Beers
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- top1214
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Re: Beers
The new Kraftig beer is really good. I had a Kraftig Light (and I am not a light beer drinker) was actually pretty tasty. Imagine if Bud Light had some actual taste to it (and the finish isn't empty like AB beers).
- Eigenbasis
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Re: Beers
It's pretty good. It's a blend of Unearthly and Hoppe, so you should check those out since you liked Gemini. My favorite Southern Tier beer is still their 2XIPA, but Gemini is interesting to me because it's unfiltered.Jaelith wrote:I haven't had a beer jump out at me as "Really Effing Good" in a while, but this one did, so I will share: Gemini, by Southern Tier Brewing Company. Seasonal release I think? Surprised me for being not as hoppy as I usually go, but still quite tasty. Try it if you can find it!
"Have you ever heard the expression, ‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade, and then throw it in the face of the person who gave you the lemons until they give you the oranges you originally asked for?’"
Re: Beers
Is Hoppe a seasonal? I've had all the other ST beers, but don't think I've ever seen that one.Eigenbasis wrote:It's pretty good. It's a blend of Unearthly and Hoppe, so you should check those out since you liked Gemini. My favorite Southern Tier beer is still their 2XIPA, but Gemini is interesting to me because it's unfiltered.Jaelith wrote:I haven't had a beer jump out at me as "Really Effing Good" in a while, but this one did, so I will share: Gemini, by Southern Tier Brewing Company. Seasonal release I think? Surprised me for being not as hoppy as I usually go, but still quite tasty. Try it if you can find it!
- NardoLoopa
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- Eigenbasis
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Re: Beers
It used to be, but I don't know if they brew it now at all. They revamped their website and I can't find it on there.williabr wrote:Is Hoppe a seasonal? I've had all the other ST beers, but don't think I've ever seen that one.Eigenbasis wrote:It's pretty good. It's a blend of Unearthly and Hoppe, so you should check those out since you liked Gemini. My favorite Southern Tier beer is still their 2XIPA, but Gemini is interesting to me because it's unfiltered.Jaelith wrote:I haven't had a beer jump out at me as "Really Effing Good" in a while, but this one did, so I will share: Gemini, by Southern Tier Brewing Company. Seasonal release I think? Surprised me for being not as hoppy as I usually go, but still quite tasty. Try it if you can find it!
"Have you ever heard the expression, ‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade, and then throw it in the face of the person who gave you the lemons until they give you the oranges you originally asked for?’"
- lotsofphil
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Re: Beers
Had Big Boss' Big Operator last night. Very nice. The menu said it was a Belgian Strong Dark Ale. I figure most of you know what that means better than any description I'd give ("like Guinness, not as creamy").
- NardoLoopa
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Re: Beers
The Founders' tap-take-over was very good. Got to try: some Monk beer, I forget the name. Tasted like a tart alcoholic slushy. KBS, which was delicious. The Imperial Stout. Then two versions of the Curmudgeon , Kaiser from 2011 and the 2012 version (I forget the name). The 2011 was better, if you ask me.
The only problem with the event was that all of the beers were very high ABV and all were rich beers. They have some IPAs to balance it out, but those aren't my taste. A pilsner or lager would help a great deal.
Great event, though.
The only problem with the event was that all of the beers were very high ABV and all were rich beers. They have some IPAs to balance it out, but those aren't my taste. A pilsner or lager would help a great deal.
Great event, though.

