Beer you are drinking right now

[gator7_5]

Maybe I should bust out one of my 6 DFH120 bottles to top that? Lol.
If I pour a 60 on top of a 90 does that make a 150?

[gator7_5]

Dfh 90. Woot

Lucky clown, jimbob.

[gator7_5]

Michelob light. Sitting at new York nick bar in downtown Pensacola.

Shit man, I just drove by you!

[RayUF07]

If I pour a 60 on top of a 90 does that make a 150?

Only if I can pour 6 120's in a glass and it makes a 720...

[channingcrowderhungry]

One of you guys needs to bust out a 75 minute ipa.

I just drank a 2 week old heady topper and followed it up with cascade apricot. Delicious!

[RayUF07]

One of you guys needs to bust out a 75 minute ipa.

I just drank a 2 week old heady topper and followed it up with cascade apricot. Delicious!

I have 7 bombers of 75 here....you dare me?

[anstro76]

i dare you to share w/me

Sent from my mind using esp

[RayUF07]

i dare you to share w/me

Sent from my mind using esp

OK, here you go.

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130124_221227-1.jpg

Sent from my house to yours.

[anstro76]

i cracked my screen trying to open one..

Sent from my mind using esp

[StrangeGator]

Never seen those DFH 75 bottles. Nice label. Definitely John Langford's work. He did the bottle caps plus the label illustrations on several DFH beers, most notably Burton Baton. He's quite the painter, doing primitive style portraits of American Country and Western Artists. He's also a bad ass singer, songwriter and guitar player. He's the front man in four or five different bands, The Mekons, The Waco Brothers, The Three Johns and The Pine Valley Cosmonauts. He also records as a solo artist. He pretty much runs Bloodshot records. He's also a playwright.

[StrangeGator]

Had two Sucks several hours ago, then recently a fight with my wife. She's in bed and I'm sitting up drinking a Zombie Dust I picked up right after I lost that fight. Tired of fighting. Tired of losing. Not quite tired of drinking.

She doesn't drink and doesn't like it when I drink. Maybe she should stop picking fights.

[RayUF07]

Never seen those DFH 75 bottles. Nice label. Definitely John Langford's work. He did the bottle caps plus the label illustrations on several DFH beers, most notably Burton Baton. He's quite the painter, doing primitive style portraits of American Country and Western Artists. He's also a bad ass singer, songwriter and guitar player. He's the front man in four or five different bands, The Mekons, The Waco Brothers, The Three Johns and The Pine Valley Cosmonauts. He also records as a solo artist. He pretty much runs Bloodshot records. He's also a playwright.

I'll send you 1-2 if you want. Pm me.

[pnotine]

If this is a cry for help, disregard the following
Pork Slap Farmhouse Ale
Good beer in a can

[channingcrowderhungry]

If this is a cry for help, disregard the following
Pork Slap Farmhouse Ale
Good beer in a can

I had that the other day at a tasting. I was the only person that liked it. Don't know what that says about me. Cool can too.

[gator7_5]

My first ever CCB jai alai. Fantastic!

[Gatorgal04]

Mr. Beer Cowboy Lager. Just opened the first bottle of a new batch. Yum!

[channingcrowderhungry]

My first ever CCB jai alai. Fantastic!

Excellent.

I'm drinking a growler of this Green Room/ Cigar city collaboration ipa named white devil. Amazing!

[don23lucia]

Ole reliable Silver Bullet, never go wrong with one of those.

[gator7_5]

Ole reliable Silver Bullet, never go wrong with one of those.

You know, you really can't. Especially if it's June and you're holding a fishing rod.

[StrangeGator]

Ole reliable Silver Bullet, never go wrong with one of those.

Or five or six for that matter. Probably can't tell the difference between just having one and having six, except for the headache. I prefer Coors Banquet.

[StrangeGator]

Been collecting some nice beers for a tasting I'm going to have with my soon to be former business partner. Starting to pick out one or two at a time, since the two of us probably can't drink eight or ten strong craft beers in one night. So far tonight I've had a Six Point Brewery Resin Imperial IPA in a 12 oz can. It's 9.2 ABV and 104 IBU. Very nice. Heavy pine notes. Must have been mostly Chinook hops. Excellent value at 8.99 for a four pack. Set two aside for the tasting.

Worked down from there to Zombie Dust. Bought a six pack last night and could only get through two of them. Amazing what an assertive beer it is at only 6.45 ABV and 60 IBUs. Thick, sticky and quite pungent with mostly grapefruit notes. It's one of those single hop beers, using only Citra hops, which I think is my favorite variety. Drank two and saved two.

Just broke into my second six pack of Hopslam. Took me Friday, Saturday and Sunday to get through my last one. I was going to age this one, but I'm getting ready to "cleanse" for a couple of months, which means pushing my tasting ahead of time. This beer is very thick and laces nicely, more than any of the other beers I've had tonight. Then again, I may not have rinsed my glass after the Zombie Dust.

Hopslam is very different from what it's been in the past. I thought it was just me, but I've talked to a few of the local experts. They say it's better. It's 10% ABV. Not finding anything about the IBU count, but I don't think the amount of hops matters as much as what varieties they put it in it. This has equal amounts of six different hop varieties, then gets a "massive dry-hop addition of Simcoe hops." They top it off with Michigan honey, which sounds weird, but you barely notice it. Probably adds to the thickness and blends with the high alcohol sweetness.

Still have of two or more of each of these, plus a bomber of Rye-on-Rye and the DFH 120. I'd like to have more variety, but it's almost two much beer for two 50+ year old dads. We're having the tasting at his house, which is about two blocks from the lake in Wrigleyville. I live in Oak Park, which is a beautifully scenic, but ridiculously long drive to Wrigleyville and a dangerous drive back. I usually take the train, but I don't know how I'd haul that much beer with me on the CTA. Should probably plan on crashing there. His wife is known to make a wicked breakfast, assuming she's not too hungover herself. She won't touch the beers, but she's quite the vodka martini drinker.

Hope they get a babysitter. A hot one.

[RayUF07]

Excellent.

I'm drinking a growler of this Green Room/ Cigar city collaboration ipa named white devil. Amazing!

I actually tried that at the tasting room tonight. I wasn't really impressed. Perhaps I am just spoiled by the other great stuff they offer.

[RayUF07]

Wow, what an up and down day/night.

Started off working, sucks as usual but it pays the bills. Got off early due to my little brother ignoring my advice and getting married Saturday anyway. Figuring I need to bring some goodies to his funeral, I left work a little early and headed to Cigar City. I know they are offering Peach Jai Alai growlers, and that is one of his favorites. Besides, they have a new Blueberry Jai Alai on tap also, I can try it as I wait.

On the way I stop by the Total Wine down the street. My goal is to obtain White Oak and perhaps some Palate Wrecker and Sucks. I've been in search of them for a couple weeks, no dice. Fortunately I am able to grab two packs of Sucks and two of the palate wrecker. No White Oak, but I know I can get it at the tasting room, it's just a couple bucks more. It seems the day is off to a great start.

I get to CC and sit down to enjoy a Blueberry Jai Alai. It was tasty, so I had another. I try and get 2 quantity Gallon growlers of Peach, for the wedding, but they inform me they can only do the Quart growlers of Peach, not a Gallon. Fail. I instead settle for 2 Quarts of Peach, and 2 quarts Red Tocobaga; both very tasty, fresh, and sure to be a hit at the wedding. I glance over and see Nitro Secret Rendezvous on tap. It's a bourbon aged stout, with chocolate etc. I get a glass of it and then start thinking; perhaps since I can't get the 2 Gallons of Peach, I'll just grab a sixtel of Jai Alai, my brothers favorite regular offering. Done deal. I grab a case of White Oak, pay for the growlers and keg, and get on my way. So far, so good.

I get back to the rehearsal dinner, everything is okay. Get the keg on ice, ready to be tapped tomorrow. Walk through the ceremony, White Oak in hand, it's a good night. Have dinner, enjoy more White Oak, still a great night.

Get home, bring the beer in to throw it in the coolers and get ready for tomorrow, and as I am carrying one of the palate wrecker 4 packs, much to my dismay the bottom falls out. Damnit! 4 bottles busted in my garage. $13 down the drain. Or on the garage floor, if you will. I'm now tempted to keep the other 4 pack here for myself, I haven't tried it this year and now with only 4 left I am worried I won't get many/any at the wedding if I bring it. Hmmm...

So as I am pissed and contemplating how at 12:30AM I am going to clean this mess off the garage, my wife says to me....you got a package today, why don't you open it and it will make you feel better.

She knows, that our own Channingcrowderhungry has sent me a package of beer. I've been waiting to open it and it didn't disappoint. She was right, it did make it a little better even though the 4 pack was splattered all over the garage. He went above and beyond, and for that I want to thank him. I will enjoy the goodies and share some at the wedding tomorrow. You sir will be a part of a great celebration as we watch my brother end his life by getting married. JK...I am very happy for him and he is about to embark on what I hope is the best years of his life. He truly has a good woman and I couldn't be happier for him.

