Ok, now I know this NG is not newbie friendly, but this weekend I treated
myself.

Dogfish Head 60 min IPA-- wonderful beer...this is what beer should be

Bells' Kalamazoo Stout-- another 'real ale'. finally a stout that rivals
Young's 2x chocolate, and Guinness...

Three Floyds Alpha King-- ok help me here this is another great beer, but
does anyone else think this should be in the IPA style instead of just an
American PA? and the name: they use alpha, are they just using it as alpha
as in like 'top-dog' connotation or because the Warrior hop is high in alpha
acids and they used a lot of them?...am I looking to hard into this stuff?

TM

>>>>> Dogfish Head 60 min IPA-- wonderful beer...this is what beer should
>>>>> be...

An absolute classic.


<<<>>Bells' Kalamazoo Stout-- another 'real ale'. finally a stout that
rivals Young's 2x chocolate, and Guinness...

Bell's is boss. If you can get it, try Bell's Expedition Stout, which is
like the bubbling crude that Jed Clampett found.

TechMyst wrote:
> Ok, now I know this NG is not newbie friendly, but this weekend I treated
> myself.

This NG isn't particularly friendly to its old hands, either. Good beer is a
matter of taste and we don't all share the same taste. If you give some details
about where you live and what you like, you can get some recommendations and
interesting comments.

For example, I live in Pittsburgh and I tolerate IPAs, but I don't favor them. I
prefer maibocks, marzens, and weizenbocks. Most of the discussion here (among
Americans) is about IPAs and I read about them. During a recent business trip to
San Francisco, I went with a friend to Toronado to try the Racer 5 as it was
recommended here (called the best IPA, I believe). I certainly enjoyed it and I
think you will too, if you're out that way.
>
> Dogfish Head 60 min IPA-- wonderful beer...this is what beer should be

I can't stand the 60 minute. I like the 90 minute, but it might be because it's
sweeter. And I'm glad I bought 1 bottle of 120 minute so that I'm never tempted
to buy one again.
>
> Bells' Kalamazoo Stout-- another 'real ale'. finally a stout that rivals
> Young's 2x chocolate, and Guinness...

If you're interested in Irish stouts, then get Beamish or Murphy's before
Guinness. If you haven't tried an imperial stout yet, try one. I think Sam
Smith's is a good one to start with.

Bell's can do no wrong in my book. As you seem to like hoppy beers, try their
Two Hearted Ale.
>
> Three Floyds Alpha King-- ok help me here this is another great beer, but
> does anyone else think this should be in the IPA style instead of just an
> American PA? and the name: they use alpha, are they just using it as alpha
> as in like 'top-dog' connotation or because the Warrior hop is high in alpha
> acids and they used a lot of them?...am I looking to hard into this stuff?

There's no judging academy or style book for styles. Two breweries can use
identical ingredients and methods and one will call their ale a pale ale and the
other will call theirs an IPA. Try a British IPA and see how it compares.

Tom W

> Bell's is boss. If you can get it, try Bell's Expedition Stout, which is
> like the bubbling crude that Jed Clampett found.

Yes! Expidition is on my short list along with Victory's HopDevil and Bells
2Hearted..

I'm glad I've finally found a place that has more craft beers than Goose
Island and Sierra Nevada!!

TM

>>>>> Yes! Expidition is on my short list along with Victory's HopDevil and
>>>>> Bells
> 2Hearted.. >>>>> I'm glad I've finally found a place that has more craft
> beers than Goose Island and Sierra Nevada!!

I just had my first Stone Ruination tonight (finally got hands on one in
Covington, KY), and for me it is the trifecta that merges:
Stone Ruination & Bell's Two-Hearted & DogfishHead 60

These 3 beers for me, more than anything else I've had, put the "flower"
back in the fact that hops flowers are flowers. They are gentle, open,
broad, aromatic pollen-centered things (they put the 'bee' back in "beer")
that are still assertively kick-ass as hops go.


Two nights ago I also had the Arrogant ******* from Stone, and it is
unimpeachable, though in a "Fullers ESB on Steriods" sort of way. Last
night I had the Stone plain IPA and it was, um, ok too.

