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.