Okay, I know none of you care about that, lol. I am done rambling now. I hope everyone had a great night.

Ray

[channingcrowderhungry]

Glad you got the box safe and sound. I sent three boxes out to fellow gators in this thread. Mainly because it's been such a fun thread, and secondly if I'm going to give some good beers new loving parents, I'd rather it be beer loving gator fans.

RIP palatewrecker (2012-2013) we hardly knew 'ye

Cheers!

[channingcrowderhungry]

Drinking a Stillwater table beer. Saison with Brett. If u like funky Brett beers this is for you.

[gator7_5]

Putting 2 big butts on the egg in the am. Check out total at the local IGA was 49.90. The store offers 5 bucks off any purchase over 50 the girl tells me...

I grab a single dead guy ale. I got paid 3 bucks to drink this brew. It tastes good....

[g8orbill]

I having a Mich Ultra wirh my Pizza

[gator7_5]

Boddington's

Man, that is such a great beer. Back in collge at the beginning of the month when I had a few bucks, I'd buy a 4 pack and treat then like they were my children. Still grab a 4 once in awhile.

[wengator]

Corona while watching a little Gator Basketball! Good night!

[gator7_5]

31-12... You know it!

[wengator]

31-12... You know it!

Beautiful!

[StrangeGator]

Enjoying the game along with one each of Lagunitas Sucks, Three Floyd's Zombie Dust, Six Point's Resin then a Bell's Hopslam. That should be enough for a runaway win.

[wengator]

Enjoying the game along with one each of Lagunitas Sucks, Three Floyd's Zombie Dust, Six Point's Resin then a Bell's Hopslam. That should be enough for a runaway win.

I'm going to need to expand my horizon in regards to variety of beer choices.

[StrangeGator]

I'm going to need to expand my horizon in regards to variety of beer choices.

Those are mostly pretty hard to find. Hopslam is a limited release and is already gone from the local stores. Sucks will be gone in a week, assuming it came to your town at all. Only one store in town sells Zombie Dust, but they say it will be available all year. Resin is new to me. I don't know if it's a limited release or not. I've seen other Six Points products in quantity, so I'm thinking it might not be that hard to find, assuming it's a year round release.

I don't usually spend that kind of money on beer, but I'm building up a stash and testing beers for a tasting in a couple of weeks. Then I'm going to take a break from drinking, possibly for a couple of months.

[RayUF07]

Fresh keg of jai alai

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130126_221236.jpg

[rivergator]

hmm. Jai Alai. Cigar City's Cracker is a very solid Belgian White. Just had it for the first time last weekend.

[muschamp1]

Palm speciale Belgium ale.

[StrangeGator]

Just for kicks, I checked Beer Advocate's top 250 list. Of the beers I had tonight…

#7- Zombie Dust (shot up near the top out of nowhere)
#12- Hopslam (A perennial favorite)
#48- Lagunitas Sucks (impressive for a brand new offering)

This list must be pretty fluid. A beer I saw ranked 7th just a few months ago is no longer in the top 250. Probably too limited a release and not enough people tasting it.

[GunGator]

Big Nose from Swamp Head Brewery. Got to refill my growler soon.

[channingcrowderhungry]

Bottomless bloody Mary's to start off this Sunday. Wait, what is this thread about? Rabble
Rabble rabble

[channingcrowderhungry]

Just for kicks, I checked Beer Advocate's top 250 list. Of the beers I had tonight…

#7- Zombie Dust (shot up near the top out of nowhere)
#12- Hopslam (A perennial favorite)
#48- Lagunitas Sucks (impressive for a brand new offering)

This list must be pretty fluid. A beer I saw ranked 7th just a few months ago is no longer in the top 250. Probably too limited a release and not enough people tasting it.

BA just revised their rankings formula. Probably why there was so much fluctuation. Heady Topper became the new #1

[northgagator]

Fresh keg of jai alai



I like the logo on the glass

[northgagator]

I'm going to need to expand my horizon in regards to variety of beer choices.

The are four things to do to expand your horizons.
1, Keep reading this thread and make notes of the beers.
2, Find a good package store in your area. One that is known for its beer selection. Go to the section where they keep the premium and micro brews. Some stores have a high gravity section (above average in alcohol content). Refer to you notes as you browse. Ask for help, some stores have knowledgable staff.
3, Locate a growler shop in your area (if you area allows them). Most of these shop sell samples or have a pour license. Ask for help. Make notes.
4, Locate placed that have beer tastings. When there make notes if what you liked and dislike.

If you are serious about this venture then I suggest that you keep a beer journal. There are way too many brands to keep track of. Don't drink too much before you make your entries. I sometimes find it hard to read what I wrote. That is not necessarily a sign that the beer was that good. Beer has a way of tricking you into making you think it was that good or what you were doing while drinking was that good. In my younger single days there were times when I woke up after a good night of partying that i received a rude surprised. Gnawing my arm off to keep from waking her up was a viable option more than once.

[gator884]

Bottled my oatmeal stout yesterday and had a few sours. Brewed a double ipa today and am enjoying another CCB Double Black while cleaning.

For keeping track of beers, I've been using an app called Untappd which has been helpful.

[StrangeGator]

BA just revised their rankings formula. Probably why there was so much fluctuation. Heady Topper became the new #1

Noticed that. Knocked Pliny the Elder off the throne. They've been sitting at the top for years.

Was glad to see Goose Island's King Henry get knocked out of the top 250 after being #7. I don't want to know how good a beer is if I can't get my hands on it. Not like it's brewed two thousand miles away. It's brewed six miles from here and I still haven't been able to find a bottle in two years.

[RayUF07]

I think Younger was #1 prior, Elder was #3.

[channingcrowderhungry]

I think Younger was #1 prior, Elder was #3.

If I recall correctly it was

1)Younger
2)Westy 12
3)Heady
4)Elder

I could be misremembering.

[RayUF07]

If I recall correctly it was

1)Younger
2)Westy 12
3)Heady
4)Elder

I could be misremembering.

I think Pliny was still above Heady at that point, but it's a moot point anyway.

[muschamp1]

New castle winter IPA.

[supagator]

Miller lites'

[channingcrowderhungry]

I think Pliny was still above Heady at that point, but it's a moot point anyway.

Yah. Slaying 3 of the top 4 within a month was a solid event. I'm going to be in Cali first week of march. Missing younger by a month.

[phatGator]

Palm speciale Belgium ale.

When I lived in Belgium I was once at a friend's house. When another Belgian arrived the first friend asked if he wanted something to drink. His response was, "Just an ordinary beer." So the friend handed him a Palm Speciale, which happened to be my favorite. You've got to love a country where Palm is the ordinary, everyday beer.

"Het land van bier --The land of beer", as they say.

[RayUF07]

Yah. Slaying 3 of the top 4 within a month was a solid event. I'm going to be in Cali first week of march. Missing younger by a month.

I'll give you $$$ to bring me back some fresh Pliny!

[RayUF07]

Fresh Growler of Red Tocobaga tonight. Delicious!

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130128_203209.jpg

[gator7_5]

This mofo got to page 2?

Lowryder ipa by sweetwater. Not great, not bad, but extremely unique taste. Think I'll keep sippin.

Going very well with my fresh fried mingo snapper!

[GatorKev]

Troegs Nugget Nectar. Imperial amber ale, drinks like an ipa. 7.5% alcohol

Have been lurking on this post for a long time. Some great beer drinkers on here.

[gator884]

No beer tonight but big thanks to Channing on spreading the underdark wealth! (Your inbox is full again, glad you like the black butte!)

[RayUF07]

West Coast style tonight

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130129_211542.jpg

[kalaniocc]

Shock top honeycrisp apple wheat and guiness cos its my birthday!!! No work tomorrow!

[northgagator]

West Coast style tonight



Nice amber color!

[channingcrowderhungry]

No beer tonight but big thanks to Channing on spreading the underdark wealth! (Your inbox is full again, glad you like the black butte!)

Wow. I need to do a better job of staying on top of that.

I had black butte on a snowboard trip in Vail a few years back. Very excited to have it again on top of the other goodies in the box.

Let me know how that underdark tastes when it goes down. It's good but will probably do better with a tad age on it.

[channingcrowderhungry]

Troegs Nugget Nectar. Imperial amber ale, drinks like an ipa. 7.5% alcohol

Have been lurking on this post for a long time. Some great beer drinkers on here.

I've always heard amazing things about that beer. Never realized it was an amber.

[ufMIB]

Just left Cigar City tap room, Peach IPA and Humidor series Baltic Porter aged on Spanish Cedar. pretty good beers.

