's potent, but pricey (I don't get to enjoy it as often as I'd like these days).
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." -George Best
Life is too short to drink cheap beer.
October 5, 2009 - 15:32 ET by Sergeant ROCKThat's what it use to say on a bottle of Warsteiner.
I prefer quality of quantity myself. Easier on the kidneys and liver. A 4-Pack of 90 goes down well. A 12-pack of well advertised beer.. eh.. not so well.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
I agree. "I spent a lot
October 5, 2009 - 16:00 ET by fitzfongI agree.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." -George Best
Yuengling (which is
April 12, 2008 - 16:33 ET by DontFeedTheTrollsYuengling (which is Americas oldest brew),
I like Yuenglings Lord Chesterfield Ale, which I'm sure has zero snob appeal.
I just like it!
D
Keep the ILLEGALS out, join NumbersUSA to send free faxes to your reps.
I'll look for that one
April 13, 2008 - 05:23 ET by Britcom---
Communist vs. Statist '08
Q. Is Panamanian born John McCain a "Natural Born Citizen"
Bump
October 1, 2009 - 15:37 ET by BlondePut's it to the top of the forums, where we can easily find it again.
I hope he fails, too.
I was thinking the same thing Blonde
October 1, 2009 - 16:26 ET by RESTLESS 1I'd forgotten about this one. And with the weekend coming up....
"If the man, with the power, can't keep it under control...some heads are gonna roll." -Judas Priest
Not Beer, but...
October 2, 2009 - 16:18 ET by BlondeWe were talking about cajun martinis and pepper-infused vodka. (Because the jalepenos were a little tooooooo).
I put ONE dried New Mexico chili in about 8 oz. of vodka overnight. I seeded it, and let it soak. After removing the pepper, and chilling in the freezer for a couple of hoursand pouring an ounce or two into a martini glass, all by it's lonesome, it has a very pretty upside down sunset look.
It tastes good, it is not very hot, although it has an undertone of a peppery bite. It also, surprisingly, has a bit of almost a rich red enchilada sauce flavor, ha ha...a very rich sweetness that red peppers sometimes get. Almost like a prune, sweetness. Very nice.
So I'm just guessing, but I'd put perhaps 4 seeded dried New Mexicos in a big bottle for two days.
It is really very pretty, and I think it might stand up well to some sort of cheese stuffed garnish (but not an olive). Saltiness in some form would work beautifully, but I'm not quite sure what else.
Let me know how you all make out. Not to shock all of my NB pals, but someday I am going to have a bar in Costa Rica....and I am going to name this one the JasonC!
Cheers.
I hope he fails, too.
I hope he fails, too.
Prawn garnish, remember?
October 2, 2009 - 18:46 ET by JasonCPrawn garnish, remember?
Of course I do
October 3, 2009 - 09:52 ET by BlondeThe JasonC shall have its prawn.
Maybe I'll do some sort of mexican version with it too, like a Liquid Enchilada, perhaps a mozarella ball.
I'm glad you brought the beer thing up the other day....this thread is back and getting great comments.
I hope he fails, too.
Blonde: I always order my
October 3, 2009 - 09:45 ET by QueenMumBlonde: I always order my Bloody Marys made with Absolut Peppar. If they don't have it on the shelf, I choose another drink.
"The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out
of other people's money."
—Margaret Thatcher
If you're a Bloody Mary fan
October 3, 2009 - 09:53 ET by BlondeOrder yourself some BM Mix from Half Moon Bay Trading Co. on the internet. That stuff rocks (and their Iguana Gold Hot Sauce is fabulous, too).
I hope he fails, too.
One word, and one word
October 2, 2009 - 18:37 ET by Scuba DudeOne word, and one word only...............................
GUINNESS
Nuff said.
The Obama Administration: THE most fiscally irresponsible Administration EVER
How about Guinness layered
October 2, 2009 - 18:45 ET by JasonCHow about Guinness layered on top of Harp or Bass or some form of Oktoberfest?
Black and Tan. Harp is an
October 5, 2009 - 22:26 ET by NL207Black and Tan.
Harp is an excellent Lager after the German Helles style, especially on tap. This is one of those unfortunate moments where we discover somebody besides the Germans make good beer.
→ Parkbrau
October 2, 2009 - 18:38 ET by Cool ArrowHey, I did a year and a half in Germany.
Kaiserslautern? Yes?
October 5, 2009 - 22:29 ET by NL207Kaiserslautern? Yes?
Parkbrau
October 13, 2009 - 22:11 ET by UnsaneNein.
Parkbrau is brewed at the intersection of Rodalben Strasse and Zweibruecken Strasse in Pirmasens, Germany.
Cool...were you stationed there by chance?
"CONSUMED DEMOCRACY RETURNS A SOCIALIST REGIME" - Slayer, "Fictional Reality", from Divine Intervention (1994)
Drink Corona, people. My
October 3, 2009 - 09:41 ET by QueenMumDrink Corona, people. My daughter works for the importer and needs to keep her job. Thank you.
"The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out
of other people's money."
—Margaret Thatcher
Willco, QM
October 3, 2009 - 09:48 ET by BlondeI like to drink Corona by the pool...it's nice and light, and the lime just makes it taste like I'm getting a tan.
I hope he fails, too.
Sorry, I'm a strict Dos
October 3, 2009 - 11:55 ET by JasonCSorry, I'm a strict Dos Equis guy when it comes to south of the border imports. But I wouldn't be surprised if they're under the same distributorship.
To beer, or not to beer
October 3, 2009 - 17:47 ET by QueenMumNope. DosEquus is a competitor. Now throw that crap out, and get yourself some Corona dude.
"The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out
of other people's money."
—Margaret Thatcher
Brews I've come across
October 3, 2009 - 17:14 ET by JasonCBrews I've come across since originally posting this:
Opa Opa IPA (South Hampton, MA) - moderately hoppy
Titan IPA (Great Divide Brewing Co., Denver, CO) - monstrously hoppy
Criminally Bad Elf Barleywine (Ridgeway Brewing, UK) - big, intense wintery ale
Fuller's ESB (Fuller's Brewing, UK) - classic English bitter, tastes cask-fresh even out of the bottle
Dogfish Head Rules!
October 3, 2009 - 17:24 ET by Sergeant ROCKDogfish Head 90 Minute IPA
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA
Dogfish Head World Wide Stout
Dogfish Head Old School Barleywine
Dogfish Head Raison d' Extra
Other great beers:
Sweetwater 420
Sweetwater Motorboat IPA
Weyerbacher Double IPA Simcoe Hops
Two Hearted Pale Ale
Kona Pale Ale
Samuel Adams Imperial Stout
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine
.. I'm getting tired of typing.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Nice. Weyerbacher is
October 3, 2009 - 22:11 ET by JasonCNice. Weyerbacher is awesome. Love the various Dogfish IPAs too, 120 is always a nice treat. Tastes like hoppy brandy.
Sergeant ROCK, Yummm Kona Pale Ale...
