New Beer Thread

[TheHills44060]

Hmmm why don't I remember this one. I think it was decent but not memorable obviously.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/1.jpg

Ok this is the real deal. It came highly touted and it delivered.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/2.jpg

A wheat IPA? Yeah unusual. It had a different taste to it but not something i would get again.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/3.jpg

Weak. Would recommend to someone just starting out but that's about it.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/4.jpg

The english cannot make a good IPA. Tasted like someone ashed in my mug, absolutely despicable. Been awhile since i had a beer thsi bad.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/5.jpg

Wow wow wow. This brew fits its it's name because the hops will rape you which is a good thing. Definitely getting this one again.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/Untitled-1.jpg

[TheHills44060]

I cannot describe in words how good this is. 10.5% alcohol and heavenly.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/6.jpg

[JSE]

Shiner Octoberfest - It was a standby before I left Texas. Not so easy to get here is Seattle. However, the owner of the beer store I buy from here got it for me!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66909954@N08/6083616129/" title="Shiner Octoberfest by Aleforme, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6194/6083616129_812bb6542d_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="Shiner Octoberfest"></a>

Samuel Adams Octoberfest - Big beer company that makes solid Marzen style brew.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66909954@N08/6083617063/" title="Samuel Adams - Octoberfest by Aleforme, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6064/6083617063_bbec8c78b5_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="Samuel Adams - Octoberfest"></a>

Silver City Brewery - Local Seattle area brewer that makes a great hoppy Octoberfest. Maybe not the best example of a traditional Marzen but it's damn good!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66909954@N08/6084158300/" title="Silver City - Octoberfest by Aleforme, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6071/6084158300_eff6e6cf12_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="Silver City - Octoberfest"></a>

Can't wait to get some more in. Ayinger, Paulaner and Hofbrau coming soon and will be in Texas mid September to pick up some old favorites.

[TheHills44060]

Nice post JSE. I've never had anything by Silver City before.

[atomicAdam]

I cannot describe in words how good this is. 10.5% alcohol and heavenly.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/6.jpg

Where'd you pick that up at - who makes it?

I had a nice IPA from a San Diego brewery last week. Very fruity. I think from Ballast Point or something. Named after a fish, or fish themed.

edit - oh Avery - IC - I might be able to find that around the Bay Area.

[TheHills44060]

Hey Adam. It is called Maharaja Imperial IPA and it is made by Avery Brewing Company out of Boulder, CO. It's part of their "Dictator Series" and is only available in 22oz bottles.

I HIGHLY recommend it.

[atomicAdam]

I think we've had our rough patches - but you and I agree on what a good beer is!

[TheHills44060]

I think we've had our rough patches - but you and I agree on what a good beer is!
Oh my gosh please man all is fine :-) Good audio and good beer is tough to beat. That Hermitage Ale of the Hermit you posted earlier has peaked my interest.

I just realized i never list the actual name of the beer and brewery in my posts. I'll start doing that.

[Hyfi]

Spent last week in Seattle and had the below on tap at Brouwer's Cafe (http://brouwerscafe.blogspot.com/)
64 taps and close to 400 bottles.

De Garre Tripel
Piraat Golden Strong
Laughing Dog Alpha Dog Imp. IPA
Wychwood Hobgoblin Dark Ale

Along with a bottle of Avery Samael's Ale 07 that the guy next to me ordered and hated, so he gave it to me instead of wasting it.

Also went to the Harmon Brewery in Tacoma and sampled a bit of everything they had. When you get a Sampler, it comes on the front half of old skis with an indent machined in for each glass and it's called a Brew-ski.

Went to Redhook the first day and sampled them all too. After Redhook, we did the tour at Chateau St Michelle's, both in Woodenville, WA.

Took the ferry to Bainbridge Island and went to the Hourbor Public House, that had 20 local brewery taps but can't remember what I had.

[JSE]

Spent last week in Seattle and had the below on tap at Brouwer's Cafe (http://brouwerscafe.blogspot.com/)
64 taps and close to 400 bottles.