I am trying to get as much CC in before I move on Friday. My office now is practically across the street from CC, but I move to Gainesville on Friday.

[channingcrowderhungry]

Happy one year anniversary on this thread.

I'm working at the shop tonight, I'll throw something nice in the fridge for later.

[northgagator]

Just left Cigar City tap room, Peach IPA and Humidor series Baltic Porter aged on Spanish Cedar. pretty good beers.

I am trying to get as much CC in before I move on Friday. My office now is practically across the street from CC, but I move to Gainesville on Friday.

Across the street from CC. Great location!

[northgagator]

Happy one year anniversary on this thread.

I'm working at the shop tonight, I'll throw something nice in the fridge for later.

I raise my glass to Strange, Channing, Ray, Leaf, and the rest if the regulars on this thread. I learned a lot from you guys!

[gator7_5]

Session lager. Nice break from all the hopps! And ditto what Northgator said. Very informative and freindly thread!

[GatorKev]

Had an Ithaca Flower Power IPA on tap tonight. 7.5%.
One of the best ipas that i have had lately. Very hoppy with strong citrus notes.
Highly recommend it.

[RayUF07]

Fresh Peach Jai Alai tonight.

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130130_190606.jpg

[RayUF07]

Just left Cigar City tap room, Peach IPA and Humidor series Baltic Porter aged on Spanish Cedar. pretty good beers.

I am trying to get as much CC in before I move on Friday. My office now is practically across the street from CC, but I move to Gainesville on Friday.

Do yourself a favor and next time grab some Torcedores Series #3 Brengles Double IPA. Great stuff!

[gators60]

This season and any other....corona light

[gator884]

Just left Cigar City tap room, Peach IPA and Humidor series Baltic Porter aged on Spanish Cedar. pretty good beers.

I am trying to get as much CC in before I move on Friday. My office now is practically across the street from CC, but I move to Gainesville on Friday.

Moving from CCB to Swamphead is not a bad deal!

[RayUF07]

I think Friday I'm going to have my wife pour me a blind taste test of a few beers.

Pliny the Elder
Heady Topper
Stone Enjoy by
Lagunitas Sucks

I'm going to drink a few ounces of each blindly, then rank them.

I'll let you all know how it comes out, I know...nobody cares lol but I wanted to see how I may view them without bias.

[JimBobTheClown]

2 x ipa

[channingcrowderhungry]

I think Friday I'm going to have my wife pour me a blind taste test of a few beers.

Pliny the Elder
Heady Topper
Stone Enjoy by
Lagunitas Sucks

I'm going to drink a few ounces of each blindly, then rank them.

I'll let you all know how it comes out, I know...nobody cares lol but I wanted to see how I may view them without bias.

I care.

[gator7_5]

I think Friday I'm going to have my wife pour me a blind taste test of a few beers.

Pliny the Elder
Heady Topper
Stone Enjoy by
Lagunitas Sucks

I'm going to drink a few ounces of each blindly, then rank them.

I'll let you all know how it comes out, I know...nobody cares lol but I wanted to see how I may view them without bias.

dick :drool:

[RayUF07]

dick :drool:

?

[wengator]

I've been inspired to expand my horizons so I tried this beer tonight "Hofbrau Hefe Weizen - Germany, 5.1% (Hefeweizen)". On draft at the World of Beer in Pensacola. Very good for a change of pace!

[gator884]

I've been inspired to expand my horizons so I tried this beer tonight "Hofbrau Hefe Weizen - Germany, 5.1% (Hefeweizen)". On draft at the World of Beer in Pensacola. Very good for a change of pace!

Baby steps! I credit a three week mini-exchange program trip to Germany and gallons of hefeweizen for pushing me over the edge into craft beer. I dabbled before that trip but really took the plunge afterward.

[cstgator]

I've been inspired to expand my horizons so I tried this beer tonight "Hofbrau Hefe Weizen - Germany, 5.1% (Hefeweizen)". On draft at the World of Beer in Pensacola. Very good for a change of pace!

Next time try a Schneider-Weis. You're welcome :tongue:

[gator7_5]

?

yeah, that didn't come out right. I meant you're a dick for having that much great beer to play with (sarcastically of course), and that it's making me drool.

NOT that I drool over dick! :embarrased:

[northgagator]

yeah, that didn't come out right. I meant you're a dick for having that much great beer to play with (sarcastically of course), and that it's making me drool.

NOT that I drool over dick! :embarrased:

Your screwed no matter how hard you try: going down hill, on a sheet of ice, no brakes, no steering, and there is a cliff at the end.

[gator7_5]

Your screwed no matter how hard you try: going down hill, on a sheet of ice, no brakes, no steering, and there is a cliff at the end.

Yeah, I know..damn

[wengator]

Next time try a Schneider-Weis. You're welcome :tongue:

Sounds like a plan.

[gator7_5]

Publix has 90 min 4 packs on sale for 9.49! Grabbed 2. Sipping one now. Bout to pop open a bottle of Concannon Crimson and Cloves (best wine for the money available today, imo) to drink while making some Grouper Mediteranean. Gonna be a wine night.

[RayUF07]

Publix has 90 min 4 packs on sale for 9.49! Grabbed 2. Sipping one now. Bout to pop open a bottle of Concannon Crimson and Cloves (best wine for the money available today, imo) to drink while making some Grouper Mediteranean. Gonna be a wine night.

Yes, continue going to Publix. That keeps me employed and makes me money!

[RayUF07]

Had to take a keg back to CC tonight. Hit Total Wine on way home, picked up some HopSlam, Sucks, and Palate Wrecker. Oh, more white oak too!

Mt wife is going to beat my ass if she finds out. Shhhhhhh!

Good thing she doesn't frequent GC....

[gatorev12]

Not sure if it was mentioned earlier in the thread...but has anyone sampled the Budweiser Project 12 brews that are out there right now?

All three are surprisingly very good. Very flavorful and all three are great chilled or at room temperature.

[kalaniocc]

Not sure if it was mentioned earlier in the thread...but has anyone sampled the Budweiser Project 12 brews that are out there right now?

All three are surprisingly very good. Very flavorful and all three are great chilled or at room temperature.

I was going to try one last night but decided against it. Now i will have to try it for sure!

[RayUF07]

Not sure if it was mentioned earlier in the thread...but has anyone sampled the Budweiser Project 12 brews that are out there right now?

All three are surprisingly very good. Very flavorful and all three are great chilled or at room temperature.

I bet Strange has. I hear he LOVES Bud products!

Lol.

[gator7_5]

Tahr and sons scotch ale at a pub in Dallas. Cool pub, meh beer.

[gator884]

Two Hopslam down the hatch tonight. Haven't decided on what to have after dinner, might go into scotch ale or stout territory.

[RayUF07]

Tonights lineup.

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130201_201048_zpsb9e6ea74.jpg

[gator884]

Tonights lineup.



Did the same lineup minus the Enjoy a few weeks ago. What are the bottle/can dates on the PtE, HT and Sucks?

[northgagator]

I bet Strange has. I hear he LOVES Bud products!

Lol.

You my friend are pure evil.

Also, very funny😈

[RayUF07]

Did the same lineup minus the Enjoy a few weeks ago. What are the bottle/can dates on the PtE, HT and Sucks?

Heady doesn't stamp, but we got this case from someone who picked it up fresh 2 weeks ago. Pliny is 12/20/12. Sucks I can't find one, on any of the 36 I have.

[muschamp1]

Bass and Guinness black lager.

[RayUF07]

Decided to split the 4 up, didn't want all 4 open at once with just me drinking.

Did a blind taste of Heady and Pliny, 4 ounces of each in a snifter. I really enjoyed the Heady slightly more.

However, drinking from the can, I didn't enjoy the Heady as much as the Pliny. My best guess is, the smell is what did it for me. It tasted so much better with the strong aroma coming from the snifter. I know Alchemist says drink from the can, but IMO it's better in a glass. It really smells so damn good, which to me changes the taste all together. The Pliny is not quite as strong, but really smooth and such a clean, crisp taste.

I think I can see why Alchemist wants you to drink from the can. It's not the best looking beer, a lot of sediment floating around which may turn some off. To me, this is the sign of a GREAT beer. You be the judge....


http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130201_203738_zps319b92f5.jpg

[gator884]

Decided to split the 4 up, didn't want all 4 open at once with just me drinking.

Did a blind taste of Heady and Pliny, 4 ounces of each in a snifter. I really enjoyed the Heady slightly more.

However, drinking from the can, I didn't enjoy the Heady as much as the Pliny. My best guess is, the smell is what did it for me. It tasted so much better with the strong aroma coming from the snifter. I know Alchemist says drink from the can, but IMO it's better in a glass. It really smells so damn good, which to me changes the taste all together. The Pliny is not quite as strong, but really smooth and such a clean, crisp taste.

