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La Fin Du Monde - O.K. Polish beer

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:48:28 GMT

To say that any brewery is "great" is an undefensible claim. It is all a matter of personal opinion as greatness is purely relative. I could never be so bold as to say any one of them is great. But, I will say that Unibroue is the best...in my most very humble opinion. :)

Good beer to drink with Pho?

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:38:34 GMT

While I hate Heineken, I would expect it to work well with pho, especially if you throw in lots of chili sauce. With most Asian foods I'm looking more for compatability, so I go for the palatte stripping pilsners or light lagers.

Maxim Magazine's Beer List (it's bad)

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:04:54 GMT

Well, the inclusion of Chimay, Dupont, Duvel, and Brooklyn seems to say that "interesting" beers really DO get around. However, I actually find Rogue and Stone along with Pete's and Magic Hat in more places - stores as well as bars - than I find any of the four above but that's a separate issue. I agree with kenito799 that this group reads like the list of basic beers you get to choose from to stock your shelves when you first open a liquor mart or boozery. It's wide-reaching, generally appealing, and mundane overall. Yet, the market allows for niche tastes, i.e. the stuff we all seem to drink and are lamenting that aren't included herein, to poke through once in a while. That's how the market works. I like Leinenkugels otherwise I wouldn't have mentioned it. I'm surprised because I personally don't find it very often, and I see it much, much, much less so than Blue Moon which is becoming ubiquitous even at old man dives that only have Pabst, Miller, and Bud on tap. Guinness is very widely distributed, well regarded, and drunk by amateur and snob alike. I stand by my statement that I'm surprised its not on this list, "uninteresting" or not, whatever that means. Now, if you want a really debateable list, check out the readers' list that was recently published in Beer Advocate Magazine which you can find a PDF of on Stone's website.

Do You Give Brewpubs a Pass On Their Food?

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:57:33 GMT

Oh god yes, if they have real beer they get an instant pass from me! But then, as a Parisian who spent a few years in Germany, I'm used to good food in brasseries, but beer ... I have frustrated dreams filled with the memories of the Erdinger Biergarten. (La vie ... good thing I'm more a wino than a ... what do you beer folks call yourselves in English? Biertrinker/innen ?)

Helles

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:41:06 GMT

I am so glad my post is becoming so lively... I am not a beer expert though I know what has the best taste for me - and that is Helles. Though I stated originially that I live in Kentucky (which I do), I must also note that I am in the heart of Appalachia - and it's difficult to find beer other than Budweiser and Miller. I usually drive to Lexington and gather many cases of Paulaner and St. Pauli but there is still something missing from that German Helles taste. Anyone know whether beer can be ordered from overseas breweries? Sincerely, AHS.

How much of a beer snob have you become?

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:04:37 GMT

Pardon granted! :) I just thought it fit well in a thread about snobbery :)

Inherited a Heineken magnum...is it too old?

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:32:02 GMT

I figured I'd update you guys. The beer tasted great, and was a big hit at the New Year's Eve party. I've never had a beer this old, and was surprised that such a low abv beer held up over the years. Must be the hops. I have a feeling that a macro lager wouldn't hold up so well after nearly 7 years.

Beer with pizza

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:52:42 GMT

I have to second Yeungling! It's nice and smooth. Perfect pizza beer for someone who doesn't drink it often. Other options that come to mind are Stella Artois, Shinerboch, Lefthand Sawtooth Lager (if you can get it in your area), New Castle..... Enjoy!

Princeton & NE Vineyard & Brewery Recommendations

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:05:44 GMT

(duplicate post from Wine: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/585200) I'm tempted to consume exclusively local products--in addition to what's currently in my pantry--for at least a trial period. Central NJ is an ideal location for this experiment (although SF was better from a wine perspective). Triumph is down the street, but their beers may be hit or miss. Laird's applejack is something we should also try. The Hopewell Valley Cabernet we had at Teresa's last week was good, and I may head to the vineyard soon to try their other selections. http://www.hopewellvalleyvineyards.co... It would probably be cheating to return to the Brotherhood winery to pick up port, but if it's en route to VT, I think that would be considered acceptable. I've also seen roadside references to the wine trail between NJ, NY & CT. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated! (NE is for North East, as I know that NJ & NY are not part of New England) Clarification: If at all possible, I'd like to limit the vineyards & breweries to those which can be visited easily during a a day-trip (~100 miles). Recommendations within 30 minutes of the highways when heading north toward central VT (sometimes via New Haven, usually via Albany), or south to Charleston (via either DC or Rehoboth/Virginia Beach/Chincoteague), would also be appreciated. Thanks!

