The two may be related.
― Jeff, Tuesday, September 16, 2014 9:55 AM (17 minutes ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink
hahah you also had a child iirc? seems easier to drink beer with a baby than run with one.
― call all destroyer, Tuesday, 16 September 2014 14:13 (nine years ago) link
Truth.
― Jeff, Tuesday, 16 September 2014 14:23 (nine years ago) link
Repped for it before, but Schlafly's Pumpkin Ale is worth your time.
― circa1916, Tuesday, 16 September 2014 14:25 (nine years ago) link
Re: Pumpkin beers, definitely try Stevens Point Whole Hog, it's basically the only palatable pumpkin beer I've ever had.
Never had the Schlafly, but I've heard it taste similar to Whole Hog.
― Jeff, Tuesday, 16 September 2014 14:25 (nine years ago) link
yesterday's samples:
pFriem DIPA, can't remember the name, this is pretty much perfect
Bend Brewing sour salmonberry, a bit tart but very nice
pint of Sculpin just for the hell of it
― sleeve, Tuesday, 16 September 2014 14:41 (nine years ago) link
i've seen that pfriem thing around, i should probably try it
bend brewing's sours are actually pretty decent, though they're generally more sessionable / less complex than other sours (thinking mostly of ching ching)
― hug niceman (psychgawsple), Tuesday, 16 September 2014 15:54 (nine years ago) link
very excited about fresh hop season. it should be more of a thing. seems like people are starting to recognize the importance of freshness in an ipa (the stone enjoy by series is one of many examples of this) but the right use of fresh hops can totally transform the character of a beer. some of this stuff is just out of control good and most people who do not live in the PNW have no idea what they're missing. hell, i have lived here for 4 years and i sorta didn't know what i was missing until recently
favorites so far this year are the laurelwood fresh hop workhorse (picked up a growler of the amarillo variant last night) and the breakside simcoe fresh hop IPA (which was brewed using this crazy process, which i think might be a first?)
― hug niceman (psychgawsple), Tuesday, 16 September 2014 17:00 (nine years ago) link
ooh thanks for those recommendations, I'll look for those
― sleeve, Tuesday, 16 September 2014 17:03 (nine years ago) link
I'm always on the lookout for a good American craft beer rendition of a Mitteleuropa-style pilsner and Smuttynose's Vunderbar! is one of the best I've sampled in a while. Very crisp and refreshing with the right amount of bite.
― o. nate, Wednesday, 17 September 2014 03:27 (nine years ago) link
Inching toward annual release silly season (beer and bourbon) and debating how much time and money I feel like wasting running around this year. So much good beer to be had without a fight.
― Josh in Chicago, Wednesday, 17 September 2014 13:30 (nine years ago) link
i have yet to snag a bottle of pappy's. maybe i'll be conscious enough to pick one up from the philly website sale.
― Mordy, Wednesday, 17 September 2014 13:33 (nine years ago) link
josh is there like a mailing list or something that gives an alert when the website puts them up?
― Mordy, Wednesday, 17 September 2014 13:34 (nine years ago) link
Tbh, in Philly you have a better shot than many places because of the state site. Get yourself on their premium mailing list - the mailing list is free, it just announces premium limited stuff - and they'll send you an email as soon as they're on sale. The plus in PA is that you will pay a normal price. The minus is that they sell out in a hiccup. So the best bet would be to call someone there and politely suss out the day they'll be offered and then lurk/stalk that morning for the minute it goes live. Also, be sure to have your info - CC number, address, etc. - already registered so that you don't have to waste time setting that up.
Even then, the website gets slammed and slows down, and last year they screwed up the distribution of the Pappy 15, so that lots of folks (like me) got a purchase confirmation for bottles that didn't exist, and when they mea culpa'd they gave me $15 an order or something silly.
FWIW, bottles from the Antique Collection are slightly easier to attain in PA via the same route. But given how things went last year, I can only imagine the demand has only increased.
― Josh in Chicago, Wednesday, 17 September 2014 13:58 (nine years ago) link
remind me plz what the state website is?