October 3, 2009 - 22:37 ET by upcountrywaterYes and the Pacific Golden Ale AKA: Big Wave.... yummy.
Ale is my favorite beer.
State controlled health care is Tort Reform.
Golden Ale
October 5, 2009 - 08:02 ET by Sergeant ROCKHave not come across that one yet. I have tried the Longboard, Fire Rock (second keg right now) and the Wailua.
These are good beers for those that you are trying to transition from the bland Bud, Miller, etc. fake beers into a good beer.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Um, Jas....
October 4, 2009 - 16:17 ET by BlondeWTH is "monstrously hoppy? LOL...it sounds like a description for a hip hop band (or silly reggae reference).
And while I know there is no distribution for this brand, (but it's kind of related).....one of my favorite restaurants in South Florida is the Big Bear Brewing Company....and they make some yummy beers. I love the Grizzly Red.
And while you drink your beers, you can eat the most delicious concoction in the world....Muenster Beer Cheese Soup (5th recipe down). It's the cure to anything to do with hurricanes, trust me.
Some genius ought to franchise this local gem. Their menu is fabulous, the service is first rate, and the prices are very reasonable. If you ever get to South Florida....Big Bear isn't on the list of trendy SoBe places to go.....(and for me, it's a hellish commute)....put it on your list of must go places to eat/drink.
I hope he fails, too.
Blonde, Almost all beers
October 5, 2009 - 08:45 ET by JasonCBlonde,
Almost all beers are made with hops and malt. How the two are balanced determines whether the beer has a bitter, floral flavor profile (hoppy) or a sweet one (malty). I like a really bitter beer, i.e. one that is monstrously hoppy.
India Pale Ale was specifically invented to have a high hop content (kept it from spoiling on long trips), which is why that style constitutes the majority of my faves. Some of these beers, like the Dogfish Head 120 that Sarge Rock mentioned, take the concept of over-hopping to a real extreme, to the point where the alcohol content is 12-15% (the same ballpark as your average wine) and it begins to taste more like a cognac or whisky than beer.
On the other end of the spectrum, the maltiest beers are usually red ales and Oktoberfests, which I'll enjoy now and then but don't really prefer.
Extreme Over-hopping
October 5, 2009 - 08:58 ET by Sergeant ROCKIf you're lucky, there might be a bar near you that has Randall the Enamel Animal.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Found one two towns away!
October 5, 2009 - 09:15 ET by JasonCFound one two towns away! (New England is good like that.)
Thanks, Sarge.
Lucky Bastard
October 5, 2009 - 09:20 ET by Sergeant ROCKI have to drive south a couple hours, I think, to get to one, Maybe I'll do that today.
Post review here.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Be careful driving
October 5, 2009 - 09:25 ET by JasonCBe careful driving back...and definitely let me know how it goes.
"Almost all beers are made
October 5, 2009 - 09:03 ET by NL207"Almost all beers are made with hops and malt"
An understatement. ALL beer is made with hops, barley, yeast and water and no other ingredients. [Reinheitsgebot für Bier] Anything containing any other adulterants is not beer, in the original German, falsche bier, or more generically, spülwasser.
While I generally go by
October 5, 2009 - 09:10 ET by JasonCWhile I generally go by CamRA standards, there are exceptions. Scottish-style heather ales, for instance, are generally made with zero hops. The craft brewery I used to work for made one which won silver at 2003 GABF. I certainly don't like anything that foregoes hops, but they're out there.
Those items are not
October 5, 2009 - 13:21 ET by NL207Those items are not beer. Germany defines beverages like these as 'beer-like'. Generally, US state and federal laws describe fermented beverages of these alternate sorts derived from malted grain as 'malt beverages'. I think the latter term is preferrable because some of this stuff, most notably those omitting hops, wouldn't even qualify as ale.
Crap beer
October 5, 2009 - 09:16 ET by Sergeant ROCKLike Bud, etc. use cheaper rice and corn instead of malted barley to up the alcohol content of their lame so-called beers. Those beers do not comply with the German Purty Law of 1516.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Michael Jackson (the beer
October 5, 2009 - 09:24 ET by JasonCMichael Jackson (the beer critic, not the pop sensation), in his encyclopedia of beer, simply wrote of Budweiser, something like: "One cannot give a good or bad rating to this 'beer.' In order to rate its flavor, it would first need to have flavor."
I find it truly hilarious when the big 3 beer companies (Anheuser-Busch, Miller, Coors) try to compete with each other about taste. It's an absolute joke.
Ever go to Milwaukee and order a Bud? For a good laugh at just how loyal people will be to watered-down crap, I highly recommend it....
Hmmm...and with that last
October 5, 2009 - 09:27 ET by JasonCHmmm...and with that last post I may have officially changed the forum topic from Favorite Beers to Beer Snobbery. Oh well, I can live with that.
Isn't "Beer Snobbery"
October 5, 2009 - 13:29 ET by BlondeThe very reason for the resurrection of this forum?
I am really not much of a beer drinker, but I know someone who is, so this topic is interesting on a couple of levels.
I hope he fails, too.
No doubt, ACA?
October 5, 2009 - 15:56 ET by NL207No doubt, ACA?
Bud
October 13, 2009 - 22:13 ET by UnsaneBudweiser is a bad Belgian beer anyway. Gimmee a Chimay any day.
"CONSUMED DEMOCRACY RETURNS A SOCIALIST REGIME" - Slayer, "Fictional Reality", from Divine Intervention (1994)
MJ... 03/27/42 - 08/30/07
October 5, 2009 - 09:44 ET by Sergeant ROCKMichael Jackson - The Beer Hunter
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Okay,
October 3, 2009 - 23:45 ET by RESTLESS 1Tried the Delirium Tremens, good stuff. Working on the Dogfish 60, also very good.
But, being a Texan, I must endorse the Shiner Black Lager. Guiness like in color, but you can't drink this one with a fork. :) It is light despite it's color, with a hint of smokiness, (they use smoked barley). I am very impressed with this one. Works best in a beer glass, while smoking a...whatever you want to throw on the pit.
Weihenstaphaner, is also one of my faves.
"If the man, with the power, can't keep it under control...some heads are gonna roll." -Judas Priest
I like the
October 5, 2009 - 08:19 ET by general companyShiner products also. Abita is my go-to brew, they are about 40 miles east, and brew several seasonals. St Peters are my all time favorite, although I love a variety in my fridge
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
St. Peters
October 5, 2009 - 08:24 ET by Sergeant ROCKThat's a good one. Among the 100 plus that I've sampled over the years.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Dogfish 60 is a perfect
October 5, 2009 - 08:49 ET by JasonCDogfish 60 is a perfect session IPA. Love that stuff.
Nothing beats a 120 in a snifter though. On special occasions, of course.
Also recently got into Hop Wallop from Victory Brewing Co. It doesn't have quite the punch of the Titan IPA I mentioned above, but is a nice treat and in the same price range as Dogfish 60 (~$12 for a 6-pack). Victory also make Hop Devil, which is basically a tamer version of the Wallop.