Beer and Chocolate

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:43:40 GMT

orgasmic...can I say that???

surly beer brooklyn center minnesota

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 20:40:05 GMT

NNNNNOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! gosh, i sound downright pathetic--- aaah well, maybe they'll consider another batch at some point. crap. if i'd only known, i'd have stocked up. :(

What seasonals are you drinking this winter?

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 23:38:02 GMT

I always anticipate Sam Adams Winter Lager. Another good one is Harveys Christmas Ale. Both of those on draft rather than bottles. Tommyknocker Butt Head is also good. A personal favorite is Snake River Vienna Style Lager - my stepdaughter imports a 12-pak of this for me every year. We live in Indiana. She is great!

Desperately seeking kuronama (Japanese black beer)

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:40:14 GMT

Thanks for the suggestion, BeerWeezil. I called Dan today, but unfortunately he doesn't carry it nor is it orderable in NJ....

Pairing recommendations?

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 03:00:34 GMT

Here are some ideas in the styles I suggested: Belgian Pale - Val Dieu Blond Belgian IPA (which could carry through both the hummus and the entree) - Houblon Chouffe Dobbelen IPA Tripel American IPA - IPAs from Avery, Stone or Smuttynose would do the trick; the Sierra Nevada Celebration is also nice this time of year Russian Imperial Stout - One of the big stouts from Southern Tier - Chocolat, Creme Brulee or Jahva

reds beer

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 22:39:31 GMT

how 'bout this? (sounds awful, IMHO) http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/redds-premium-cold-40russian41/88509/ not much info here but does give name of brewer (SAB MIller subsid) more here http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/5434/13828 also something similar in Poland: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/redds-red/40230/7180/ and Tanzania, and Colombia, and South Africa none of these appear to be imported to USA

Spicy

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 17:28:07 GMT

If it's not too late, another option would be to serve micheladas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelada

Recommend me... Northwestern Beers

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 11:16:43 GMT

Thanks guys. This has helped a lot. XD

Singha

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:46:25 GMT

I did a short write up on my Blog of Singha. I have read that originally Singha had a 6% abv content but it was changed in 2007 to %5 abv (Why you ask? I haven't the foggiest). I sampled from the 5% abv bottling and like you said it is an enjoyable thirst quenching beer on a hot day. http://keepyourspiritsup-faune.blogspot.com/2008/12/singha-lager-beer-from-thailand.html

delicious oatmeal stout . . .

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:37:44 GMT

Had a 6er of Ipswich Oatmeal Stout this weekend. Fantastic stuff. highly recommend.

Best Fruit Flavored Semi Dark Beer?

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:02:23 GMT

I like Dogfish's Black & Blue.

American Ale? Try or Pass?

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 07:26:14 GMT

I remember complaining about an odd note to the aftertaste, probably what you're referring to as the "weird finish" here. That was the main reason why I don't just say "hey, I like this stuff" as it got annoying after a while (Let's just say that I made sure to have several, just in case my first few were spoiled or something :) )

Nørrebro Bryghus beers in RI area?

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:47:33 GMT

Didn't make it to Yankee, but they did have them at Nikki's in North Providence. Great store that, nice selection.

Microbrews in Cans

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 15:24:01 GMT

Just got back from a short Maui trip, was fortunate to attend a wedding rehearsal dinner where Maui Brewing beers were generously provided. Having been on an Oskar Blues kick lately, I was very happy to see the cans. I thought their Big Swell IPA was quite good.

Kinsale beer

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 15:22:03 GMT

Went to Claddaugh's on Friday and they no longer serve Kinsale (at least not the ones in Cincy). Must I go to EVERY Irish pub to continue my search?! Yes, I must.

Real UK-style Cask Ale - South of 49th Parallel - West of Atlantic Ocean?

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 13:39:25 GMT

I did get to Bull & Bush but their cask was not good. With cheap XAtlantic fares the solution appears to be the one you have settled on. I was thinking of going to the Chlsea cask festival but something got in the way that stopped me. Great Waters is a place I never went to when Sherlock's was in biz for what would have been the point (and actually may not have been open until just after their demise). It certainly sounds one of the best possibilities. I've often thought that the cask-ale clientele of Sherlock's had to find a new place to find it in the metroplex or go insane. I have not been back to MSP since the loss of Sherlock's. A long time so it's probably time to think about a revisit. In spite of the implausibility of Minnesota-as-cask-ale-mecca in the US . . . somehow I think Sherlock's legacy lives on in that regard and it is.

