re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=Chico23231;866484]I really havent enjoyed a whole lot by New Belgium Brewery, but the Ranger IPA is a solid beer. Nothing outstanding buy solid.[/quote]

i really like everything i have had from new belgium, especially the seasonals. the winter one is pretty strong, it's called snow day.

[url=http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/192/74123]Snow Day Winter Ale - New Belgium Brewing - Fort Collins, CO - BeerAdvocate[/url]

i was also in york pa last weekend and had a troeg's mad elf, their winter seasonal, and it was pretty damn good. i only had one but the waitress informed us upon ordering it you can only have 2 per visit since it is 11%. i'm definitley going to track down some more of this stuff this weekend.

[url=http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/694/7531]Tröegs Mad Elf - Tröegs Brewing Company - Hershey, PA - BeerAdvocate[/url]

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

how do you guys do your bourbon? straight on the rocks or do you splash some ginger or coke on it? ever since getting into craft beers my bourbon intake has gone down considerably, but i always prefer mine on the rocks with a splash of ginger. might have to have some tonight since my wifes best friend stayed the night last night and was here when i got home from work today and will be here all day tomorrow and probably sunday too. and the kicker is tomorrow is the first saturday where i don't have anything to do in probably 3 months :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh:

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=mlmdub130;866624]how do you guys do your bourbon? straight on the rocks or do you splash some ginger or coke on it? ever since getting into craft beers my bourbon intake has gone down considerably, but i always prefer mine on the rocks with a splash of ginger. might have to have some tonight since my wifes best friend stayed the night last night and was here when i got home from work today and will be here all day tomorrow and probably sunday too. and the kicker is tomorrow is the first saturday where i don't have anything to do in probably 3 months :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh:[/quote]

2 shots on ice with ginger ale. I dont drink anything straight unless for some reason im drinking Jonnie Walker red or black, then its on just on ice. Beam and coke was my drink when i younger, but coke is way to sweet now.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=mlmdub130;866619]i really like everything i have had from new belgium, especially the seasonals. the winter one is pretty strong, it's called snow day.

[url=http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/192/74123]Snow Day Winter Ale - New Belgium Brewing - Fort Collins, CO - BeerAdvocate[/url]

i was also in york pa last weekend and had a troeg's mad elf, their winter seasonal, and it was pretty damn good. i only had one but the waitress informed us upon ordering it you can only have 2 per visit since it is 11%. i'm definitley going to track down some more of this stuff this weekend.

[url=http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/694/7531]Tröegs Mad Elf - Tröegs Brewing Company - Hershey, PA - BeerAdvocate[/url][/quote]


didnt know New Belgium was brewed in Colorado. Colorado is really has top notch breweries.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

well that was weird...posted in wrong thread somehow

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=Chico23231;866637]didnt know New Belgium was brewed in Colorado. Colorado is really has top notch breweries.[/quote]

i was out there visiting my buddy in feb, hopefully make it back out there this feb/march. it's crazy how many breweries are out there and the selections you have to chose from at different bars, it's kind of overwhelming. my buddy that lives out there says the brewery tours are awesome too, he took one in the summer and paid $20 for the tour lasted about an hour then they went in a room with a bunch of pitchers of beer. apparently everyone else on the tour had one or two beers and they "had" to clean up the rest. there was also a beer and wine store there that appeared to be an old grocery store that had nothing but beer and wine and liquor through out the store, it was like heaven. and the kicker was, there was a dispesnsary right next door, colorado is pretty sweet.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=mlmdub130;866624]how do you guys do your bourbon? straight on the rocks or do you splash some ginger or coke on it? ever since getting into craft beers my bourbon intake has gone down considerably, but i always prefer mine on the rocks with a splash of ginger. might have to have some tonight since my wifes best friend stayed the night last night and was here when i got home from work today and will be here all day tomorrow and probably sunday too. and the kicker is tomorrow is the first saturday where i don't have anything to do in probably 3 months :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh:[/quote]

