Monday, November 27, 2006
Thanksgiving aftermath
Well, I didn't have any beer with my Thanksgiving dinner, but there was some beer to be had anyways over the long weekend. Check out my Flickr gallery on the left if you want to see pics of the food we ate. One of the best Thanksgiving dinners my mom has ever cooked.
Onto the beer...
336) Kulmbacher Eisbock - If you recall in the last update I had my first eisbock and wasn't really crazy about it. This was a much better one. More complex flavor and the balance was better. Much more structure to it than the other one.
337) Michelob Pale Ale - Now things get a little hairy. Whilst shopping with my mom in BJs, we came across a Michelob sampler pack. We bought it mainly for my dad, who will drink anything, but I took the ones I haven't had before to add them to the list. Of all the AB macros, I think Michelob is the best one. This is an English style pale ale, and while its drinkable, its the least interesting one I've ever had. I know the brewers at AB are knowledgable and talented but they should take more risks.
338) Michelob Porter - Not bad at all... This one has a pretty smoky taste to it. This and the Amber Bock by Michelob are the best ones, so maybe they do the darker beers pretty well.
339) Michelob Marzen - Didn't really taste like a marzen. I think it had more in common with a Killians than anything else. Again, the AB execs seem to have a problem with variation. Apparently anything that seems too different is deemed unacceptable for the market.
340) Avery The Beast Grand Cru Ale - Way too syrupy sweet for my taste. 2005 bottling, 14.9% alc. I don't really seem to have a liking for this kind of thing lately.
With only 25 beers to go, future updates will be done countdown style. As of today, there are 34 days left in the year, so I've got a nice lead. Though I am looking to maybe finish this quest a little before Christmas.
See you next time.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Happy Turkey Day!
Alright so its not quite Thanksgiving yet, but let me start by saying Happy Turkey Day! Its one of my favorite holidays even though I won't be drinking beer tomorrow. Turkey day is always reserved for wine and I can't wait to eat my mom's delicious cooking and my neighbor's decadent desserts.
As for the wine... hmm.. I have a great bottle I've been wanting to open for a while. Stay tuned for a post Thanksgiving food update!
Anyways, onto the beer quest.
331) Stoudts Double IPA - Haven't had a double IPA for a while. Even though this was only an average version, I still enjoyed it greatly. However, I don't think this one had as many IBUs as other double IPAs I have had.
332) Rogue HazelNut Brown Nectar - Rogue does it again! First thing I did was email my friends about this one. This was totally awesome! The best brown ale in the world, hands down. Has a subtle nuttiness to it that no other beer has. I will have this one anytime anywhere.
333) De Dolle Dulle Teve 10º (Mad Bitch) - A highly rated abbey ale from Belgium. I thought it was too sweet and the carbonation was overpowering.
334) Schneider Aventinus Weizen-Eisbock - This is the first eisbock I've had. Basically its a doppelbock that has been frozen, then the ice (water) has been removed thus concentrating the flavors and increasing the alcohol. I thought it was a bit much. Again, this was my first venture into the world of eisbocks... therefore, I can't really say much. I have another eisbock waiting in the wings, and it is rated higher than this one, so I will speak more about the style after having that.
335) Hair of the Dog Fred - I am actually having this as I write this. I left all the sediment in the bottle. This is listed as a barley wine on rate beer, but it is very hoppy, more like a double IPA. Batch #63 by the way.
Well I only have 30 to go, with 335 in the bag. I need to buy about 15 bottles of stuff I have never had to have enough of a supply to reach my goal. Not sure how many I'll have Thanksgiving weekend, but I'll be back again soon with another update! Enjoy the holiday!
As for the wine... hmm.. I have a great bottle I've been wanting to open for a while. Stay tuned for a post Thanksgiving food update!
Anyways, onto the beer quest.
331) Stoudts Double IPA - Haven't had a double IPA for a while. Even though this was only an average version, I still enjoyed it greatly. However, I don't think this one had as many IBUs as other double IPAs I have had.
332) Rogue HazelNut Brown Nectar - Rogue does it again! First thing I did was email my friends about this one. This was totally awesome! The best brown ale in the world, hands down. Has a subtle nuttiness to it that no other beer has. I will have this one anytime anywhere.