― Mordy, Wednesday, 17 September 2014 13:59 (nine years ago) link
Fine Wine and Discount Spirits in PA.
― Josh in Chicago, Wednesday, 17 September 2014 14:14 (nine years ago) link
very excited about fresh hop season
I had Ninkasi's new fresh hop beer (called "Hoptimist", I think) and it was truly amazing, the best thing I've ever had from them ( I like Total Dom and Maiden, think the rest is overrated)
― sleeve, Wednesday, 17 September 2014 14:27 (nine years ago) link
I really like Ninkasi Tricerahops but only on tap - someone at the local bar that always has it told me it's actually a totally different recipe than the bottled version, like the ABV is a full point higher or something.
― joygoat, Wednesday, 17 September 2014 15:38 (nine years ago) link
yeah I heard something similar about Kelso Industrial IPA, in cans its 1% less ABV than on tap
― anonanon, Wednesday, 17 September 2014 15:42 (nine years ago) link
oh right I like Tricerahops too, did not know about the draft/bottle difference
― sleeve, Wednesday, 17 September 2014 15:44 (nine years ago) link
Tried a two diff bottles of Bell's Mars DIPA this week. Easy drinking for 10% but can be a bit cloying. Was hoping for more thrilling hop zing.
― ian, Wednesday, 17 September 2014 18:50 (nine years ago) link
Still not going because of the potential for clusterfuckability, but the drafts for the Chicago edition of Zwanze Day is nice:
Draft List:ImportedZwanze 2014 Cuvée de Florian • Brasserie Cantillon, BelgiumGueuze • Brasserie Cantillon, BelgiumCuvée Saint-Gilloise • Brasserie Cantillon, BelgiumMamouche • Brasserie Cantillon, BelgiumKriek • Brouwerij Kerkom, BelgiumWeltmerz • De Struise Brouwers, BelgiumYpres • De Struise Brouwers, BelgiumShawnigan Handshake • Le Trou Du Diable, CanadaArctic Sunstone (Collab with Three Floyds Brewing, Indiana) • Amager Bryghus, DenmarkBlå Spøgelse (Collab with Three Floyds Brewing, Indiana) • Mikkeller, DenmarkBeer Geek Brunch Weasel • Mikkeller, DenmarkSpontanredcurrant • Mikkeller, DenmarkCalypso • Siren, EnglandRoter Baron • Mahrs Bräu, GermanyBonator (Gravity Keg) • Klosterbrauerei Weiβenohe, GermanyMönchsambacher Unfiltered Lagerbier (Gravity Keg) • Brauerei Zehendner, GermanyIt’s Still Weisse (Collab with Stillwater Artisanal Ales, Maryland) • The Monarchy, GermanySalty Angel • Birrificio Toccalmatto, ItalyMadamin 2013 • LoverBeer, ItalyCease & Desist • Brouwerij de Molen, NetherlandsFresh Hop Wired IPA • 8 Wired Brewing, New Zealandtba…DomesticBCS Coffee 2012 • Goose Island Brewing Co, ChicagoMatilda Lambicus • Goose Island Brewing Co, ChicagoVallejo • Half Acre Brewing Co, ChicagoYuzu Berliner Weisse • Off Color Brewing, ChicagoMosaic • Pipeworks Brewing Co, ChicagoTart Lychee 2012 • New Belgium, ColoradoLa Folie 2013 • New Belgium, ColoradoCrépuscule • St Somewhere Brewing Co, FloridaGose • The Sour Note, IndianaCimmerian Sabertooth Berzerker • Three Floyds Brewing Co, IndianaMan-O-Awe • Three Floyds Brewing Co, IndianaYum Yum • Three Floyds Brewing Co, IndianaKentucky Breakfast Stout 2013 • Founders Brewing Co, MichiganFunky Wit • Perennial Artisan Ales, MissouriSociety & Solitude #7 • Hill Farmstead Brewery, Vermonttba…
― Jeff, Friday, 19 September 2014 18:35 (nine years ago) link
So I am back in lol school and on a halved budget and don't buy nearly as many fun beers anymore, but I got the Sierra Nevada Red IPA tonight and am kind of irrationally excited to drink a couple.