I also really like the Goose Island IPA--but for some strange reason I never
buy it.

"TechMyst" > wrote in message
...

> Ok, now I know this NG is not newbie friendly, but this weekend I treated
> myself.

Eh, just not friendly to people who don't know their stuff, or come in
acting like they know everything. Clearly, neither applies here.

> Dogfish Head 60 min IPA-- wonderful beer...this is what beer should be

It is an outstanding beer. As for what beer should be? Depends on what day
you ask me. (Yes, I know the phrasing was a rhetorical flourish ;-) )

And that extinguishes my annual allotment of Usenet smileys. Have to wait
till next year for my next one.

> Bells' Kalamazoo Stout-- another 'real ale'. finally a stout that rivals
> Young's 2x chocolate, and Guinness...

I don't think there's a brewery in existence that does stout as well as
Kalamazoo. Everyone I've had has been excellent (as well as their
Two-Hearted ale, which is one of my absolute favorite beers). As recommended
elsewhere in the thread, Expedition is outstanding. Although it could stand
at least some carbonation.

> Three Floyds Alpha King-- ok help me here this is another great beer, but
> does anyone else think this should be in the IPA style instead of just an
> American PA? and the name: they use alpha, are they just using it as
> alpha as in like 'top-dog' connotation or because the Warrior hop is high
> in alpha acids and they used a lot of them?...am I looking to hard into
> this stuff?

Yeah, you are. The style distinctions can occasionally be a bit fun to bat
around in a "how many angels can dance on the head of a pin" sort of way,
but at the end of the day it's usually just ******y. Although, if you want
real fun, the PA/IPA debate is kid's stuff; go for the difference between
porter and stout.

As far as AK's right to the name IPA: It's been many years since I had the
bottles, so I don't know if the situation's changed, but the bottled version
used to be noticeably less aggressive in its bitterness than the draught
version. There was no question in my mind where draught AK belonged.

As for the name? Yes. I suspect the double-entendre is intentional.

-Steve

>>>>Expedition is outstanding. Although it could stand at least some
>>>>carbonation.

The first six of Expedition I bought had essentially no carbonation. I
asked the liquor store about it and they just shrugged. Since then, they
have been real sudsy. I think it was a batch production flaw?

Steve Jackson > wrote:
>Yeah, you are. The style distinctions can occasionally be a bit fun to bat
>around in a "how many angels can dance on the head of a pin" sort of way,
>but at the end of the day it's usually just ******y. Although, if you want
>real fun, the PA/IPA debate is kid's stuff; go for the difference between
>porter and stout.

Or Baltic Porter and Schwartzbier. I mean, just look at a map!
--
Joel Plutchak "Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and
plutchak@[...] sometimes I think we're not. In either case the idea
is quite staggering." - Arthur C. Clarke

Thanks guys (Douglas, Tom, Steve and Joel) ! I'm trying to get some
feedback from as many as are still active here. I'm just trying to get some
conversation going...I'm trying to learn as much as possible quickly.

> If you give some details about where you live and what you like, you can
> get some recommendations and interesting comments.

I'm in Harvard, IL so there is nothing spectacular here. Goose Island has
made a name around here, but I wouldn't put them in the class that I've been
starting to try. Rockford has Carlyle which I haven't tried yet, but it
looks like they might have some decent products. (I check ratebeer and
beeradvocate before I try stuff out.)

I favor the dry stouts (and porters) the best. ESB's and IPA's are next
with Irish ales and the Trappist ales after those. I am beginning to detest
all lagers now for some reason. Long time ago when I wanted a good beer I'd
get Heineken; gawd how stupid I was/am. The best lager I like is
Pilsner-Urquell. Which again is mega-brewed...There is something about
wheat beers I do not like. I can tell a good one from a bad one, but they
tend to give me stomach-aches and a weird buzz...

It looks like you are into the high-hopped German styles, yes?