Had Dogfish 90 on tap at
October 5, 2009 - 14:43 ET by fitzfongHad Dogfish 90 on tap at Bobby Flay's Bar Americain a few months ago. Delicious, but flattened me. I could only drink one.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." -George Best
Rogue Nation - Take the Pledge
October 5, 2009 - 11:06 ET by Sergeant ROCKRogue Nation - Take the Pledge
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Since you seem to know so
October 5, 2009 - 12:01 ET by NL207Since you seem to know so little about good beer, let me educate you : Real beer is made only from hops, barley, yeast and water. There IS real beer made in America. None of it is manufactured in St. Louis, MO. Samuel Adams Lager is an example of real beer made in America, brewed in Boston and several other locations under contract. Not all of the brewed products made by the Boston Beer Co. are actually beer. Some of them have been adulterated with pollutants like cranberries, raspberries, lemon, pumpkin, etc.
my 5 faves are in no particular order :
Weihenstephaner Lager, Pilsner Urquell, Budvar, Erdinger, Veldensteiner Pils
My hometown faves are :
Jever and Holsten.
Most of this west coast trendy brewery stuff you are drinking is spülwasser made for pot heads by pot heads.
lol.. lightweight
October 5, 2009 - 12:08 ET by Sergeant ROCKEOM
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
You're gonna educate me
October 5, 2009 - 13:01 ET by JasonCYou're gonna educate me about beer? Oh, bring it.
You are correct about St. Louis. Bud barely qualifies to be mentioned in this thread, except do be denigrated. And don't even get me started on their pathetic attempts to emulate and mass market a real ale ("American Ale") or heffeweizen ("Golden Wheat", or whatever they're calling it).
But it's pretty funny to see someone who thinks Sam Adams is a standard bearer of good beer putting down craft brews because of where they're made. I'll take a small batch IPA over any of the thin, over-carbonated stuff Sam Adams has ever made (I'll exempt some of their limited edition imperials and the millenium from this statement).
How exactly is a beer made to appeal to potheads? Meanwhile, you endorse Pilsner Urquell? Yeah, no potheads in Prague, I'm sure...
Besides which, every beer I've mentioned except Arrogant Bastard is either East Coast or Euro. You don't like hoppy beer, fine. But don't put us down just cause we enjoy something above 6% abv.
Beer Wars
October 5, 2009 - 13:10 ET by Sergeant ROCKYes, Sam Adams has some limited editions that are outstanding. I still have a bottle of Triple Bock from 1996 around here somewhere. Also. I'm still looking to acquire a bottle of Utopias (let's see Budwieser come up with something like that?).
Additionally, their Imperial Series are very good.
Sam Adams lost their way, but they're making progress towards getting back to making good beers.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Someone say Beer?? Where?!?
October 5, 2009 - 13:14 ET by bassndudeSomeone say Beer?? Where?!? When?!?
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
In my refrigerator. But I
October 5, 2009 - 18:27 ET by NL207In my refrigerator. But I ain't going to tell you where that is!
Jason, I have not tasted a
October 5, 2009 - 13:18 ET by bassndudeJason, I have not tasted a decent beer sence I left Europe. And you cannot get a good Euro beer in the US. Not even the liquor stores carry the real stuff. Hylands is my beer of choice. But you cant get it here. Only in northern Bavarian areas.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Beer Wars
October 5, 2009 - 13:22 ET by Sergeant ROCKBoy, you're quite the risk taker.. lol.
Broaden your horizons a little. I've tried close to 150 beers thus far. And there's more than just one good beer on planet earth - believe it or not!
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
SR~
October 5, 2009 - 13:54 ET by Georgia GirlHey! Hey! Hey! You trying to say something about my favorite Miller "Chill" beer? LOL. Okay, I'm going to be made fun of now...but I moved up a tad from Miller Lite, so give me a break, people!
I've had Belgian beer, when I visited over there. They had every flavor imaginable (not all flavors are great to put in beer) -- I tried a few kinds but felt seriously sick to my stomach. I guess I'm a lightweight.
"The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: 'I'm from the government, and I'm here to help.'" ~Ronald Reagan
Miller? Ewwwww..!!
October 5, 2009 - 13:59 ET by Sergeant ROCKSo, you like lagers then? Kona makes a good one that you may like. Since you favor the lighter, not so hoppy, beers.. try a wheat beer too.
But, Miller.. *shudder*..
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
SR~
October 5, 2009 - 16:24 ET by Georgia GirlI fully expected that response. LOL. I posted on Miller Lite once before on some thread on here, and I believe someone called it "swill." Now granted...I have a nice, cold bottle of beer once in a blue moon (and I don't drink any other kind of alcohol because it gives me a headache), so I have no business being on this thread. But it's fun!~~
"The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: 'I'm from the government, and I'm here to help.'" ~Ronald Reagan
Not at all Rock. I have
October 5, 2009 - 16:32 ET by bassndudeNot at all Rock. I have drank beer from Siagon to Singapore, from Brussels to Fussen, not to mention Johannesburg and Rodisha. I just know what I liked best. Not that those you mention are not good beers, but hylands is the best I have ever had.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Bassndude~
October 5, 2009 - 17:21 ET by Georgia GirlDid you ever try one of the "flavored" beers in one of those Belgian bars? The one we went in had about 40 flavors -- everything from cherry to butterscotch to chocolate to pineapple. It was just wrong.
P.S. I just re-read your post...I thought you meant you traveled to all those places -- never mind! LOL.
"The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: 'I'm from the government, and I'm here to help.'" ~Ronald Reagan
GG
October 5, 2009 - 17:26 ET by BlondeThat's what he meant alright. You know, join the military, see the world!
I hope he fails, too.
Blonde~
October 5, 2009 - 17:35 ET by Georgia GirlOh, okay -- so maybe he has been in one of those Belgian bars with the freaky beer flavors. ^_^
By the way, I would not be shocked if you opened up a bar in CR. Sounds fun. I may even drop in sometime -- will you have Miller "Chill"? ;)
"The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: 'I'm from the government, and I'm here to help.'" ~Ronald Reagan
When you say "the good
October 5, 2009 - 13:25 ET by JasonCWhen you say "the good stuff," do you also mean along the lines of Ayinger, Aventinus, Weihenstephan, Pinkus, Duvel, De Ranke...?
I more or less agree with Sarge's comments though, there is a tremendous selection of excellent beers to be had that are made with love and widely available in the U.S. of A.
I never said Sam Adams was
October 5, 2009 - 13:46 ET by NL207I never said Sam Adams was a standard bearer of great beer. I said it conforms to the definition of real beer, and were it imported into Germany, the Germans would permit it to be sold in the beer aisle. That does not mean anybody there would actually buy it.
As for your smart mouth about the Czech brewmasters in Pilzn: Obviously, you've never been there. I doubt seriously you will find a pothead / stoner amongst the lot. They aren't any different than braumeistern in Bayern who are also stogy traditionalists. Their beer is a refelction of them. Its made the old fashioned way.