333) De Dolle Dulle Teve 10º (Mad Bitch) - A highly rated abbey ale from Belgium. I thought it was too sweet and the carbonation was overpowering.
334) Schneider Aventinus Weizen-Eisbock - This is the first eisbock I've had. Basically its a doppelbock that has been frozen, then the ice (water) has been removed thus concentrating the flavors and increasing the alcohol. I thought it was a bit much. Again, this was my first venture into the world of eisbocks... therefore, I can't really say much. I have another eisbock waiting in the wings, and it is rated higher than this one, so I will speak more about the style after having that.
335) Hair of the Dog Fred - I am actually having this as I write this. I left all the sediment in the bottle. This is listed as a barley wine on rate beer, but it is very hoppy, more like a double IPA. Batch #63 by the way.
Well I only have 30 to go, with 335 in the bag. I need to buy about 15 bottles of stuff I have never had to have enough of a supply to reach my goal. Not sure how many I'll have Thanksgiving weekend, but I'll be back again soon with another update! Enjoy the holiday!
Friday, November 17, 2006
35 to go!
Here's the latest beers I have had...
327) Heavyweight Biere d´Art - A Biere de Garde from the now defunct Heavyweight Brewing Company. Only the 2nd of this style I have had, the other one being Gavroche. I think I like the Gavroche better. This is brewed with French malt and German hops, so in the aroma, you definitely can smell the hops coming through. Interesting contrast... and the bottle displays a nice piece of artwork as well.
328) Rogue Brutal Bitter - Another beer that combines unique malt and hop profiles. The malt here used is English malt, while the hops come from Oregon. A little more aromatic than the usual bitter. Perfectly done.
329) Allagash Musette - Labeled as a scotch ale, aged 3 months in oak bourbon barrels, this actually was fermented with a Belgian yeast strain. Thus, it takes on more of a Belgian quality, which is Allagash's specialty.
330) Westmalle Dubbel - If you recall, I had the Tripel earlier this year. I enjoyed this much more. This was malty and sweet and I really found myself nearly chewing the beer as I drank it, to bring out more of the flavors. Excellent stuff...
I had another one last night, but didn't upload the pic yet... so expect that in the next update.
330 down and only 35 to go!
Monday, November 13, 2006
A few awesome additions
It's been a very up and down week for me in my life. I've been all over the place emotionally and acting crazy, like a total moron in some cases, and saying things I don't mean to all kinds of people, and walking around in a daze. The lows have been very low but the highs have been very high. I know you're all wondering what the hell I am talking about but I promise I will reveal this by the end of the year and all will be understood.
Times like this call for good beer!
322) Stoudts Triple - Lots of flavors of pears in this one. Pretty sweet and full bodied. A good version of an abbey style ale.
323) Michigan Brewing High Seas India Pale Ale - A very good IPA. I haven't had one in a while... I noticed lately I've had lots of Belgian style ales and ambers. I needed to get punched in the face with some hops and this did the trick. From the Beer of the Month Club. I hope I don't miss out on the next shipment, because I nearly maxed out that credit card they use. If they are reading, please call me! And... maybe I should apply to be the member of the month. If I tell them about the 365 beer quest and how they have been helping me, I should be able to win, especially considering there hasn't seemed to be a winner lately, no?
324) Dogfish Head Golden Shower - First off, one of the most disgusting names for a beer... ever. This is an imperial pilsner. Now, I love everything DH does... but this was maybe a little much for me. I associated a lighter body and crisp refreshment with pilsners, but the additional alcohol in this one made it feel heavy to me. Don't get me wrong... it was good, and the flavors complex, but I don't need a 9% alc. pilsner.
325) Westvleteren Blond - From one of the most sought after breweries in the world comes this gem of a Belgian ale. As my good friend and home brewer Kaval puts it, the best beers are those brewed in small batches. I forget how much I paid to have this shipped to me, and I apologize for violating the monk's wishes regarding the sale of their beer, but I needed to try it. Most Belgian ales are known for having a fuller body but this was light as a feather yet maintained all the depth of flavor you want to see. Just spectacular...
326) Unibroue 15 - A Belgian style strong ale made by our friends up north in Chambly, Canada. Of all the beers in this post, this is my favorite. The aroma was like a great chardonnay and the flavor was likewise. Tastes like apples. I found myself almost chewing the beer in my teeth instead of just drinking it down, because it was very delicious. Tres bien!!