Re: Beers
Very cool. I was just at Lagunitas a few weeks ago and they gave me a bottle cap magnet and I was thinking about doing something like this to fill up the side of my kegerator. Plus, if they cats can knock them off, they get free toys.
- stupac2
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Re: Beers
Pretty sure the beer was Blushing Monk. The Curmudgeon thing, was one called "Curmudgeon's Better Half"? And I don't think Founders brews any lagers, they do make a number of lower ABV things like Pale Ales and such, though. I can see not bringing them on for a special event.NardoLoopa wrote:The Founders' tap-take-over was very good. Got to try: some Monk beer, I forget the name. Tasted like a tart alcoholic slushy. KBS, which was delicious. The Imperial Stout. Then two versions of the Curmudgeon , Kaiser from 2011 and the 2012 version (I forget the name). The 2011 was better, if you ask me.
The only problem with the event was that all of the beers were very high ABV and all were rich beers. They have some IPAs to balance it out, but those aren't my taste. A pilsner or lager would help a great deal.
Great event, though.
I've been putting stickers on my beer fridge, although snark doesn't like the way it looks.williabr wrote:Very cool. I was just at Lagunitas a few weeks ago and they gave me a bottle cap magnet and I was thinking about doing something like this to fill up the side of my kegerator. Plus, if they cats can knock them off, they get free toys.
- NardoLoopa
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Re: Beers
Yep, Blushing Monk was the tart-slushie. And yes, the newer Crumudgeon was called Better Half. The older one Kaiser. The alcoholic taste had mellowed in the older one, which was much better in my opinion.stupac2 wrote:Pretty sure the beer was Blushing Monk. The Curmudgeon thing, was one called "Curmudgeon's Better Half"? And I don't think Founders brews any lagers, they do make a number of lower ABV things like Pale Ales and such, though. I can see not bringing them on for a special event.
Right, PA, IPA, not really my thing. They had them there but I didn't try them.
To be honest, it was nice to have a refreshing Heineken the next day.

- stupac2
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Re: Beers
Better Half is actually Kaiser aged in Maple Whiskey Barrels. I don't know for how long, and it's not necessarily the same beer (Founders does weird stuff like that, apparently KBS isn't just barrel-aged Breakfast Stout, it's a different base beer). I'm not terribly surprised you found it hotter, but I've never had Kaiser Curmudgeon so I can't really compare personally.NardoLoopa wrote:Yep, Blushing Monk was the tart-slushie. And yes, the newer Crumudgeon was called Better Half. The older one Kaiser. The alcoholic taste had mellowed in the older one, which was much better in my opinion.
- lotsofphil
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Re: Beers
I had JK's Scrumpy a few nights ago. It's a cider. Very good. Not quite sure how to describe it. More apple-tasting, less tart/sweet (how I would describe a Magner's/woodchuck). There are two in the fridge now
$7 per 25oz bottle where I shop.
http://organicscrumpy.com/

http://organicscrumpy.com/
- top1214
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Re: Beers
I guess you prefer growlers to 6 packs.stupac2 wrote:http://imgur.com/a/PI71z
Re: Beers
I think your beer went bad. It looks like it molded over or something. It's all fuzzy.stupac2 wrote:http://imgur.com/a/PI71z
- NardoLoopa
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Re: Beers
Geeze, the Stupac2 imgur feed is all pussy and booze.stupac2 wrote:http://imgur.com/a/PI71z

- lotsofphil
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Re: Beers
Is that theo or misty?
- slaphappy snark
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Re: Beers
Misty is Themistocles's alternate universe name.stupac2 wrote:It's Theo, but who's Misty?lotsofphil wrote:Is that theo or misty?
- lotsofphil
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Re: Beers
am i confused? how many cats are there? i feel dumb.
leonidas?
leonidas?
- slaphappy snark
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Re: Beers
They are Theo (orange, Themistocles) and Leo (black, Leonidas).lotsofphil wrote:am i confused? how many cats are there? i feel dumb.
leonidas?
Also now we need to make a picture of Theo with a goatee. I mean Misty.
- lotsofphil
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Re: Beers
Papago's Orange Blossom. I don't know if they sell anywhere outside of the Phoenix area. But if you guys go to con again, try this out. I could drink many of these. Light and tasty.
- maddsurgeon
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Re: Beers
I tried an interesting beer while on vacation -- "Brother Thelonius Abbey Ale," a dark beer that was quite tasty. A little bit sweet and syrupy, but not too much, and very potent.