The 'Euro' beers I have seen you endorse are Belgian Ales. These aren't technically beer either. They are 'sparkling malt wine' made from specially fortified malts using wild yeast. Why are they uising wild yeasts? Because cultivated beer yeast will die out before reaching the alcohol concentrations present in these brews.
Tell me, how much beer have you brewed? My guess is 0.
OK, I overreacted on the
October 5, 2009 - 14:27 ET by JasonCOK, I overreacted on the Sam Adams front...I see now that you weren't lauding it.
You brought up potheads viz. beer, not me. All I'm saying is that Prague is full of hash bars, so there are probably some stoners who count Pils Urquell among their favorites.
If you want to bash Belgian Tripels and U.S. craftbrews, fine. Some of us just want to discuss our favorite ales and rag a little on the macro-crap, not turn it into a big-balls contest about whose drinking habits most closely adhere to 16th century purity laws. All I'm sayin' is, this isn't a political discussion, and I'll thank you not to come into my forum and tell me I don't know s**t about the topic.
I have done my own brewing, but I have to admit I'm not particularly good at it.
The Netherlands is full of
October 5, 2009 - 15:52 ET by NL207The Netherlands is full of stoners too, but I've never seen any of them drinking beer! The druggies in Plzen are no different than the druggies anywhere else.
The folks who drink the beer aren't the same people using the dope in my observations. I think there are social reasons in Europe for this. Alcohol is socially acceptable in Europe, unlike the US, where it is still stigmatized even today by the temperence movement. Drugs, however, despite being legal in some European jurisdictions are still very stigmatic. People who use them openly are avoided by many elements of society.
This may not previously have come to your attention: THIS IS NOT YOUR FORUM! This is still NB.
If you want to continue to describe malt beverages, Belgian Ales, English Stouts or any of the other assorted fermented grain beverages which are not beer, as beer, that is your perogative. Don't expect a free pass while doing so.
These things are not beer, have never been beer, and never will be beer. They all have names other than beer. They all either contain or lack ingredients found in, or are processed differently than, beer. The only thing all of them have in common with beer is grain alcohol content.
First of all, German Purity
October 5, 2009 - 17:26 ET by JasonCFirst of all, German Purity Law only has any real meaning in regard to beers produced in Germany, and even they don't strictly abide by it anymore.
Second, while I agree that the addition of things like pumpkin and blueberry is basically just cause for rolling of the eyes, and the heather ale I mentioned was, in my opinion, awful, I don't see how American brewing companies' use of different yeast strains to achieve higher alcohol content (and often, as a direct result, allow more full-bodied flavors) alters the definition of the beverage.
Third, Reinheitsgebot didn't originally include the use of yeast, and you even mention it as an essential Real Ale ingredient.
Fourth, I'd love to see you tell a Belgian brewer that his Tripel or Saison "isn't really beer."
Fifth, I'm half German, and I'll still say that if what the Germans have pronounced as the end-all-be-all of beer is what we have to go by, then I'll just call myself an Ale Enthusiast and stop using the word beer. Because frankly, I'd take any number of American craft brews over just about anything being exported from Germany right now. Maybe the real good stuff, as Bassndude suggests, isn't available in the states. If so, my loss.
But tell you what, I'll just go ahead and switch my/NB's forum topic name to Favorite Ales.
"Germany, and even they
October 5, 2009 - 19:42 ET by NL207"Germany, and even they don't strictly abide by it anymore"
This is hogwash. The only reason the germans don't aggressively enforce the Rheinheitsgebot anymore are EU litigation. The !?!French!?! sued Germany in the EU courts demanding that French "beer" be sold in German stores labeled as 'beer'. The Germans eventually conceded, but nobody buys the French swill.
"Fourth, I'd love to see you tell a Belgian brewer that his Tripel or Saison "isn't really beer." "
This is a lot of fun if you start it this way: "Achtung! ....". Usually causes sunburned armpits in that part of the world.
Topic name favorite ales? Why don't you try the more inclusive 'malt beverages'. Ale and Beer do not cover 100% of the drinks that have been discussed here. In particular, the fortified malt liquors. Hefeweisse is another oddball. Germany classifies it as "wheat beer" and I have never seen it labeled there as anything else.
I am part German as well. I still keep in regular contact with my relatives in Germany and I speak and read the language, although far from as fluently as I'd like. I have always found it rather strange, even unsettling, to have as relatives those who wore the uniform of the Reich.
Bass is right about the beer in Germany. It deteriorates in shipment here. But ... I have NEVER had a commercial hefeweisse made here that holds a candle to those from Germany. My own private hefeweisse blows away any craftbrewed hefeweisse I've ever had here and I've tried them all. My visitors from Germany also endorse my home brewed hefeweisse.
Similarly, the pilsners in Germany are astonishingly good. They lose somethng in transit, but I highly recommend Veldensteiner Pils here if you can get it fresh. It is dated on the margin of the label with month-day expiration. They don't bother with year because it doesn't keep that long. Any of the German national brand pilsners are terrific on tap in Germany, even Warsteiner.
Czech pils is outstanding on tap in Czech or even Germany. The two best are Budvar and Urquell. Budvar is sold in America under the name 'Czechvar'. Once you realize it is Budovicer, then you will know why.
The German Helles Lagers are OK. I like Pilsners better, but others prefer the Lagers, especially people from Bayern or Baden-Wurttemburg where the style originates. The best of these is in commercial quantities Weihanstephaner. Spaten and Paulaner are also very good. There are a great many small breweries in Southern Germany who do not export. Some of these are extraordinary.
This is a lot of fun if
October 6, 2009 - 06:57 ET by JasonCThis is a lot of fun if you start it this way: "Achtung! ....". Usually causes sunburned armpits in that part of the world.
OK, that was funny...and ballsy.
I'm not going to call them "fortified malt liquors," because that puts them in league with like Mike's Hard Lemonade and Colt 45, and you know perfectly well that that's an obscene and ludicrous comparison. Except for the heather/pumpkin/blueberry stuff, I vigorously contest that they cannot be labeled as beer just because of the yeast strain. And again, they are infinitely more flavorful and diverse than any Pils or Helles. These are just facts; ales are more flavorful than lagers.
I will, however, admit that a lot of the label imagery and marketing campaigns for a lot of craft brews (esp. Magic Hat in VT and Flying Dog in CO) are silly and Dr. Seussian, thus perhaps your comment about stoner marketing. Not coincidentally, both breweries put out pretty sub-par products, imho. Dogfish Head and Lagunitas (for instance), big as they are becoming, put out a serious ale.
So you don't think that
October 7, 2009 - 09:23 ET by NL207So you don't think that "ale" that is 11, 12 or more percvent ABV is malt liquor? That stuff isn't made the same way as conventional beer and ale and more is different than just yeast strain.
As you probably know, not all yeast strains are the same. The yeasts used for this malt liquor are very special. They are similar to champagne and port / sherry wine yeasts in their tolerance for alcohol.
Wort for malt liquor is not produced the same way as ale or beer wort. The easy way out is to directly add more sugar or maltose from dried or liquid malt extract. Those makers who observe a more traditional production process use a technique called 'double sparging' to fortify the wort for higher initial gravity and final alcohol content. This isn't done for normal ales and beers.
