What are you drinking right now?

[gurmanda]

yesterday: Double Bag (ale, vermont)
today: Flying Dog classic pale ale (denver)

[Pata_Negra]

it's a cold night... drinking Schneider Aventinus Weizen-Eisbock (brought back myself from Weisses Bräuhaus in München).

[Bobfrmia]

A lovely young lady I work with brought me a sixer of Modus Hoperandi from Beertopia in Omaha today. I'm very much enjoying one right now.

[pbeutt]

finishing off the sam adams lager from the weekend

[Henry Spencer]

Racer 5. I've also got cans of Dale's and Mama's Little Yellow Pils in the fridge.

[writergeek313]

As much as I love Racer 5, I found it was a palate killer when I was out a few weekends ago. None of the beers I had the rest of that night could beat it.

So far tonight I've had Southern Tier Hoppe--a little too light on hops for my palate, but still excellent--and a River Horse Hop Hazard, which is a strange pale ale with a toasty, almost bread-like flavor.

[Pata_Negra]

drinking 'paper' right now. i thought it would have probably gone flat by now but it hasn't. this is 'paper': http://www.flickr.com/photos/tenhosau...

zum wohl!

[Asumnuthin]

I was so super lucky to find a pub in Rome MA CHE SIETE VENUTI A FA' I was able to try a Cantillon St. Lamvinus on draft and a Eylenbosch Gueuze 1984. All I can say is wow, the sour and funky quality of both these beers was something I so enjoyed. I have a new favorite beer destination, although a bit of a trek from Brooklyn.

[Gurrdy]

Tap Room No.21 Lager. I love a good Lager and this is one I've just recently discovered.

[jbg7]

Fire Rock Pale Ale - Kona Brewing
I was surprised by this beer - it's a good poolside Pale Ale. Crisp.
http://www.konabrewingco.com/beers/fi...

[burntwater]

Tonight I had Sculpin and Pliny the Elder on tap.

I've been lucky to have them both on tap numerous of times and Sculpin on cask as well.

It jumps back and forth depending on freshness / batches but tonight the Pliny was better.

[Solstice444]

I recently had the Kona Pale Ale on tap and enjoyed it. I've also recently enjoyed Kona's Wailua Wheat, which is flavored with passion fruit.

[Chippewa29]

Enjoyed the Wailua when we were in the Islands for 2 weeks last month. I brought home a 6 of Maui Coconut Porter, which we really enjoyed while we were there. Had a Troegs Flying Mouflan that I've had in the basement over the summer.

[Solstice444]

Maui Coconut Porter, that sounds amazing!

[elgringoviejo]

Saranac Oktoberfest (marzen)

[micreynolds]

Allagash Hugh Malone Ale

[Jim Dorsch]

Ah, the beer with a pun as a name.

[Bobfrmia]

Surly Furious. Thanks to Charisa for bringing it down during fair time!

[juantanamera]

Green Flash Double Stout, a nicely done beer that's often overlooked because it doesn't push the envelope the way other local imperial stouts do.

[justin.r.h.]

Just found Southern Tier PumpKing ale at Wholefoods...A little early in the season but it's easily my fav. pumpkin beer. Been sitting on a Cuvee 1 and Weyerbacher 14th for a while now so those may need be laid to rest this weekend. Anything is better than the Ithica Apricot Wheat I had last night, damnit.

[soultender]

Victory Golden Monkey... delightful!

[burntwater]

Surly Bird !

[Solstice444]

I have to stand up for Ithaca Apricot Wheat...I know some people don't like it but I enjoy it. Hopefully you didn't have it on tap, b/c it's better on tap than in the bottle! I like Southern Tier's beers so I'll have to try their PumpKing.

[Asumnuthin]

In my fridge now
DogfishHead Festiva Peache
Jolly Pumpkin Weizen Bam in a growler
Chapeau Banana Lambic

[fmcoxe6188]

Just found this thread...I have to say -I just started drinking Long Trail Pollenator this weekend-their anniversary edition I believe- amazing stuff.

[shellshock24]

Going to crack open a Alesmith Horny Little Devil soon

[Pata_Negra]

shoyu. well, almost. actually, it's Struise Cuvée Delphine.

[Wolfgang]

Semi newbie here. I had my first Pliny the Elder--from a bottle into a red plastic keg cup at a birthday picnic. I loved it.
I have a Blind Pig (first time as well) waiting for me in the refrigerator at home.

[bigfellow]

I 'm a Murphy's Stout drinker. But I'm going with my backup today, Steinlager.

[Otterby]

Lately: Dogfish Head Palo Santo Marron and Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald
Right now: Flying Dog Old Scratch
Saving till the mood hits 'cause I can't get it here: New Belgium Fat Tire

[berbadeerface]

I'm drinking some Golden Monkey right now, by Victory. Good, potent stuff!

[Kinnexa]

Tremont Independence Day Summer Ale. It's a Shipyard product, and say what you will, it's a decent brew for a decent price. Tremont IPA isn't bad either.