De Garre Tripel
Piraat Golden Strong
Laughing Dog Alpha Dog Imp. IPA
Wychwood Hobgoblin Dark Ale

Along with a bottle of Avery Samael's Ale 07 that the guy next to me ordered and hated, so he gave it to me instead of wasting it.

Also went to the Harmon Brewery in Tacoma and sampled a bit of everything they had. When you get a Sampler, it comes on the front half of old skis with an indent machined in for each glass and it's called a Brew-ski.

Went to Redhook the first day and sampled them all too. After Redhook, we did the tour at Chateau St Michelle's, both in Woodenville, WA.

Took the ferry to Bainbridge Island and went to the Hourbor Public House, that had 20 local brewery taps but can't remember what I had.

Harbor Public House is awesome. Been there a couple times since I moved to Seattle. It's a great weekend lunch or dinner trip across the bay to Bainbridge. We take a water taxi from our home is West Seattle over to the downtown waterfront, hop the ferry to Bainbridge and then walk over to Harbor Public House.

Redhook and Harmon are great breweries. Haven't done the tours yet but there is always a sixer of Redhook Copper Hook in the fridge. Nice easy drinking amber ale.

Since moving to Seattle, I have overwhelmed with beer! In a good way. It seems like every place we eat has at least 6 to 10 local brews on tap. A lot have 20 plus and some have 50 plus. I am in beer heaven.

[JSE]

Nice post JSE. I've never had anything by Silver City before.

Silver City is in Sliverdale just across the bay from Seattle. They have some pretty good brews. I have yet to actually get over there for a tour though.

[Hyfi]

Harbor Public House is awesome. Been there a couple times since I moved to Seattle. It's a great weekend lunch or dinner trip across the bay to Bainbridge. We take a water taxi from our home is West Seattle over to the downtown waterfront, hop the ferry to Bainbridge and then walk over to Harbor Public House.

Redhook and Harmon are great breweries. Haven't done the tours yet but there is always a sixer of Redhook Copper Hook in the fridge. Nice easy drinking amber ale.

Since moving to Seattle, I have overwhelmed with beer! In a good way. It seems like every place we eat has at least 6 to 10 local brews on tap. A lot have 20 plus and some have 50 plus. I am in beer heaven.

We had limited time going to the Public House. Took me 45 minutes to find parking and made the ferry by with 4 minutes til it left. Once on the island, we had 1.5 hours to walk there, eat and drink, then hustle back for the ferry. The next one out was not til late and I had to get up to work.

I never made it to the Tap Room or Pikes but did walk past them while getting lunch in the city.

You gotta make the trip up to Brouwers Cafe, 5 minutes up the left side of Lake Union. If you go that far, check out the Fish Ladder at the locks and see the Salmon trying to get from the Bay to the Lake from behind a glass wall.

Yeah, I was amazed at the quantity of local brews and the taps everywhere I went. Not too much Girls Light to be found anywhere.

The only other place that has had more pubs per square inch, was the Theater District and Covent Garden area of London. But, the local brews are usually a bit better than Fullers.

Have you seen Dale Chihuly's Glass Bridge right down the street from the Harmon Restaurant in Tacoma?

[atomicAdam]

Had Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale last night with my recipe in the manly recipe thread.

Not my fave Lag beer. I like Brown Sugar and their IPA. There are a couple others - but doesn't seems like they go the variety and creativity as of late.

[dean_martin]

Had Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale last night with my recipe in the manly recipe thread.

[dean_martin]

I had no idea JSE left Texas for Seattle! Congrats on the move, dude! (Not that there's anything wrong with TX. It just sounds like an adventuresome move.)

[JSE]

We had limited time going to the Public House. Took me 45 minutes to find parking and made the ferry by with 4 minutes til it left. Once on the island, we had 1.5 hours to walk there, eat and drink, then hustle back for the ferry. The next one out was not til late and I had to get up to work.

