Breakfast Beer - Not as wonderful as you'd think

Here are a couple of new ones I ticked off the list.  Last night, I was out with Krazy Legs at Russell House Tavern in Cambridge and they had a couple from the list.  A pretty solid place - the steak tartare and pork belly were really good.

During dinner my companion admitted to realizing that he was "a little bit racist".  We discussed this a bit while there were a few people around - servers, patrons, etc.  We did get a couple of looks.  For the record, I do think that it is not malicious, but I think it is nice that KL did realize that he has this bias (due to his "upbringing and experiences").  I wonder if he is deathly afraid of pre-teen British hooligans after one of his other life experiences.

So, here are the two from last night.  Nothing special really.  

Left Hand Milk Stout (Rating = 3.0)
A nice, simple stout, a little bit of coffee and chocolate flavors.  I paired this with my steak tartare, wihich was nice actually.  Nothing special here (I understand that there is actually lactose (milk sugar) included in the brewing process).  But, not a bad taste.

Dale's Pale Ale (Rating = 3.0)
A simple pale ale in a simple silver can, I've seen this around a bunch.  Brewed by Oskar Blues in Colorado, I guess these guys were at the forefront of the "can revolution".  After writing that, I realize that it makes no fricking sense.  There was no can revolution.  Sure, this is convenient in places that you can't have bottles, but it is just a can.  The beer itself was pretty hoppy - not totally my jam, but not all bad.

Mikkeller Beer Geek Breakfast (Rating = 1.0)
I thought the fun of doing this exercise (ok, bad choice of words, this is clearly the exact opposite of exercise as I normally sit on my ass on the couch drinking new beers; maybe this should be referred to as "an endeavor"?) was that it would be interesting, taste some different beers.  I like most kinds of beer, not the most discriminating palate.  I know there are some things I don't totally love, but I figured I could power through.

With the mess that was the sour beer experiment the other day and now this one, I am worried.  Worried that I will end up procuring these random beers and end up having to get rid of them (and not be consuming them).  Today's problem was the super interesting sounding Mikkeller's Beer Geek Breakfast.  It was described as a genius oatmeal stout, incorporating actual brewed coffee.  Now, I don't drink coffee (except for the occasional post-dinner cappuccino or espresso), but I don't totally mind it - I like coffee ice cream. 

This one is tough to swallow.  I'm working my way through the large bottle, but it's tough.  I like stouts generally, but this just doesn't do it.  Cool name, potentially cool idea, poor execution.  Blech.

Beers down: 61

Beers to go: 940

Here is the updated spreadsheet.

El Guapo Has a Plethora of Pinatas

A crazy Friday night here.  The wife was out tonight so I had a good excuse to sit on the couch and drink beers.  I was able to jump from a few classic movies.  I started with the very end of Can't Hardly Wait - I find it a little weird to watch the kid from Vegas Vacation make out with Jennifer Love Hewitt.  Then, got to tune in the for end of Mr. Mom, a great 80s movie with Michael Keaton, Martin Mull and Teri Garr.  Michael Keaton was at his best back them (Gung Ho, Johnny Dangerously, Mr. Mom, Nightshift, Beetlejuice) - that was 30 years ago!  That's f'd up.  Watching him fight with the wubbie is classic stuff.

The crappy movie fest continued with The Three Amigos.  You'd have thought that Martin Short, Chevy Chase and Steve Martin together could have done better.  Maybe it is good (in my defense, I do like it), but it doesn't feel that way.  A little stupid.  The singing bush is singing right now and the invisible man is about to get shot (accidentally).

Anyway, here are the couple of beer selections from tonight.

Samuel Smith's Taddy Porter (Rating = 3.0)

From a solid company, they've been making this one since 1979.  It is ok, but nothing special.  Short review I know - not sure what else to say.

AleSmith Nut Brown Ale (Rating 4.0)

I really liked this one.  Nice hops, a bit nutty (of course), but then I realized that it isn't actually on the fricking list.  Another wasted beer!

Petrus Aged Pale (Rating 0.5)

OK.  What the fuck is this?  I tried this one and know that I made a horrendous face.  This was disgusting.  The book says this is "mildly sour".  If this is mild, I can clearly skip the rest of the sour beers.  It tastes like cider or lemonade mixed with pee (I have to attribute that quote to my sister in law, but she is right on target).  I gave it to Beth to taste and she made a hideous face too - not good.  I have been good about these beers (at least from an alcoholics perspective) in that I have attempted and usually succeeded at powering the full beer down.  I feel bad wasting beer.  This is going to be the exception.  I don't think I can drink the full big bottle.  2 sips has been tough.  I will try - but this ain't good.  Stay away from Petrus.