Sam Adams Chocolate Bock

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 16:37:48 GMT

Plus wasn't that Alström Bros article, dating from 2003, written at the time of the first EBF? They way I see it, the cost of the SACB is probably in line with other beers of similar ABV, bottle size and unusual ingredients and fermenting techniques. It's just that with the BBC product, you're forced to also pay for the "cool" bottle with the "pewter" label (10 bucks or so?). Sure, sounds like a lot- cheap compared to the bottle which contains Utopias.

My Beer Haul- An unabashed, unfrugal, shameless middle finger salute to the current global economy

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:00:06 GMT

Nice Haul! I gotta say the Avatar from Elysian is a tasty beer, one of the good go-to beers from their brewery to be sure.

2 exceptionally unique beers

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:42:38 GMT

err, how do you go about making a lager beer with top fermenting yeast? lagers use bottom fermenting yeast, by definition. if you mean that it could be fermented at lager temps, that's a possibility - and even going to the lower ends of an ale yeast's spectrum will help pick up some of the aspects of a lager (e.g. altbier). Nothing that I've seen about Ringwood suggests that it can be used down at true lager temps though. Who knows, perhaps they were referring to the diacetyl issues, for which Ringwood is notorious?

Schlitz goes back to 1960s formula

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 23:23:50 GMT

im actually surprised nooone has done this. maybe all that machiery is just gone, but it would be cool.

Trader Joes Hofbrau

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 23:20:46 GMT

And may I second that comment, the Vintage Ale being an event of note! The 2008 release is super - such a wonderful blend of flavors! Complex yet every note clear as a bell. I was blown away by the bottle I had a couple days ago. What makes me a believer is how FRESH it tastes. I am no beer or ale expert, but I can only say my palate loves a beer that's been brewed especially for the season, and hasn't been sitting around! Cheers!!!

Yebisu-Japan's Finest IMO

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:26:57 GMT

There is a casual/fine dining Japanese restaurant called Origami Sushi that carries Sapporo, Asahi, Kirin and Hitachino. It is an authentic Japanese family owned establishment that has both sushi and traditional Japanese cuisine. There is one in Minneapolis MN, Minnetonka MN and another opening soon in Edina MN. Below are links to their site. I highly recommend checking them out.

It's not technically beer but...

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 02:32:17 GMT

I agree that Strongbow has no equal. It reminds me of my days studying/living in London..Ah! I am trying to find some good places near me to buy it by the case now. I haven't done that in ages!

beer of the month

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 23:57:06 GMT

Thanks for the recommendation. Can you give some examples of some of the beers you've received from them? Thanks!

Brahma, cristal, cusquena...

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 17:15:02 GMT

I miss Peruvian beer! Anyone know where I could find them in Massachusetts?

Best Microbrew in the North East

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:15:56 GMT

I do like Dogfish, but I LOVE Flying Dog Ales. Their Gonzo Porter is amazing! Their Snake Dog IPA is also really tasty! If you go to their new location in Frederick, MD on Saturdays you pay only $5 for a tour, pint glass to keep, and unlimited refills! Its great!

Bottled vs Draft Beer, why do I have a hangover?

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:43:22 GMT

Very interesting...I actually got my info from the Dogfish Head Brewery tour, where they told us they put "malt beverage" on several of their labels so that they could sell in Texas and then gave us the explanation I repeated above...but I guess they hadn't done the proper calculations!

Beer question

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:41:39 GMT

Sam Smith beers are truly great. I was thinking the Dogfishead Nut Brown as soon I read the post. If you take a look around your local beer distributor you will probably find a dozen nut browns or brown ales. I recommend Troeg's Hopback Amber ale. Turbodog is awesome You think about getting your friend a Sampler pack so he could enjoy several varieties. Abita makes a great party pack, 4 bottles of 6 kinds. Bell's makes a sampler with a Brown Ale, Kalamazoo Stout, Porter, and Pale Ale. All are really good. speaking of Taddy Porter. It is great. What kinds of porters do you all drink? I usually get Anchor Porter, Sierra Nevada porter, and if I'm slumming a bit, Stegmaier Porter. I love porters. Oh and Yuengling Porter isn't terrible either. I feel like Smuttynose put one in a sampler pack too I had over the summer.