I never made it to the Tap Room or Pikes but did walk past them while getting lunch in the city.

You gotta make the trip up to Brouwers Cafe, 5 minutes up the left side of Lake Union. If you go that far, check out the Fish Ladder at the locks and see the Salmon trying to get from the Bay to the Lake from behind a glass wall.

Yeah, I was amazed at the quantity of local brews and the taps everywhere I went. Not too much Girls Light to be found anywhere.

The only other place that has had more pubs per square inch, was the Theater District and Covent Garden area of London. But, the local brews are usually a bit better than Fullers.

Have you seen Dale Chihuly's Glass Bridge right down the street from the Harmon Restaurant in Tacoma?

Yep, Brouwer's Cafe has been on my hitlist. Just haven't gotten there yet. One of my favorites right now is Uber Bar. Decent tap selection and a cool little beer only pub.

Been to the locks and the Salmon ladder. Actually did it several years ago and went back a couple of weeks ago as well with some friends.

The Tap Room is pretty cool. Massive array of taps but it's a little to "uppity" for me. I'm more into the smaller dives. However, they do get some great brews in there that other places don't seem to get.

It's also funny you mentioned not see many BBC brews like Coors Light. In most area of the country the likes of Bud, Coors, Miller rule the stores and bars, Here, it's the exact opposite. I wouldn't dare order such a beer in a bar here. Probably get thrown out.

[JSE]

I had no idea JSE left Texas for Seattle! Congrats on the move, dude! (Not that there's anything wrong with TX. It just sounds like an adventuresome move.)

Yeah, I've been pretty MIA the last year or so around here. Just not really into Audio anymore. But, I drop in from time to time to shoot the "Poop".

Moved out to Seattle on June 1st this year. Spent the first 40 years of my life in Texas and figured it was time for a change. My wife's boss let her open a branch on her company here is Seattle. We have been bugging him for years about it and he finally gave in. We visited years ago and fell in love with the area. She is doing the same thing but now has a focus of buidling the business here in the northwest.

Me, I "retired temporarily" when we moved. I'll figure something out after the first of the year. I'm enjoying the time off and it's let me do some stuff to our new house and work on some other projects.

JSE

[dean_martin]

Yeah, I've been pretty MIA the last year or so around here. Just not really into Audio anymore. But, I drop in from time to time to shoot the "Poop".

Moved out to Seattle on June 1st this year. Spent the first 40 years of my life in Texas and figured it was time for a change. My wife's boss let her open a branch on her company here is Seattle. We have been bugging him for years about it and he finally gave in. We visited years ago and fell in love with the area. She is doing the same thing but now has a focus of buidling the business here in the northwest.

Me, I "retired temporarily" when we moved. I'll figure something out after the first of the year. I'm enjoying the time off and it's let me do some stuff to our new house and work on some other projects.

JSE

That's great! The wife and I have some places in mind to move to but I feel like I'm tied to the family biz for life. One day . . . maybe.

[JSE]

That's great! The wife and I have some places in mind to move to but I feel like I'm tied to the family biz for life. One day . . . maybe.

Well, we have no kids so it was much easier for us to move.

[JSE]

Back to Brewskies!

Firestone Walker Double Jack Double IPA - This is one amazing DIPA. Their more common Union Jack is an impressive IPA and I thought it would be tough to top but, this one is special. Even at 9.5% ABV it's very drinkable which can be a good or bad thing I guess. The hops are very heavy but it's also got a nice malt backbone as well which makes it really smooth for a DIPA. I usually am not a fan of most California IPAs but Firestone does in right in my book. I now buy one every time I'm in my local beer store. I'm also keeping my brother in law supplied with it in Michigan. I made the mistake of sending him one and now he's hooked.

