Day 213 - Post Road

So, is pumpkin a fruit?

Took daughter Liz with me to replenish the supply, which means we buy by the bottle design and crazy flavors. This one got in there, even though it borders on a frubee and clearly I am premature since it isn't even October yet, much less Halloween. I am fearful that this means I will be "inclined" to have at least one more of this genre...

So, a pleasant enough golden color, and really, the favor is of nutmeg and cloves, the main flavorants of pumpkin pie, which I do like. Still, there is a part of me that wants to add whipped cream to this...

Specs:

Full Name: Post Road Pumpkin Ale
Brewed By: Brooklyn Brewery
From: Utica NY
ABV: 5%

All in all, not a bad brew, and I would recommend if you like a bit of spice flavor in your beer, but not overpowering.

Dog needs walking, and bottle is empty...

Day 212 - Pacena

I stayed south of the border, though a new country. Alas, besides the abundance of gold foil, this one also shared other aspects with the one from yesterday.

The palest of yellow color, and pretty much non-existent taste. Hum, deja vu all over again...

Specs:

Full Name: Pacena
Brewed By: Cerveceria Boliviana Nacional SA
From: Bolivia
ABV: 5.2%


I guess I was blinded by the fact that this was from a new country, and didn't really read the label closely to spot the words of death "imported premium"... I must say, I am underwhelmed by beers from this region, as they rivel their European counterparts. As this one comes in a narrow bottle, for those who like this type, but don't have the grip to hold the squat bottle from last night, try this one...

Day 211 - Bohemia

A long day, but back at home and drinking the last beer in the fridge. It was certainly well earned.

So, I've had worse is about the best I can think of saying about this one. It is very pale in color, and the taste matches. A totally forgetable experience. At least the frubees try for something (geez, I never thought I would stick up for fruited beers, how sad is that....)

Specs:

Full Name: Bohemia
Brewed by: Servecia Cauhtemoc Moctezuma
From: Mexico
ABV: 5.3%


Ah well, this one could be drunk by anyone, so perhaps that is what that plan was. If you want to hold a squat brown bottle with a lot of gold-colored foil, but don't care about taste (or would rather not) then this would be a good choice... ;>)

Day 210 - Sly Fox Pilsner (draft)

Missed the post last night, as my shopaholic daughter was out with wife and friend until 8pm (while I was resting from the earlier shopping effort...) and then we drove around for over an hour looking for something to eat, then was wiped by the time we got back.

So, actually had this one yesterday at lunch at an old bar in the middle of an old town that was in the middle of a Harley weekend. I had recently heard that the Harley target market was 40-something accountants, but they must have missed the memo for this one...

So, not a bad pilsner, light in color, a tad bitter in taste, but clean. Not quite as tasty as a palie, but a good drinkable beer on a hot day.

Sadly, also didn't get the time to find some local brews for the pipeline, so have to refill again from here tomorrow.

Cheers.

Day 209 - Merlins Ale

Tonight, a new beer purchased for me by wife and daughter as my pipeline was thin, and I needed one to tide me over. They were able to pick one I haven't had before because it was $4/bottle, and they knew I was too cheap to have bought one in that range. The truth occasionally is a good thing... ;>)

Not quite the autumnal orange of my favorite palies, and a tad towards sweet rather that dry, but all in all, a well-balanced beer that does demand some attention while being drunk.

Specs:

Full Name: Merlins Ale

Brewed By: Broughton Ales Ltd

From Scotland

ABV: 4.2%

Ok, even though this one is in a pint bottle, it doesn't carry a high ABV impact, so a rather calm friday night, which isn't so bad. Caught up today with an old fraternity brother (Jay Hill) I hadn't talked to in a long time. He says there's a really good local beer down in Greensboro, so will have to pick one up next time I'm down in NC visiting my mom.

Here's to old friends!

Day 208 - 60 Minute IPA (draft)

Met a great friend for beers tonight, and to pick his amazing sales brain for suggestions on how to improve my sales/marketing efforts for CrossPoint. As a side benefit, had a tasty draft palie...

Expectations went way up watching the waiter carry over the sunset-orange glass ("tall", of course '>) ). Dry hops aroma, and excellent citrusy taste with lingering finish, that drives you to take the next sip, then the next, then the next, until they just had to bring a second... ;>)

Full Name: Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA
Brewed by: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
From: Rehoboth Beach Delaware
ABV: 6%


So, no pic, but a small price to pay for excellent beer and awesome advice. Not only is he driving his 3-yr old company to high levels, but when I get there as well, it will be in no small part to his creativity and suggestions. Tonight's blog is dedicated to Todd, as well as the next round when I close that next deal!