[Bobfrmia]

Tonight will be 3 beers. I will start with a Two Hearted Ale, followed by a Big Sky IPA, and finish with a Surly Furious. It is a rare occasion that all 3 of these grace my fridge. Only the Big Sky is available here. I have some wonderful friends.

[writergeek313]

I think Surly Furious is just about the best beer I've ever had. A friend from Minneapolis brought me some, and I tried to make it last as long as I could, since I know we won't be getting any in the northeast anytime soon.

Now drinking: Yuengling Lager (nothing too fancy). Last night I had a Flying Dog Snake Dog IPA and a Stone IPA.

[Kenji]

Troeg's luscious Hop Back Amber. I also love their Tregenator doppelbock; it could be my favorite domestic doppel. The 8.2% ABV is utterly hidden on the palate.

[Mr Siegal]

Lagunitas Maximus IPA

[ohdaylay]

Noting too fancy. Long Hammer India Pale Ale. Had Fischer the other day. Nice and smooth.

[DapperDave]

Yesterday: Guiness 250, and tonight I think I'll crack a Kentucky Breakfast Stout...I scored a case!

[nielsenj]

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. Very hard to find in Europe!

[Kinnexa]

Tried a new local this weekend: Sebago Brewing (Maine) Frye's Leap IPA. The first one I popped had an odd taste...sort of sour-milky, maybe? The second one, with pizza, was better. Perhaps I got a bad bottle. I'll be "researching" the rest of the 12-pack this week.

I'd say this one's worth a try if you like hops. A word of caution: the 12-pack box is very pretty but extremely flimsy, like a cereal box. The bottom nearly gave out in the supermarket parking lot.

[umisquirrel]

Does anyone know where to find Double Bag in NYC? It's my favorite, but I've been unable to find it since moving to NYC.
Thanks!

[moto]

St. Amand, "French Country Ale" from Brassierie Castelain, Benifontaine FR. Laid it in my basement for a couple of years--it's a 'biere de garde'. In the meanwhile, I've found that I don't enjoy a touch of brett in ales, and had some doubts about it since 'country-style' ales often have it deliberately introduced. If there's any in this, can't taste it. Medium body and color, crisp and balanced. cheers

[shellshock24]

This weekend:

RRBC - Temptation
Stone - Russian imperial stout
RRBC/Avery - Collaboration not Litigation
Maredsous 10

[Solstice444]

Wild Blue, a blueberry ale from Blue Dawg Brewing which is apparently made by Anheuser Busch. A friend picked it up last night on a whim, we had never heard of it before, and we thought it was pretty good. Had 8% alcohol and tasted a bit like a lambic.

[Silverjay]

I made the mistake of picking up a bottle of this dreck after seeing an "elbow patches on the sport coat" type buying it at my local shop. That's the last time I'll generalize about what a beerhound looks like!...Yes, kind of lambic, but fancies itself a lager. I couldn't help but think it was made from the runt, undersized, under ripe berries that fall through the cracks. It's not for everyone.

[brentk]

Saint Somewhere Lecto Divina. One of the best American attempts at a Belgian Strong Pale Ale I have encountered. And where is it brewed, you might ask? Tarpon Springs, Florida, of all places.

[JoeyBeerBelly]

Southern Tier Backburner Barleywine...

very smooth and delicious.

[kenito799]

Corsendonk Abbey Pale (tripel) Wow it is nicely dry and drinkable...one of my favorite tripels, who knew?

[pininex]

Split a growler of Blind Pig with my cousin and watched as my UCLA/UNC bets lost. Consoled over a sixer of Green Flash West Coast IPA. Two great beers.The second pouring of the Pig was better out of the growler than the first...unsure why.

[pininex]

Cracked open bottles of Damnation, Salvation, and Hop 15 for Easter dinner with the fam...quite nice. Now ending with a 12 oz. bottle of Hair of the Dog Rose which is so-so.

[shellshock24]

Was in DC this past weekend, so I went on an east coast craft beer bender:

1) DFH - Black and Blue
2) DFH - Midas Touch
3) Victory Brewing - Baltic Thunder
3) Bell's - Hopslam

Loved the Baltic Thunder, awesome porter

[LRS]

Hennepin -Farmhouse Saison- (Brewery Ommegang)

[Dan G]

Last night, in order, a sampling from my refrigerator:

Butte Creek Organic Pilsner
Sherbrooke Liquor (Alley Kat) Chocolate Cherry Ostiarius (local porter, specially brewed for the store)
Duchesse de Bourgogne Flemish red ale
Delerium Tremens Strong Pale Ale

[yankeefan]

For me, it was Troegs Scratch 11 from the growler and polishing the end of my Nugget Nectar stash.

I am eager to get my hands on some of the HOTD Rose as well as pretty much anything HOTD>

[433]

Berkshire IPA

[yankeefan]

Wanted to get this fine thread started again.

Early Friday start- Dales Pale Ale and DFH Aprihop

[LRS]

Bell's Two Hearted Ale

[shellshock24]

RRBC Redemption

[soultender]

Just returned from Honduras where you just can't go wrong with Salva Vida or Imperial. Wish I could find them in the States.