Re: Beers
Probably the best porter I've had in recent memory (on tap- way not as good bottled but still quite good!) was Great Lakes Brewing Co.'s Edmund Fitzgerald Porter. Big and malty, not super sweet, coffee, yum yum yum.
Edit: Eigenbasis posted about this in 2010, but had it bottled, and it is super duper better on tap, even though bottled is still good! So yes.
Edit: Eigenbasis posted about this in 2010, but had it bottled, and it is super duper better on tap, even though bottled is still good! So yes.

- maddsurgeon
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Re: Beers
My gf picked up an interesting Porter called Yabba Dhaba. It's a "Chai Tea" porter, somewhat think and kind of spicy. I didn't like it first, but it's growing on me. Maybe that's because I drank the first one out of the can -- that always seems to leave a nasty metallic taste for me.
I guess it's pretty new. Check it out if you like porters that are somewhat spicy. Not all acidic either, as some spicy porters tend to be; nice and smooth overall.
I guess it's pretty new. Check it out if you like porters that are somewhat spicy. Not all acidic either, as some spicy porters tend to be; nice and smooth overall.

- maddsurgeon
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Re: Beers
Can you recommend a good one? I tried a couple, the Boulevard one I think, don't remember what the other was, but they really disagreed with me and I couldn't drink more than one.top1214 wrote:Vanilla porters are where it's at.