> If you're interested in Irish stouts, then get Beamish or Murphy's before
> Guinness. If you haven't tried an imperial stout yet, try one. I think Sam
> Smith's is a good one to start with.

Murphy's was a little too sweet for my liking. I had Beamish and S.S.
Imperial stout years ago, but I don't remember too much about them (I know I
liked them), my taste buds were still too retarded I guess...

> Bell's can do no wrong in my book. As you seem to like hoppy beers, try
> their Two Hearted Ale.

Yes, That brew and their Expedition stout and Victory's HopDevil are on my
short list to get!

here's a list of brewers I'm aiming at first that are available in my
immediate area

Founder's
Avery
Dogfish Head
Victory
Three Floyds
Great Divide

and in the non-craft breweries
Samuel Smith
Fullers

The next tier down would be ...

Rogue
Lagunitas
Unibroue
Left Hand/Tabernash
Sprecher ( I thought they only made root beer! who knew!?)
Capital
New Holland
LakeFront

Talk to me people! If you've had any from these brewers hit me up with some
of your mad knowledge!! And share amongst ourselves...

TM

TechMyst wrote:
> I'm in Harvard, IL so there is nothing spectacular here. Goose Island has
> made a name around here, but I wouldn't put them in the class that I've been
> starting to try. Rockford has Carlyle which I haven't tried yet, but it
> looks like they might have some decent products. (I check ratebeer and
> beeradvocate before I try stuff out.)

No knocks against the beer ratings sites, but you really need to taste the beer
before you can judge it. If you run across a beer you don't like, take a second
while you're drinking it and try to figure out exactly what it is you don't like
about it. As you try other beers in the style you can see if it's a) you don't
like the style, b) the specific beer deviates from the style in an unpleasant
way, or c) the glass or bottle of beer you got was off.
>
> I favor the dry stouts (and porters) the best. ESB's and IPA's are next
> with Irish ales and the Trappist ales after those. I am beginning to detest
> all lagers now for some reason. Long time ago when I wanted a good beer I'd
> get Heineken; gawd how stupid I was/am. The best lager I like is
> Pilsner-Urquell. Which again is mega-brewed...There is something about
> wheat beers I do not like. I can tell a good one from a bad one, but they
> tend to give me stomach-aches and a weird buzz...

Before you drop lagers altogether, try Victory's All Malt Lager or Great Lakes'
Elliot Ness Vienna Lager. If they're available around you, try some Munich
helles beers, like Spaten, Hacker-Pschorr, or Augustinerbrau. Try Victory's
Prima Pils.
>
> It looks like you are into the high-hopped German styles, yes?

I like all styles. The three I mentioned are the ones that give me the most
pleasure when I drink them. They are also all seasonal so I can't drink them
exclusively. I mentioned them to point out a contrast to most of the regulars
here who prefer IPAs. Wait till you see the waves of ecstasy passing through
here when the Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale goes on sale.
>
>> If you're interested in Irish stouts, then get Beamish or Murphy's before
>> Guinness. If you haven't tried an imperial stout yet, try one. I think Sam
>> Smith's is a good one to start with.
>
> Murphy's was a little too sweet for my liking. I had Beamish and S.S.
> Imperial stout years ago, but I don't remember too much about them (I know I
> liked them), my taste buds were still too retarded I guess...

If you are going to experiment widely with brands and styles, expect your palate
to evolve. Ten years ago, I found Rogue's Dead Guy Ale unpleasantly bitter. I
recently ordered one and I was surprised at how malty it is and how much I
enjoyed it.
>

>>>>>I'm in Harvard, IL so there is nothing spectacular here.

I'm up in Madison, where the local mega-foodie Woodman's has the most-mega
beer selection. Their east Madison store carries Bear Republic Racer 5,
and also the remarkably zesty Arcadia London Porter; the west side store has
the solid and very reasonably priced North Coast Old Rasputin Imperial Stout
along with scores of other beers. They have a store in Janesville too, but
I don't know if they have the same selection there. Among the far-northern
brewers you mentioned, here are some opinions from someone who tends to like
the extremes:


CAPITAL I haven't bought one of their basic lagers for years, but the
recent specially released EisPhyre is a kick-ass eisbock--completely
original, with a syrupy mouthfeel but dry character. Their Blonde
Doppelbock (seasonal) has some real heft. The Autumnal Fire is another
stronger seasonal that will grow on you fast. Their Wild Rice (seasonal) is
worth it just to try something with very distinctive flavor.