[kenito799]

I was just in Guatemala--Gallo is nice...
And Mexico--love Superior.

[AndyP]

From Portland, drinking as I write, my favorite beer up to this point , Hair of the Dog Brewery's "Fred".

[yankeefan]

I have just enjoyed Fred from a trade that I worked out from the West Coast, flat out awesome. I have been doing what I can to get some more Hair of the Dog out here, I hope their others are just as good.

Ive been on a barleywine kick lately, been really enjoying Old Foghorn and SN Bigfoot.

Other than that, living off the Nugget Nectar. delicious.

[shellshock24]

Had Fred as well at Monk's Kettle in SF. Really liked it, a pretty unique tasting barleywine as well

[CDouglas]

Completely mellow with some Dogfish 90 Minutes currently.

[shellshock24]

Just got back from the Strong Beer Month Festival at Magnolia Pub in SF. Had the following:

1) Delliah Jones Rye - very hoppy, but delicious ale
2) Promised Land IPA - cask conditioned
3) Old Thunderpussy barleywine

-----
Magnolia Pub & Brewery
1398 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117

[yankeefan]

Last night was a night of Weyerbacher Merry Monks. This afternoon has begun with Bells Two Hearted and am looking ahead to some Three Philosphers.

[lpfaf]

Currently drinking the Deschutes Brewery Black Butte Porter. A little sweet for my taste, but how can you complain about getting a 12 of this on super-cheap-ass sale at a minimart? For what I paid, it's the best. beer. ever. About a buck cheaper for the 12 than what I paid on sale last week for plain ol' Sierra Nevada. Thank you, Oregon Liquor Control Commission! (May the record reflect that the Black Butte Porter is a really good porter, just a little bit sweet.)

[Chinon00]

Bellhaven Scottish Ale - Have always enjoyed this on draft. Bought a six-pack last week. Grabbed one out of the frig and I couldn't taste much. I let it sit in the glass for about 15 minutes and then drank it. More of the flavors that I remember came out. I then left one on the dining room table overnight (room temperature around 63F) and drank the next late morning. It was fantastic. Unlike hops, which I think still can be rather apparent at cold temperatures, malt driven ales like Bellhaven need much less of a chill to be appreciated imho. I love this stuff

[Little T.]

Bell's "Hopslam" . . . . And it is delicious!

[wildfire]

I love flying dog! However, lately I've been on a massive Arrogant Bastard Ale kick.

[yankeefan]

My last 2 years have been an arrogant bastard kick, what great stuff.

[adventuresinbaking]

Sunday I had cask-conditioned Dragon Slayer Porter. Very good! I also had Never Summer from Denver, that was pretty good.

[Josh]

Victory Old Horizontal barleywine, really amazing.

[shellshock24]

Had quite the craft beer experience this past weekend. Drank the following:

1) DFH - Black and blue
2) DFH - Chateau Jiahu
3) Russian River - Salvation
4) Lost Abbey - Avant Garde
5) Smuttynose - Barleywine Style Ale

Loved them all. My favorites were the 2 DFH. Probably because I can't get them in CA, I savor them more.

[yankeefan]

Old Horizontal Ive been looking forward, have one laid down but hell with that, going to pick up some to have now. I have some Hopslam coming my way via a midwest beer trade- heard great things.

nice list shellshock! Im a dfh junkie, please tell me youve had the worldwide- otherwise Im going to send you some. I take it for granted having them available here. but you get alesmith so its all fair.

[shellshock24]

hey yankeefan - I have had WWS. Probably my favorite stout of all time. Second would likely be Old Rasputin.

Im still trying to get my hands on some Weyerbacher Double Simcoe IPA out here in CA. If any hounds have an "in" please let me know!

[yankeefan]

stoked to hear you are on the wws bus.. I cant wait to try the ones that are aging, what a great beer. I actually wasnt a big fan of rasputin but based on what you say, I will give another try.

Double Simcoe is great, literally just bought 12 of them last night along with 12 of the merry monks. you should look into trading especially with what you have access to out there.

tonight will be double simcoe and Old Chub.

[shellshock24]

Old Rasputin is a little more "drinkable" for me. With a bottle of WWS, I am done for the evening. Forget getting any work done afterwards!

I just began to build my trading list on Beer Advocate. I should become more active.

[lpfaf]

Okay, it's not what I'm drinking *right* now. This second I'm drinking a Sierra Nevada pale ale because it was on sale at the minimart (and a damn good beer). But earlier this evening, and if you can belive this, at a frickin' bowling alley in the frickin' suburbs, I discovered the Widmer '08 Brewmaster's Reserve, which this year, instead of being a variation on an IPA theme, is called a Crimson Wheat. It's like the best qualities of a red/amber combined with the best qualities of a wheat. A deep maroon color (in the pitcher, more of a reddish-caramel in a pint-glass), great hoppy scent, but mild to drink, and not as vegetably (to my palate, the combo of too much light-malt with a strong hop) as I find most red/amber ales. This is the sort of beer I could happily drink with the snobbiest of beer snobs (okay, that's me drinking with me...) and with a coors-light drinker who always wondered if beer could have some sort of flavor to it. Inoffensive yet still pretty damn good. It's probably got wider appeal than the '06 (which became the Broken Halo, one of my favorite hoppy IPAs at the grocery store) or the '07 (I don't know who drank this, but it was supposedly an IPA-style but with odd salty, sour, and funky notes that tasted to me like beer made with laundry water).