I think I can see why Alchemist wants you to drink from the can. It's not the best looking beer, a lot of sediment floating around which may turn some off. To me, this is the sign of a GREAT beer. You be the judge....



Lagunitas usually has the Julian code printed on the neck. I think all mine read 356 or so.

In my first pairing, PtE blew Heady away but more recently, the results were flipped. I've had PtE from 4 different batches or so and something was off about this one. Really hoping to do some traveling to try Younger next year.

[gator7_5]

Decided to split the 4 up, didn't want all 4 open at once with just me drinking.

Did a blind taste of Heady and Pliny, 4 ounces of each in a snifter. I really enjoyed the Heady slightly more.

However, drinking from the can, I didn't enjoy the Heady as much as the Pliny. My best guess is, the smell is what did it for me. It tasted so much better with the strong aroma coming from the snifter. I know Alchemist says drink from the can, but IMO it's better in a glass. It really smells so damn good, which to me changes the taste all together. The Pliny is not quite as strong, but really smooth and such a clean, crisp taste.

I think I can see why Alchemist wants you to drink from the can. It's not the best looking beer, a lot of sediment floating around which may turn some off. To me, this is the sign of a GREAT beer. You be the judge....


http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130201_203738_zps319b92f5.jpg

To give it justice, I'll need to see this in person. Check your pm inbox. Self adresses stamped box sent...lol.

[RayUF07]

Lagunitas usually has the Julian code printed on the neck. I think all mine read 356 or so.

In my first pairing, PtE blew Heady away but more recently, the results were flipped. I've had PtE from 4 different batches or so and something was off about this one. Really hoping to do some traveling to try Younger next year.

I have 6 different 6 packs of sucks, from 3 different places and can't see a single stamp. I'll keep trying...

[RayUF07]

Lagunitas usually has the Julian code printed on the neck. I think all mine read 356 or so.

In my first pairing, PtE blew Heady away but more recently, the results were flipped. I've had PtE from 4 different batches or so and something was off about this one. Really hoping to do some traveling to try Younger next year.

The Pliny tasted as good as ever, just to me the Heady was better in a glass. I never had it in glass before, always followed "directions."

I'll no longer drink Heady from a can.

[RayUF07]

Pliny time.

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130201_212147_zps098c00ff.jpg

[gator884]

Moving on from Hopslam to Dark Horse Scotty Karate, a tasty scotch ale.

[RayUF07]

Round 3...enjoy by, yes I will.

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130201_224101_zps09f65213.jpg

[channingcrowderhungry]

Ray, you hit on the point that makes me wonder how heady is the "#1" beer on BA. Obviously one of the judging categories is appearance. Heady is an amazing beer, one of my favorites, but it looks like shitaki. Seems like people ignore that aspect of it when judging.

[RayUF07]

Ray, you hit on the point that makes me wonder how heady is the "#1" beer on BA. Obviously one of the judging categories is appearance. Heady is an amazing beer, one of my favorites, but it looks like shitaki. Seems like people ignore that aspect of it when judging.

That's why they say drink from can!

Truthfully, I don't care. If it smells good and tastes good...I'm ok.

[channingcrowderhungry]

That's why they say drink from can!

Truthfully, I don't care. If it smells good and tastes good...I'm ok.

I agree. It could look like cat piss to me and ill enjoy it cause it tastes so amazing. It's just funny to me that it can be the #1 when clearly reviewers are ignoring its appearance.

[RayUF07]

I agree. It could look like cat piss to me and ill enjoy it cause it tastes so amazing. It's just funny to me that it can be the #1 when clearly reviewers are ignoring its appearance.

I guess appearance matters little to me. Pliny looked better, but Heady tasted better.

[RayUF07]

Sucks
..
Anything but. Fantastic beer.
http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130202_000751_zpsbca2c238.jpg

[StrangeGator]

Sucks
..
Anything but. Fantastic beer.
http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130202_000751_zpsbca2c238.jpg

Most intriguing new offering in years. Wondering how an IPA so low in IBUs and not really that high in alcohol content can be so irresistible. It's taking over in Chicago, on the taps and at the the premium beverage stores. I like the thickness and stickiness, but there's something else about it, a roundness and balance that make it very satisfying after just two or three. It's absolutely flying off the shelves here. Lagunitas has been smart saying that it's not an age-able beer. People are buying it to drink it, then coming back for more. They were also very crafty in making it seem scarce. Everybody got a "limit release' and then was able to order several more cases a week or two later. It appeared to run out, but now it seems to be everywhere.

[gator884]

Most intriguing new offering in years. Wondering how an IPA so low in IBUs and not really that high in alcohol content can be so irresistible. It's taking over in Chicago, on the taps and at the the premium beverage stores. I like the thickness and stickiness, but there's something else about it, a roundness and balance that make it very satisfying after just two or three. It's absolutely flying off the shelves here. Lagunitas has been smart saying that it's not an age-able beer. People are buying it to drink it, then coming back for more. They were also very crafty in making it seem scarce. Everybody got a "limit release' and then was able to order several more cases a week or two later. It appeared to run out, but now it seems to be everywhere.

Well it is a limited release (seasonal) that is transitioning into a year round offering. They're talking about releasing it in a 32oz format as well. I'm very glad they brought it back because I missed the release last year. Now if I could only find some bottled in the new year...

[gatorbdb]

Troegs Nugget Nectar, Oscar Blues Ten Fiddy, Southern Tier 2X Stout

[channingcrowderhungry]

Got some hopslam in the fridge and a deschutes black butte porter. thanks to gator884 for the deschutes! These are going down during the basketball game.

[phatGator]

Bought some Sucks tonight based in the comments here. Not bad but not as good as I expected. Like Little Sumpin' better.

[northgagator]

My wife and I had dinner tonight at a local Chilli'swith another couple. I was pleased to hear that they had Shock Top Belgian White on draft.
Excellent beer that went went well with my burger.

[RayUF07]

My wife and I had dinner tonight at a local Chilli'swith another couple. I was pleased to hear that they had Shock Top Belgian White on draft.
Excellent beer that went went well with my burger.

Better hide from strange!

[StrangeGator]

Better hide from strange!

You take what you can get when you eat out at Chilli's. I have to admit I've had the occasional Shock Top on draft at family restaurants and it's not bad out of the tap.

[StrangeGator]

Was able to grab one more DFH 120 yesterday. They still have six left in the back at Whole Foods. The beverage Got two stashed now, along with my remaining Hopslam. Have sampled about five or six other IPAs or DIPAs in the last two weeks. Trying to settle on a total of six for the tasting my business partner and I are putting together. Zombie Dust and Sucks are in the mix, but I'm open to something completely new. My partner hasn't bought anything yet and isn't as much in the know. I'll probably have to tell him what to buy.

Tasted something new last night, but I don't remember what it was. I'll have to dig into the recycle bin and report back. It was a strong very nicely balanced DIPA.

[gator7_5]

Bluemoon winter abbey ale at the chili's in the dallas airport. 5/10. I chose it over the shocktop. It was a tight race with shiner bock coming in 3rd. SB should have won.

[rburnett]

Bluemoon winter abbey ale at the chili's in the dallas airport. 5/10. I chose it over the shocktop. It was a tight race with shiner bock coming in 3rd. SB should have won.

you have to drink shiner when you're in TX...

[toon66]

you have to drink shiner when you're in TX...

Shiner is the standard in my fridge. If nothing else, there are Shiners.

[baygator1]

One of you guys needs to bust out a 75 minute ipa.

I just drank a 2 week old heady topper and followed it up with cascade apricot. Delicious!

Cascade apricot? Is that a beer?

[baygator1]

you have to drink shiner when you're in TX...

It's like the sun rising in the east....just the way it is!

[phatGator]

you have to drink shiner when you're in TX...

Used to be you couldn't get it outside Tejas.

[northgagator]

You take what you can get when you eat out at Chilli's. I have to admit I've had the occasional Shock Top on draft at family restaurants and it's not bad out of the tap.

I would not of touched it if it was in the bottle.
Since it was on draft and it was new to me i decided to give it a try.

I had some great wheat beer on draft s few years ago up in Milwaukee. I found the appearance (thick), color, and taste comparable. I believe that I would of never of received those results from a bottled beer.

[RayUF07]

You take what you can get when you eat out at Chilli's. I have to admit I've had the occasional Shock Top on draft at family restaurants and it's not bad out of the tap.

I think given those options, I'd go with Sam Adams.

[StrangeGator]

Bought some Sucks tonight based in the comments here. Not bad but not as good as I expected. Like Little Sumpin' better.

Haven't had that in a while, but I remember liking it a lot when it came out. Like a lot of Lagunitas ales, it doesn't fit squarely into one style or another.

Thinking the same thing about Sucks. It's not really hoppy enough to call it a DIPA, or maybe an IPA at all. Maybe it's a Double Pale Ale. Drinking one right now watching the Super Bowl. not getting tired of it at all. Can't say the same about the game.