That's where I stand now... I have tried 326 new beers this year and need only 39 more to reach my goal. Part of me honestly thought I might quit at some point during the year, but at this point there is no turning back and no doubting that I will reach my goal. After a year of great ups and downs in my life I at least have this goal to look forward to accomplishing. See you next time...
Times like this call for good beer!
322) Stoudts Triple - Lots of flavors of pears in this one. Pretty sweet and full bodied. A good version of an abbey style ale.
323) Michigan Brewing High Seas India Pale Ale - A very good IPA. I haven't had one in a while... I noticed lately I've had lots of Belgian style ales and ambers. I needed to get punched in the face with some hops and this did the trick. From the Beer of the Month Club. I hope I don't miss out on the next shipment, because I nearly maxed out that credit card they use. If they are reading, please call me! And... maybe I should apply to be the member of the month. If I tell them about the 365 beer quest and how they have been helping me, I should be able to win, especially considering there hasn't seemed to be a winner lately, no?
324) Dogfish Head Golden Shower - First off, one of the most disgusting names for a beer... ever. This is an imperial pilsner. Now, I love everything DH does... but this was maybe a little much for me. I associated a lighter body and crisp refreshment with pilsners, but the additional alcohol in this one made it feel heavy to me. Don't get me wrong... it was good, and the flavors complex, but I don't need a 9% alc. pilsner.
325) Westvleteren Blond - From one of the most sought after breweries in the world comes this gem of a Belgian ale. As my good friend and home brewer Kaval puts it, the best beers are those brewed in small batches. I forget how much I paid to have this shipped to me, and I apologize for violating the monk's wishes regarding the sale of their beer, but I needed to try it. Most Belgian ales are known for having a fuller body but this was light as a feather yet maintained all the depth of flavor you want to see. Just spectacular...
326) Unibroue 15 - A Belgian style strong ale made by our friends up north in Chambly, Canada. Of all the beers in this post, this is my favorite. The aroma was like a great chardonnay and the flavor was likewise. Tastes like apples. I found myself almost chewing the beer in my teeth instead of just drinking it down, because it was very delicious. Tres bien!!
That's where I stand now... I have tried 326 new beers this year and need only 39 more to reach my goal. Part of me honestly thought I might quit at some point during the year, but at this point there is no turning back and no doubting that I will reach my goal. After a year of great ups and downs in my life I at least have this goal to look forward to accomplishing. See you next time...
Monday, November 06, 2006
4 more to add
Here are the beers I had over the weekend. I've got a nice 11 day buffer once again.
318) Rogue Saint Rogue Red - We start out with a couple of amber ales. This one I didn't enjoy as much as the next one.
319) Rogue Sea Otter Amber Ale - This I think was probably the best amber ale I have had to date. Just delicious stuff, malty and good hoppy aromas.
320) J.W. Lees Harvest Ale - This was a 1998 bottle. Thick, syrupy barley wine. It has aged so there is not much hop aroma or flavor left. Tastes just like maple syrup.
321) Heavyweight Saison de la Soeur Spicy - From the now defunct Heavyweight Brewing Co. This is a saison from their series of different style saisons, this one having a bit of a spiciness to it.
I stand now at 321 beers down and only 44 to go for my goal.
318) Rogue Saint Rogue Red - We start out with a couple of amber ales. This one I didn't enjoy as much as the next one.
319) Rogue Sea Otter Amber Ale - This I think was probably the best amber ale I have had to date. Just delicious stuff, malty and good hoppy aromas.
320) J.W. Lees Harvest Ale - This was a 1998 bottle. Thick, syrupy barley wine. It has aged so there is not much hop aroma or flavor left. Tastes just like maple syrup.
321) Heavyweight Saison de la Soeur Spicy - From the now defunct Heavyweight Brewing Co. This is a saison from their series of different style saisons, this one having a bit of a spiciness to it.
I stand now at 321 beers down and only 44 to go for my goal.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Less than 50 to go!
Here are the latest beers I've had this week. I had some days where I had more than 1, so my buffer is back up there a little.
311) Julius Echter Hefe-Weiss (Premium) - This is a very good German hefeweizen. Lots of banana aromas are prevalent.