In a bottle, to take home with me, I'd probably rather have something floral-hoppy or chocolate-malty. But if I'm buying a pitcher for my bowling team, I'd pick this over Fat Tire any day. Yum.

YF, are you the same YF that posts at some marginally baseball-related web-board that is...well...unrelated (at best) to your primary baseball team? Where I've got a nickname that's short for 'twinkie fan' rather than...well, it's got another meaning I was unaware of? If so, hi!

[yankeefan]

Not the same yankeefan, but hello anyway.

While Im at it, currently enjoying a beer that didnt quite live up to what I was hoping for- Flying Fish Imperial Espresso Porter.

[yankeefan]

On this football-less sunday,

Three Philosopers
Oskar Blues Old Chub
Weyerbacher Merry monks.

[Kinnexa]

Old Thumper (the one by Shipyard, made in Maine). It's great with chowder.
For dessert, maybe a Double Bag. But only one.

[LRS]

Anchor Christmas Ale 2007

[imhungryletseat]

deep in thought with three philosophers

[Captain]

Köstritzer on tap.

[LRS]

Roxy Rolles (from Magic Hat)

[Captain]

Last night: Old Crustacean Barley Wine; & Southern Tier IPA.

[yankeefan]

had a wonderful weekend of Hair of the Dog beers while enjoying several sessions of Weyerbacher Merry Monks and Victory Hop wallop.

[yankeefan]

So far to start the afternoon, a Goose Island harvest and a dogfish chicory stout. good start to the day.

[yankeefan]

This weekend, enjoyed Hair of the Dog Fred which was flat out awesome..

Also discovered Dale's from Oskar Blues. I was a bit of a snob with the canned offerings but I was so wrong. What a great Ale and the Old Chub is much the same in quality.

[brentk]

If you think those are good, try Gordon or Ten Fidy.

[yankeefan]

Just picked up some Gordon during lunch today, looking forward to trying it out tonight. glad to hear.

[shellshock24]

Had Lagunitas Capuccino stout on Saturday. Not bad, probably not a beer I'd drink everyday. Some strong espresso beans in that bad boy......

[MVNYC]

Bell's Cherry Stout. I have to say this is delicious, tastes like a sweet/sour chocalte malt covered cherry.

[bakemeacake]

I am drinking a ridiculously tasty Russian Imperial Stout from Deschutes Brewery (Bend, Oregon). It's their Abyss brew which is only released once or twice a year. Aged in bourbon and pinot noir barrels. Seriously great stuff!

[Davydd]

Bell's Cherry Stout is a great brew! It has been a while since I had it. I managed to home brew a cherry stout that was a close match to it. Right now I am drinking a Bell's Hopslam but am limiting myself to one a day. If I decide to have a second brew tonight I will switch over to Bell's Lager of the Lakes beer which is about half the alcoholic content of the Hopslam.

[swsidejim]

Since I am sitting at my desk at work right now I am drinking Goose Island Rootbeer, made with cane sugar.

The last couple of nights at home have been New Glarus Spotted Cow paired with a couple of glasses of Tres Generaciones Tequilla.

[MVNYC]

swsidejim-It could be you, weren't you the cuervo and bud guy i was debating a while back? I am glad to see you have upped the ante with your beverage choices. That spotted cow is good stuff, as are all the ew Glarus beers I have had. too bad they don't distribute out of the area, you are lucky to have them. cheers

[swsidejim]

yep its me,

I still drink alot of bud, and miller products, but have been going to some local(regional) breweries, and enjoying some of the products from Wisconson(New Glarus), and Three Floyds of Indiana.

I also drink Cuervo Tradicional & Cuervo Reserva de Familia as well as some top shelf 100% agave tequilas at home.

However when going out I drink whatever the bar has on the shelf, on tap, or in the cooler.

[Josh]

I recently got the chance to try some New Glarus beers. I liked many, but some weren't to my taste. The Belgian Red with cherries, for example, was absurdly sweet. I could handle maybe 4 oz. of it, but it comes in a 750mL. I did like the Uff-Da and the Spotted Cow though. Fat Squirrel was unremarkable, IMO. I have a bottle of Hearty Hop IPA at home that I'm waiting to break open.

[juantanamera]

Have you ever had the chance to try the Unplugged Bourbon Barrel Bock? One of the most inventive and enjoyable beers I've ever had, it's a dopplebock slightly soured with brett. New Glarus beers are amazingly varied, I've tried probably about a dozen and enjoyed each one, I will keep trying them every chance I get because they are really thinking outside the box. I'm sure there will be some misses in there, but that brewery is an adventure every time.