- transplanted_entwife
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- top1214
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Re: Beers
That was the first one I had. I understand the Breckenridge is no Blue Moon.thacon wrote:Just not Breckenridge's Vanilla Porter. That stuff is awful.
I thought I had one by Brooklyn Brewery, but looking, I may have confused that with their Chocolate Stout (also, excellent).
We also have a very local place, Six Row which makes an OK vanilla porter. OK vanilla porters >>> any IPA. YMMV,
- Eigenbasis
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Re: Beers
Still haven't found a porter better than good ol' Edmund Fitzgerald.
"Have you ever heard the expression, ‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade, and then throw it in the face of the person who gave you the lemons until they give you the oranges you originally asked for?’"
- top1214
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Re: Beers
I had Big Muddy Brewery's Winter Ale last night. It was super great. It tasted like holiday warmth. I've also really enjoyed their blueberry blonde.
- lotsofphil
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Re: Beers
I'd like to give props to Arkohn for putting this thread in an 8-month coma with his Mike's Hard Lemonade talk.
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Re: Beers
I've been getting into sour ales lately, the Mikkeler Betelgeuse was the best I've had so far.
Re: Beers
Woo sours! I was recently fortunate enough to go to a couple of Mikeller bars in Copenhagen and got to try a few fresh sours on tap. I was really impressed. I've yet to see any Sour Mikeller options show up in New York.
- slaphappy snark
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Re: Beers
thacon, unless I am totally mistaken about its nature, this place should have a decent Mikkeller selection (including sours) pretty regularly: http://www.torstnyc.com/
I see that the website is pretty uninformative, but it should be worth checking out even if I'm wrong about the Mikkel connection.
If any of you folks who enjoy sours are ever in the SF Bay Area, definitely get in touch!
[Edited because WM made fun of me!]
I see that the website is pretty uninformative, but it should be worth checking out even if I'm wrong about the Mikkel connection.
If any of you folks who enjoy sours are ever in the SF Bay Area, definitely get in touch!
[Edited because WM made fun of me!]
Re: Beers
Apparently not, but that place looks fun. I'll have to check it out. I never knew that existed.
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- Inscrutable Pi
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Re: Beers
I've seen a few different Mikkellers at Whole Foods in AZ, but they are like 17 dollars for a small bottle. Wish I could find it on tap somewhere. They had a beer tasting there the other day for Jolly Pumpkin brewery, they were pretty good and a couple of them had that grapefruity sour bite to them.
Re: Beers
My fridge space seems like it's slowly being taken over by various kinds of Belgian beer. Not that I'm complaining. At the moment it's mostly Kwak and Gulden Draak. I would add Delirium to that list, but whenever I get one of those it demands that I drink it immediately.
- reverkiller
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Re: Beers
I went to a beer tasting with Left Hand, it was pretty solid.Mai wrote:I love Jolly Pumpkin highly approve.
Lately my go-to is Left Hand Brewing Nitro Stout. Or Milk Stout.
My go to is Bell's Oberon. Quality beer right there.
- honus carbuncle
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Re: Beers
Ohhh, a beer thread! I've been drinking a lot of North Coast Beer - Old Rasputin and Pranqster. Also, a brewery that is local to me called Pig Minds has a number of tasty beers and 12 dollar growler refills on Wednesday. I usually do their golden ale or their American red. Over the winter they had a soy milk chili porter that was wayyyyy better than it sounds.
Oh, and I also live right on the Wisconsin border so that means I get easy access to New Glarus beers. If you're ever in Wisconsin do yourself a favor and pick some up. They only distribute in state, but they are world class. Favorites are Two Women, Totally Naked, and their Oktoberfest beer called Staghorn is second to none in my book. Spotted Cow is their most popular, but it's not all that in my book. Blue Moon-esque.
Oh, and I also live right on the Wisconsin border so that means I get easy access to New Glarus beers. If you're ever in Wisconsin do yourself a favor and pick some up. They only distribute in state, but they are world class. Favorites are Two Women, Totally Naked, and their Oktoberfest beer called Staghorn is second to none in my book. Spotted Cow is their most popular, but it's not all that in my book. Blue Moon-esque.
Re: Beers
My go-tos are Lagunitas Sucks IPA and Elysian Stardust (this one just of late). Of course, I also love Ballast Point Big Eye, and Dorado, but they can get pricey. Of course, Bells Two Hearted is consistently great, and I'm also a fan of Stone Delicious IPA. In case you picked up on a pattern, yes, after growing up in Michigan on Bells and Founders, I'm now a SoCal West Coast IPA convert. No apologies.honus carbuncle wrote:Ohhh, a beer thread! I've been drinking a lot of North Coast Beer - Old Rasputin and Pranqster. Also, a brewery that is local to me called Pig Minds has a number of tasty beers and 12 dollar growler refills on Wednesday. I usually do their golden ale or their American red. Over the winter they had a soy milk chili porter that was wayyyyy better than it sounds.
Oh, and I also live right on the Wisconsin border so that means I get easy access to New Glarus beers. If you're ever in Wisconsin do yourself a favor and pick some up. They only distribute in state, but they are world class. Favorites are Two Women, Totally Naked, and their Oktoberfest beer called Staghorn is second to none in my book. Spotted Cow is their most popular, but it's not all that in my book. Blue Moon-esque.
- honus carbuncle
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Re: Beers
I am completely the odd man out with IPAs and I haven't really met one that I liked. Once in a while I will have greenline on tap because that's very popular around here and it seems okay... I assume IPA drinkers would scoff at it. Thus far however, the only way I've ever been able to really enjoy an IPA is after 5 or so non-IPA beers.
I realize this is sacrilege.
I realize this is sacrilege.
Re: Beers
Eh, I'm there with you. I haven't yet really learned to love the hop disaster that are most IPAs (no one yell at me), although Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin can get it, but mostly IPAs don't do it for me. I have graduated from only stouts to also enjoying sours, lagers, and other fruity things, which may not be an improvement, but I've also started taking advantage of the local Colorado scene.honus carbuncle wrote:I am completely the odd man out with IPAs and I haven't really met one that I liked. Once in a while I will have greenline on tap because that's very popular around here and it seems okay... I assume IPA drinkers would scoff at it. Thus far however, the only way I've ever been able to really enjoy an IPA is after 5 or so non-IPA beers.
I realize this is sacrilege.
Colorado stuff: For anyone who likes sours, Crooked Stave's Mama Bear's Sour Cherry Pie is fabulous. I've also developed a serious passion for Upslope's Craft Lager, which is not anything unique or mindblowing, but just a solid delicious lager. If you are ever able to get something by Finkel & Garf, I am in love with their Oatmeal Stout. Basically, come to Colorado and drink beer. A lot of the stuff I'm really into here doesn't distribute (hipsterrrrr) but Avery started canning their Gose and I'm glad.