[RayUF07]

Drinking some White Oak Jai Alai while getting stuff done around the house.

Game is on on the background. I'm not missing much as far as I can tell.

I picked Ravens by 13 FWIW.

[StrangeGator]

I think given those options, I'd go with Sam Adams.

That's what I usually do, but I'm not a big fan of lager. If there's a good seasonal Sam Adams offering, I'll go for that.

[StrangeGator]

Drinking some White Oak Jai Alai while getting stuff done around the house.

Game is on on the background. I'm not missing much as far as I can tell.

I picked Ravens by 13 FWIW.

The Super Bowls is now an excuse to drink great beer no matter how bad the game is, and in this case, the halftime entertainment.

After reading the last three pages of this thread, I've got to say you are the resident expert. You are tasting more beers, getting hold of beers most of us can't get. I hope we get to sit down one day in the same place and share a few fine ales together. It would be an honor.

[gator884]

Swung by Mount Dora Brewing today and tried their porter and red. Hopslam to start the game and now on to Highwater Brewing's Campfire Stout which tastes like a s'more. A bit variety today and the night is young...

[chrise9885]

No beer---vodka.

[cstgator]

Swamp Head Brewery - Catherine's Inspiration. Very nice Russian Imperial Stout, has a bit of an pure alcohol aftertaste though. But the flavor profile is textbook.

[RayUF07]

The Super Bowls is now an excuse to drink great beer no matter how bad the game is, and in this case, the halftime entertainment.

After reading the last three pages of this thread, I've got to say you are the resident expert. You are tasting more beers, getting hold of beers most of us can't get. I hope we get to sit down one day in the same place and share a few fine ales together. It would be an honor.

I'm just a guy who likes beer. No expert here, but I appreciate the kind words. I am just rather ambitious, so when I see opportunities, I run with them. In this case, my goal was to secure regular trading partners across the US. Nothing special, just guys like me who want to try good beer that they can't get where they live. So far I've succeeded in the West and Northeast. I am still looking for a regular guy in the Middle, specifically a 3 Floyd's connection. We'll see.

I was actually thinking the other day, it would be nice to have a Beer Thread tailgate at a future Football game. Not sure how feasible that is for some who live outside of FL, but I'd be down.

[gatorady]

Cause if you love beer, you should try different beers all the time. Just like music.

I'm enjoying a bomber of Sam Adams Griffin's Bow, a blonde barley wine. It's unusual, but I like it for winter drinking. It would probably taste better if it was colder. Must have been in the low to mid fifties today. Love barley wines and strong belgian ales this time of year. And of course I love imperial IPAs, but you knew that.

What's your favorite seasonal beer for this season?

Enjoying a Gulden Draak 9000 Quad

[gator884]

Now on to a Founders Dirty Bastard. I love scotch ales in the winter.

[RayUF07]

Switched to Peach Jai Alai. It's no longer available, I'm pretty sure I got 3 of the last growlers available. It went off the board shortly after I left. Great stuff. Hoping they bottle up 4 packs of the humidor peach this year. Fantastic offering.

[channingcrowderhungry]

Cascade apricot? Is that a beer?

It is. Its a delicious sour.

[channingcrowderhungry]

Swamp Head Brewery - Catherine's Inspiration. Very nice Russian Imperial Stout, has a bit of an pure alcohol aftertaste though. But the flavor profile is textbook.

I had that on draft at the Intuition Underdark release party. It was one of the guest taps. I thought it was pretty tasty; agree with your analysis.

[StrangeGator]

Now on to a Founders Dirty Bastard. I love scotch ales in the winter.

Not a Scotch Ale lover, but that's a fine beer, especially on a cold snowy night like tonight. Had the Backwoods Bastard at the Founders brew pub last spring. That was very special. I missed it when they did their limited distribution in bottles.

[StrangeGator]

I'm just a guy who likes beer. No expert here, but I appreciate the kind words. I am just rather ambitious, so when I see opportunities, I run with them. In this case, my goal was to secure regular trading partners across the US. Nothing special, just guys like me who want to try good beer that they can't get where they live. So far I've succeeded in the West and Northeast. I am still looking for a regular guy in the Middle, specifically a 3 Floyd's connection. We'll see.

I was actually thinking the other day, it would be nice to have a Beer Thread tailgate at a future Football game. Not sure how feasible that is for some who live outside of FL, but I'd be down.

If we ever do that, I will bring nothing but Three Floyds.

[phatGator]

Haven't had that in a while, but I remember liking it a lot when it came out. Like a lot of Lagunitas ales, it doesn't fit squarely into one style or another.

Thinking the same thing about Sucks. It's not really hoppy enough to call it a DIPA, or maybe an IPA at all. Maybe it's a Double Pale Ale. Drinking one right now watching the Super Bowl. not getting tired of it at all. Can't say the same about the game.

I had another Sucks last night and second impression was better. Perhaps it was the food. First one I had was Saturday with ribs that had a too sweet sauce. Second was with avocado and sardine sandwiches. Tasted much better. (lest anyone laugh at the sandwich, it's Elton Brown's recipe and they are great)

The Sucks carton calls it a Brown Sugga substitute and something went wrong with BS. What in the world does that mean?

[phatGator]

My daughter in Austin went to a local brewery's anniversary celebration. She had a "sour beer" and loved it. What is that?

[RayUF07]

I had another Sucks last night and second impression was better. Perhaps it was the food. First one I had was Saturday with ribs that had a too sweet sauce. Second was with avocado and sardine sandwiches. Tasted much better. (lest anyone laugh at the sandwich, it's Elton Brown's recipe and they are great)

The Sucks carton calls it a Brown Sugga substitute and something went wrong with BS. What in the world does that mean?

Brown Shugga is a seasonal beer around Christmas time. Last year (2011) they lacked capacity to brew it, so they announced this, and made Sucks. Now Sucks is becoming a year round beer, starting this year.


“*This sad holiday season we didn’t have the brewing capacity to make our favorite seasonal brew, the widely feard BrownShugga’ Ale. You see, we had a couple of really good years (thank you very much) and so heading into this season while we are awaiting a January delivery of a new brewhouse we are jammin’ along brewing 80 barrels of IPA and PILS and such every 3 hours. A couple months back we realized that since we can only brew a mere 60 barrels of Shugga‘ every 5 hours, that we were seriously screwed.

for every case of Shugga’ brewed, we’d short 3 cases of our daily brews. The new brewhouse will help insure that this kind of failure never happens again.
It’s a mess that we can not brew our BrownShugga‘ this year and we suck for not doing it. There is nothing cool about screwing up this badly and we know it. Maybe we can sue our sorry selves. There is no joy in our hearts this holiday and the best we can hope for is a quick and merciful end. F*@& us. This totally blows. Whatever. We freaking munch moldy donkey butt and we just want it all to be over…..“

[gator7_5]

My daughter in Austin went to a local brewery's anniversary celebration. She had a "sour beer" and loved it. What is that?

Its a beer that taste sour. Not to sound like a smart ass, but that's basically it. I tasted a 3 floyds sour a month back, and that's how I'd describe it.

[channingcrowderhungry]

My daughter in Austin went to a local brewery's anniversary celebration. She had a "sour beer" and loved it. What is that?

Jester King?

[channingcrowderhungry]

Its a beer that taste sour. Not to sound like a smart ass, but that's basically it. I tasted a 3 floyds sour a month back, and that's how I'd describe it.

Yep. It's a relatively obscure style that has grown more popular as the craft beer scene gets bigger. They range from mildly tart to mouth puckering vinegary. I love them, but they aren't for everyone.

[RayUF07]

Drinking more sucks tonight. Also, finally found a date. Julian 354 which I believe equates to December 20th. Tastes great.

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130204_204732_zpscb2e4282.jpg

[toon66]

Drinking some White Oak Jai Alai while getting stuff done around the house.

Game is on on the background. I'm not missing much as far as I can tell.

I picked Ravens by 13 FWIW.

Ray, because of you, I swung by Cigar City and picked up a 4 pack of the White Oak Jai Alai. Problem is I am laying off the booze for the next few weeks until the Gasparilla Music Festival.

[RayUF07]

Ray, because of you, I swung by Cigar City and picked up a 4 pack of the White Oak Jai Alai. Problem is I am laying off the booze for the next few weeks until the Gasparilla Music Festival.

Next time, check Total Wine next door first. It's $2 cheaper.

Good choice though, LOVE the White Oak.

[RayUF07]

Okay, so at the request of the better half I cleaned up and organized the beer room. I knew I had hoarded a lot recently, but didn't realize how much. Final count is 291 beers in the room, 48 in the beer fridge.

Damn. I'm going to have to resist buying anything new for awhile.....

I organized it by stuff best fresh, and stuff that ages well. I guess I'll start tomorrow with emptying it out.