Depends on the night. Sometimes straight up, sometimes with a little ice, sometimes with ginger ale. It's all good. :)

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=mlmdub130;866664]i was out there visiting my buddy in feb, hopefully make it back out there this feb/march. it's crazy how many breweries are out there and the selections you have to chose from at different bars, it's kind of overwhelming. my buddy that lives out there says the brewery tours are awesome too, he took one in the summer and paid $20 for the tour lasted about an hour then they went in a room with a bunch of pitchers of beer. apparently everyone else on the tour had one or two beers and they "had" to clean up the rest. there was also a beer and wine store there that appeared to be an old grocery store that had nothing but beer and wine and liquor through out the store, it was like heaven. and the kicker was, there was a dispesnsary right next door, colorado is pretty sweet.[/quote]

[url=http://coloradobeer.org/brewers]Brewers | Colorado Brewers Guild[/url]

The list is tremendous and we probably only get 20% of those shipped out here.

My favorites: Avery, Brenckenridge, Great Divide, and Oskar Blues. Left Hand and Pikes Peak pretty solid as well. My uncle who has been making homebrew for 20+ years has met and hung out with Dale (founder, brew master) at the Oskar Blues brewery while on vacation.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=Chico23231;866484]I really havent enjoyed a whole lot by New Belgium Brewery, but the Ranger IPA is a solid beer. Nothing outstanding buy solid.[/quote]

I generally agree, but I recently tried their Trippel and was very pleasantly surprised. Liked it so much that I went to the top of the Trippel class and bought a four pack of La Fin De Monde (read that it's one of best of the style). Loved it--highly recommend.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

Sipping on some Bells Hopslam right now. This is one delicious beer.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=RedskinMike;890443]Sipping on some Bells Hopslam right now. This is one delicious beer.[/quote]

It better be for the price.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

been on a red hook kick lately, they have been on sale at the local safeway. also had dig, the spring seasonal from new belgium not too long ago, that was pretty solid.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=Alvin Walton;890447]It better be for the price.[/quote]

I'm sure I paid more for it here in DC than you do in Michigan. It was by far the most I paid for a 6 pack and will never do it again though the beer was great.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=RedskinMike;890803]I'm sure I paid more for it here in DC than you do in Michigan. It was by far the most I paid for a 6 pack and will never do it again though the beer was great.[/quote]

heard it was around here. something like 29.99 a 6?

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=RedskinMike;890803]I'm sure I paid more for it here in DC than you do in Michigan. It was by far the most I paid for a 6 pack and will never do it again though the beer was great.[/quote]

I think its around $13.85 a six out here.
Bells is good stuff but some is crazy expensive.
I've seen some seasonal stuff up at $18.00 a six.

Their double cream stout is awesome.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=Chico23231;890811]heard it was around here. something like 29.99 a 6?[/quote]

we have a winner

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

Thats redonkulous.
I hope you got prime rib with it.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=RedskinMike;890852]we have a winner[/quote]

yeah, damn thats high. A co worker got to sample a couple pints at a local bar. Said it was outstanding.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=RedskinMike;890803]I'm sure I paid more for it here in DC than you do in Michigan. It was by far the most I paid for a 6 pack and will never do it again though the beer was great.[/quote]

The Hopslam is indeed tremendous, but its short-term distribution matched with the hype around it is making it almost too hard to come by, if you're outside of Michigan at least. When it first got to DC about four years ago, it was close to $15 for a six pack, and by last year it was over $20 everywhere you found it. There is a store in Dupont Circle, which has a pretty impressive selection, that was selling it last year for almost $40 a six pack after all of the other area stores had sold out of it. This year, many of the stores that have traditionally carried it were limiting customers to one six pack each. It flew off most shelves. Coincidentally enough, I found it tonight at Magruder's in DC (a store mentioned previously in this thread). There were about a half dozen sixes on the shelf, and I asked one of the guys stocking the beer how they got it, and he said that they got a second delivery of it that they weren't expecting (two cases). I grabbed a six--they are selling it for $22.99, for anyone in the DC area who is searching for it. Lucky for me, my wife is from Michigan, and my in-laws are driving here in three weeks and have already bought a case that they plan to bring.