LAKEFRONT Their flagship Riverwest Stein beer is unique and very, very
tasty, though not an extreme beer. I don't usually buy their others because
they aren't quite extreme enough, but they are good brewers.

NEW HOLLAND I have never had any of their regular beers, but they make
some (expensive) rarities, and I really love their very, very unusual Phi,
though the first time sipped it was like grapefruit and clorox. I've also
had the Pilgrim's Dole, which is probably one of the oddest beers I've ever
experienced--though in this case 'experienced' is not quite the same as
'enjoyed'.

SPRECHER All fairly drinkable. The Black Bavarian is an enjoyable and
fairly unique schwarzbier. They make the least exciting Abbey Tripel I've
ever had. I used to buy it in regularly, until things like Bell's Sparking
Ale and Victory's Golden Monkey came along and put the Sprecher Tripel to
absolute shame--it tastes like dishwater compared to those two other
absolute knock-out sumptious-goth-tripels.

UNIBROUE When they first came out they were very unique, with Belgian style
and potency. They still have the style and potency, but they don't weigh in
heavy on the palate (which some would find a benefit?). I kept getting in
the Trois Pistoles and Don de Dieu because they were the most interesting,
but I've really tired of them--it is just a bit too much work to get a
satisfying flavor blast from them.

TechMyst wrote:
> Thanks guys (Douglas, Tom, Steve and Joel) ! I'm trying to get some
> feedback from as many as are still active here. I'm just trying to get some
> conversation going...I'm trying to learn as much as possible quickly.
>
>> If you give some details about where you live and what you like, you can
>> get some recommendations and interesting comments.
>
> I'm in Harvard, IL so there is nothing spectacular here. Goose Island has
> made a name around here, but I wouldn't put them in the class that I've been
> starting to try. Rockford has Carlyle which I haven't tried yet, but it
> looks like they might have some decent products. (I check ratebeer and
> beeradvocate before I try stuff out.)
>
> I favor the dry stouts (and porters) the best. ESB's and IPA's are next
> with Irish ales and the Trappist ales after those. I am beginning to detest
> all lagers now for some reason. Long time ago when I wanted a good beer I'd
> get Heineken; gawd how stupid I was/am. The best lager I like is
> Pilsner-Urquell. Which again is mega-brewed...There is something about
> wheat beers I do not like. I can tell a good one from a bad one, but they
> tend to give me stomach-aches and a weird buzz...
>
> It looks like you are into the high-hopped German styles, yes?
>
>> If you're interested in Irish stouts, then get Beamish or Murphy's before
>> Guinness. If you haven't tried an imperial stout yet, try one. I think Sam
>> Smith's is a good one to start with.
>
> Murphy's was a little too sweet for my liking. I had Beamish and S.S.
> Imperial stout years ago, but I don't remember too much about them (I know I
> liked them), my taste buds were still too retarded I guess...
>
>> Bell's can do no wrong in my book. As you seem to like hoppy beers, try
>> their Two Hearted Ale.
>
> Yes, That brew and their Expedition stout and Victory's HopDevil are on my
> short list to get!
>
> here's a list of brewers I'm aiming at first that are available in my
> immediate area
>
> Founder's
> Avery
> Dogfish Head
> Victory
> Three Floyds
> Great Divide
>
> and in the non-craft breweries
> Samuel Smith
> Fullers
>
> The next tier down would be ...
>
> Rogue
> Lagunitas
> Unibroue
> Left Hand/Tabernash
> Sprecher ( I thought they only made root beer! who knew!?)

I stopped drinking Sprecher beer when quality went bad and they started
pasteurizing.