A closer look at the label has a couple of interesting points.  First, they use the word erect, which is funny no matter how it is used (the label says that 15 huge oak vessels have been erected).  Secondly, they mention that they hadn't previously sold this version, until the famous beer writer Michael Jackson told them that it was great and they should.  I know the MJ has actually written some whiskey books, but now he is a beer expert too?  And I can hold him solely responsible for this piss?  He sucks.  As does this beer.  For the record, I've tried a few more swigs - horrible, horrible shit.  

Beers down: 58

Beers to go: 943

Here is the updated spreadsheet.

Love that bastard!

Just a random Thursday night.  Knock off one more (and one from Tuesday night).

Arrogant Bastard Ale (Rating = 4.0)

Start with the label: "This is an aggressive beer.  You probably won't like it.  It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth.  We would suggest you stick to safe and more familiar territory - maybe something with a multi-million dollar ad campaign."

So, start with that.  Nice attitude.  Talk shit to the drinker.  Taunt him (or her).  So, yes, I did take it as a bit of a challenge.  I've heard of this one a lot (and others from Stone Brewing), but don't think I've had it.

It definitely has a bitter aftertaste, but I has some strong English Ale flavor to me.  I really liked it.  I would definitely have this one again.  Nice job you arrogant bastard!

Gouden Carolus Classic (Rating = 4.0)

This was a good one.  Nice dark ale with Belgium style.  I really liked this one.  According to the writeup, this one was originally known as the Kaizersbier.  Utlimately it was changed to Gouden Carolus.  Carolus refers to the 16th Century Holy Emperor Charles V.  A gouden carolus was a gold coin minted during his reign.  I have a hard time writing the word reign without actually writing a reign of terror!  Every reign must have terror associated!

Described as a drink that combines the warmness of wine and the freshness of beer, I really liked this one.  Give it a shot.

Beers down: 56

Beers to go: 945

Here is the updated spreadsheet.

5 Pack

Once again I've been slow in posting here.  It is easier to drink the beers than write about them.  Here are some recent ones.

West Coast IPA (Rating = 2.5)

From Green Flash Brewing, I was looking forward to this one (I think they have a couple on the list).  I read the bottle and was really intrigued.  At the least, they have a good label writer/marketer - "A menagerie of hops is layered throughout the brewing process...hop pungency.. A multi-dimensional hop experience."  It isn't a beer, it is an experience.  

I guess I don't love strong IPAs.  I'm going to have to get over this if I intend to get through the remaining 950+ beers.  There are many IPAs on the list.  I don't normally turn them away, but just too much hop for me.  I did get some citrus, but it was covered in hops.

Petrus - Oud Bruin Ale (Rating = 2.0)

Sometimes called old dark, this should have been called too sour.  Just not a good beer.  I had to power this one down.  Didn't do it for me.  Claims the taste is "mildly sour".  Not mild to me.  Skip this guy.

Trois Pistoles (Rating = 2.0)

Another Canadian beer from Unibroue (I only pronounce as Unibrow as previously posted).  The name does not have anything to do with artillery, just some coins in a small village in Quebec.  Not a fan of this one - way too spicy for my liking.  Just didn't like.  Trois Pistoles didn't have the bullets for me.

Duvel (Rating = 3.0)

Had this one the other night while watching the Emmy's.  Wasn't too exciting, pretty boring.  Thought Seth Myers did a pretty even job, went for his usual small laughs.  Not a critique, thought he did pretty well.  They were really ripping on that McConaughey though - all right, all right, all right.  Be a lot cooler if you did.  

A bit sidetracked there.  The classic Belgian brew, with it's own special glass really creates a serious head in the glass.  I poured this one like the worst bartender ever - a third full of beer and a massive head.  I've definitely had this in the past, but it's been a long time.  I seem to remember it as being a bit better.  A little too hoppy for me.  It seems like it would be light, but has a little bit more flavor to it.  If given the choice, I'd go other places for my Belgium beers.

Trappistes Rochefort 10 (Rating = 3.5)

This was formerly known as "The Magnificent".  Not sure I agree with the nickname, but not a bad one.  Darker and heavier than it first looks like, it has a nice taste - chocolate, toffee, etc.  According to my tasting notes, it turns on the palate into Mexican mole.  Not sure I get that either.  But an interesting one with a kick.