A year ago, I could not drink many IPA brews. They were way to hoppy for me. I was more into Belgians, Ambers and Scotch Ales. Now, I have drifted away fro Belgians and I'm really enjoying the hoppy IPA brews. However, I don't like the over the top IPAs that just seem to create as bitter and hoppy of a beer as possible with no regard to flavor. Stone comes to mind. ( Sorry Stone lovers),

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66909954@N08/6097899841/" title="Firestone Walker - Double Jack by Aleforme, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6085/6097899841_e735258dd5_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="Firestone Walker - Double Jack "></a>

Tonight's Contender is Iron Horse IPA from here in Washington.

[JSE]

The english cannot make a good IPA. Tasted like someone ashed in my mug, absolutely despicable. Been awhile since i had a beer thsi bad.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/5.jpg


I agree with you except for maybe Samuel Smith's India Ale? It's pretty good. Hoppy, citrusy (sp?), with some caramel and nice malt. Other than that, English IPA brews pretty much suck.

I wonder which is the true IPA style? English style or what we have here in the States? I think IPAs here in the States are probably not true to form IPA brews. Either way, I like the "American Style" IPA.

[Hyfi]

Back to Brewskies!

Firestone Walker Double Jack Double IPA - This is one amazing DIPA. Their more common Union Jack is an impressive IPA and I thought it would be tough to top but, this one is special. Even at 9.5% ABV it's very drinkable which can be a good or bad thing I guess. The hops are very heavy but it's also got a nice malt backbone as well which makes it really smooth for a DIPA. I usually am not a fan of most California IPAs but Firestone does in right in my book. I now buy one every time I'm in my local beer store. I'm also keeping my brother in law supplied with it in Michigan. I made the mistake of sending him one and now he's hooked.

A year ago, I could not drink many IPA brews. They were way to hoppy for me. I was more into Belgians, Ambers and Scotch Ales. Now, I have drifted away fro Belgians and I'm really enjoying the hoppy IPA brews. However, I don't like the over the top IPAs that just seem to create as bitter and hoppy of a beer as possible with no regard to flavor. Stone comes to mind. ( Sorry Stone lovers),

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66909954@N08/6097899841/" title="Firestone Walker - Double Jack by Aleforme, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6085/6097899841_e735258dd5_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="Firestone Walker - Double Jack "></a>

Tonight's Contender is Iron Horse IPA from here in Washington.

Got one in the fridge. It's been my new fav for the last 6 months. Everything they brew is good.

[JSE]

Last night kindof consisted of two ends of the extreme.

On one end, Brauerei Heller - Trum / Schlenkerla - Rauchbier

Extremely smokey for even a smoked beer. It was like someone just poured liquid smoke in this thing. The smoke flavor punches you square in the mouth on first sip and it doesn't let up. Way way to strong for my taste and I tend to like a lightly smoked beer. Next time a bottle of liquid smoke would be cheaper.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66909954@N08/6098037257/" title="Brauerei Heller - Trum / Schlenkerla by Aleforme, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6086/6098037257_8de583a307_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="Brauerei Heller - Trum / Schlenkerla"></a>

And the other end, Boulevard Single Wide IPA

Nice hoppy but not over the top IPA. Very good but not great. A very easy drinker so I could probably really drink a lot of these on a hot summer day.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66909954@N08/6083616769/" title="Boulevard - Singlewide IPA by Aleforme, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6067/6083616769_65f6cb6372_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="Boulevard - Singlewide IPA"></a>

[lelan]

did you hear about Saigon & Hanoi beer?

[TheHills44060]

Never had Hanoi but have had Saigon beer at (ironically) Saigon restaurant on east 4th in Cleveland. I would think some of the cafes in Asiatown would have it too. I do not recall seeing either in any of the local liquor stores but I tend to steer away from the far eastern beers.

[TheHills44060]

lelan you inspired me to try more SE Asian beers...

Hue Beer - Brewed by Perfume River in Hue City, Vietnam
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/hue.jpg
A typical East/SE Asian beer. Light with no aftertaste at all to speak of. Refreshing but no body.