> Capital
> New Holland
> LakeFront
>

Stopped drinking Lakefront years ago after the brewmaster left and
quality went bad.

I am from Milwaukee.

> Talk to me people! If you've had any from these brewers hit me up with some
> of your mad knowledge!! And share amongst ourselves...
>
> TM
>
>

TechMyst wrote:
> Thanks guys (Douglas, Tom, Steve and Joel) ! I'm trying to get some
> feedback from as many as are still active here. I'm just trying to get some
> conversation going...I'm trying to learn as much as possible quickly.
>
>> If you give some details about where you live and what you like, you can
>> get some recommendations and interesting comments.
>
> I'm in Harvard, IL so there is nothing spectacular here. Goose Island has
> made a name around here, but I wouldn't put them in the class that I've been
> starting to try. Rockford has Carlyle which I haven't tried yet, but it
> looks like they might have some decent products. (I check ratebeer and
> beeradvocate before I try stuff out.)
>
> I favor the dry stouts (and porters) the best. ESB's and IPA's are next
> with Irish ales and the Trappist ales after those. I am beginning to detest
> all lagers now for some reason. Long time ago when I wanted a good beer I'd
> get Heineken; gawd how stupid I was/am. The best lager I like is
> Pilsner-Urquell. Which again is mega-brewed...There is something about
> wheat beers I do not like. I can tell a good one from a bad one, but they
> tend to give me stomach-aches and a weird buzz...
>
> It looks like you are into the high-hopped German styles, yes?
>
>> If you're interested in Irish stouts, then get Beamish or Murphy's before
>> Guinness. If you haven't tried an imperial stout yet, try one. I think Sam
>> Smith's is a good one to start with.
>
> Murphy's was a little too sweet for my liking. I had Beamish and S.S.
> Imperial stout years ago, but I don't remember too much about them (I know I
> liked them), my taste buds were still too retarded I guess...
>
>> Bell's can do no wrong in my book. As you seem to like hoppy beers, try
>> their Two Hearted Ale.
>
> Yes, That brew and their Expedition stout and Victory's HopDevil are on my
> short list to get!
>
> here's a list of brewers I'm aiming at first that are available in my
> immediate area
>
> Founder's
> Avery
> Dogfish Head
> Victory
> Three Floyds
> Great Divide
>
> and in the non-craft breweries
> Samuel Smith
> Fullers
>
> The next tier down would be ...
>
> Rogue
> Lagunitas
> Unibroue
> Left Hand/Tabernash
> Sprecher ( I thought they only made root beer! who knew!?)
> Capital
> New Holland
> LakeFront
>
> Talk to me people! If you've had any from these brewers hit me up with some
> of your mad knowledge!! And share amongst ourselves...
>
> TM
>
>

You may want to try New Glarus beers but I think they cut back to only
Wisc sales.

