Catching Up - Randoms

Once again, I've gone quiet.  I have had a couple of beers in the last couple of weeks, but have been negligent in my documentation.  I will do my best here to knock a few of them off.

Estrella Damm (Rating = 3.5)
I had this Spanish brew while I was in Las Vegas earlier this week.  I found a nice little tapas place with a tasting menu.  I was surprised at how many courses they actually brought me - it was a treat.  Starting with some cheese, parma ham, anchovies, etc.  I selected a draft Estralla Damm to drink.  It was nice, an easy drinking beer.  The tasting notes mention hints of grapes and orange, followed by caramel and vanilla.  Not sure I got any of that.  But it was a nice beer.  I believe I had the special version of this beer a few weeks back.  Regardless, this one at Jaleo Jose Andres tapas place was pretty good.  Not worth traveling to Spain for - but at least trying if they have it on tap.

Zyweic (Rating = 3.0)
So, this fine Polish selection, was consumed at our Poland ethnic night a few weeks back.  I had actually had this one on draft during my last trip to Poland (actually, I think I had it during both trips I took to Poland over the last couple of years - I sound so worldly, don't I?  Except for the fact that it is POLAND.  Who goes to Poland twice?).  I knew that Wegman's carried this one, so I did pick it up.  The taste was about what I remembered - basically, a generic beer.  A little bit stronger than a Bud, but nothing crazy.

Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier (Rating = 3.5)
This one was at Romaine's in Northboro for dinner a few weeks back.  I've had this one before in Germany, but it has been a while.  Another solid, good Germany hefeweissen.

There is at least one more draft one that I had in Germany a couple of weeks ago, but I can't remember the name - I will confirm and update later.

That is all for now - waiting for spring.

Beers Down: 86
Beers to Go: 915

Down South - in Peru?

As luck should have it, I found myself faced with a short trip to Lima, Peru for work this week.  Thanks to the snow storms up here, I got delayed by one day - so I was left with just about 48 hours in Lima.  Most of the time was in work meetings, but I did luck out with some of the local beers on tap at the hotel and one of the restaurants we went too.  Sure, I had to have a few Pisco Sours, but I was able to cross off the only two Peruvian beers in the book.  Didn't plan for that originally.  So, here we go.

Cusquena (Rating = 4.0)
This is likely the Peruvian go to beer.  I really liked it - very easy drinking, goes down smooth.  I guess the pure glacial waters (from Cuzco, home of the Incas) really make for a great beer.  It was solid and was nice to have a few of these beers.  Apparently, back in the day, Bono and George Clooney became quite smitten with this beer and ordered crates to their hotel rooms.  I didn't go for the crate delivery, but definitely liked it.  If you are in Peru, it is worth tipping a few of these.  For the record, another "blond" beer - it was a full on pilsner though.

Cusquena Malta (Rating = 4.0)
In a very quick meal before heading to the airport, I got to have some fresh sea bass accompanied by a couple of pints of the dark version of the Peruvian special.  This had all the good qualities of the pilsner (fresh glacial water from Cuzco) and added some nice chocolate and coffee flavors.  It really was a nice dark beer - not full on stout, but really nice.  I would recommend it as well.

Beers Down: 83
Beers to Go: 918

Catch Up with IPAs

I had a chance to have a couple of more that I had "in stock" last week before I went on a business trip.  Neither was overwhelming, but they were ok.  Here is the quick summary.

Lagunitas Maximus (Rating = 3.0)
I've had a few more of the beers from Lagunitas recently.  They are all pretty hoppy (as I always mention, I'm not big into hops generally), but still pretty good.  This was was similar.  Definitely had some hops, but was pretty good.  The description in the book was interesting.  Apparently, it was going to be called "Hair of the Dog Ball Ale" or "Eye of the Dog", but then they changed their minds and called it Maximus.  It was strong smelling, but ends kind of tart.

Union Jack IPA (Rating = 3.0)
This one is listed as a blond in this large book.  I really don't understand some of the beers they put in this category - this is an IPA.  Not bad either though.  And not British either - from a US-based brewery.

That's it.

Beers Down: 81
Beers to go: 920

I hate being right

I should have trusted my gut.  This fricking sour beers are not good. There's really nothing else too it - they just aren't good at all.  I'm a couple days behind in writing about the first two - mainly because there isn't much at all to say.  They were just bad.

Only one was sour, but two were bad.  This is coming from the snowy home while watching a movie.  Nothing too exciting, such is the life.

Rodenbach (Rating = 1.0)
Where to start?  Just plain bad, I couldn't do it.  Just too sour, too much crap.  The book claims it is capable of sharpening one's palate.  I guess mine is too weak.  This just sucked.  Don't try it - trust me on this one.

Stone Smoked Porter (Rating = 0.5)
I had really high hopes for this one.  Especially coming off that mess of a sour beer.  I like the dark beers and have heard great things about Stone's beers.  It was smoky, bitter and I couldn't get much else.  I couldn't push it down.  Normally I can make it happen, but no can-do-ski baby doll.