Day 207 - Palma Louca

Hoo-hoo, a beer from a new country!

Specs:

Full Name: Palma Louca
Brewed By: Cervejarias Kaiser
From: Brazil
ABV: unknown...


So, given the only thing really redeeming about this beer is that I can check Brazil of my list, not much else to write about. For those that just must know, it is a very tasteless beer, which is a bit sad. I mean, seriously, why make a beer like this, though I suppose it would work well in a nightclub where everyone is just drinking large quantities of beer and don't really care about taste....

Day 206 - Peg Leg

So beef for dinner lent itself to me going for the stout tonight. A 2nd from this brewer, with a long time in between.

So, the beer.... A color the deep brown of dark chocolate, and the taste, well, imagine sucking on a cold coffee grounds bag......

Specs:

Full Name: Peg Leg Imperial Stout
Brewed By: Clipper City Brewing Co
From: Baltimore MD
ABV: approx 8%

All in all, this one is growing on me though, so maybe there is an acquired taste to stouts, that certainly I haven't found in the frubees. I'm heading up (aka being dragged along...) to King of Prussia PA this weekend to go to the big mall up there with Elizabeth. Oh the price one has to pay when one has a daughter...
Hopefully though, I'll find a good beer store and find some local brews that I haven't had yet. At least that is what I tell myself!

Day 205 - Landshark Lager

Was out this evening at a meeting, and just got home and thusly needed an easy beer for tonight (too lazy to do the pic thing as well...).

Cullen actually left me this one, and I'm fairly certain I have had it before somewhere. It comes in a clear bottle, has a pale yellow color, and has that "go ahead and put a lime/lemon in me, or use me for beerpong, kegball, or any drinking game because it is all about ease of drinking, not taste" kind of flavor...

Specs:

Full Name: Landshark Lager
Brewed by: Margaritaville Brewing Co
From: St Louis MO
ABV: 4.7% (not on bottle or website, but found on beer advocate)

So, really can't trash this one too much, as it is what it is. It doesn't offend or surprise, it just fits a niche, somewhat akin to most large domestics. The bottle is empty, and so will be my memory of this one (and that is chosen, for those out there that might suggest another reason... )


.

Day 204 - Golden Cap

Well, this one has a pretty cool label, and is made with spelt, a wheat ancestor....

The 3rd from this brewer, and the other 2 were pretty good, so was going for the trifecta. Alas, it just doesn't get there for me. A very light color, and definitely can taste the wheat-like influence. Blech.


Specs:

Full Name: Golden Cap Saison Ale
Brewed By: New Holland Brewing Co
From: Holland MI
ABV: 6.25%


Per the website, this is supposed to invoke "fresh cut hay and cracked peppercorn". In my opinion, I just like a little salt on my hay, as pepper tends to overpower it... If you are a wheatnik, go ahead and try it, you might like it. Also noted on their website is a spiced pumkin ale they make in the fall. Will I be strong enough to resist such a thing come Holloweeen?...

Day 203 - Lakefront IPA

An orange pour isn't a guarantee of a good palie, but it does get the hopes up, and in this case, it's a winner for sure.

Classic color, great hops taste and a smooth, clean finish. This is what beer drinking is all about!

Specs:

Full Name: Lakefront IPA
Brewed By: Lakefront Brewery
From: Milwaulkee WI
ABV: 6.9%

Off soon to a night at the Procs of watching preseason football, a smattering of baseball, and maybe some time out on the dock boat. Rumor has it that the A-team might even show up. This beer is a great way to start an evening, and I'll have to get more of it to have on hand. given the sheer numbers of beer I have had, it is harder to keep track of favorites, but this is probably at least top 5. Will add pic later...

Cheers.

Day 202 - Pete's Wicked Ale

Ah, the next to last Friday Night Live in Herndon, which meant Bud Light....ugh. Still the band, The Benjamins, from "Joysee" were really good, even pulling off a Lady Gaga song (not bad for an all male band...) and our friends Dave and Mary showed up, so it turned out well.

So, a middle of the road domestic, not a real microbrew, but certainly not a big boy either. A bit on the sweet side for my general preference, but not bad either when you are hot and tired. Probably most everyone has had one of these, so no more need being said.....


Specs:

Full Name: Pete's Wicked Ale
Brewed By: Pete's Brewing Co
From: Utica NY
ABV: not on the bottle, and too lazy to look it up, probably in the 5 range


It's friday, time to drink, not talk. Cheers!

Day 201 - Long Hammer IPA

No pic tonight, as it was all drafts at the local drinking hole Jimmy's with an old coworker.