Beers down: 54
Beers to go: 947

Here is the updated spreadsheet.

Finish the weekend strong - 3 more down

As my vacation weekend winds down, I took the chance to fit in a few more selections.  Had the great Sam Smith Imperial Stout last night and then a couple of new ones today with some grilled steak tips with friends.

Samuel Smith's Imperial Stout (Rating = 4.0)

Another solid rating on this great stout from Sam Smith.  Not too heavy, good flavor and some good kick.  These guys really make some great beers.  Apparently, this beer heavily influenced a bit of a renaissance of stouts in the US in the mid-eighties.  Not too bitter, nice taste here.

Anchor Porter (Rating = 4.0)
In another "apparently" side note, the owner of Anchor Brewing has become something of the godfather of microbrewing in the US.  Their classic Anchor Steam is a great simple beer (benefiting from the unique San Francisco water).  This porter is a nice choice - it is a porter, but is relatively light and easy to drink (a great quality).  I don't get the "burnt cereal" taste, but it is worth checking out.

Troegenator Double Boch (Rating = 4.0)

Gotta love the name on this one - just add "anator" to the end of most names or words and it sounds infinitely cooler than the main word.  Frog?  Not that cool.  Froganator?  Awesome.  Gerson?  partially cool.  Gersonator?  No doubt.  The beer is ok.  Nothing really that special here.  A little on the hoppy side with some chocolate.  I do genuinely like this brewery's selections (only around for about 12 years or so), but this one doesn't really stick out to me.

As that guy in that movie with the "ator" at the end send...I'll be back.

Beers down: 49 (NOTE: Somewhere I missed one on the blog, but my sheet says I've had 49, so that's what I'm going with)
Beers to go: 952

Here is the updated spreadsheet.

Vacation Week - an easy to find one with some random ones from an RI restaurant

Vacation week.  So, it was a less than stellar week of vacation at the Rhode Island beach house (as it relates to beers).  I couldn't fit my previous selections in the car.  And, I didn't get to liquor store to attempt to get some new ones.  But, I still powered through this week, in spite of these conditions.  I got one from the list, 3 at one restaurant (really funky beer list) and 1 on my return home tonight.

Blue Moon (Rating = 4.0)
Not exactly a very exotic one here, and one that I've obviously had multiple times, but a solid summer selection regardless.  This was in the house, so I drank it.  It was good.  

Coopers Sparkling Ale (Rating = 4.0)
During our vacation week, the wife and I went to Jamestown, RI for dinner at a well reviewed place called Fish (I know, very original).  Pretty cool place, really good food and a really funky beer list.  The (fairly) friendly bartender even commented that many of the beers are rarely ordered (and I did hope to stump him a few times).  So, for my first selection, I choose my first Australian beer from the list.  Sounded a little lighter and was actually a pretty nice beer.  Fruity, but not too much, a nice choice.  These guys have been making beers in Australia since the 1860s.

Ichtegem's Grand Cru (Rating = 4.0)
For my second choice, I went with this one.  A flemish red, but actually not that bitter, which was a nice surprise.  Tart and sweet, but not at all with a rough aftertaste.  This one actually went well with my fish - not the normal pairing, but good regardless.   This beer apparently was made for the brewery's 175th anniversary.

Old Engine Oil (Rating = 4.0)
My dessert beer.  Really difficult NOT to pick this one, given the name.  Not in the same category as the previous two selections (they started brewing this beer in 1999, a far cry from the 1800s).  According to the bottle, the founder used to work for Ford Motor Company crafting wooden design prototypes and decided to name this beer in honor of that liquid.  It is surprising fresh and light for a stout - good flavor, not bitter.  Worth checking out.

La Chouffe (Rating = 4.0)
This belgium beer is pretty tasty.  Named for their mascot - the white-bearded elf (I've already had a couple of other brews from these guys).  But, this one is my favorite from them so far.  It was nice - good head, some spice and some fruit, but not fruity.  Paired well with the grilled veggies and chicken we had tonight.  I picked this one up a couple of weeks ago and got to it on the tail end of vacation after we got home earlier tonight.  The elf theme is cute, but the beers are pretty solid.  

Beers down: 45
Beers to go: 956

Here is the updated spreadsheet.