Dan

In message >, Dan
> writes
>TechMyst wrote:
>> Thanks guys (Douglas, Tom, Steve and Joel) ! I'm trying to get some
>>feedback from as many as are still active here. I'm just trying to
>>get some conversation going...I'm trying to learn as much as possible
>>quickly.
>>
>>> If you give some details about where you live and what you like, you
>>>can get some recommendations and interesting comments.
>> I'm in Harvard, IL so there is nothing spectacular here. Goose
>>Island has made a name around here, but I wouldn't put them in the
>>class that I've been starting to try. Rockford has Carlyle which I
>>haven't tried yet, but it looks like they might have some decent
>>products. (I check ratebeer and beeradvocate before I try stuff out.)
>> I favor the dry stouts (and porters) the best. ESB's and IPA's are
>>next with Irish ales and the Trappist ales after those. I am
>>beginning to detest all lagers now for some reason. Long time ago
>>when I wanted a good beer I'd get Heineken; gawd how stupid I was/am.
>>The best lager I like is Pilsner-Urquell. Which again is
>>mega-brewed...There is something about wheat beers I do not like. I
>>can tell a good one from a bad one, but they tend to give me
>>stomach-aches and a weird buzz...
>> It looks like you are into the high-hopped German styles, yes?
>>
>>> If you're interested in Irish stouts, then get Beamish or Murphy's
>>>before Guinness. If you haven't tried an imperial stout yet, try
>>>one. I think Sam Smith's is a good one to start with.
>> Murphy's was a little too sweet for my liking. I had Beamish and
>>S.S. Imperial stout years ago, but I don't remember too much about
>>them (I know I liked them), my taste buds were still too retarded I
>>guess...
>>
>>> Bell's can do no wrong in my book. As you seem to like hoppy beers,
>>>try their Two Hearted Ale.
>> Yes, That brew and their Expedition stout and Victory's HopDevil are
>>on my short list to get!
>> here's a list of brewers I'm aiming at first that are available in
>>my immediate area
>> Founder's
>> Avery
>> Dogfish Head
>> Victory
>> Three Floyds
>> Great Divide
>> and in the non-craft breweries
>> Samuel Smith
>> Fullers
>> The next tier down would be ...
>> Rogue
>> Lagunitas
>> Unibroue
>> Left Hand/Tabernash
>> Sprecher ( I thought they only made root beer! who knew!?)
>> Capital
>> New Holland
>> LakeFront
>> Talk to me people! If you've had any from these brewers hit me up
>>with some of your mad knowledge!! And share amongst ourselves...
>> TM
>
>You may want to try New Glarus beers but I think they cut back to only
>Wisc sales.
>
>Dan

Ah if only the container had turned up on time at earls court(GBBF) uk
--
martyn dawe

"Douglas W Hoyt" > wrote in message
...

> The first six of Expedition I bought had essentially no carbonation. I
> asked the liquor store about it and they just shrugged. Since then, they
> have been real sudsy. I think it was a batch production flaw?

Dunno. In a few years of buying Expedition while I lived in the Midwest, I
never remember more than the faintest "pfft" coming from the bottle, and
just a gentle swirl of foam.

Not that the beer sucked. It just would be a little bit better with a slight
bit of bubbles, to lighten up the viscosity a bit.

-Steve

"TechMyst" > wrote in message
...

> I'm in Harvard, IL so there is nothing spectacular here. Goose Island has
> made a name around here, but I wouldn't put them in the class that I've
> been starting to try.

Eh. Try enough breweries, see how few can brew good beer as consistently and
across such a wide range of styles, and you may change your mind on that.
Plus, you really need to get to the pubs and try the many different beers
they play around with there.

There really hasn't been anything from Goose that's blown me away (in
bottles; there have been a few brewpub beers that have), but they are
consistently very solid. There's a lot to be said for that.

> I favor the dry stouts (and porters) the best. ESB's and IPA's are next
> with Irish ales and the Trappist ales after those. I am beginning to
> detest all lagers now for some reason. Long time ago when I wanted a good
> beer I'd get Heineken; gawd how stupid I was/am. The best lager I like is
> Pilsner-Urquell.

Don't give up on lagers because of the likes of Heineken. Just get outside
of that narrow range. If you like P-U, there are plenty of lagers out there
you'll probably like. Hell, if you like dry stouts, give a Schwarzbier a
try; Köstritzer generally isn't too tough to find in the States, and I know
it was definitely floating around Chicago when I lived there a few years
back.

> Talk to me people! If you've had any from these brewers hit me up with
> some of your mad knowledge!! And share amongst ourselves...

Some off the top of my head:

Avery's Hog Heaven barleywine is outstanding. Their Belgian efforts are not.

DFH's 90-Minute IPA is excellent. The 120 is not.

Victory's Prima Pils is outstanding (and a lager!), as are the V12 and
Golden Monkey Belgian styles. Storm King is overrated.

Fullers ESB remains one of my favorite beers in the world. Keep in mind that
impression is formed in large part by drinking it on cask in London, and not
as much on the bottles sold in the States.

Rogue - some interesting beers, but overrated across the line, IMO.

Lagunitas - ditto

Unibroue - best brewer of Belgian-style beers outside of Belgium. Better
than some in Belgium. I'm personally quite fond of Maudite and La Fin du
Monde.