Huh?
October 9, 2009 - 18:34 ET by Sergeant ROCKSo, anything over 10% is a 'malt liquor' according to you?
Sam Adams Triple Bock and Dogfish Head 120 Minute Pale Ale to be included.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Yes. Malt
October 9, 2009 - 19:44 ET by NL207Yes. Malt Liquor.
Why? Because a normal sparge operation on malted grain won't produce sufficient initial specific gravity to get 11% ABV, even if using the highest attenuation yeast. Special techniques are used to increase the amount of fermentable sugar in the wort.
I can give you a few numbers. Regular Pilsner, at least my brew, starts with a specific gravity of about 1.054. I use a moderate to high attenuation yeast strain. Final gravity is in the 1.012-1.014 range. ABV works out to 5% give or take. Do the math yourself. > 11% ABV needs high attenuation yeast AND I.G. in the 1.095+ range.
A History of Malt Liquor
October 9, 2009 - 20:11 ET by Sergeant ROCKMost all beer is made with malted barley. Malt liquor is a description for a beer where the brewer purposely increases the alcohol content by using typically cheap adjunts to the barley such as corn, sugar or rice. That applies to any beer - lager, ale, etc.
In some of states of the U.S., any beer with more than 5% alcohol must be labeled as "malt liquor," even if it's a lager imported from Germany. But we are not here to deal with legal language. For our purposes, malt liquor is an American beer style characterized by high alcohol content, thin body, light color, very little hop character, and a variety of sweetish flavors and off-flavors.
Two things prevent normal lager beer from achieving higher levels of alcohol. First, yeast cannot break down "unfermentable" dextrins. Think of these as long chains that are simply too big for a little yeast cell to feed on. Because the dextrins cannot be devoured by the yeast and turned into alcohol, they remain behind in the beer to provide body and flavor. Second, yeast is a living organism, and it dies when the alcohol level rises above a certain level; the yeast is essentially killed by the alcohol it has produced. This ends the fermentation, again leaving behind a portion of unfermented sugars that add body and flavor to the beer.
But with malt liquor, some things are done differently.
One: The mash contains 10 to 20% dextrose, sugars that the yeast can go right to work on. (The mash is usually made up of 50-60% malt, 30-40% corn grits and 10-20% dextrose. This produces a mash with a higher original gravity, i.e., a solution with more fermentables, hence the use of the phrase "high gravity lager" by brewers who want to brew malt liquor without the taint of the name "malt liquor.")
Two: Heartier strains of yeast, such as those used to ferment wine, are used. These yeasts can tolerate a higher level of alcohol and higher brewing temperatures. (In addition to producing more alcohol, these yeast can also produce some wine-like flavors, which provide a portion of the basis for claims of "tastes like champagne.")
Three: The "secret ingredient" that sets malt liquor apart from strong lagers -- an enzyme called alpha-amylase is added to the mash to break down the longer chains of dextrins, so virtually all of the sugars become fermentable. This means that the brew will have more alcohol and fewer residual dextrins, therefore less body and flavor.
In summary: Stronger yeast have more sugars to work with and produce a beer with more alcohol, less body and some unusual flavor notes. Voila, malt liquor.
The addition of enzymes to the mash is also key to the production of light beer and dry beer, although the focus with those two styles is on lighter body and not higher alcohol. The formulas of today's brewers are proprietary (i.e., They're not going to tell you), but these are the three main techniques used to brew malt liquor.
A History of Malt Liquor
Dogfish Head 120 is not a 'malt liquor'.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
So, wise one, which of the
October 9, 2009 - 23:37 ET by NL207So, wise one, which of the methods you mention above does Dogfish 120 use to get its 20% ABV? There aren't a lot of others that you did not mention in your post. If it's not malt liquor, what is it? No traditional IPA ever had alcohol content over 10%, much less like this. India Pale Ale: so called because the original was heavily hopped to prevent spoilage in transit by sail to India from Britain. This stuff isn't IPA regardless of what its maker, or YOU, calls it.
This is the standard for Imperial IPA:
Original Gravity
1.075 - 1.090
Terminal Gravity
1.012 - 1.020
Color
8.00 - 15.00 °SRM
Bitterness
60.00 - 100.00 IBU
Alcohol (%volume)
7.50 - 10.00 %
table courtesy of BeerTools.
So where does Dogfish 120 fall on this scale?
Dogfish 120 is a grossly overpriced and overated product. At ~ $9 - $10 per 12 oz bottle, it is a joke. I can buy a full 6 pack of Weihenstephaner Lager for what one bottle of this spülwasser costs.
Blah! Blah! Blah!
October 10, 2009 - 18:57 ET by Sergeant ROCKFortunately. noone in the business, you know.. the guys that are successful in the business, seek your advice. And you remain where you are.
And I could buy a 6-pack of Bells Two Hearted Pale Ale that actually tastes better than your Euro-weenie, weak-@ss piss-water for the same price.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Why don't you stick with
October 10, 2009 - 21:01 ET by NL207Why don't you stick with Colt45 or maybe some Thunderbird or Richard's Wild Irish Rose? Those products are more your speed and they cost a whole lot less.
If the West Coast brewery
October 5, 2009 - 15:08 ET by fitzfongIf the West Coast brewery stuff is "trendy", that's only because a lot of it is really good. And I'm not a "pot head".
Examples: Anderson Valley, Lagunitas, Firestone, Mendocino, Stone...even Gordon Biersch and Karl Strauss. And that's only California.
Some of my personal favorites include: Guinness on Draught (what proud Irishman would say otherwise?), Pilsner Urquel (though I've had a few go skunky), Lagunitas Capuccino Stout (a fall/winter seasonal that you'd really need to taste before mocking), Goose Island Honkers Ale, Goose Island Oatmeal Stout, Goose Island IPA, Goose Island Brown Ale, Smuttynose Brown Dog Ale, Alley Cat, Anderson Valley Boondt Amber, Anderson Valley Boondt Oatmeal Stout, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Brooklyn Pilsner, Dogfish, Red Seal, Lagunitas Pale Ale...even Sam Adams.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." -George Best
Exactly. Lagunitas in
October 5, 2009 - 17:29 ET by JasonCExactly. Lagunitas in particular. Their Double IPA is lovely.
I still don't see what the brewer's choice of alternative drug has to do with the quality of his product. Nor do I get how one markets a beer to stoners, with the exception of Stone Coast's "420 IPA" - which isn't very good, btw. Maybe NL is just going on the fact that hops, especially the Cascade variety, sorta look and smell like weed?
Interesting you should
October 7, 2009 - 09:58 ET by NL207Interesting you should mention Cascades. These are the most widely grown and used American hops. They are, IMHO, responsible for the wrinkled noses you will see when Germans sample craft-brewed American beers and ales. The Cascade imparts a citrus-like aroma and flavor to beer and ale. We Americans are well acustomed to this and even see it as a desireable trait in our beer. German beer drinkers are much more acustomed to the standard German Hops none of which produce this taste. This leads them to reject the American beer as inferior inspite of any other good qualities it may have.