A decent beer, not to heavy on the hops though for a palie, but also not distracting while trying to talk, and with Dave, we could pretty much disagree on everything from why our old company failed to the ills of social networking to politics... ;>)

Specs:

Full Name: Long Hammer IPA
Brewed By: Red Hook Ale Brewery
From: WA
ABV: 6.5%


Mostly this blog has been about the beer, but tonight it was more about the company. It is always good to catch up with old friends/coworkers, and the good thing about Dave, he was always willing to share his opinions. Brings to mind that old Lowenbrau commercial...if anyone remembers it.

cheers!

Day 200 - Firestone DBA

Wow, 200 days, and 200 different beers (more or less...). Geez, what will I celebrate with... ;>)

This is just a flat out good beer. A pleasing sunset orange color, with a balance of hops and malt that make this one darn easy on the taste buds. I even like the dry finish, as it leaves just enough hint of flavor to remind you to take the next drink. It would be easy to sit here and drink a couple of these babies, and with an average ABV, I could without too much trouble.

Specs:

Full Name: Firestone DBA
Brewed By: Firestone Walker Brewing Co
From: Paso Robles CA
ABV: 5%

A bright and cheery label, with a catchy tag line "Passion for the Pale". It lacks that stronger hops hit that I enjoy so much in an IPA, but whatever the heck a double barrel ale is, it is good. Perhaps it is just that I am in a good mood as well, as when examining my pipeline for tonight, I found no frubees, having fought away the urge last time I was accumulating new beers. Maybe I can learn.....

Day 199 - Tyskie

Another European beer, from a new brewer, and I carefully looked the label over for "premium", but the closest they got was "the original recipe", and given this didn't taste like fried chicken and it has a date of 1629, it passes the test.

Actually it is a rather tasty, and not an overbearing beer. Very light in color, with a dry wash over the taste buds, and a crisp finish. Very drinkable, on any occasion. It lacks a little of the depth in my opinion that Lion Lager has, so doesn't beat that out, but it has that european imported alure without that nasty european exported taste.

Specs:

Full Name: Tyskie
Brewed By: Kompania Piwowarska
From: Poland
ABV: 5.6%

Since this one goes down easily, it would go well with any type of drinking game, if one were so inclined. Also, the price was on the lower side for an imported beer, and actually, I usually pay more for some of the micro-brews from the US, so on a price/benefit analysis, this one is a decent value.

Day 198 - Monteith's Original Ale

Tonight, we have a new brewer, from a new country, found at a specialty wine and beer store in Bethesda (whilst on previously mentioned shopping excursion with Liz this past saturday).

A brown, coppery color, very light on the nose and a dry malt flavor, which is different. I haven't decided if I like it or not, as what comes to mind is an earthiness akin to licking freshly shorn sheep's wool perhaps. Hum, not sure where that came from, but we'll run with it...

Specs:

Full name: Monteith's Original Ale
Brewed By: Monteith's Brewing Company
From: Aukland New Zealand
ABV: 4.0%

At least it only has the word "smooth" on the label, and not premium. Actually, it is rather easy to drink, and has no real aftertaste per se. Of course, some more serious drinkers might point out that at 4% and 11.2 oz, this is a lightweight beer, but for those that want exotic without the alcohol or heavy flavor, this is a good choice.

Day 197 - Maudite

Note to self, no more Canadian beers with strange names from this brewer...

This is the 2nd from this brewer, and I really should reread my blog if only to remind myself of potential poor potables. The soft brown color is the only thing good to say, as it again shares that Belgian ale characteristic of swallowing sweet sandpaper.

Specs:

Full Name: Maudite
Brewed By: Unibroue
From: Chambry Canada
ABV: 8%


Not even a decently high ABV can save this one in my opinion. Interestingly, when I was buying it, the cashier raved about how good it was. I even pulled it out for tonight as I thought I could get back on track better that way. Guess I was wrong...again.....

Ah well, there is always tomorrow!

Day 196 - Hum....

I guess after an afternoon spent shopping with Elizabeth and standing in line to buy cupcakes for almost an hour, I should have figured I'd be mentally drained and had my beer when i got home. Alas, I didn't, and thus lost another night in weariness...

#195 Hop Hog

Friday the 13th, and I was hoping to break the bad luck with a palie. For some reason, someone decided that a heavy malt taste in a ipa would be good... dang it.

I should have guessed when the color lacked that orange glow, but I gave the benefit of the doubt. Alas, that went out the door with that first shot.