Start the Vacation Early

Another off week.  Had some beers in the house, but haven't quite made drinking them a priority.  I know, I know - very poor prioritization.  But, I will step it up.  Vacation is starting tonight - a solid week at the beach in Rhode Island.  If space in the car is available, I will have the chance to bring about 5-6 new beers with me to try during the week.  If there isn't space, I will rely on the local liquor stores to come up big.  Here are a couple that I had tonight to get the vacation started (and one from Monday)

Chimay Triple / Cinq Cents (Rating = 4.0)
I generally like the beers that come from Chimay.  This one was no exception.  A stronger, hoppier one, but really nice.  Apparently there are some controversies going on with Chimay due to their trappist status and the specific ingredients they use.  Too much detail for me.  These are good beers - of course you've seen the branded glasses (officially "chalices").  I would go back to this one again.

Racer 5 (Rating = 3.5)
From the fine folks at Bear Republic in Sonoma, I've seen this one around in a few places.  An IPA (and I generally am not a big fan of IPAs), that is pretty orangy-fruity smelling.  It does have some strong hops, but it has a nice taste to it too.  I had no idea that they were based in wine country (which we've visited 3 times over the past 5 years).  But, not too bad - definitely a good one for those who really like the IPAs.

Maudite (Rating = 4.0)
First of all, the brewery's name is Unibroue.  Umm, really?  Is this in honor of Anthony Davis (aka the Brow from the New Orleans' Pelicans of the NBA).

I think this might be my first Canadian beer from the list.  I was a little surprised that I liked this one so much (maybe because I was already a couple of beers in).  But this one is nice.  Cool label (canoe in the sky flying by as the devil looks on - see below):

It's categorized as an amber - but it has more kick than that.  Lots of flavors - fruit, citrus and also some of the bigger red wine-type flavors (chocolate, cinnamon).  Pretty complex for a beer, but it all works well.  Nice job single browed Canadians.

Beers down: 40
Beers to go: 961

Here is the updated spreadsheet.

Brits and a German

I've been a bit negligent lately.  I did procure a bunch (case perhaps) of new beer options from the great Wegman's selection over the weekend.  I was accompanied by that legendary beer connoisseur of the family - young Samuel.  He has already been to quite a few liquor stores and bars already (as a percentage, it might be a bit scary).  It took me a few days to break into the new options.  Here are a couple.

Aventinus (Rating = 3.5)
Another German beer that tastes like bananas.  What's with this trend?  It was ok, - definitely a funky beer.  I don't recall having a wheat dopplebock before.  So, it was light and slightly heavy at the same time.  Smelled chocolately and kind of heavy, but was light on the palate, with the late banana taste.  A bit of an enigma.  I liked it, but wouldn't tel l people - you MUST drink it.

I did also get another extra one in here.  I thought I had the other Schneider beer from the list, but it turned out to be a different one.  It was a straight Weiss beer that was pretty good though.  Probably would have been a 4.0 if it was officially on the list.  But no, wasted drinking effort.

In related news, I've started to notice my beer belly start to grow a bit.  I do not think it is coincidence.  I think it might be from the beer.  Not sure how to solve this and keep drinking.  I've told many a friend that has gone about a weight loss program by cutting out booze that they are just plain stupid.  You must continue to drink while you get in shape.  So, I will have to work on that one.

Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale (Rating = 4.0)
Ahh, memories.  This particular beer reminds of some friends from college.  They got married just a few years after we graduated - ceremony at Marsh Chapel on the campus of Boston University.  I remember the wedding well (ok, not really well).  I was friends with the bride, having met her my first day of freshman year in my door.  We lived in the massive Warren Towers on Comm Ave.  I stayed good friends with Alicia for the entirety of the college years.  She met Matt at BU (I think I met him once or twice) and then got married.  Matt was a big beer guy back then (and did some home brewing, etc.).  At the reception, they had some great beer.  This was one of them.  I didn't realize a) it was a bigger bottle and b) it was strong.  Not that I wasn't headed in that direction anyway, but I got myself nice and toasted.  It was a fun wedding (again, I think) and I remember a lot of dancing.  That means that a bunch of other people probably tell a story to the effect of "remember that wedding we went to with the really, really drunk and really really tall guy at?"  Yes, that would have been me.

Anyway, it was nice to have this one again, it had been a while.  This is a really tasty beer - not too nutty, but just enough.  Easy to drink.  And the cool, official looking bottle.  A winner.  I've got a couple other Samuel Smith's varieties in the house on deck to try.  Stay tuned.  And no, Samuel Smith is in no way related to Samuel Adams (obviously, they share a first name, not a last name).