312) Slaapmutske Tripel (Triple Nightcap) - From the Beer of the Month club. Awesome looking foamy head, as you can see below. Pretty average for the style.
313) Schneider Weisse Edel-Weisse - This was frickin spectacular. Banana and citrus aromas and lots of peppery spice on the nose. Get a bottle if you can.
314) t IJ Columbus - Another bottle I got in Whole Foods recently. This is a Belgian style strong ale, but from the Netherlands. Unfortunately, its not very exciting and was probably the worst I have had of this style so far.
315) Chimay White - I had this bottle for a while, maybe I held it too long? It seemed like it had generated some acidity.. but my palate could have also been messed up. It got better as I drank it, but its my least favorite of the Chimay beers.
Last night I went with Big Daddy Cal to see Alice in Chains, which was awesome.
But before that I stopped at Collins Bar to have a quick one.
316) Rogue Hop Heaven - Didn't get a pic, but this was pretty good. Collins Bar is smelling kinda rank lately, by the way. Anyways, this was a nice IPA that is hard to come by.
After that, I got hungry so I went around the corner to the House of Brews for a quick bite and another beer.
317) "Green Valley Brewing" Stone Mill Pale Ale - Don't be fooled. Green Valley Brewing is actually Anheuser-Busch. This is their entry into the microbrew market, which I think is just a big scam of theirs to try and give craft brewing a bad name. This beer sucks and they know this beer sucks. As I said months ago, I believe what they are doing is trying to get the curious beer drinker to drink this flavorless shit in the hopes they will be turned off by craft brewing and go back to the ol' reliable macro crap. Another thing about this... Look at the name. "Stone Mill". What if you tell someone... "hey, you gotta try something by Stone brewing, everything they make is awesome." Then they see this and think its by Stone and are forever put off by it, never to enjoy the Arrogant Bastard or IPA. FUCK YOU AB and your city of St. Louis. You deserve each other.
Rot in hell.
So that's where I'm at... 317 down and 48 to go. Tonight I have a bomber in the fridge but as usual.. no details before the next post!
311) Julius Echter Hefe-Weiss (Premium) - This is a very good German hefeweizen. Lots of banana aromas are prevalent.
312) Slaapmutske Tripel (Triple Nightcap) - From the Beer of the Month club. Awesome looking foamy head, as you can see below. Pretty average for the style.
313) Schneider Weisse Edel-Weisse - This was frickin spectacular. Banana and citrus aromas and lots of peppery spice on the nose. Get a bottle if you can.
314) t IJ Columbus - Another bottle I got in Whole Foods recently. This is a Belgian style strong ale, but from the Netherlands. Unfortunately, its not very exciting and was probably the worst I have had of this style so far.
315) Chimay White - I had this bottle for a while, maybe I held it too long? It seemed like it had generated some acidity.. but my palate could have also been messed up. It got better as I drank it, but its my least favorite of the Chimay beers.
Last night I went with Big Daddy Cal to see Alice in Chains, which was awesome.
But before that I stopped at Collins Bar to have a quick one.
316) Rogue Hop Heaven - Didn't get a pic, but this was pretty good. Collins Bar is smelling kinda rank lately, by the way. Anyways, this was a nice IPA that is hard to come by.
After that, I got hungry so I went around the corner to the House of Brews for a quick bite and another beer.
317) "Green Valley Brewing" Stone Mill Pale Ale - Don't be fooled. Green Valley Brewing is actually Anheuser-Busch. This is their entry into the microbrew market, which I think is just a big scam of theirs to try and give craft brewing a bad name. This beer sucks and they know this beer sucks. As I said months ago, I believe what they are doing is trying to get the curious beer drinker to drink this flavorless shit in the hopes they will be turned off by craft brewing and go back to the ol' reliable macro crap. Another thing about this... Look at the name. "Stone Mill". What if you tell someone... "hey, you gotta try something by Stone brewing, everything they make is awesome." Then they see this and think its by Stone and are forever put off by it, never to enjoy the Arrogant Bastard or IPA. FUCK YOU AB and your city of St. Louis. You deserve each other.
Rot in hell.
So that's where I'm at... 317 down and 48 to go. Tonight I have a bomber in the fridge but as usual.. no details before the next post!