How Cold Till Heineken Left In The Garage Freezes??

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 22:19:08 GMT

Thanks. I think in the case I was thinking of, we actually put the beer out on a deck because it was a cold day-- so it could well have skunked because of sunlight, not cold.

Oliver's IPA

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:54:56 GMT

I had it at Bertha's Mussels about 2 weeks ago. Thanks for the reply!!

Polish Beer?

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:08:22 GMT

I could see that for the porters, but not so much for the lagers.

Help me break free from Pilsner Urquell

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:27:20 GMT

Victory is my favorite, but I also love the spiciness of Pikeland Pils by Sly Fox. I just seems to drink well out of a can as well.

How long does beer last?

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 00:47:05 GMT

Hey chowpatty. The Orval and Ommegang are what is known as bottle conditioned; that is, there's still potentially-active yeast in the bottle. Depending upon the condition the bottles were stored in, they could actually be in pretty good shape, because the yeast counteracts any potential infection, and helps ward off the ``bad'' kind of aging. Think of them as wines; bottle-conditioned beers evolve over time. Often, it's for the better, at least for a while. The Ommegang should be lovely. The Orval might be an aquired taste. It already has a tart edge when fresh. After five years, any residual sugars left in it will have been fermented right out, and it will be bone dry. It could be quite interesting. The lambic could be hit or miss, though it probably won't be as good as the other two. All the things I've said, however, are contingent upon the beers being stored well. Too hot, and the yeast could have died. Too cool, and it would have gone dormant. Let us know how it all turns out!

Learn Me About Sake

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 08:46:26 GMT

Que onda Compadre ! I find you in all the interesting places of the chow ! I love Sake I can't say I'm very knowledgeble about it but I know that Hakaisan is one of my favorites , I'm triyng to remember the name of a bottle offered to me by Chef Ota at Sushi Ota in San Diego that was like angels pissing in my tongue ! I wil post it . Sake and ceviche works wonders , oysters and habanero..

Where to find Fruli/Frubee Strawberry Belgium Beer in NYC

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 15:45:48 GMT

Thanks for the recommendation on New Beer! I was able to sucessfully purchase a couple of bottles of Fruili and will be back to get more. Although, I think Fruili on tap is a bit better, it's still nice to get the taste of it again. To dkb: Thanks for the tip on Burp Castle. I will definitely check it out too for Fruili on tap!

Looking for commentary/ recs of Mid-western U.S. craft beers

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 02:53:21 GMT

If you see any Great Lakes Brewing or Lift Bridge varieties, both from northern Ohio, I'd say they're probably a good bet, particularly the winter seasonals.

Trader Joe's Vintage Ale 2008

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:35:51 GMT

is available and once again brewed by Unibroue. This is an excellent Belgian style dubbel and a great bargain at $4.99 for a 750 ml bottle.

JW DUNDEE REVAMPED CRAFT PACK

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:51:38 GMT

I've been trying Dundee's sampler pack and really like a few of them. And at around $10 a 12 pack, it's a bargain. The Pale Ale has a nice hoppiness without going overboard, their Pale Bock has a rich maltiness without being too sweet. Even their IPA I like and I really don't like IPAs at all; a good balanced hoppiness. But I really like their Festive Ale. So far I've tried the Sam Adams, the Sierra Nevada, the Harpoon, and the Clipper City seasonals, and the Dundee Festive is probably my favorite; a nice balance of flavors, mild spiciness, slightly sweet. Some of the seasonals taste like fruitcake to me; too vanilly, too cinamonny, with a sort of clove aftertaste. I just wish I could get the Pale Ale alone, because it's really tasty.

Why is good sake so hard to find?

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:44:51 GMT

How about Sakaya NYC? They recently started online shop. http://www.sakayanyc.com/shop_all.php

Home beer brewing recs

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:18:46 GMT

I think so, yes. I used it as a template for my first batch, only with different yeast hops, and malt types. It turned out well. Probably the biggest no-no he makes is boiling the spent malted barely for an hour. Although, I didn't notice any off flavors from this when I did it.

What's Your Favorite Domestic Beer and Why?

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 21:59:42 GMT

I suppose what is considered 'domestic' depends upon where you live. So for me, my favorite domestic beer is Coup De Grisou by Brasseurs R.J. out of Montreal. It's a buckwheat beer made sort of like Belgian wheat beer. Perfect for summer. Here is the review from that other site: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/1535/13003 Aaron