St. Peter's Cream Stout (Rating = 3.5)
I know I end up with a lot of ratings in the 3.5 range.  I think this is my middle-of-the road rating.  Anything below a 3 feels like I'm saying - don't drink this crap.  This is a little bit lighter stout, but it does have some coffee flavors to it.  A little bitter finish, but an ok stout.  I'd still take the traditional ones - Murphy's and Guinness over this one.  And, for the record, I don't think St. Peter has anything to do with this brew.  I'm just saying.    

Beers down: 37
Beers to go: 964

Here is the updated spreadsheet.

Monday Night Drinking

Nothing like a good Monday night to knock off a couple from the list.  We will see how tomorrow turns out, but right now, I'm feeling good.  Nothing like drinking some beers, having some steak tips and watching some Who's Line Is It Anyway.  BTW - this is still a very under-rated show.  Still worth watching - almost better with Aisha Tyler hosting.  But, three more off the list.  I like it.  And for the record, I was in Wegman's the other day and I think I found another source for a large amount of other beers on the list.  It was like a beer wonderland - even though it looks like many that I can find at the local (Julio's Liquors - what up?), it was a bigger place, easier to find stuff.  I might cheat on Julio's and give it a try during my next excursion to load up.

Adnams Broadside (Rating = 3.5)
When I was looking at the list of beers, I was certain that my occasional dyslexia was coming back with a vengeance.  But, nope, this is spelled correctly - the brewery is named Adnams.  This beer has quite the back story according to the bottle (which I attempt to read religiously - and not based at all on Judiasm).  This beer is apparently in honor of some battle between the Royal Navy and the Dutch in 1672.  I can't imagine that this battle was in any way a technically historic battle, I mean, the Dutch?  I guess that the seamen (yes, I said that) might have been drinking a bit before they called in to this battle.  Regardless, who really cares about that dumb battle?  The beer is ok - I wouldn't kick it out of beer bed, but I wouldn't trek across the universe for it either.  Has some spice and citrus and was a passable amber ale - the bottle says it tastes like fruitcake, I didn't get that.  But, calling someone a fruitcake is a very nice way to insult them.

Three Philosophers (Rating = 4.0)
So, I have had this beer before and it is from one of my favorite breweries (that doesn't at all sound like the words of an alcoholic, does it?).  We went to Ommegang in Cooperstown, New York a few years ago with a good friend of mine when we went to the Baseball Hall of Fame (do you believe the wives attended too?  Well, they did.).  Great little brewery, it is actually owned by Duvel, but they've left it to them to make the brews they want to make.  It is a nice mix of Belgium influenced beers with lots of different styles.  In the past, they've had contests for home brewers to submit the next beer.  This one is a nice a mix of vanilla and chocolate with some slight cherry taste (thanks to the lambic ingredients).  This one is a strong one (9.8% alcohol) - maybe not perfect for a school night if you plan on getting into work on time (combined with the large bottle format, you know my love for this format).  

For the record, the three philosophers might actually be the Epicurean, the Cynic, and the Pythagorean.  Apparently, they sat together, thinking of nothing.  I've done that before.

Brooklyn Local 1 (Rating = 3.5)
I think I liked this one.  But, it's hard to say - it is a weird mix of a saison with a strong Belgian.  It's got German malt, Austrian hops and sugar from Mauritius (where my sister actually has visited - apparently, a very nice tourist area on your way to/from Madagascar).  It confused me a bit.  Again, I think it was good, but hard to say.  Full disclosure - I drank this one on Friday night (not part of my Monday night drink-fest).

Beers down: 34
Beers to go: 967

Here is the updated spreadsheet.

Two Jokes on beer

Tonight was a chance to try a nice double wit from fine folks of Boulevard Brewing in Kansas City.  Middle America representing with a Belgian style beer.  Nice chance to enjoy a strong brew in a large format (love the large bottles, feels like you are opening some champagne or something; I guess that's why Miller High Life went with the Champagne of Beers motto).  Anytime you can get two solid pints from a single bottle, I'm usually down.