Most of the others, it's been too long since I've had anything of theirs to
be reliable.

-Steve

TechMyst > wrote:
>I'm in Harvard, IL so there is nothing spectacular here.

If you can get into the city (Sam's, Binnie's) to stock up,
you should be able to find something interesting. Or probably
more convenient, hit Kenosha for Woodman's (conveniently located
right off I-94 and Highway 50) or Tenuta's (closer to downtown).

>Murphy's was a little too sweet for my liking. I had Beamish and S.S.
>Imperial stout years ago, but I don't remember too much about them (I know I
>liked them), my taste buds were still too retarded I guess...

Of the three Irish stouts, I think Beamish is the sweetest,
with Guinness the most dry.

>Founder's

Hit or miss in my book. Good IPA, decent Scottish.

>Avery

I like most of Avery's lineup. The Beast is an exception--
to muddled, too much sugar/adjunct.

>Dogfish Head

Also hit and miss. In fact, probably mostly "miss" for me.
Exceptions are the 60- and 90-minute IPA.

>Victory

Solid brewery, at worst. Extremely tasty beers in general,
but the fresher the better.

>Three Floyds

Ditto.

>Great Divide

Probably my favorite overall Colorado brewery. Classic
examples of American-style IPA and Imperial IPA.

>and in the non-craft breweries
>Samuel Smith
>Fullers

Very solid brewers. Goive any of their beers a try.

>The next tier down would be ...
>
>Rogue

Eh.

>Lagunitas

Eh.

>Unibroue

Definitely worth a try. Somewhat of a "love 'em or
hate 'em" brewery. I like most of their offerings.

>Left Hand/Tabernash

Eh.

>Sprecher ( I thought they only made root beer! who knew!?)

Some very good, some just "eh." Beware of non-fresh
bottles, as I've had bad luck with infections in slightly
older Sprecher beers.

>Capital

A solid lager brewery. Nothing mind-numbingly great,
but well worth drinking.

>New Holland

With the exception of an occasional Dragon's Milk,
their beers just don't do anything for me. YMMV.

>LakeFront

Been too long since I've seen their beer to recall.
--
Joel Plutchak "Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and
plutchak@[...] sometimes I think we're not. In either case the idea
is quite staggering." - Arthur C. Clarke

Dan > wrote:
>I stopped drinking Sprecher beer when quality went bad and they started
>pasteurizing.

Is that true? If so, I might have to revisit their lineup.
I got tired of buying Sprecher only to find it throwing all
kinds of steadily-worsening diacetyl funk. Better a pasteurized
beer than an infected one.
--
Joel Plutchak "Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and
plutchak@[...] sometimes I think we're not. In either case the idea
is quite staggering." - Arthur C. Clarke

>>>>> Dunno. In a few years of buying Expedition while I lived in the
>>>>> Midwest, I never remember more than the faintest "pfft" coming from
>>>>> the bottle, and just a gentle swirl of foam.

That's what I had at first--you could count the bubbles. If you shook it,
you might get three more bubbles.

The one I just poured is frothy and in the glass there is 87% motor oil and
15% espresso-crema-looking foam head that only very slowly fades, and froths
right up again if you slosh it around in the mouth. My first purchase was
all La Brea tar pits and no fizz.

"Douglas W Hoyt" > wrote:
> CAPITAL I haven't bought one of their basic lagers for years, but the
> recent specially released EisPhyre is a kick-ass eisbock [...]

Damn, I only found out about that recently. Is that available ANYHERE
anymore?
--
//*================================================= ===============++
|| Russ Perry Jr 2175 S Tonne Dr #114 Arlington Hts IL 60005 ||
|| 847-952-9729 [NEW!] VIDEOGAME COLLECTOR! ||
++================================================ ================*//

>>> EisPhyre ...Is that available ANYHERE anymore?

I saw it at a Madison Woodmans two weeks ago, but have been to both east and
west since then and it wasn't there. Maybe call the Kenosha or Janesville
Woodmans and ask if they still have it? When I first tried it, I thought
it was curious, and like satin on the palate, but maybe not aromatic enough.
Since then (possibly helped by it sitting for three months) it is like
diamonds.