The standard German hops are Hallertau and Tetnang in southern Germany, Spalt and Northern Brewer in Northern Germany, and Saaz along the Czech-Sudatenland. They do use others, but these are the main ones.
An encouraging development here recently: American growers have been importing Hallertau rhizomes in increasing numbers, which will make this fine hop available in greater quantities.
That's good to hear; and
October 7, 2009 - 10:30 ET by JasonCThat's good to hear; and anything that introduces some changes to the American hop market and (hopefully) brings prices down a little is fine with me. My preferred IPAs are starting to approach the $15 mark for a 6-pack, stuff that was under $10 a few years ago. Some stores around here even have apologetic signs on the coolers explaining/blaming the rising cost of hops.
High IPA prices are most
October 7, 2009 - 12:54 ET by NL207High IPA prices are most definitely driven by Hop prices. IPA is the most heavily hopped ale made.
More good news: 2008 was by some accounts the best hop harvest in Germany in 50 years. Germany produces 50% of the commercial brewing hops worldwide. They had hop crop failures in both 2007 and 2006, creating the shortage that led to these astronomical hop prices. I have not heard anything about the 2009 harvest at this time.
Now ... since you've brewed yourself, I will remind you that you could brew your own IPA if you had a mind to. I brew much of my own beer because I don't like high prices. I bottle almost exclusively in metric pints and do my own mashing. I built my own junkyard brewery out of bits and pieces with a mix of commercial grade components. I brew in 25 liter batches which usually yield 49 metric pints at bottling time. There is no reason beyond time and $$$ that you could not also do this.
Metrics?
October 9, 2009 - 18:29 ET by Sergeant ROCKPffttbb!
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Yes. Metric. Its
October 9, 2009 - 19:52 ET by NL207Yes. Metric. Its called eine halbe mass[krug].
Real men drink from eine masskrug. That's 33 ounces of beer for you metrically challenged folks.
SEIG HEIL!
October 9, 2009 - 20:13 ET by Sergeant ROCKYour snobbery notwithstanding, people I know use kegs - not weiner shnitzel thingys.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
The only thing people you
October 9, 2009 - 23:40 ET by NL207The only thing people you know use kegs for is what most of the rest of us use the flush toilet for.
Drink up.
Boy.. you really are..
October 10, 2009 - 18:46 ET by Sergeant ROCK.. a pompous, self-righteous @sshole aren't you?
If you are all that and a bag of chips - you'd be making as much money as Dogfish Head Brewery.. oh, wait..
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
It can't be too hard to
October 10, 2009 - 21:09 ET by NL207It can't be too hard to make money selling beer at $10 per 12oz., er scratch that, 350 ml bottle. Of course there is only a limited audience of potheads, stooges and fan boys who will PAY $10 a bottle for beer.
You're proving yourself to
October 11, 2009 - 11:17 ET by fitzfongYou're proving yourself to be both a snob and an economic illiterate in the same sentence. If it can't be too hard making money selling beer at $10 per 350 ml bottle (as you say), why isn't everyone doing it? If Anheuser-Busch could make a bigger profit selling Budweiser at a higher price, wouldn't they? Prices are determined by what the market will bear, so if Dogfish is making a profit selling their beer at high prices, they must have more than a "limited audience" who would be willing to pay top dollar for it.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." -George Best
How do you know they make a
October 11, 2009 - 16:01 ET by NL207How do you know they make a profit on this 20% ABV brew of theirs? Do you know what a loss leader is? Do you have access to their books? Can you identify sarcasm when you see it?
I did not posit this product is profitable. Implicitly, Sarge did that in his prior post. I think it likely they make little or no money on this specific product because of the extremely limited appeal it has. To paraphrase Lay's Potato Chips: "Betcha only drink one." I do think the Dogfish LABEL gets a lot of press because of this product. It PROMOTES their other products, many of which are quite drinkable craftbrew priced at a more reasonable $2 per bottle.
I still maintain Dogfish 120 is not IPA because it does not conform to the generally accepted description of IPA which I referenced earlier. http://www.beertools.com/html/recipes.php , a leading home brew - craft brew site, documents over 6 dozen styles of beer and ale. Dogfish 120 might match one of them, but it does not match IPA.
Even if it is a loss leader
October 11, 2009 - 19:08 ET by fitzfongEven if it is a loss leader (and I don't know that it is), it's part of a larger marketing strategy that makes the Dogfish brand profitable.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." -George Best
My God! What a
October 13, 2009 - 15:40 ET by NL207My God! What a genius!
That's the best you've
October 13, 2009 - 16:23 ET by fitzfongThat's the best you've got? You carry on like a cross between Cliff Clavin and the Comic Book Guy spouting useless drivel about purity laws and hop content...of interest to nobody but yourself...and then this is the best comeback you can make when one of your weak contentions is addressed? Feel free to marinate in your own bitterness and self-delusion, because it appears that that's all you've got. And by the way, jackass, your taste, however superior you think it is to others', is SUBJECTIVE. So go ahead and enjoy whatever beverage floats your boat...meanwhile I'll drink whatever the hell I want and call it whatever I want to call it...and your opinion counts for sh**.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." -George Best
Useless Drivel
October 13, 2009 - 18:34 ET by Sergeant ROCKHere's some.. the Purity Act of 1516 did not include yeast because at the time it was an unknown ingredient. It was later added.
Calling everything above 10% ABV a 'malt liquor' is just stupid. That's only one of they neccessary attributes to constitute one as such.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Referring to anything with
October 13, 2009 - 19:03 ET by NL207Referring to anything with an ABV greater than 10% as IPA is just plain wrong, like calling geese big ducks.
Repeat as neccessary
October 13, 2009 - 19:06 ET by Sergeant ROCKThat's only one of they neccessary attributes to constitute one as such.
That's only one of they neccessary attributes to constitute one as such.
That's only one of they neccessary attributes to constitute one as such.
That's only one of they neccessary attributes to constitute one as such.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Contravention of one
October 13, 2009 - 20:08 ET by NL207Contravention of one attribute is sufficient to disqualify. IPA is 5-10% ABV. 20 >> 10.
You tell me what style of beer Dogfish Head 120 is.
http://realbeer.com/spencer/FAQ/stychart1995.html
Which judging category are you going to enter your prize brew in ? If the attributes all match, I'll agree with your choice.
An alternative guide other than competition:
http://greatbrewers.com/style/ale
Beer is categorized into
October 13, 2009 - 19:53 ET by NL207Intended for Fitzfong above, but for some reason won't 'reply' there.
Gee, Cliffy, thanks for the
October 13, 2009 - 19:53 ET by fitzfongGee, Cliffy, thanks for the all the extraneous information. I'll be sure to review it again...the next time I need to treat insomnia.