[menuinprogress]

It was a nice, sunny day today here in San Diego, so I had a perfect lazy afternoon of fish tacos and Racer 5 (no, not local, but one of my favorites).

[yankeefan]

As we speak, I have a Green Flash IPA I brought back from San Diego.

This will be followed by a few Dogfish Chicory and Sierra Nevada Celeberation

[brentk]

Speaking of San Diego beers, right now I am drinking a bottle of Old Viscosity. Before it is done, I am going to crack open a bottle of Older Viscosity to taste the contrast. It's hard to imagine that the older version can be much better, so I am excited to taste the difference.

[Josh]

Older Viscosity is an astounding beer. I am suitably jealous.

Last night I found a collection of 2004 Old Stock Ale from North Coast on the shelves of a local liquor store. It's been well-kept there, and the years have been most kind to it. Great stuff.

[JessKidden]

We get Green Flash IPA in NJ- the stock that was around seemed to be getting old but today I just saw 5 cases or so at Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville, bottled the end of November.

I always find it annoying when I bring back some beer from a distant state and it shows up a few weeks later (but if that's what I gotta do to get another good beer distributed here, so be it).

[yankeefan]

Hopefully, my bringing back Alesmith will also get them to us out here. Now those are some solid beers. I was thoroughly impressed.

[Josh]

AleSmith is one of San Diego's best breweries. I had a speciality release they did, Wee Heavy aged in bourbon barrels. Astoundingly good, and worth every penny of the $40 it cost me.

[yankeefan]

I wouldnt doubt it. Their IPAs were silly good, all of them. esb, grand cru, speedway all were top notch. I guess I get dogfish out here to provide my hops fix, but would love to have more alesmith in my fridge.

[JonDough]

Russian River will be distributing Port and Lost Abbey beers in Northern Cali soon. Something to look forward to… You can find more information on lost abbey’s website.

As for me, I am hoping to open my BA speedway this weekend =)

[vinosnob]

D. Carnegie & Co. Stark Porter

[vickib]

Red Seal Ale, got hooked on it up in Mendocino, where it's made. Right now, I've got Sierra Nevada in my fridge. I also love the Trappist ales.

[yankeefan]

Spent the weekend with SN Wheat and Celebration as well as Victory Hop Wallop and DFH 90 minute.

Celebration is so ridiculously good and I was just overblown by the oil of the Hop Wallop this time through on tap, a little bit upsetting. 90 minute, always delicious.

[Chinon00]

What is the difference in oil between Hop Wallop an 90? They both have that "thing" to me.

[yankeefan]

Ive always enjoyed the Hop Wallop, it was this one occasion I had from tap that just really left me overwhelmed a bit and just oiled down in my mouth- way too filmy. Maybe I just had my hop fill that day, not sure.

I find the 90 minute to be perfect in texture and aroma as well as taste really, but to be honest, that day, it may not have been what I was looking for. Ive never been let down by a 90 but not to say it wont happen.

[cpierce_indy]

Drinking Red Seal myself at the moment. Good stuff - hadn't had in a while and remember now why I always liked it.

[duck833]

Just had a pint of Mogul Madness, Stout Ale, Rogue Brewery on tap, 8.0%

Nice beer, good hops, went well with my Duck Sausage Sandwich

[duck833]

Rogue Brewery Kell's Irish Lager - 22oz

[niquejim]

Homebrew Rye brown ale

[Freddie Freelance]

Kennebunkport Brewing Co. IPA

Pretty nice, it's got some strong Carmel Malt flavors to balance out the Hops; just a touch of lactic sourness is probably a mistake, but it is interesting.

[jhenner]

2 Below. I'm a fan of New Belgium beers.

[Scott V]

A Victory Hop Devil Ale - not my first choice, but I'm at work, it's the best beer in the fridge. I wish I was at home having one of the Wolaver's Oatmeal Stouts in my fridge.

[Bat Guano]

You have Victory Hop Devil at WORK? Where do you work?? Sounds like I need to change jobs!

[niquejim]

+1
right now I'm drinking a Celebration, before that I had a homebrewed Sharkstooth Pacific Pale Ale(produced commercially from 94-98), one of the best homebrews I've ever tasted. To bad it's not available anymore.

[hon]

Dales Pale Ale
Balto Marz-Hon

[yankeefan]

Goose Island Bourbon County Stout (1st one- just got it shipped over) and
Troeg's Mad Elf (just loaded up before season selection runs out)

[hammerhead]

Homebrew....porter, IPA, doppelbock. That Chronos Crud sounds good, haven't made an Olde Ale in quite some time.

[baekster]

double bag is nice, isn't it?

victory storm king stout (got a case, 24, due to the weird PA beer law). Still have about 10 left... good beer, but too rich and strong to drink more than 2 in a row.

[EastRocker]

Southampton Double White - amazing

[azhotdish]

I've been on a Racer 5 and Mirror Pond kick lately.