She may end up preferring the alternative. We'll see.

[StrangeGator]

Okay, so at the request of the better half I cleaned up and organized the beer room. I knew I had hoarded a lot recently, but didn't realize how much. Final count is 291 beers in the room, 48 in the beer fridge.

Damn. I'm going to have to resist buying anything new for awhile.....

I organized it by stuff best fresh, and stuff that ages well. I guess I'll start tomorrow with emptying it out.

She may end up preferring the alternative. We'll see.

When should we drop by?

[RayUF07]

I may take tomorrow off, invite people over, and get drunk for NSD!

[StrangeGator]

I may take tomorrow off, invite people over, and get drunk for NSD!

Sounds like an awesome time. Probably too late for me. 16 hours from here just to get to the panhandle. The upside is that I pass within just a few miles of the Three Floyds brewery just after I clear the Chicago metro area. Would have been willing to bring my entire beer cellar, all four bottles, two each of Hopslam and DFH 120.

Maybe I'll keep stocking up and wait until football season, then drive down with the back of my wife's SUV filled with midwest craft brews. Haven't been to a Gator football game since '01. Financial prospects may be improving significantly, as documented in another thread.

[RayUF07]

DFH 75 tonight. A couple bombers should clear up good space.

[gator7_5]

So, I noticed all of the beer freaks on Beeradvocate post photos of beer like Ray does. Here's my first attempt. Note, the beers are already half empty so theres no head, they're not poured in snifters (yet) so I'm not getting my full aroma, and they aren't close ups. I'm no cameraman, so I also can't take a photo of a half a meal. Here it goes.

1st beer, Maximus, nestled behind a plate of bacon wrapped, jalapeno and bluecheese stuffed, venison backstrap (killed Sunday) pre-egg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e80/bighoos/IMG-20130205-00073_zps5c122179.jpg

Next beer, Terrapin W&B, nestled behind the seared, post egg, backstrap.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e80/bighoos/IMG-20130205-00075_zpsbc47c6d0.jpg

First time I've had the wakenbake. It was solid. Very rich.

[RayUF07]

So, I noticed all of the beer freaks on Beeradvocate post photos of beer like Ray does. Here's my first attempt.

1st beer, Maximus, nestled behind a plate of bacon wrapped, jalapeno and bluecheese stuffed, venison backstrap (killed Sunday) pre-egg

Next beer, Terrapin W&B, nestled behind the seared, post egg, backstrap.

First time I've had the wakenbake. It was solid. Very rich.


Good stuff!

[StrangeGator]

Nice work with the camera. I'd do more of that, but my daughter took off to school with the $800 Canon. Nothing worth shooting with at home, except a non-digital Nikon. Too much trouble for me.

[cstgator]

Can never go wrong with trusty ole Hoegaarden. Then again I love wheat beer...

Had a Paulaner yesterday and I must say that it is way to sweet and banana-y. Much more of a Schneider-Weis fan myself. Reading the reviews of Paulaner on beeradvocate, I'm almost worndering if they had the same beer I did. Dudes saying it has plenty of spiciness and robust flavor...huh? Definitely the sweetest and most candy-ish Bavarian hef I've ever had. Just goes to show that beeradvocate can be a joke. I feel like most of those guys perceive beers in the way that they're expecting to perceive them based upon previous reviews. Some of the most popular beers on there just aren't very good in my opinion, and then some of the beers on there that have <4.0 ratings are totally overlooked.

[RayUF07]

Taste buds are like fingerprints. Everyone is different.

That's the beauty of beer, there is something for everyone.

[gator7_5]

Nice work with the camera. I'd to more of that, but my daughter took off to school with the $800 Canon. Nothing worth shooting with at home, except a non-digital Nikon. Too much trouble for me.

It's the camera on my blackberry. Total crap, but thank though!

[StrangeGator]

Can never go wrong with trusty ole Hoegaarden. Then again I love wheat beer...

Had a Paulaner yesterday and I must say that it is way to sweet and banana-y. Much more of a Schneider-Weis fan myself. Reading the reviews of Paulaner on beeradvocate, I'm almost worndering if they had the same beer I did. Dudes saying it has plenty of spiciness and robust flavor...huh? Definitely the sweetest and most candy-ish Bavarian hef I've ever had. Just goes to show that beeradvocate can be a joke. I feel like most of those guys perceive beers in the way that they're expecting to perceive them based upon previous reviews. Some of the most popular beers on there just aren't very good in my opinion, and then some of the beers on there that have <4.0 ratings are totally overlooked.

Love Hoegaarden in the summer, tend to prefer Belgian wheats to German.

beeradvocate ratings are skewed heavily by people who enjoy extreme beers. Their consumption of strong American craft beers, triple and quad Belgian ales has probably rendered permanent damage to their taste buds. The more subtle notes of old German and Czech beers will go right be them. I usually stop drinking for a couple of months in the spring, partly just to get my palette back to normal.

[gator7_5]

Sometimes, I feel bad about driving around all day using oxygen and burning gas. So every once in awhile I'll buy an organic wine to make up for it.. And it sucks. Well, I tried an organic beer. Double suck.

Avoid Eel River Organic IPA. Tastes like an ipa with a squirt of handsoap in it.

I did just eat a bowl of gumbo first, so I'll try one more tomorrow.

[gator884]

Having a Sam Adams Double Agent IPL with dinner. Not bad but no Hoponius Union. Just did a gravity measurement on my homebrew IPA and it's sitting at 7.5%, pretty pumped.

[StrangeGator]

Lost my will power and chilled one bottle out of my DFH 120 stash. Worked up to it with a Lagunitas Hop Stoopd. Just started drinking the DFH. It's so intense, sweet, bitter and astringent at the same time. It's satisfying the same way a Sub is satisfied by a Dom.

[mexicanconnection2002]

Picked up a few beers yesterday to help celebrate the wife's bday tonight. I grabbed a bottle of Stillwater Artisanal Stateside Saison, Rodenbach and Petrus Aged Pale Ale for me. For her, a case of Bud Light...her favorite. Got to keep her stocked up since she doesn't give me sh*t about all the beer I make.

Last night was Swamphead Stumpknocker Pale Ale and a home brewed Blonde ale with Amarillo hops and Kolsch yeast (easy drinking but awesome flavor).

[RayUF07]

Working on a Moo hoo and Wake n Bake mix. Delicious!

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130207_193621_zps3d7f1c2a.jpg

[gator884]

Working on a Moo hoo and Wake n Bake mix. Delicious!



Was going to do that exact mix but decided that I'll wait until the weekend. Having a quick Black Butte before bed.

[channingcrowderhungry]

Terrapin Liquid Bliss on tap. Still disappointing in what this beer could of been, but it's still really good

[RayUF07]

Was going to do that exact mix but decided that I'll wait until the weekend. Having a quick Black Butte before bed.

I love this mix.

I'm not a coffee drinker so I like how the chocolate from the moo hoo balances out the coffee from wake n bake. Its damn good.

As for you having a black butt before bed, that's TMI! LOL.

[LeafUF]

Had a Lagunitas Little Sumpin Wild earlier and now having a Bear Republic Red Rocket Ale.

[RayUF07]

I know this is probably impossible, but figured worth a shot.

I'm looking for a bottle of Pappy Rye Whiskey 13. If someone here has any, and could get me a bottle I'd be forever indebted.

I am trying to get one for my father in law. Any help appreciated.

[gator7_5]

HOPSLAM!

Checking out the selection at a local craft beer store-tap room. I got some regulars and my first hopstoopid bomber and at checkout see Hopslam on tap! So I say to myself, "self, stay and have one". Absolutley incredible beer. Growler is only 12 bucks. Coming back tomorrow to fill up!

[gator7_5]

Edit: Manager said no growlers of hopslam. Only one 5 gal keg. Ah well. Still a great start to the weekend.

Double edit: She told me on the way out that they're supposed to be getting a shipment of bottles Monday.

They put it out too. First come first serve. That's the place that I took that pic of the shelf full of 120 min.

[StrangeGator]

HOPSLAM!

Checking out the selection at a local craft beer store-tap room. I got some regulars and my first hopstoopid bomber and at checkout see Hopslam on tap! So I say to myself, "self, stay and have one". Absolutley incredible beer. Growler is only 12 bucks. Coming back tomorrow to fill up!

Told you it might come down your way. You're just getting a it a couple of weeks later than we did. Good thing since it ages well. Chicago has been out of Hopslam since about two days after the second waive hit the stores. Wish I'd saved more than the two bottles I have in my bedroom closet.

So you can get kegs of it, but no six packs? We can't get growlers from stores here in Illinois. Only brew pubs can pour growlers and let you walk out with them. I still have two empties from Goose Island. Last time one of them was filled was when they still had their wonderful Imperial IPA, which they discontinued four years ago.