As I said, it is indeed tremendous, but trying to chase it down once it arrives each year is getting to be a drag.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

Sierra's Ruthless Rye is a solid choice lately. Liken it, nice bite at the end.

Got one of my favorite breweries beers last nite, Breckenridge's Lucky U IPA. tasty

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

With the warm weather we've had over the last few weeks, it's time to look towards the lighter beers, and I'm not talking about the mass produced Miller/Bud/Coors "Light" beers.

Had a few pints of [url=http://www.evolutioncraftbrewing.com/seasonal-spring.htm]Evolution Craft Brewery's Sprung[/url] over the weekend. Great spring beer, quite smooth, great floral notes, very easy to drink. A beer that could bring those who are hesitant to give microbrews a try into the wonderful world of great beer. From their website, Evo is only offering it in keg form, so if [url=http://www.evolutioncraftbrewing.com/pdf/Locations-EVO-on-tap.pdf]your local watering hole[/url] offers Evo on tap, be sure to check this one out. Or head to their brewery just a shade north of Salisbury, MD.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

hadnt poted here in a while, but sonofabitch that starr hill shit is GOOD this year. starr pils. try it.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

Stawski

Found some of this in Chicago.
Not a microbrew but a Polish lager.
A slightly heavy lager but equally refreshing with a creamy aftertaste.
Pretty good!

[url=http://stawskiusa.com/Products/stawski-beer-2/]Stawski Beer[/url]

[img]http://stawskiusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Stawski_Premium-208x300.jpg[/img]

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=Alvin Walton;924165]Stawski

Found some of this in Chicago.
Not a microbrew but a Polish lager.
A slightly heavy lager but equally refreshing with a creamy aftertaste.
Pretty good!

[url=http://stawskiusa.com/Products/stawski-beer-2/]Stawski Beer[/url]

[img]http://stawskiusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Stawski_Premium-208x300.jpg[/img][/quote]

this looks like a solid beer, but doesnt the name Stawski look too close to swastika? i think i woulda gone with another name.

Ive been on a Heineken craze lately. Smooth beer in these hot temps.

Did though have a couple of these from one of my favorite brewry, Breckenridge:

[url=http://www.breckbrew.com/brews/471-small-batch]471 Small Batch | Colorado Micro Brew | Breckenridge Brewery[/url]

Had a couple off a cold tap during a dinner. Taste like 100+ IBUs, but the alcohol 9.2% and I really felt it. Good beer, not my favorite from them because you can "taste" the high alcohol percentage. Lil more balance is needed.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

Last two microbrews I had were Sierra Nevada's [url=http://www.sierranevada.com/beers/summerfest.html]Summerfest®[/url] and [url=http://flyingdogales.com/beers/#/The+Pack/UnderDog]Flying Dog's UnderDog Atlantic Lager[/url].

SummerFest is just a smooth drinking beer. Great summer time beer. Nice to see Sierra Nevada is still hitting it out of the park with their seasonals.

UnderDog is the lightness of the lager and the bite of the IPA. Very tasty. Had it at home in cans (comes in bottles as well), and then grabbed a draft at a great sandwich shop in Frederick ([url=http://akafriscos.com/]a.k.a. Friscos | A Gathering Place for the Hungry[/url]). I really enjoyed it and glad it's a year-rounder for Flying Dog.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

Love Summerfest.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

And around the holidays look for their Celebration Ale. Fresh hopped, yum.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=Schneed10;924318]And around the holidays look for their Celebration Ale. Fresh hopped, yum.[/quote]

Oh yea, that stuff kicks butt!

