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

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.