It's very unusual this year. I'd be interested in hearing your take on it.

[gator7_5]

Yeah. It's delicious. If it ages well, I'm going to buy at least a dozen. Said they would be around 3.25 a pc. Should I buy them room temp and store in the house, or cold and store in the fridge?

[LeafUF]

Just cracked open a Goose Island Pere Jacques.

[RayUF07]

Told you it might come down your way. You're just getting a it a couple of weeks later than we did. Good thing since it ages well. Chicago has been out of Hopslam since about two days after the second waive hit the stores. Wish I'd saved more than the two bottles I have in my bedroom closet.

So you can get kegs of it, but no six packs? We can't get growlers from stores here in Illinois. Only brew pubs can pour growlers and let you walk out with them. I still have two empties from Goose Island. Last time one of them was filled was when they still had their wonderful Imperial IPA, which they discontinued four years ago.

It's very unusual this year. I'd be interested in hearing your take on it.

I got my hopslam last week. It was dated 1/23/13. I was surprised how fresh it was. I didn't think I could get it less than 1 week old.

Of course, I haven't drank any yet. I'm a little nervous; I've heard this years batch isn't up to par of prior years.

[RayUF07]

Yeah. It's delicious. If it ages well, I'm going to buy at least a dozen. Said they would be around 3.25 a pc. Should I buy them room temp and store in the house, or cold and store in the fridge?

Hopslam? You won't want to age it IMO.

[RayUF07]

Starting with this tonight.

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130208_205820_zpsdb89176a.jpg

[gator884]

Finally enjoying a Wake-n-Moo...
http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj626/thirstygator8/966e6044-51b1-41b1-ab2b-753bd345c85f_zpsa6085332.jpg

[gator7_5]

Hopslam? You won't want to age it IMO.
Thanks for the heads up. I'm buying a dozen anyway. They're really good. I put it on par with 90 minute, except I can't get it very often at all. They'll get drank!

[RayUF07]

Thanks for the heads up. I'm buying a dozen anyway. They're really good. I put it on par with 90 minute, except I can't get it very often at all. They'll get drank!

I'm not saying it won't be good for a couple of months; I just wouldn't age any 6+ or so. The fresher the better with most hop intense beers.

[StrangeGator]

I'm not saying it won't be good for a couple of months; I just wouldn't age any 6+ or so. The fresher the better with most hop intense beers.

I wouldn't age it long. It's more a matter of having it at home when you can no longer get it in the store.

IMHO, it's more drinkable than DFH 90 and definitely stronger. The honey takes the front edge of the bitterness off of it and it's not quite as thick as DFH 90. It's an unusual beer. Most people around here are saying it's the best batch ever. Hard for me to tell. Been drinking so many fine IPAs lately. Last time Hopslam came around, there was no such thing as Zombie Dust or Lagunitas Sucks.

[StrangeGator]

Starting with this tonight.

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130208_205820_zpsdb89176a.jpg

One of the best and most consistent DIPAs year in and year out, if you can find it. A good value too.

[StrangeGator]

Back to the Sucks again. I swear it tastes better every time I buy it. Everywhere I go in Chicago, they've got cases and cases stacked up. It's got to be the hottest new craft beer in the market right now. Tap handles all over town too. I like Zombie Dust better, but it's a little pricier and lot harder to get. Nice counter point to Sucks when I can get it, with a heavier hop profile and less alcohol sweetness.

[RayUF07]

One of the best and most consistent DIPAs year in and year out, if you can find it. A good value too.

Indeed....as is most SN stuff.

A fantastic beer.

[RayUF07]

Back to the Sucks again. I swear it tastes better every time I buy it. Everywhere I go in Chicago, they've got cases and cases stacked up. It's got to be the hottest new craft beer in the market right now. Tap handles all over town too. I like Zombie Dust better, but it's a little pricier and lot harder to get. Nice counter point to Sucks when I can get it, with a heavier hop profile and less alcohol sweetness.

It's pretty much gone around here. Hoping a fresh batch turns up. I think people in my area stock piled it.

I have just 2 six packs left. Makes me nervous.

[StrangeGator]

It's pretty much gone around here. Hoping a fresh batch turns up. I think people in my area stock piled it.

I have just 2 six packs left. Makes me nervous.

Too popular for them to stop brewing and bottling it, especially when they open up their new brewery and bottling plant. It's also too sweet to age. If they stop making it for a while, they'll just make something else just as good.

[channingcrowderhungry]

There have been rumblings that Sucks is going year round. Haven't seen or heard anything definitive. Also, for us Florida folks, we've got some new breweries on our way to Florida very soon. Founders has already announced. Two others are coming down the pipe.

[gator7_5]

I asked about the Sucks a couple of days ago and to my surpirse I was told that the langunitas you see is what I'll be getting for awhile. Apparently the local distributor was bought out, and the status is in limbo right now.

That sucks, no pun intended.

Great news about Founders!

[StrangeGator]

There have been rumblings that Sucks is going year round. Haven't seen or heard anything definitive. Also, for us Florida folks, we've got some new breweries on our way to Florida very soon. Founders has already announced. Two others are coming down the pipe.

Founders in Florida? That'll be awesome for you guys, plus that will double their bottling capacity and distribution network. Hope Russian River, Three Floyds, Bells and Dogfish Head all consider that.

[gator884]

Enjoying this weather while reading outside with a Professor Fritz 1809 Berliner. It's a staple in the style which is becoming pretty popular Florida brewers.

[channingcrowderhungry]

I asked about the Sucks a couple of days ago and to my surpirse I was told that the langunitas you see is what I'll be getting for awhile. Apparently the local distributor was bought out, and the status is in limbo right now.

That sucks, no pun intended.

Great news about Founders!

Yeah. One distributor bought the rights for Lagunitas from another distributor. Definitely in weird beer limbo

[gator884]

Yeah. One distributor bought the rights for Lagunitas from another distributor. Definitely in weird beer limbo

So that's why Total Wine had magically emptied their shelves of Lagunitas yesterday...

[toon66]

Finally had the Jai Alai White Oak IPA. Wow! Amazing!

[JimBobTheClown]

Yeah. One distributor bought the rights for Lagunitas from another distributor. Definitely in weird beer limbo

Ugh. Bullshit

[JimBobTheClown]

Sierra Nevada bigfoot ale. Decent barleywine ish beer

[gator7_5]

Hey Jimbob, you this clown named ash clown?

[RayUF07]

There have been rumblings that Sucks is going year round. Haven't seen or heard anything definitive. Also, for us Florida folks, we've got some new breweries on our way to Florida very soon. Founders has already announced. Two others are coming down the pipe.

Firestone Walker is coming to FL too!

I think Lagunitas announced Sucks as year round now, starting this year.

[RayUF07]

Yeah. One distributor bought the rights for Lagunitas from another distributor. Definitely in weird beer limbo

I was told, specifically, a few weeks ago:

"Lagunitas is no longer being distributed by microman ...Florida distributing is picking it up which is a BIG +"

There may be a transition period, but this move is supposed to be very good for us as Florida is a much larger distributor than Microman and should be able to bring in better quantity and quality Lagunitas product.

[RayUF07]

Founders in Florida? That'll be awesome for you guys, plus that will double their bottling capacity and distribution network. Hope Russian River, Three Floyds, Bells and Dogfish Head all consider that.

I don't see any RR coming to FL anytime soon, although I'd give my left nut for that. We get good Bells and DFH.

I dream of Three Floyd's....

[Fla3xk]

Just bought some Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye IPA. Great beer!

[StrangeGator]

I was told, specifically, a few weeks ago:

"Lagunitas is no longer being distributed by microman ...Florida distributing is picking it up which is a BIG +"

There may be a transition period, but this move is supposed to be very good for us as Florida is a much larger distributor than Microman and should be able to bring in better quantity and quality Lagunitas product.

Brewing and bottling in Chicago will make it easier to distribute in Florida, not just because of distance but because of increased capacity. I've heard the new space is gigantic. There's a glut of unused industrial space on the south and west side. They probably got a huge space and a very good deal. It's in a borderline neighborhood best I can tell. My guess is that the brewpub will help the neighborhood, just like Goose Island's brewpub did 25 years ago.

[northgagator]

Brewing and bottling in Chicago will make it easier to distribute in Florida, not just because of distance but because of increased capacity. I've heard the new space is gigantic. There's a glut of unused industrial space on the south and west side. They probably got a huge space and a very good deal. It's in a borderline neighborhood best I can tell. My guess is that the brewpub will help the neighborhood, just like Goose Island's brewpub did 25 years ago.