- capn castom
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Re: Beers
Also not down with the hoppy beers (IPAs).
Mai, I recently discovered sour beers myself. My favorite has been the Rodenbach, and and Rodenbach Grand Cru. Both sour, both awesome, but sadly both expensive wherever Ive encountered them.
Besides that very occasional indulgence, my go-to is Six Points brewery's Sweet Action, an easy-drinking and tasty ale. Ive seen it called a cream ale sometimes, but I havent noticed it being too creamy myself.
Another favorite of mine is the Hitachino Nest Beer, a Japanese white ale. I usually only enjoy white ales for a couple sips before I get sick of them, but this one I could probably drink all night.
Mai, I recently discovered sour beers myself. My favorite has been the Rodenbach, and and Rodenbach Grand Cru. Both sour, both awesome, but sadly both expensive wherever Ive encountered them.
Besides that very occasional indulgence, my go-to is Six Points brewery's Sweet Action, an easy-drinking and tasty ale. Ive seen it called a cream ale sometimes, but I havent noticed it being too creamy myself.
Another favorite of mine is the Hitachino Nest Beer, a Japanese white ale. I usually only enjoy white ales for a couple sips before I get sick of them, but this one I could probably drink all night.
- capn castom
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Re: Beers
This year's summer beer: Oarsman Ale - Bells Brewery
Light, highly drinkable, wheat beer with a nice light lemony tartness to it. Very refreshing.

Light, highly drinkable, wheat beer with a nice light lemony tartness to it. Very refreshing.

Re: Beers
honus carbuncle wrote:I am completely the odd man out with IPAs and I haven't really met one that I liked.
Mai wrote:Eh, I'm there with you. I haven't yet really learned to love the hop disaster that are most IPAs (no one yell at me)
You kids these days! Back in my day I grew my own hops because that was the only way to get a proper IPA (true story). It's too hot here in Atlanta to really grow them, though.capn castom wrote:Also not down with the hoppy beers (IPAs).
Here's what's in the fridge:
Creature Comforts Tropicalia IPA. Athens GA. One of those newfangled "juicy" super hop flavor IPAs.
Scofflaw Basement IPA. Atlanta GA. It's another juicy IPA!
Sierra Nevada Tropical Torpedo IPA. Hey, juicy IPA! From their North Carolina brewery so still practically local.
But you could probably survive visiting, since there are also a few palate cleansers like Creature Comforts Athena (Berliner Weisse), Reformation Cadence (Atlanta area, Belgian style double-ish), and some strays from mix tape boxes.
[/curmudgeon]
- capn castom
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Re: Beers
I finally got around to visiting the bar a buddy of my works at.
I gotta say, if you are a beer nerd and ever find yourself in Bushwick Brooklyn, check out The Well.
http://www.thewellbrooklyn.com/
I guess the prices are good for nyc, but then again, the "price of a beer" in my head is still based on turn of the millennia prices, so everything everywhere always seems expensive.
I gotta say, if you are a beer nerd and ever find yourself in Bushwick Brooklyn, check out The Well.
http://www.thewellbrooklyn.com/
I guess the prices are good for nyc, but then again, the "price of a beer" in my head is still based on turn of the millennia prices, so everything everywhere always seems expensive.
- capn castom
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Re: Beers
I continue to dig Bell's Brewing. Discovered this one recently, which is everything I like about the Oarsman Ale previously posted, but more of it.
More dry hoppiness and delicious sour tartness.
Stupid looking label, but if something is going to go wrong with a beer, it might as well be that.

More dry hoppiness and delicious sour tartness.
Stupid looking label, but if something is going to go wrong with a beer, it might as well be that.