Two Jokers Double Wit (Rating = 2.5)
I had high expectations for this one after reading the description in the book.  Hazy orange look with off-white head (yes, I said head...insert Beavis laugh here).  Tastes of citrus and cotton candy.  Then, add the description on the bottle including notes of coriander, grains of paradise and lavender.  Sounds like a nice beer or at least a lovely scented soap.  It is a weird mix of wheat beer, lambic fruit beer and other stuff.  Unfortunately, it doesn't work.  Too fruity for me.  And, yes, that isn't said very often - I enjoy a nice fruity drink with regularity.  Sorry Boulevard - not a good selection.  What else you got?

Beers down: 31
Beers to go: 970

Here is the updated spreadsheet.

Locked and re-loaded

I racked up another nice tab at Julio's over the weekend and grabbed another batch of beers to taste.  I had a couple on Sunday and had another taste tonight.  A couple of weiss beers and a standard English amber ale.

Hobgoblin (Rating = 3.5)
Sure, the name and the bottle picture are cute.  The beer is solid, if not spectacular.  Tastes like a real English Ale - dark color and heavy taste.  Apparently, it contains some "fuggle" hops - who knows what those are.  But, it works as a beer.  Nice after work beer.

St. Bernardus Wit (Rating = 4.0)
A nice, classic wheat beer.  Apparently, closely related to Hoegaarden in Belgium.  Nice orange, fruity wheat beer.  Another good summer one.  And it somehow feels right to see a monk on the label - like he is really suffering for the sake of the beer.

Ayinger Ur-Weisse (Rating = 4.0)
I really liked this German brew - a little darker than the normal weiss beer with enough kick to make it enjoyable and not too fruity.  Nice job Germans.  First the world cup, then this beer.  I guess my people will give you a temporary pass on that whole World War thing.  At least while I down this beer.  

Beers down: 30
Beers to go: 971

Here is the updated spreadsheet.

Independence Drinking

It's been a solid week or so for the list.  Knocked off a few different brewskies at varying events over the past few days.  To recap:

Hell or High Watermelon Wheat (Rating = 2.5)
I like me some watermelon beers.  Boston Beer Works serves a lovely version with a slice of watermelon in the pint glass.  Nothing screams manly beer like a slice of fruit in your glass.  Dearest folks at 21st Amendment - your watermelon beer, whilst it has a nice name (and a nifty can), it is not a great beer.  Someone forgot to put in the watermelon flavor into your watermelon beer.  This is not the reason they repealed prohibition.  Call the good peeps at Boston Beer Works and try their recipe please.

Stonecutter (Rating = 4.0)

I think this might be the first New Zealand beer I've ever had.  This is the last in the initial batch that I received as a gift from my British friend Harvey.  We got to enjoy this by the pool with another close friend today. 

 This persnickety beer was a surprising delight.   A little bit of caramel with some chocolate, but still very drinkable.  Apparently, some American brewers utilizing malts from Australia, Germany and the UK with New Zealand hops can make a steady Scottish Ale.  Who knew?  Even the packaging was well done.   This is a good one. 

Estrella Damm Inedit (Rating = 4.0)
So, the fanciest of fancy pants chefs took 1 year to develop this beer.  Farran Adria, the chef at Spain's El Bulli were apparently challenged by someone to make a great beer.  The restaurant has been closed for a bit after being named one of the best restaurants in the world for a few years running.  They did a nice job, this is a pretty nice beer, in a cool champagne style bottle.  This was also a gift - but not sure it is worth the amount it probably sells for.  

Golden Draak (Rating = 4.0)
A pleasant surprise at my Uncle's annual July 4th party - he had a new beer from the list.  I got a chance to try the Draak, a pretty strong sucker.  It was tasty and refreshing - hard to describe, rich, but yummy.  Not sure I could have a full drinking session on this one (if I did, I'd be a relatively cheap date).  The Belgians do know how to make a good beer though.  It is hard for me not to think of the (relatively unknown) classic movie Enemy Mine with Dennis Quaid and Louis Gossett, Jr.  This movie might have been featured on HBO back in the day and I probably saw it a few dozen times.  It was a science fiction flick where Quaid is some sort of astronaut fighter pilot vs. LGJ, who is an alien - a Drac.  I thought it was Draak - but I it was actually a Drac.  If you haven't seen it, you should.  It is touching movie about overcoming your differences.    

For the record, he did also have London Pride at the party - I stand by my earlier post, a great drinking beer (which is likely the goal of many beers - people should drink it, right?).

Saison IV (Rating = 4.0)
After (ok, maybe as) the Belgian futbol team was beating the US in the World Cup, I decided to crack open this one.  A really nice refreshing, light and crisp Belgian selection, I enjoyed this while the US was unable to come back and beat them to advance.  US lose, but we all win for this delicious selection.  Worth a try.