I never claimed to have brewed beer before, though I'm not exactly sure why that would be relevant. I drink beer, I enjoy different types of beer, and I leave it at that. Why you must persist in being as hostile as you are in portraying your subjective opinions as objective facts, only you can answer. But you're not being informative, you're being condescending and obnoxious.
Last, but certainly not least, I'm not really interested in your assessment of my personality. But I can assure you, whatever language you found "uncouth" was the product of absolute self-control. I don't fly off the handle, I simply call 'em as I see 'em.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." -George Best
' I drink beer' A true
October 16, 2009 - 21:33 ET by NL207' I drink beer'
A true basis for authoritative information. And you fart too, I presume? That would make you an authority on that topic as well, would it not?
The beer competition classification standards I linked don't represent my opinion. They are not in any way a product of mine. They represent widely accepted beer style definitoins shared by a very large number of private and commercial brewers and as such, provide a common dialog for beer afficianados to discuss the product. That you choose not to use those definitions to discuss beer is the same as insisting on speaking Old German in Ancient Rome: Just plain ignorant.
So you need a "consensus
October 17, 2009 - 02:01 ET by fitzfongSo you need a "consensus of 'scientists'" to tell you what you like. How precious. Thank you, but I think I'll stick to my "ignorant" method...recklessly sampling different beers and making up my own mind what I enjoy drinking. Unlike you, I don't have to prove that I'm an authority on beer just so I can pretend to be an expert on something.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." -George Best
Ignorant methods
October 17, 2009 - 07:58 ET by Sergeant ROCKlol.. I'm in the same boat as you. I'm around 150 or so. The only style I've come across so far that I really don't like is 'Scotch Ale' beer.
How 'bout you, ignoramus?
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
If, by Scotch Ale, you mean
October 17, 2009 - 11:35 ET by fitzfongIf, by Scotch Ale, you mean something like McKesson, I'm with you...that stuff's nasty.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." -George Best
Ignorant beer drinkers
October 17, 2009 - 11:45 ET by Sergeant ROCKThis is the one: McEwan's Scotch Ale
YEECCHH!
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Yep. McEwan's is one of
October 17, 2009 - 12:05 ET by NL207Yep. McEwan's is one of them.
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/77
And I'd bet you wouldn't like any of the others either, or at best, prefer some other style to them.
Do you see any value in beer style classification yet?
You're right, I don't care
October 17, 2009 - 13:16 ET by fitzfongYou're right, I don't care for that one, either. MacKesson (or McKesson, not sure which) is the beer/ale/beverage that offended my taste buds the most...but McEwan's came a close 2nd. I think they must scrape the bottom of the barrel for that sludge.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." -George Best
Ignoramus on beer
October 17, 2009 - 13:20 ET by Sergeant ROCKWell, I guess it's an acquired taste. Though, I don't know anone that partakes of that one. I took a liking to Scotch in recent years though.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
"Unlike you, I don't have
October 17, 2009 - 11:54 ET by NL207"Unlike you, I don't have to prove that I'm an authority on beer just so I can pretend to be an expert on something"
Entirely redundant. We already know this.
Who said anything about scientists? The people who assembled those descriptions are all brewers, most of them amatuers, who invest a lot of prde and hard work in their products are are proud to share them with others. They created those classifications for two purposes. The first was to describe their product to potential drinkers in a way that would convey the general characteristics of the product. Most pilsner drinkers will not be interested in drinking stout and vice versa. The second was to make possible unbiased comparisons between products made in the same way by minimizing all the subjective tastes of drinkers. If one compares a pilsner to a stout, preference will distill to a difference in the preferences of the taste testers instead of the beer. But if all the tasters only compare stout with stout, then regardless of personal preferences, some objective ranking of quality can be ascertained.
Beer is categorized into
October 13, 2009 - 19:51 ET by NL207Beer is categorized into STYLES. Lots of them. About 30 major categories, many with several sub categories. The amatuer home brewers and the craft brewers generally agree on what characteristics comprise each style. Why do you think they would do this? Could it be so they could make taste comparisons of different brews without the bias of personal tastes and preference by only directly comparing brews of the same style???
As for your knowledge of beer, I am certain it is vast. Perhaps you could educate us all with a description of your latest brewing success. I am certain it was rousing.
Last, but certainly NOT least, anyone with a mouth as uncouth as yours must be as ugly as the words that pour forth from it. I am not in the least concerned about what you think of my opinions and I am largely amused by your apparent lack of self control. This could prove entertaining.
You have caught my interest, ace.
NL 207, Wow Got any links to your beer factory?
October 9, 2009 - 19:02 ET by upcountrywaterYou know being green and recycling and all...
back in the day a "deposit" was paid on the bottle.
racking the beer
Sounds like a lot of fun!
Home brewing does have its
October 9, 2009 - 19:58 ET by NL207Home brewing does have its rewards. You can drink your hobby. I can brew first class German style Pilsners for about 50 cents a half liter. How much of this "craftbrew" can you buy for that?
When I am brewing from whole grain, the brew day is 11 hours. It is a weekends-only pleasure.
I have no photos, but I can tell you how to build your own brew works. There are also a lot of sites where home brewing is explained by some very serious practitioners.
NL, Sarge, UCW, et al
October 9, 2009 - 23:56 ET by MrShyBeer.... yuck. It's pink champagne or lichee martini's for me. I'm metrosexual like that.
Suit yourself. Just don't
October 10, 2009 - 00:07 ET by NL207Suit yourself. Just don't tell me they are making beer from grapes!
Mr. Shy, Lychee grows on trees around here.
October 13, 2009 - 20:33 ET by upcountrywaterEver try a dragon fruit martini!
Yea they grow on trees here too.
Try something wild a Panini martini's my fav..
And yes I have tried this Pink stuff a few times.
Beer, well That's what I'm drinking today,
and tomorrow..
Shy, next time someone offers you a beer take an ALE of some sort, even try an IPA.
State controlled health care is Tort Reform.
Anyone ever try a Griesedieck?
October 5, 2009 - 16:57 ET by MightyMouthIt's from Germany (bottled in US) and pronunced GreasyDick in english! Good stuff I' tellin ya and a great conversation starter!
"The bureaucracy is growing to meet the needs of the growing bureaucracy"
Mighty One... LOL...bet
October 5, 2009 - 17:06 ET by bigtimerMighty One...
LOL...bet it's a great conversation starter indeed!
'Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea'~Breitbart
"Hey bartender another
October 5, 2009 - 17:32 ET by MightyMouth"Hey bartender another round of GreasyDicks for my friends! JasonC will take two!!"
"The bureaucracy is growing to meet the needs of the growing bureaucracy"
Hey, if you're
October 5, 2009 - 17:34 ET by JasonCHey, if you're buyin'...
But I just picked up a 6-pack of Victory Hop Wallop, and will be sippin' on that for the next several hours, so I'll have to take a raincheck.
Victory has another product
October 9, 2009 - 23:44 ET by NL207Victory has another product worth trying called 'Hop Devil' if you like hops.
Yeah, Monica Lewinsky tried
October 7, 2009 - 15:20 ET by NL207Yeah, Monica Lewinsky tried some of this while she was working at the White House.