Specs:

Full Name: Hop Hog
Brewed By: Lancaster Brewing Co
From: Lancaster PA
ABV: 7.9%

Ah well, it just shows ya that beer mirrors the unpredictability of life, or is it that life mirrors beer? Think, or drink, about it, you'll come to the same conclusion.. ;>)

Day 194 - The Poet

Another 2nd beer, and another winner. Given we had Thai food for dinner (from our favorite restaurant, and ordered while sitting at the bar having a Singha... ;>), I had to wait a while before cracking this one open. I mean oatmeal stout and Thai food is too scary.

So this is kinda like my dessert, and all in all, it's pretty good. Perhaps I am developing more of a taste for this style, but the black color and roasted malt taste grows on me. This one in particular has a bold taste but clean finish, which is probably what I find so appealing.

Specs:

Full Name: The Poet Oatmeal Stout
Brewed By: New Holland Brewing Co
From: Holland MI
ABV: 5.2%


Given the label and name, I was looking for some link to Edgar Allen Poe, but it isn't mentioned. I'll just make one up then...

In glass container waits a beery, to be drunk to make one cheery,
dark in color, sweet malt taste, last drop slurped, there is no waste,
empty bottle brings a pout, finally I like a stout....

Day 193 - Yards IPA

The 2nd from this brewer, and another winner. Philly is not that far away, and maybe rising on the list of places to visit to drink beer. Actually, I had just read an article the other day about the benefits of drinking beer, so really this turns out to be a healthy year long present to myself, kind of like exercising, but not... ;>)

I start to get excited when I pour the beer and it has a russet orange color and dry aroma. Most good palies seem to share that characteristic. Still, it comes down to when it passes the gums, and this one is yummo. Very citrusy, with a subtle sweet undertone.

Specs:

Full Name: Yards IPA
Brewed by: Yards Brewing Company
From: Philadelphia PA
ABV: 7%

Sadly, the best beers are usually empty by the time I get to this part of the blog, so my thoughts wander aimlessly, lost in the fact I haven't got a 2nd. Ah well, maybe next time I'm filling the pipeline a six or 2 of this might fall into the cart...

I'm wishing there were another 172 palies to finish the year on, but I am resigned to the fact that isn't likely, and at some point, I will have to risk another fruited beer. the best I can hop is that I follow it with something of this caliber.

Day 192 - Butt Head

Finally made it to the store to replenish the pipeline, though a day late...

The second by this brewer, and purchased for the name as Liz found it humorous. Alas, it is too heavy on the sweet malt for my general taste, though the deep amber brown color is nice and the ABV is above average...

Specs:

Full name: Butt Head Dopplebock Lager

Brewed By: Tommyknocker Brewery

From: Idaho Springs CO

ABV: 8.2%

Even though the label with two rams smashing horns and cracking rock smacks of high testosterone, this beer is really for the more genteel I think. Don't get me wrong, it is full of flavor which I applaud, but it is a bit over the top, the way a dessert wine can be. Perhaps this is a dessert beer....

Day 191 - Orange Blossom Cream Ale

Sigh, yes, I know, I really should know better, and yes, I know, I really should have found the time to get to the store today to replenish the pipeline. Sadly, knowing is not doing....

A pale, but bright, yellow seems lulling almost. Even the aroma doesn't give much hint of the calamity to come. Then the drink leads to an interesting discovery. If you hold this beer in the front of your mouth, only the tickling of the bubbles on your tongue tell you something is there. Alas, at some point you must choose to swallow this, and that is when you are whelmed by the overpowering fruity sweetness. It almost is enough to bring tears to the eyes, that this poor beer is desecrated such.

Specs:

Full name: Orange Blossom Cream Ale
Brewed By: Buffalo Bill's Brewery
From: Hayward CA
ABV: 5.2%

The only analogy that I can think of to really describe this is like putting your favorite hunting dog in a tutu. I mean, take your best friend and humiliate it, to the extent that is possible. Why do they do this to beer! I am sure this path will most likely include more frubees, but this one really sets the bar low.....

Day 190 - Moo Thunder

Back in Herndon, leaving a few of a very good pipeline at brother Ned's, and returning to a very limited selection. However, a 2nd one from this brewer, after a decent first, left hope for some level of decency...

Black, creamy texture in the mouth, and solid roasted malt flavor while not being presumptuous means it achieved that expectation. It's not a palie, of which I have been spoiled on lately, but still far and away supreme over any frubee.

Specs:

Full Name: Moo Thunder Stout
Brewed By: Buttternuts Beer and Ale
From: Garrattsville NY
ABV: 4.9%

Maybe not a great beer on a hot summer day, but then, it's smoothness would allow for some flexibility in other seasons, and perhaps as an after-dinner beer late around a campfire, it might work. Maybe someone out there actually has a life, and could try..... ;>)

Cheers!