Beers down: 27
Beers to go: 974

Here is the updated spreadsheet.

Elfin Drinking

No real excitement tonight, but another beer from the list with dinner.  Houblon Chouffe, a Belgian beer with a funny little elf on the cute bottle (see below).  

Houblon Chouffe (Rating = 3.0)
Nothing too special about this one to be honest.  Just a lighter beer, but with some hoppiness and a bit of a bitter aftertaste.  Next.

Beers down: 22
Beers to go: 979

Here is the updated spreadsheet.

Crazy Saturday Night

Had a chance to knock off a few more tonight.  Special thanks to one of Beth's friends (Stacey), who joined us this afternoon (into night)  - allowing me to tick a few more off the list.  Good mix of beers here.

La Trappe Dubbel (Rating = 4.0)
Thanks to the Dutch monks brewing this beer, we can now enjoy this around the world.  Tastes a lot like a Belgium beer, but with Dutch influences.  Nice beer, sweet finish.  Very nice.

Zywiec Porter (Rating = 2.5)
So, I've been to Poland a couple of different times.  I have been lucky enough to be in both Warsaw and Krakow.  In both places, I sampled a few beers.  Zywiec was one of them - nothing special, but ok.  Poland needs something to hang their hat on, right?  This porter was simply not good.  Had the right measurements and set up, but just not good.  It was ok going down, but the finish was bad.  No other word for it - too bitter, just a bad beer.   Sorry folks, no need to hop a flight to Poland for this one.

Boont Amber Ale (Rating = 3.5)
An American brew, hailing from California, this is a nice little beer.  Strong brown color, nice fruity taste - nice beer.  Not something that knocks your socks off, but something not to shabby nonetheless.

Beers down: 21
Beers to go: 980

Here is the updated spreadsheet.

Ze Germans Make Good Beer

This is not exactly a news flash, but the Germans do make some nice beers.  I was in the Frankfurt area for work this week and did get the chance to have a couple of different beers.  The trip was mostly meetings and workshops at a remote location north west of Frankfurt airport, but it was still a chance to get a few beers checked off the list.

Veltins (Rating = 3.5)
OK, so the first one was not my favorite, but it still was ok.  This was the first one I had in the hotel bar.  It was a simple pilsner, but did have some spices to it.  Was a little too hoppy for a lighter beer for me.  

Maisel's Weisse (Rating = 4.5)
This one was on tap in the hotel bar and served in an awesomely funky glass (note the big hefty glass with the wavy angle to it).  I did enjoy watching the US soccer team take on Germany in this World Cup match while drinking a few of these.  The game was kind of a dud, but this beer was really, really nice.  It was a weiss beer, but had some body to it.  It wasn't just fruity.  There were some nice spices and was quite delicious.  

After the game, we had dinner and then ended up back in this bar, where I did enjoy another few of these.  Very good stuff.  I might have stolen one of these very glasses.  Happy to report that the glass did survive the flight home (thank you Lufthansa).  Good beer, good memory.

Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse (Rating = 4.0)
I finished my trip off with a couple of these in the Lufthansa lounge.  Yet another good summer weiss beer, this was is simple, but yummy.  Smooth, tasty, good stuff.  Maybe some hints of banana?

Beers down: 18
Beers to go: 983

Here is the updated spreadsheet.

Garden of Who's?

Hoegaarden (Rating = 4.0)
I had this (again) a few weeks ago and forgot to post about it.  Pronounced Who-gard-en, this, to me, is a perfect hot summer beer.  I have a few memories of this one from some good old days.  The first time I had it was while I was in The Netherlands, hanging out with some colleagues and watching the some World Cup soccer 8 years ago.  The weather was warm, the fans were crazy and this beer went down like water.  Big fan.  And still a fan of the Dutch team (go Orange).  Yes, I am aware that it is Belgium and not Dutch, but the Dutch aren't the ones known for their beer-making.  I've seen it in a bunch more places over the years, including a food/wine festival we went to Chicago a few years ago.  Again, a perfect summer beer - it was hot that weekend in Chicago.  While the food was mostly small plates, the beers were full size (complete with Hoegaarden pint glasses).  So, we now have a nice set of four pint glasses to drink this in.

Good stuff.

Beers down: 15
Beers to go: 986

Ommegang - Abbey Ale, Sierra Kellerweis, and

Three beers to update on tonight (for the record, watching Old School for like the 137th time - Frank the Tank is describing his nice little Saturday at this very moment).