[algorithmnation]

Chronos's Crud, a homebrewed old ale glancingly based on Old Peculier

[yankeefan]

90 minute
ommegang chocolate indulgence

[jcoz23]

La Fin du Monde

[shellshock24]

Trappistes Rochefort 6

[Kinnexa]

Mmmmm...La Fin du Monde! Also Raftman and Maudite. Wish I was drinking a Unibroue beer right now.

[WCchopper]

Russian River Salvation Dark Ale

[Jujubee333]

The hub got me stuck on Maredsous 8. It by far my favorite beer and its hard to get me stuck on another. I'm still fairly new to Beer though so I'm having fun trying others. Our pubs are out of St. Bernardus which we also like... last night we had a vintage Liefman's Goudenband and it was great too... its sweet upfront but has a super clean finish...may have to try more of that one.

[bosun]

Captain Lawrence - Liquid Gold (Pleasantville, NY). I can't wait to try their seasonal "Smoke from the Oak - Bourbon Barrell Aged" brew. Their beer, which is sold in growlers, is too good for words.
http://www.captainlawrencebrewing.com...

[JessKidden]

"Captain Lawrence - which is sold in growlers"

Hmm... haven't seen these in NJ.Are you talking about brewery-bottled growlers sold at retailers, or simply draught sold by the growler, filled by the retailer?

I've only seen the CL beers in 750's, mostly their "Seasonal" releases.

(And the only local brewer who sells "brewery bottled" growlers to retailers being Climax from what I've found).

[MVNYC]

They sell growlers in NYC filled by the retailers at New Beer, Whole Foods and Bierkraft as well as the brewery itself.

I know they sell the Tripel, Dubbel and various smoke from the oaks in 750s. All really good by the way.

[JessKidden]

"They sell growlers in NYC filled by the retailers at New Beer, Whole Foods and Bierkraft as well as the brewery itself."

Yeah, I know that (OTOH, those retailers fill a lot of growlers, with many different brewers' beers- I'm sure, somewhere, one can buy a growler of Miller Lite, but I wouldn't say that Miller Lite is "sold in growlers".)

I thought "bosun" was implying the beer is "marketed and sold" in "brewery-filled" growlers (rather than simply filled from a tap at the request of a customer, either at the retailers' or a brewery), as are Climax's beers. I don't want to be looking for a beer in a package that doesn't exist...<g>

[MVNYC]

Well since you know so much about beer, sometimes it appears as if you are simply correcting people by asking them questions.

[JessKidden]

OK , <g> I suppose when what folks post is counter to my experience, I ask questions (at $3 a gallon for gas, I don't want to be driving all over the state for a beer that's not available. Hey, if I'm gonna blow big bucks on a liquid, I'd rather it be craft beer than gasoline).

I notice that I find a lot of the beers that the CL website lists as "Seasonal" (and are quite pricey) but don't see the "Year Round" beers and when "bosun" said "growlers" I thought "D*mn, no wonder! I'm looking in the wrong place, maybe they're on the bottom shelf of the cooler rather than the "warm" shelf over by the Belgians...".

[bosun]

Sorry for all the confusion. I am from Westchester and live in Brooklyn. I go straight to the CL Brewery to get my beer, so my experience has been that they sell their beer in growlers (except for certain seasonal or specials). I didn't really stop to think that they might not be selling it in a 64oz. container elsewhere, I just drink the beer. It's damn good beer too.

[yankeefan]

Hey, happy thanksgiving to all. My weekend was just made with a Goose Island package just delivered to my door with some Moose Drool as well out of Montana.

Half day before Thanksgiving- home now enjoying the hell out of a Double Bastard- doesnt get much better.

[Davydd]

I have Summit Extra Pale Ale, Leinenkugel's Apple Spice, Bell's Amber Ale, Bell's Lager of the Lakes, Schell's Pale Ale, Miller Lite (don't ask), Surly Bender and Surly Furious in my fridge stocked up for Thanksgiving. Right now I am enjoying the Surly Bender.

[yankeefan]

Would love to have some Surly here in Jersey. jealous.

Tonight for me was Dogfish Chicory Stout and Victory Hop Devil.. soon to be finished with a beautiful Mad Elf.

[jethro]

Last night, Ringness, a good Norwegian beer. In the Yuengling/Heineken taste range. Tonight, Sam Adams Winter Lager. Never had it before tonight, but it's damn good. Glad to see no one's said "Coors Light"; please just spit in a cup & drink it!

[LRS]

Stone IPA in the fridge...

[crt]

The only beer we drink in this house is Corona/Corona Light with, of course, lime wedge insterted in bottle. It's the only beer I've found that finishes clean and with no after taste. No thanks to everthing else, especially anything that comes in a can!

[JessKidden]

Ah, that one's too obvious to get me riled up. (But, it could be true, I guess- somebody's drinking that 90% of beer in the US that falls into that kind of catagory. What I can never understand is what they're doing reading a beer board in the first place. Are there similar people who post about Boone's Farm on the Wine board or store brand vodka in Spirits?)

I got a bit more riled up by the dismissive tone in the last post in the "Notes from Spain" thread - not enough to respond to it, tho' -g- but I figured *somebody* would. I'm hoping all the regulars are enjoying all the good beer this season brings to bother with such things. (A case of Hop Wollop and Celebration in my perfect temperature garage right now...)