~A fight broke out in JasonC's bar..
October 13, 2009 - 16:36 ET by choselife3xNobody saw that coming.
Kossacks hate me. And yes, it does feel good.
Chose~
October 13, 2009 - 19:14 ET by Georgia GirlCall me naive, but I never could have imagined anyone being so intense about beer -- even if they drank enough beer to be typing through a blurry haze. I'm completely mystified by one of the posters.
Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace ~Amelia Earhart
Then you are not a beer
October 13, 2009 - 19:47 ET by NL207Then you are not a beer afficianado. This debate also has nationalistic undertones since several of the widely recognized styles of beer owe their origins to a regional or ethnic beer culture and these cultures differ markedly from one another. A stark comparison: The English Ale drinkers who quaff their bitters from English pints at room temperatures : Munich Helles drinkers who drink their beer at cold cellar temperatures from liter size draughts. These two groups firmly reject what the other drinks.
Georgia Girl
October 13, 2009 - 19:51 ET by Sergeant ROCKNow who could that be???
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
SR~LOL
October 13, 2009 - 21:59 ET by Georgia GirlClue: someone realllllllllly hopped up on beer. ;)
Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace ~Amelia Earhart
I know.. I know..
October 13, 2009 - 22:03 ET by Sergeant ROCK.. you must protect your sources.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Nothing like a good barroom brawl, but
October 13, 2009 - 19:15 ET by Jerthank God all side arms had to be checked at the door.
Jer
Optimist.
October 13, 2009 - 19:30 ET by NL207Optimist.
Seriously
October 13, 2009 - 19:54 ET by general companyMy boot hasnt been "checked" in years
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
All Dave can afford right now is puke beer and cheap cigars
October 13, 2009 - 18:55 ET by R D Helm...and I won't even mention what brand of rum I am currently mixing with Coke as well as making margaritas with.
:-(
-Dave
Which brand of cigar?
October 13, 2009 - 19:00 ET by Sergeant ROCKThe one Klinton uses.. er.. I mean 'smokes'?
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Sarge,
October 13, 2009 - 19:38 ET by R D HelmLOL-No, cheaper than that.
-Dave
YIKES!
October 13, 2009 - 19:41 ET by Sergeant ROCK*COUGH*
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Dave~
October 13, 2009 - 19:08 ET by Georgia GirlDoes this mean that you've now lowered yourself to drinking Miller "Chill"?
;)
Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace ~Amelia Earhart
On the plus side..
October 13, 2009 - 19:15 ET by Sergeant ROCK.. no danger here of being called a 'malt liquor' drinker! lol..
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
GG,
October 13, 2009 - 19:43 ET by R D HelmLOL-Okay, maybe I haven't sunk quite that low - at least not yet.
-Dave
Dave~
October 13, 2009 - 22:05 ET by Georgia GirlSee? All is not lost. You still have your standards. Hey, wait a minute -- I just insulted myself. ^_^
Why am I on this thread? I really don't belong here. I thought it was a light thread, but the suds are going over my head. See ya later, guys. ;)
Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace ~Amelia Earhart
Sorry to hear that Dave
October 13, 2009 - 19:23 ET by general companyHope things get better for you soon.
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
gc, The job market is as dead as I have ever seen it here
October 13, 2009 - 20:03 ET by R D HelmI have nearly 30 years in the land-surveying, engineering and construction fields, and I can't get a job numbering nails and sanding stakes at a surveying company, never mind that I can run AutoCad in my sleep.
Nobody around here is hiring, and I honestly cannot blame them given the hideous taxes, fees and penalties everybody knows are coming.
If I were a business owner, I would be shedding employees, too.
-Dave
Crikeys you are up shitcreek
October 13, 2009 - 19:38 ET by kangarooCrikeys you are up shitcreek when have to use cheap rum for a margarita, maybe cheap tequila instead.
kang,
October 13, 2009 - 19:46 ET by R D HelmI meant to say to-kill-ya.
LOL-See what that cheap booze does to ya?
-Dave
Is there any way we can
October 13, 2009 - 20:26 ET by NL207Is there any way we can alleviate some of this misery for you? A man of your conservative tastes should not subject himself to that rot-gut.
beer brawl!
October 13, 2009 - 20:49 ET by katainkentlol - coffee snob here - just bookmarking. :) carry on
____________________________________________
The Emperor, he has no clothes
katainkent, Try some of this, coffee beer..
October 13, 2009 - 20:59 ET by upcountrywaterRinse out that coffee cup
State controlled health care is Tort Reform.
This is good too
October 13, 2009 - 21:05 ET by general companyYoung's Double Chocolate Stout
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
Beer Wars
October 13, 2009 - 21:15 ET by Sergeant ROCKHow 'bout this one:
Hitachino Nest Espresso Stout
I only have two left.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
whoa!
October 13, 2009 - 22:09 ET by katainkentI had no idea such an animal existed. So would you get the caffeine buzz and the alchohol buzz?
____________________________________________
The Emperor, he has no clothes
katainkent, Yup the best of two worlds...
October 13, 2009 - 22:33 ET by upcountrywaterA two for one deal...
Kat~cool beans
October 13, 2009 - 22:06 ET by Georgia GirlYes, that's the magic word: coffee. I'm in love with coffee! Coffee is my friend! It faithfully kept me awake when I was working for the AP during college -- and it's now my saving grace with magazine deadlines. Bring on the caffeine: great, steaming hot coffee or yummy, iced frappacinnos. I love it, love it, love it, love it! Okay, perhaps a little too much... ((*_*))
Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace ~Amelia Earhart
Coffee Connoiseurs are just
October 17, 2009 - 12:44 ET by NL207Coffee Connoiseurs are just aas dedicated as Beer Afficianados.
True, NL
October 17, 2009 - 13:38 ET by BlondeAlthough I am becoming rather fond of the Costa Rica local. It's all good.
I hope he fails, too.
I'd actually like to try
October 17, 2009 - 17:17 ET by katainkentroasting my own coffee... but our climate isnt' great for growing it way up here to Raintown.
____________________________________________
The Emperor, he has no clothes
Coffee's analog to the
October 17, 2009 - 21:58 ET by NL207Coffee's analog to the homebrewer. The first question one might ask: Can you buy unroasted beans?
yes you can
October 17, 2009 - 22:36 ET by katainkentbut I don't want to hijack the beer thread :D
I am one of those weirdos that likes to go as far back in a process and learn all I can about it. I also bake bread on a regular basis. I once entertained grinding my own wheat lol. My husband promptly quashed that dream. *sigh* ;)
Hmmm.... My significant
October 18, 2009 - 00:56 ET by NL207Hmmm.... My significant other regularly bakes the bread. Do I know you? Clue: Are there 500 kg of Hallertau hop pellets in your refrigerator?
*checks fridge*
October 18, 2009 - 13:58 ET by katainkenthmmmm nope! I have used hops in the past for soft hops yeast for bread making. You may or may not want to suggest that idea to your significant other depending on how possessive you are about your hops :)