Ommegang Abbey Ale (Rating = 4)
I've actually had this one before.  The brewery is based in Cooperstown and is owned by Duvel.  We went there a few years back with a friend of mine - a nice little weekend with the brewery visit, a visit to the Baseball HOF and a great dinner.  The beers here were really great.  Since then, we've seen Ommegang starting to appear all over.  They had a beer and food pairing a while back at the local liquor store out here (shout out to Julio's in Westborough) and now they actually have six packs in the store, in addition to the large format bottles that are cool.

This is a solid entry from Ommegang - tasty, with some heft to it (8.5% alcohol).  It's dark, but not a porter - pretty good stuff.

Fuller's ESB (Rating = 4.0)
Another brew that stirs up some of my old London days for school and work.  This just screams "traditional london beer".  It's got some hops, a little bitter, but has some fruity flavor as well.  Very easy drinking beer.  Apparently it was originally brewed as a winter beer, but is now a regular beer for all seasons.  Classic British beer - worth checking out.

Sierra Nevada Kellerweis Hefeweizen (Rating = 3.5)
I had this one last week, but forgot to post about it.  I like Sierra Nevada's standard entry.  This one was a bit of a summer version - it had the interesting smell and subtle taste of banana.  Not bad, but again, won't be knocking down doors to get it again.

Beers down: 14
Beers to go: 987

Here is the updated spreadsheet.

Forgot one!

Cascade Kriek Ale (Rating = 2)
This was one other one that came as a gift and we enjoyed it at my recent party.  This had high potential, but the beer soaked cherry flavor just tasted wrong.

Not good.  Blech.

Cross a few entries off the list!

Yes, I have now tried a handful of the 1,001 brews.  I have now settled on a format and what type of info to capture for each beer.  I won't bore everyone (anyone?) with the details, but you can see the full spreadsheet here.  I will do a better job giving a quick overview with each beer that I've tried.

In the meantime, here are the few beers that I've tried over the past couple of weeks (mostly thanks to a gift from my good friend Harvey).  NOTE: my rating scale is completely subjective, from 1-5 (5 being best):

Fuller's London Pride (Rating = 4)
Definitely had this in the old days in London, but it's been a while.  Really a good drinking beer.

Old Peculier (Rating = 4.5)
My favorite of this batch so far.  Great name, great taste.  It is dark-ish, but still fairly light.  Really tasty.  Worth finding more of Old Peculiar (also Harvey's new nickname).

Ayinger Celebrator (Rating = 3.5)
It had a cool little horsey charm around the bottle.  That was probably the highlight.  It was dark, was ok.  I might try it again, but would push down an old lady to get one (unless I was really thirsty).

EKU 28 (Rating 4)
This bad boy was potent.  11% alcohol kind of gave me a strong shove.  It was good, but I can only imagine having a drinking session on this one.

Weihenstephaner Vitus (Rating = 4)
A solid wheat beer entry from Germany.  I know they do some solid varieties (I think I might have actually had this once before on a trip to Germany).  Great summer beer with a little spice.  I'd have it again (notice the trend here?).

This from a recent Germany trip, I had the "small" beer while my colleague opted for a coffee (for the record, this wasn't an espresso, but it was one giant beer) in the airport lounge.  Needless to say, I slept well on that flight.

Murphy's Irish Stout (Rating = 3.5)
I used to be a big fan of Murphy's back in my younger days.  I thought it had a slightly sweeter taste than Guiness.  But after revisiting it, I think I will stick with old reliable.  Love the draught cans though.

Allagash Tripel Reserve (Rating = 4.5)
I love the big bottles.  And this was a nice surprise.  I do normally like Allagash generally, but this was even better than their normal Allagash White.  Nicely balanced fruit and really smooth.  When you can get a solid 2 beers from a bottle, that is living (Old English-style perhaps?).

Victory Golden Monkey (Rating = 4)
Victory Prima Pils (Rating = 3.5)
Victory Hop Devil (Rating = 3)
I found a nice treat at Julio's Liquors in Westborough a few weeks ago. They had a nice variety pack from Victory - which I had noticed rated 3 beers on this list.  No real surprises here - wasn't a huge fan of the hoppy one, the pilsner was fine (nothing special) and the summer-y one was light and tasty (I think I did have it on a warmer night).

That will do it for this update for now, more to come.