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

they have dogfish head out here but not yuengling

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/26/health/alcohol-enemas/index.html?hpt=hp_t3]Experts: Alcohol enemas 'extremely dangerous' - CNN.com[/url]

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=Chico23231;945784][url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/26/health/alcohol-enemas/index.html?hpt=hp_t3]Experts: Alcohol enemas 'extremely dangerous' - CNN.com[/url][/quote]

:doh:

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=Mattyk;945791]:doh:[/quote]

Stupidity is at an all time high in this country. Humiliation at an all time low. That is a dangerous combination.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

It's a well know fact that I am a hoe when it come to seasonal beers, so lately I've been on a big Oktoberfest and pumpkin ale kick, even though it feels too early for the latter.

I just opened a 22oz bottle of Southern Tier Pumking Ale and I am in heaven! Some people might find it a little too sweet or pumpkin-y but at 8.6% it's got a little kick. It seriously tastes like pumpkin pie. I think I may have to stock up on a few bottles for Thanksgiving.

Last night I had Harpoon UFO Pumpkin and that was also pretty good. Also, in my fridge I have a 6 pack of Pyramid Oktoberfest Autumn Lager that I'm really looking forward to trying this weekend.

I love this time of the year!!! I also found this at the best liquor/beer store in central MD, The Perfect Pour:
[IMG]https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/545768_4228261158162_174782629_n.jpg[/IMG]

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

Speaking of Saranac Pumpkin Ale, I was in Auburn, NY over the weekend for a wedding, and the bar in the Holiday Inn had this on tap. Needless to say, I had several pints over the course of 2 nights while I was there.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=ArtMonkDrillz;946069]It's a well know fact that I am a hoe when it come to seasonal beers, so lately I've been on a big Oktoberfest and pumpkin ale kick, even though it feels too early for the latter.

I just opened a 22oz bottle of Southern Tier Pumking Ale and I am in heaven! Some people might find it a little too sweet or pumpkin-y but at 8.6% it's got a little kick. It seriously tastes like pumpkin pie. I think I may have to stock up on a few bottles for Thanksgiving.

Last night I had Harpoon UFO Pumpkin and that was also pretty good. Also, in my fridge I have a 6 pack of Pyramid Oktoberfest Autumn Lager that I'm really looking forward to trying this weekend.

I love this time of the year!!! I also found this at the best liquor/beer store in central MD, The Perfect Pour:
[IMG]https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/545768_4228261158162_174782629_n.jpg[/IMG][/quote]

The "beer man" at my favorite liquor store said that the Southern Tier pumpkin is selling very, very well. I'm not too much of a pumpkin guy, but with regard to Southern Tier, their Choklat Stout is one of my absolute favorites. Too bad it's only available three months of the year.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

Not a huge fan of the pumpkin ales in general. I had dogfish head's version and thought it was pretty decent.

I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of this year's celebration ale. Hophead heaven.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

Not of fan of Octorfest or Winter Seasonals. Most seem to be "spicey"...more a fan of the spring, summer seasonals.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=Chico23231;948091]Not of fan of Octorfest or Winter Seasonals. Most seem to be "spicey"...more a fan of the spring, summer seasonals.[/quote]
You'd probably like the [URL="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/29"]Marzen style beers[/URL] then, that they serve in Germany during Octoberfest. I usually see Paulaner and Hacker-Pschorr in my local shops. They aren't the pumpkin style autumn ales you usually see, but a very smooth drinking beer.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

Newcastle has a new beer out called Werewolf. Got some yesterday, its quite good.
Irish Red Ale style......

[img]http://www.mustlovebeer.com/public/album_photo/93/3c/3c57_9805.jpg?c=c42c[/img]

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

Picked up a 4 pack last night, it's outstanding

[url=http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/10607/22189]Bengali Tiger - Sixpoint - Brooklyn, NY - BeerAdvocate[/url]