[JSE]

Lucky Buddha -probably not even going to open it up and try it. Probably just save it for the bottle.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66909954@N08/6101210529/" title="Lucky Buddha by Aleforme, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6084/6101210529_03c950706b_z.jpg" width="466" height="640" alt="Lucky Buddha"></a>

[TheHills44060]

Spiral Jetty IPA - Epic Brewing, Salt Lake City Utah
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/beer02.jpg
Just decent. Taste was a little too complicated.

Hop Juice Double IPA - Two Brothers Brewing, Warrenville Illinois
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/beer03.jpg
Tasty with a little heaviness.

Hop Stoopid Ale - Lagunitas Brewing Petaluna California
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/beer04.jpg
Very clean and balanced.

Four C's IPA - Brew Kettle, Strongsville Ohio
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/beer01.jpg
A nice mid level IPA.

[TheHills44060]

Sampler from Willoughby Brewing Co.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/beer05.jpg
From Left to Right: Toehead Blonde Ale, Rusty Rail American Pale Ale, Railway Razz, Gutterpup Porter, Moonshadow IPA, Peanut Butter Cup Coffee Porter, Hopnotic Double Red Rye IPA, Willoughby Weiss

[TheHills44060]

Sneaky Pete Imperial IPA - Laughing Dog Brewery, Ponderay Idaho
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/sneakypete.jpg
Came highly recommended but was disappointing. Too malty for my taste.

DuganA IPA - Avery Brewing, Boulder Colorado
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/dugana.jpg
Very good. Not as potent as the Maharaja but just as satisfying.

20th Anniversary Imperial IPA - Anderson Valley Brewing, Boonville, California
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/andersoniipa.jpg
Pretty good. Much better than the more common IPA i had from Anderson before.

Old 21 Imperial IPA - Brew Kettle, Strongsville Ohio
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/Old21.jpg
By far my favorite beer from the brew kettle. Will become a common standby for me.

Rocky Mountain IPA - Fort Collins Brewery, Fort Collins CO
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/rockyipa.jpg
Was not expecting much by was pleasantly surprised. I recommend.

[TheHills44060]

90 Minute IPA - Dogfish Head Brewery, Milton DE
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/dfh90min.jpg
Far too sugary and sweet. I had trouble making it through the 6 pack.

Mean Manalishi Double IPA - Hoopin Frog Brewery, Akron OH
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/hpipa.jpg
My new fav IPA. Unbelievable...just edges out the Maharaja.

Hop Bomber Pale Ale - Riverton Brewing, Cincinnati OH
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/hopbomb.jpg
Extremely foamy and pretty tasteless.

Indica IPA - Lost Coast Brewery, Eureka CA
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/indica.jpg
Not a bad light IPA. Simple and basic.

[JSE]

Still enjoying the last of the Octoberfest Brews from this year. This is probably my favorite overall. Excellent year to year. Can't find it up here is Seattle except for in these quart cans w/ a Paulaner Stein. At $12 a pop, didn't buy but a couple this year. Next year, I'll have a friend ship me some six packs from Texas.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66909954@N08/6310743044/" title="Octoberfest by Aleforme, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6226/6310743044_9dded12c41_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="Octoberfest"></a>

Victory Festbier is probably my runner up for best Octoberfest this year. This was the first year I was able to get it and it did not disappoint!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66909954@N08/6101755190/" title="Victory - FestBier by Aleforme, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6194/6101755190_bd33a15e68_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="Victory - FestBier"></a>

[shermanator]

Love Victory. One of their brewery's is right by my house.

[RoyY51]

Two years ago, the winner of our annual New Years Eve tasting competition was Sam Adams' Winter Lager. I believe it's available now. A full-bodied brew with an amusingly presumptuous hint of peccary excretions, infused with a romantic overlay of merchandising mysticism.

Actually, it's just good beer.

[Wisecarver1927]

Hey Guys,

I'm a brand new member, looking to learn. Perhaps some of the immense wealth of knowledge on these forums will rub off on me if I hang around for long enough.