[Josh]

I had a really nice one from Wychwood, called Wychcraft. They make some really nice beers. I've also had Hobgoblin and Fiddler's Elbow, and enjoyed both immensely.

[culinaryculture]

I double that.... corona dosent cause after taste as there isnt much involved in the "during taste", while it is a perfectly drinkable beer as prooven by it's overwhelming international sales... it is nothing to write home about. I am glad that crt has pledged to stick to beer from bottles.. good choice.

[WCchopper]

Avery Old Jubilation Ale, which is not ,thankfully, a light blonde ale, as our woefully uninformed beer seller told us.

[yankeefan]

Last night: Troegs Mad Elf
Taking vacation day tomorrow so tonight consists of: Dogfish Worldwide Stout and Pangaea. beautiful.

[Captain]

Last night was Affligem and Harpoon Oktoberfest, as a friend and I watched a DVD of the movie "Beer Fest." Good beer, extremely juvenile but funny movie.

[gatun]

Last Night a La Chouffe N'Ice as I am working in the Netherlands at the moment

[foodfanUSA]

keystone ice(really, i am) .

[soultender]

Today it is Troeg's Mad Elf Ale -- 11% alcohol.. tasty. honey, chocolate and cherries

[MysticYoYo]

La Crema Pinot Noir

[azhotdish]

LCB's Hop Juice Double IPA
Yesterday I had a pint of Stone 11th Anniversary Black IPA at Whole Foods...

[Davydd]

I'm enjoying a Bell's Third Coast today and savoring the Vikings win over San Diego and Adrian Peterson's NFL single game rushing record of 296 yards.

In a couple of weeks I've been told by my local liquor store that they would be getting in Bell's Hopslam even though the Bell's web site says January. We'll see.

[Josh]

I recently came into possession of a few Bell's and New Glarus beers. It makes me sad we can't get them on the West coast.

Bell's Two Hearted and Oberon are really great beers.

[naven]

Agreed. New Glarus Belgian Red is one of my favorites.

[Davydd]

Bell's has expanded distribution in the Midwest but oddly not Illinois yet, but New Glarus only markets in Wisconsin. I find the New Glarus brews interesting but I don't know if I am ready to say great. The mystique of being hard to get works for them. The one brew on tap in a lot of bars, Fat Squirrel, is OK but not top tier.

[bigchow]

Bell's were in Illinois, but they pulled out of Illinois. http://www.chicagoreader.com/features...

Oh and there are two 'types' of beers made by new glarus. They have their everyday tap offerings like Fat Squirrel et al. and they have their special bottlings like the Raspberry Tart and the Belgian Wisconsin Red. Those two are a great counterpoint to anyone who trots out that canard about fruit in beer.

[Davydd]

That's a big loss for Illinois with Bell's pulling out. Right now they are my favorite brew and I am working my way through the lineup. I generally don't drink fruit flavored brews. Only a cherry flavored one might tempt me.

[kenito799]

Yup...we can't get Bell's in NY so I pick up a case every time I am in Philly. Right now I am working my way through a six pack each of Amber Ale, Pale Ale, Kalamazoo Stout, and Porter. I have a bottle of Expedition Stout that I am saving for a snowy evening.
Wasn't super thrilled with their Batch 8000. Two Hearted is one of the best IPAs in the US.

[excuse me miss]

my SO and i are drinking our way (slowly) through a case of konnings hoeven quadrupel.

[Josh]

Awesome beer.

[Jeremy01506]

Shoals Pale Ale, courtesy of Smuttynose Brewing Co. It's part of a mix-pack, so I have 4 different varieties of Smuttynose!

[Bobfrmia]

Surly Fest. A truly remarkable beer.

[naven]

Good old Sierra Nevada Celebration.

[diablo]

Also drinking this :). Most delicious and celebratory.

[WCchopper]

ditto

[niquejim]

I had one of those then I had a 2007 Bigfoot(3 left)

[kenito799]

Yes just had Surly Fest! Unique spicy dry rye beer. Great stuff!
Try the CynicAle saison--they manage to produce a very respectable saison in a can.

[culinaryculture]

Smutty nose IPA rocks, and the label with the two old men sitting in chairs kicks butt... by far the best beer label ever made!

[4maxwelz]

Bought a fun mix & match six pack tonight. My first was Kustritzer Schwaizbier (black German beer). Tasty! I'm now on Widmer's Hefeweizen. I like our local wheat beer better.

[soultender]

Yuengling Lager... my "go to" beer.

[LRS]

flying dog classic pale ale
dogfish head ipa

[niquejim]

Rodenbach Grand Cru .................. Wow

[Chinon00]

I had Rodenbach Grand Cru for the first time about a month ago. It is a huge beer but did the vinegar tartness bother you a bit? I found it very intense (as I drank it without food). I piece of wild boar and blue cheese might have made the perfect accompaniment for it. Again, just gigantic beer but not in a hoppy bristling DIPA way or an overly rich Imperial stout way. Unique!