Geary's Pale Ale (Rating = 3.0)
So, at least this one is drinkable.  I've had it a few times before and liked it.  I'm still not a huge fan of the IPAs (as I've mentioned a few times).  Categorized as a blond ale seems a bit weird to me - this doesn't taste like a blond to me.  But, it is passable and drinkable.  It's good for me.

Update from the move land - watching "This is where you leave me" with Tina Fey, Jason Bateman, etc.  So far, not too bad.  Hope it gets funnier though.

That's it for now.

Beers Down: 79
Beers to go: 922

Sour Beer - Fruity

So, I have had two bottles of sour beers in my fridge for about six months and been a little scared to try them (after having a couple of really rough ones a while back).  I never felt totally in the mood to give them a try.  Well, we were in need of some additional space in the fridge and I wanted a beer tonight, so I pulled out one of them for a try.

Timmerman's Framboise Lambic (Rating = 4.0)
First, some fun notes in the book on this one.  It mentions a "horse-blankety" aroma and distinctive sour taste that might "shock" those who taste it.  So, I was ready for some really sour thing.  But, I was pleasantly surprised.  I have been known to enjoy an occasional fruity beer now and again.  This one was similar to those - very dry and crisp, with a strong raspberry flavor (and bring pinkish hue).  It was described also as an elegant beer with the dryness of a pink champagne.  I can actually see that.  Clearly not from France, but this Belgian beer was a surprise.

The bottle is a large format - and I honestly can't see how someone could drink more than one glass, but I have to say, it was a success.  It claims to be a good apertif or with dessert.  I had it for dessert and it worked.  For those of you (as if anyone is reading this) that actually enjoy the fruit beers, this is worth giving a try.

I hope the next one (maybe tomorrow night?) will be as good as this one.

Beers Down: 76
Beers to go: 925

Brew-ski?

It's Patriots vs. Colts in the AFC Championship tonight.  So, I will take the bad pun from former Patriot linebacker Tedy Bruschi.  After a Sam day, time on the couch with a couple of beers watching the game.  LeGarrette Blount is fighting through the defense.

I was able to set the base with a couple of random shots during the day as the Pitts were at the game and ready to go early.

Tonight we featured a couple of more beers from the list and one extra.  There was a Goose Island Winter Beer that was pretty tasty and then the couple of other ones:

Brooklyn Lager (Rating = 3.5)
As far as your blog-standard (pun intended) lagers go, this wasn't bad.  I feel like I have a slight bias against the Brooklyn beers, maybe just the Boston - New York thing.   But then, it is generally a sports thing and at this point, it really isn't a thing.  A couple of other Brooklyn beers have been on the list and they aren't bad.  I think I might actually like these guys - they make some solid beers.  Again, nothing special on this one, but a nice taste on a standard beer.  If on tap and I'm choosing between this and your usual Bud/Bud Light/Coors Light type of options, I would definitely pick this one.

On a side note, am I the only one that actually liked Hot Tub Time Machine?  I really thought it was a funny movie.  Lots of good 80s references.  Gotta love Craig Robinson.  I see that there will be a sequel, but sans John Cusack.  Is it the same?  I don't think so.  But, it looks funny to me.  I'll give it a shot.  Hearing Craig Robinson sing covers of Lisa Loeb is good enough for me.  Just thinking of Motley Crue's "Home Sweet Home" from the first one just makes me smile.  Damn, I loved that song (and the great tour-style video.  Remember music videos?).

Lagunitas Puls (Rating = 4.0)
Again, another fairly standard beer - Czech style pilsner, but a good one.  It might be because I am a few beers in, but this was tasty.  I've been intrigued by the Lagunitas beers - I see them at the liquor store a bunch.  So, I hope this is a good sign for the ones to follow.

This seems like another one that you could have a bunch of on a good drinking session (aka a normal night).

Go Pats!

Beers Down: 75
Beers to go: 926

DVR and Beer

The fleece pants were on by 7:30.  The mac & cheese was ready and it was time to pop some beers.  Some Parenthood, Archer, Downton Abbey - yes, the crazy life is here.

Here are a few new ones, courtesy of the fine folks at Wegmans.

Skaespeare Stout (Rating = 4.0)
A nice entry from the good people at Rogue.  I had this one for dessert and it was perfect - chocolately, oatmeal stout.  A nice finish and tasty.  I like this one.  The tasting notes say it pairs well with beef and cheese and can be poured over vanilla ice cream.  None of these were available, so I went with the old "pour beer in glass and drink" technique.  Happy with that choice though.

Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier (Rating = 3.0)
This one was weird.  I couldn't really place the taste, but just re-read the entry in this glorious book.  It says "Tastes like ham!".  Umm, maybe that was it, but not really what I was looking for in a beer.  It says it was a weizen somewhere on the label and has way too many names on it.  It wasn't horrible though.  The book also calls it one of the "weakest extreme beers in the world".  It was definitely weird - hard to describe.  I still don't really know what it was.  But it was interesting.