Day 189 - IPA

Back to Durham, celebrating my younger brother Ned's B-day tonight. I had to wait a bit after the dessert, bananna creme pie with a chocolate layer over the crust. Delish.

Another from the pipeline, and surprise, an IPA... ;>) This one has the classic orange color, dry aroma, and full hops flavor. Still, it seems to be missing something, and falls just short of being truly great.

Specs:

Full Name: IPA
Brewed By: Eel River Brewing Co
From: Scotia CA
ABV: 7.2%

So, this one is "certified organic" by the COOF. I bet I could be certified by some organization if I found one to test me, but I doubt having the certified stamp on my forehead would impress anyone.... ;>)

Day 188 - Silver Bullet

Back to Pinehurst for the night, and while I dodged the bullet last week, and not just figuratively, I couldn't do it tonight. Luckily, at dinner I had a Singha, so at least had a fav first...

Once you get past the complete lack of color or taste, you reach down deep, and come up with "at least it isn't a frubee". Yeah, it's that good...

No need to waste more e-trees on this. Back to Durham, and real beer,tomorrow.

Cheers

Day 187 - Up The Creek

12.8% ABV!!!!!!!!

A deep, red-brown color, and almost a smash-mouth level of malt combined with undertow of dry hops. Wow...

Specs:

Full Name: Up The Creek Extreme IPA
Brewed By: Thomas Creek Brewery
From: Greenville NC
ABV: see above...;>)

This one does start off a bit heavy, and takes a bit of getting used to, but once the taste buds get over the initial shock, it settles into a rather nice drink, although be prepared to make the drinking of this part of your cognitive processing during the consumption.

Day 186 - Pale Ale

#2 of the new pipeline, and another winner..!

On a role baby, with fine orange-bronze color, delicious hops flavor, and a dry finish that leaves the tastebuds shouting "more please".

Specs:

Full Name: Pale Ale (though on the label looks more like PAALLEE)
Brewed By: Founders Brewing Co
From: Grand Rapids Michigan
ABV: 5.4%

Other than just slightly better than average on the ABV, this is one you wouldn't mind drinking more of to compensate. Actually, since I've been here with brother Ned, he's been sharing beers with me, and his comment was that this was the first one that he wished he had more of (the Belhaven was at least a 22 oz bottle, so he got a good share of that one.. ;>) ). I think I'll have to pick up a 6 pack of this for when I head home.

Day 185 - Twisted Thistle

Real beer is always a pleasure to find, and especially in a big bottle with above average ABV. This is a real, real beer..

The color of a blazing summer sunset, a fine smooth hops flavor with that citrus undertone, and clean finish. Trust the Scots to make good use of these ingredients, and while a good single malt is tasty, it is good these were turned into beer instead. This one almost calls for a trip to Scotland to visit the home brewery.

Specs:

Full Name: Twisted Thistle IPA
Brewed By: Belhaven Brewery Co
From: Dumbar Scotland
ABV: 6.1%

A great start to a hopefully successful restock of the pipeline this evening. Of course, I somehow loaded it with 4 of 6 palies... ;>)

Day 184 - Endless River

So, a quick turn-around on the same brewer, but we ran out of time to get to the pipeline store, so this was the last one we had, other than a Corona I think.

This was is a very pale yellow, with that characteristic bitterness without the citrusy hops hits that is this style. It is lighter though, and thus somewhat easier to drink, so some may find it worthy. Alas, I could drink it, but will keep searching for better.

Specs:

Full Name: Endless River Kolsh Style Ale
Brewed By: Mother Earth Brewing
From: Kinston NC
ABV: unpublished

Been a long day, but tomorrow is another day, and opportunity to find that next great beer... ;>)

Day 183 - 1554

Another from the Ross donation collection, and interesting.

More reddish brown than black, this one hints at roasted malt, but the taste disappears rapidly, and is gone. No aftertaste to speak of, leaves me torn between wishing for more, and thinking that it would be good when you don't want your beer to be the main focal point of what you are doing.

Specs:

Full Name: 1554 Enlightened Black Ale
Brewed By: New Belgium Brewing
From: Fort Collins CO
ABV: 5.6%


Pipeline is getting thin, but luckily, Durham has a good refilling hole nearby, so should be able to get there in the next day or so. In the end, this is a good drinking beer, and probably acceptable to more mainstream swillers. I'd drink it again with no qualms, but if there was a tasty palie available, it would probably be saved until that option was used up.