[niquejim]

I prefer the blended Rodenbach(one of my all time favorites) to the Grand Cru.
This was my first also and I agree it is quite tart(as I also drank it without food), but your idea of boar and blue cheese sounds wonderful

[berbadeerface]

For me, the tartness is what I love most about it. I'm on my 3rd case of this since being introduced to it last summer by my ex-girlfriend's neighbour (I'll forever be grateful!). There is nothing more refreshing than sitting outside on a warm summer night with a bottle of RCG and some fine, rich cheeses!

[cordner]

Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale. Took a chance and it was well worth it. Almost a barleywine- very smooth and dangerous.

[LFP]

Rogue Dead Guy Ale - nice amber ale with a nutty finish

[menuinprogress]

Yesterday I had a pint of Port Brewing High Tide Fresh Hop IPA and a Pliny the Elder.

[EvanWilliams]

Growler of Harpoon IPA from the Brewery....

[tjason1]

Yesterday: Victory Sunrise Weissbier
Today: Sierra Nevada Harvest Ale - I'll be enjoying this while it lasts
On Deck: Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA

I haven't heard of the Double Bag before, what brewery is that from?

Jason
www.brewbasement.com

[LRS]

Double Bag is from Long Trail Brewery (Bridgewater Corners, Vermont). It's the one with the 2 cows on the label. Is their "altbier". Not great, not that bad either.

[naven]

Tonight I had Lost Abbey Lost and found, Sharkbite red, Alesmith Speedway Stout, Allagash Curieux and New Glarus Dancing man wheat.

Bedtime.

[juantanamera]

Now you're just showing off.

[Spiritchaser]

I'm glad to see someone mention 120 Minute IPA. I was in the beer/wine store the other day and someone started a conversation about how much they liked hoppy beers. I mentioned he should try to find the 120 IPA (which this store did not have) the guy about told me I didn't know wht I was talking about because he had just been tot eh brewery and blah blah blah no 120 that he knew of blah blah blah. Some people just hate to have someone know something they don't already know. I ended the conversation by literally saying, "whatever" and walking away.

[culinaryculture]

120 minute IPA is very sweet and high in alcohol, I am assuming you are refering to Dogfish Head brewing company.... I prefer their 90 minute IPA as it is much more true in character. Probobally the best IPA on the market, although for the price, I'd rather drink a Rock Art, or McNeills IPA. Both much more affordable and with... perhaps... more character.

[Biggie]

Mojo IPA

[Davydd]

Today I had a Summit ESB here at home to cap the day and then went out to dinner at Joey Nova's in Tonka Bay, MN and had a Summit Extra Pale Ale. If I am up to it I might finish off the evening with a Bell's Lager of the Lakes I discovered I had left over in my fridge when I was rearranging the ESBs.

[Ralphus]

Victory Hop Wallop, Spaten Oktober, Poperings Hommelbier. Tis the season!

[JessKidden]

Hop Wallop? I thought it wasn't gonna be released until Nov. 1.

[naven]

Brooklyn Monster ale. It's almost like drinking cognac.

[Tay]

Amaretto with a wedge of lime... Very smooth...

[LRS]

ive been drinking victory hop devil ipa this week

[mojoeater]

Rockfish Wheat. I'm not usually into wheat beers, but I love this one. It's from a new brewery/hop farm in Virginia. (Disclaimer: I know the owners.)

http://bluemountainbrewery.com/

[Captain]

Blue Point Toasted Lager, Affligem, Weihenstefaner, Harpoon Octoberfest, and my regular stand-bys Sierra Nevada, Anchor Steam, Yeungling AND ALWAYS Guinness.

[Chinon00]

Blue Point Cherry Imperial Stout is out of a dream.

[Captain]

I'll have to try it. In the old Blind Tiger, I once had a few pints of Blue Point's Hopical Illusion dispensed from the beer pump. So good, it was almost surreal.

[WCchopper]

Where is Blue Point from?

[yankeefan]

Long Island I believe.

[Chinon00]

Correct LI. You pick up a just a whisper of cherry at the very back end of the finish.

[WCchopper]

Thanks!

[nosestuckinbook]

Night before last, I finally opened a twenty-two of Lagunitas Gonzo that I bought in late '05. Absolutely delicious, a bit sweeter than anticipated, with a very approachable roasty quality. Glad there's another bottle in the ol' beer cellar.

[Davydd]

Summit ESB is what is in my fridge right now.

[lpfaf]

Summit! Oh, how I miss Summit. Every time I visit Minnesota, I smuggle some home with me. Yum.

I'm currently drinking Deschutes Brewery's Black Butte Porter, from Bend, Oregon.

[Spiritchaser]

Samuel Adams Hallertau Imperial Pilsner 2007 and Saranac Octoberfest

[rafjr00]

How was the Hallertau...I have one that has been slowly aging at 55deg for about 4 months.

[Bat Guano]

Been working my way through the St. Bernardus line. Yesterday was the Tripel.

[Josh]

Tonight I had one of my few remaining Anderson Valley 2005 Winter Solstice bottles.