Westmalle Trappist Tripel (Rating = 2.5)
I normally like the beers that are crafted by the the trappist monks, but this one didn't do it for me.  The tripel started way too bitter for my liking.  But, it has some deep flavors afterwards and you can really taste the booze (9.5% alcohol).  This one has been made since 1934.  I didn't get the stated flavors of golden beer with orange shine (I guess that is the look).  It was quite hoppy, but not fruity.  Pass.

Beers Down: 73
Beers to go: 928

Stupid Cold

So, I was on a great start to the year - knocking off beers on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.  Then...BOOOM...a cold.  Thank you Mr. Sam for passing off all of your day care germs.  I've been struggling with it for over a week - tough to taste beers while you are swigging Nyquil.  So, I took a few days off to actually sleep and attempt to rid myself of the phlegm. It took a while.  So, I cracked a tall boy tonight after another good visit to Wegman's and their expansive beer collection.  All credit to Sam, he needed an afternoon activity, so I took him there and loaded up on some beers.

Here's what we got:

Reissdorf Kolsch (Rating = 4.0)
In the book, this is categorized as a blond.  It was really nice - an easy to drink, tasty one.  I'd do this one again.  Not too much to say about it really.  Those Germans can really make good beer.

Beers Down: 70
Beers to go: 931

It's Not Terrible

Three nights in a row - I'm on roll.  One of resolutions is holding up fairly well so far.  We will see if I can keep it up and keep knocking off the beers.

Tonight was just hanging out watching some football, dining on some chili while it snowed outside.  Sam was asleep, Kris came by and I cracked two more new beers.

On tap tonight:

Terrible from Unibroue (Rating = 4.0)
This is another entry from our friendly brewers up north - the Canadian Unibroue.  I've enjoyed a couple of selections from these guys so far.  I learned that this brewery was acquired multiple times and is now owned by the Japanese Sopporo.  Weird.  This one was surprising, dark and chocolately, but with some fruity taste to it.  It definitely was on the strong side (10.5% alcohol).  And in the write up, it referenced some old school rap (not bad meaning bad, but bad meaning good, from Run DMC's It's Tricky)).  I think the idea in that write up - it is not terrible.  Nice selection.

Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA (Rating = 3.0)
There are a few entries from Sierra Nevada in the book.  Most are fairly hoppy and this one is consistent with that theme.  It is a little too much for my taste, but it did have some good qualities and flavors.  The tasting notes talk about grass and hay, but I just get hops and some bitterness.  Not totally my jam, but not all bad either.

Beers down: 69

Beers to go: 932

3 More in 2015

Two days in and I'm keeping up with the resolution pretty well.  I knocked off three more beers tonight while watching a Nick Offerman comedy special.  He is Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation - a great character on TV.  Apparently, he tours and does comedy and music.  Unfortunately, I wasn't that impressed.  He had a few moments, but generally wasn't that great.  But I did get to enjoy the company of my wife.  Granted she was sneezing and sniffling the whole time.  but, I did get 3 more beers off the list.

Here we go:

Schneider Weisse (Rating = 3.5)
A genuine Germany hefeweisen.  But it had some strange banana hints to it.  It wasn't too bad, but I don't think I'm looking for bananas in my beers.

Tripel Karmeliet (Rating = 4.0)
Another Belgium brew (many have been pretty good so far).  This one had some nice oaty flavor with a little smoked taste to it.  It was heavier than I expected (a nice surprise).  Apparently it contains three different types of grains (barley, wheat, oats).  This was a good one, I'd give it another couple of pops.

Celebration Ale (Rating = 4.0)
A winter IPA from Sierra Nevada.  I generally like their stuff - this was a nice one too.  I definitely get some cinnamon and some hops in this one.  A nice warm beer - I like it.

Beers down: 67

Beers to go: 934

Happy New Year - We're Back

It's been a while since I posted.  I did actually do a bit of cross checking and found that I have actually finished 62 beers up till today.

So, the new year is here and what better way than to get started than trying a new couple of beers.  One of my resolutions this year is to get back on the beer horse.  I will do better - more beer drinking!  I've got seven more (after these two) - so that should keep me going (at least through this weekend).

Thanks to my sister-in-law for these two beers.

Unibroue's Blanche de Chamblay (Rating = 4.5)
Reading the short description of this one in the book was interesting.  Apparently, the re-introduction of the Belgian whites in North America started with the guy from Hoegaarden, when he migrated to the US.  On his way to settle in Texas, he stopped in Canada and helped with this beer.  

This has definitely been one of my recent favorites - a great white beer with some good citrus taste but with some kick and body to it also.  I would definitely recommend this one.

Brooklyn's Black Chocolate Stout (Rating = 4.0)
I enjoyed this one with a light dessert and it was perfect.  I'd have to say this is one of the best stouts that I've had in a while.  I've tried many chocolate stouts and they always seem to get the balance off.  This one was perfect - the really interesting part is that this actually has no chocolate in it.  The flavor is born out of mix of mashes and hops.  Apparently it is a Russian style Imperial Stout and it was really tasty.  Highly recommended.  Plus, a nice kick - 10% alcohol.  

Two winners today.

Beers down: 64

Beers to go: 937