Isn't it ironic that a beer brewery can be seen as a savior of a neighborhood?
Actually Western civilization has a lot to owe to beer. There is a theory that the brewing if beer created the need for organized agriculture.
Here is one link and there are many more like it to be found. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/04/0424_kurtbeer.html

[northgagator]

I made a beer run today. Picked up a growler of Clownshoes Muffin Top. I have not hit it be side I am saving it for tomorrow.
http://www.clownshoesbeer.com/muffintop
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/22951/72751

I also picked up a bomber of Three Philosophers Quadruple IPA. Scored pretty good by Beer Advocate. I got that baby chilling in the fridge. http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/42/3457/?ba=bros

While I was in the Growler store I asked the owner if he could get any beer from Cigar City. His distributor told him that Cigar City had to pull its beer from the Atlanta market because they could not meet the demand and maintain the quality. They opted to pull out to maintain quality.

He also said that a distributor in the Atlanta area may get a shot at Langunitas when they start cranking out beer from the new Chicago brewery.

Here is an item that I found tonight
The brewhouse is a 250-barrel system to be built by Rolec, the same manufacturer that recently completed a 250-barrel system for Lagunitas&rsquo; home base in Petaluma, California. The first mash at the Chicago brewery is expected to take place in Q4 of 2013. To put size in perspective, the 250-barrel system is 5x the size of Goose Island&rsquo;s 50-barrel system.

Chicago Breaking Business reports that the brewery is a $15-18 million facility that will be built out as an &ldquo;exact copy&rdquo; of the Petaluma location. With eventual capacity of 600k barrels of beer produced annually in Chicago and eventual capacity of 800k barrels in Petaluma, Lagunitas is poised to grow into one of the top five craft brewers in the United States by decade&rsquo;s end. http://beerpulse.com/2012/04/lagunitas-brewing-to-open-new-brewery-in-chicago/

Strange, the brewery and Tap Room is located in the Little Italy neighborhood..

[RayUF07]

Taste of Texas tonight.

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130209_215844_zpsae58f1ad.jpg

[RayUF07]

Off to Michigan

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130209_234446_zps1844c8e6.jpg

[gator884]

Had a Ninkasi Shleighr (I like Slayer better) and now on to beer pong with Hopslam. It's getting brutal fast.

[RayUF07]

Back to Cali

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130210_005845_zps786f0301.jpg

[gator7_5]

930 am 90 minute. Mardi gras boozin!

[JimBobTheClown]

Hey Jimbob, you this clown named ash clown?

...sure bud

[gator7_5]

Palate wrecker. And it delivers on its promise. Harsh piny note, and I can taste it on the back of my tongue 10 minutes later.

Anyone tried any Delerium belgian ales? Looks intriguing.

[RayUF07]

Finishing off my last 2 Peach Jai Alai growlers. It's bittersweet.

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130210_191326_zpsbdbff71a.jpg

[gator7_5]

I've never been able to enjoy fruity brews. Does the peach overpower like blueberry beers do?

[toon66]

Finishing off my last 2 Peach Jai Alai growlers. It's bittersweet.



Are you suggesting I swing by Cigar City on the way home from the gym tomorrow?

[kalaniocc]

stella artois bought in idaho. just because ive never had it before.

[JimBobTheClown]

Cigar city Jose marti. Good shite

[northgagator]

Finishing off my last 2 Peach Jai Alai growlers. It's bittersweet.



Man you scared me there for a minute. I was thinking that you finish the big 64 oz growlers until I saw the pic.

[RayUF07]

Are you suggesting I swing by Cigar City on the way home from the gym tomorrow?

I always recommend stopping by if one has time.

But if you're after the Peach Jai Alai, it won't do you any good...it's been gone almost 2 weeks now. I've just been hoarding my last 2.

[RayUF07]

I've never been able to enjoy fruity brews. Does the peach overpower like blueberry beers do?

It's not a fruity beer, at all. It's just the regular Jai Alai aged with peaches. It's just more if a compliment to the original taste.

Trust me, I don't like fruity beers, or even peaches at all! But that's a damn fine beer!

[RayUF07]

Man you scared me there for a minute. I was thinking that you finish the big 64 oz growlers until I saw the pic.

Florida is dumb and doesn't allow 64 oz growlers. You can only get 32 or 128.

I polished off 2 32's last night.

[RayUF07]

I need to figure out how to get my hands on some of this...

http://foundersbrewing.com/backstage-series/doom-2012/

[channingcrowderhungry]

I thought it was being kept under wraps a little but apparently not. New Belgium will be distributing to Florida starting this summer.

[RayUF07]

A little Red Tocobaga by the pool.

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130211_174607_zps04f979cc.jpg

[gator7_5]

Belles double cream stout. Great news about New belgium, cch!

[phatGator]

You don't always have to drink the beer. Yesterday went to a gourmet ice cream parlor and had ice cream cake that was multiple layers of dense extra dark chocolate ice cream, chocolate syrup, and chocolate crumble cake made with Rockmill Dubbel beer. Rockmill is a local microbrewery. The cake was incredible.

[RayUF07]

You don't always have to drink the beer.

Huh? You lost me here.

[RayUF07]

Night cap.

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130211_231311_zps7b68e12e.jpg

[phatGator]

Huh? You lost me here.

The cake was made with Dubbel Beer. Could definitely taste it but it blended well with the bitter chocolate.

[RayUF07]

Tough day at work.

Much better now.

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130212_202131_zps695e8f7b.jpg

[gator7_5]

90 min. Bittersweet. Giving up alcohol during the week again for lent. See you guys friday nt.

[RayUF07]

Next up.

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130212_221304_zps4a6f5eb0.jpg

[RayUF07]

Night cap.

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130212_231053_zps7daadb35.jpg

[gator884]

Blitzing that palate Ray, nice work!

[StrangeGator]

Which one did you enjoy the most Ray? I've only tasted the Hopslam. Still have a couple stashed away.

Driving through Vermont in early May to pick up my daughter from college. Might have to pick up some Heady Topper for the ride back, assuming there's any room in the car.

[RayUF07]

Which one did you enjoy the most Ray? I've only tasted the Hopslam. Still have a couple stashed away.

Driving through Vermont in early May to pick up my daughter from college. Might have to pick up some Heady Topper for the ride back, assuming there's any room in the car.

I love them all, but the hopslam really hit the spot last night. The honey really came out, it was a very nice night cap. Tasted much better than the one from last week. Likely because I was feeling really good, ha!

I think the Pliny was the best though. It's always a coin flip with it and HT for me. But the Hopslam was a nice change of flavor, and I really enjoyed it.

[gator884]

Started off with a Sweetwater 420 while making sushi and now having Bell's Black Note stout for dessert. It's very good but I think I like BCBS better.

[RayUF07]

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130213_234127_zps6013646e.jpg

[gator7_5]

Happy Valentines Day to Me!

After no luck at all the craft beer stores, I made a last ditch effort to find some Hopslam on the way home for lunch. Stopped in a liquor store down the street that carries a very limited but solid supply of craft beer. BINGO! Picked up 12! I debated getting more, but I'm sure there are others on the prowl who will be just as excited to find it.

The old guy behind the register thought I was a little crazy for paying 16.99 for a 6 pack of beer. haha

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e80/bighoos/IMG-20130214-00085_zps6bc2aac6.jpg

[RayUF07]

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/RayUF07/IMG_20130214_192832_zpsf13fedc7.jpg

Hope everyone has a great Hallmark day!

[channingcrowderhungry]

My girlfriend is a landscaper and because of that I ended up at a moonshine tasting tonight. Had about 7 different kinds, but my favorite was the "aged" one. 5 years old and boy did it burn so good.

Now it's time for beer

[channingcrowderhungry]

The old guy behind the register thought I was a little crazy for paying 16.99 for a 6 pack of beer. haha



16.99 is cheap for hosplam. We were selling it for 17.49 and most places had it for 20.

[RayUF07]

16.99 is cheap for hosplam. We were selling it for 17.49 and most places had it for 20.

Yeah its been between $16.99-$18.99 around here.

I'm picking up 2 more sixers from a fresh shipment received today.

[channingcrowderhungry]

Onto one of my all time favorites. Founders Breakfast Stout.

I tried to upload a quick pic on my phone using imageshack, but couldn't get it to work

[JimBobTheClown]

Sierra Nevada narwhal

[RayUF07]

Onto one of my all time favorites. Founders Breakfast Stout.

I tried to upload a quick pic on my phone using imageshack, but couldn't get it to work

Try photobucket. App works great for me.

[gator7_5]

Yeah its been between $16.99-$18.99 around here.

I'm picking up 2 more sixers from a fresh shipment received today.

Bought mine yesterday and the bottle date is 1-28. Does it really get worse every day that goes by, or is it just that much better as soon as its bottled?

[gator884]

Bought mine yesterday and the bottle date is 1-28. Does it really get worse every day that goes by, or is it just that much better as soon as its bottled?

The hops tend to fade over time but you don't need to funnel it all down over the weekend. i wouldn't recommend stashing a few over time and expect it to get better if hoppy beers are your thing.