"Douglas W Hoyt" > wrote:
> Russ Perry Jr. wrote:
>> EisPhyre ...Is that available ANYHERE anymore?

> I saw it at a Madison Woodmans two weeks ago, but have been to
> both east and west since then and it wasn't there.

Discount Liquor in Milwaukee didn't seem to have any, but Avenue
Liquors did, so I got to have a few for the Packers-Bears game.

> When I first tried it, I thought it was curious, and like satin
> on the palate, but maybe not aromatic enough. Since then (possibly
> helped by it sitting for three months) it is like diamonds.

In a good way, I hope!

I liked it just fine, though I doubt I would have pegged it as an
eisbock, the purported style.

Hmm, reminds me... Is there any explanation of the name? I
presumed it was an "eis" version of the "Autumnal Fire", but
even that doesn't explain the odd spelling of "phyre". Does
anyone know?
--
//*================================================= ===============++
|| Russ Perry Jr 2175 S Tonne Dr #114 Arlington Hts IL 60005 ||
|| 847-952-9729 [NEW!] VIDEOGAME COLLECTOR! ||
++================================================ ================*//

>>>> EisPhyre ...I Is there any explanation of the name? I presumed it was
>>>> an "eis" version of the "Autumnal Fire", but even that doesn't explain
>>>> the odd spelling of "phyre". Does anyone know?

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=PHYRE ????????????!

"Douglas W Hoyt" > wrote:
>> EisPhyre ...Is there any explanation of the name?

> http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=PHYRE ????????????!

Maybe... Or perhaps it has to do with protein fold recognition?
http://www.equinoxpharma.com/products/phyre.shtml
--
//*================================================= ===============++
|| Russ Perry Jr 2175 S Tonne Dr #114 Arlington Hts IL 60005 ||
|| 847-952-9729 [NEW!] VIDEOGAME COLLECTOR! ||
++================================================ ================*//

>>>> Maybe... Or perhaps it has to do with protein fold recognition?

That's definitely more protein folds than I have been capable of
recognizing.



(Particularly after this evening's two ****-ass excellent Lake Louie Triple
Belgians.)

"Tom Wolper"

> No knocks against the beer ratings sites, but you really need to taste the
> beer before you can judge it.

Yes that is an excellent philosopy. I may miss a beer that I totally have a
taste for that others do not. I'm trying to catch up for 15 years of
drinking crappy beer so I'm using the law of averages...if 800 people give
90% ratings agross 10 of Brewer X's beers, I might try them over Brewer Y
who has only 60% ratings across 10 beers...something to that effect
anyway...

But, Yes that is why I came here...people in the NG are pretty hardcore
about whatever topic the group is and would be able to cut through some of
the hype of the general community. Problem is, there is so many beers....so
little time...I feel I need an overall strategy...I know I'm crazy!

Anyways!

Thanks for all your help everyone!

TM

In article >,
"TechMyst" > wrote:

> Ok, now I know this NG is not newbie friendly, but this weekend I treated
> myself.
>
> Dogfish Head 60 min IPA-- wonderful beer...this is what beer should be
>
> Bells' Kalamazoo Stout-- another 'real ale'. finally a stout that rivals
> Young's 2x chocolate, and Guinness...
>
> Three Floyds Alpha King-- ok help me here this is another great beer, but
> does anyone else think this should be in the IPA style instead of just an
> American PA? and the name: they use alpha, are they just using it as alpha
> as in like 'top-dog' connotation or because the Warrior hop is high in alpha
> acids and they used a lot of them?...am I looking to hard into this stuff?
>
> TM

Depending on where you R I highly recommend Hop-ocalypse by Claypipe
brewing. One of the best IPA's I've to date tried. Another Favorite is
Blind Faith. Dog fish makes some OK beers I have not tried their IPA's
but easily do so as a friend lives in DE.
--
Reality-Is finding that perfect picture
and never looking back.

www.gregblankphoto.com