― dan m, Tuesday, 23 September 2014 23:24 (nine years ago) link
i liked that one! that and their rye ipa are both better than they probably need to be
anyone have any good oktoberfest/marzen style beers this season? heater allen bobtoberfest was predictably delicious, but i really was not feeling the firestone oaktoberfest. kinda starting to hate these west coast variations of styles where copious amounts of hops are added to nearly anything, it can definitely work for certain styles but what's the point of a german lager if you can't taste the malt?
― hug niceman (psychgawsple), Wednesday, 24 September 2014 17:34 (nine years ago) link
OTM
― sleeve, Wednesday, 24 September 2014 17:47 (nine years ago) link
i didn't taste much of anything in the firestone one. disappointing.
― call all destroyer, Wednesday, 24 September 2014 17:53 (nine years ago) link
ayinger oktoberfest is my go-to oktoberfest.
― ian, Wednesday, 24 September 2014 17:58 (nine years ago) link
firestone oaktoberfest was completely disappointing
― marcos, Wednesday, 24 September 2014 18:27 (nine years ago) link
kinda starting to hate these west coast variations of styles where copious amounts of hops are added to nearly anything, it can definitely work for certain styles but what's the point of a german lager if you can't taste the malt?
― hug niceman (psychgawsple), Wednesday, September 24, 2014 1:34 PM (52 minutes ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink
― sleeve, Wednesday, September 24, 2014 1:47 PM (40 minutes ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink
^^^
I had the Oktoberfest Revolution and thought it was a well-done example of the style, but not particularly memorable. I've been drinking more Revolution stuff lately because I finally found a place that sells it for a reasonable price, that is, less than $10 per six pack.
― dan m, Wednesday, 24 September 2014 18:48 (nine years ago) link
This listicle *gets* me, tho non-warning: not a slideshow/clickbait...
http://draftmag.com/features/25-breweries-you-should-know/
― Jersey Al (Albert R. Broccoli), Friday, 26 September 2014 02:30 (nine years ago) link
So. Much. Beer.
Too much beer?
― Josh in Chicago, Friday, 26 September 2014 02:38 (nine years ago) link
Never too much beer.
― Jeff, Friday, 26 September 2014 11:53 (nine years ago) link
Tomorrow will mark four weeks since my last beer (not-very-serious medical reasons), I've been having to make do with delicious white wine.
My friends are at Borefts.
Not enough beer. :(
― Tim, Friday, 26 September 2014 12:07 (nine years ago) link
In Delaware now, have been drinking Heavy Seas beer. Every one I've had has been solid, really enjoyed the uber pils.
Was in the store last night and was sort of just randomly picking from the regional selections. Any specific recommendations for stuff I can't get in Chicago?
― Jeff, Friday, 26 September 2014 12:49 (nine years ago) link
i drank a lot of heavy seas when i lived in DC. remember them being really really good, but it's been years since i've had any heavy seas and for some reason i never buy any even though i see them in boston shops sometimes. i got into them shortly after i started getting into craft beer and i guess i feel nervous that they won't hold up to my memories (same goes for rogue). but i should give them a try again.
― marcos, Friday, 26 September 2014 14:19 (nine years ago) link
― Jersey Al (Albert R. Broccoli), Thursday, September 25, 2014 10:30 PM (Yesterday) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink
lots of new england/MA beers there. do feel like in the past couple years new england has really stepped up its game, shit used to be dire here 5-7 years ago
― marcos, Friday, 26 September 2014 14:27 (nine years ago) link
mystic and aeronaut have done nothing to deserve being on that list tho
― call all destroyer, Friday, 26 September 2014 14:28 (nine years ago) link
never had either tbh.
and lol with one exception every photograph is a bearded white dude. and the one exception still has a bearded white dude but also has a woman.
― marcos, Friday, 26 September 2014 14:30 (nine years ago) link
btw cad i have been meaning to say "hi" for a while - took a long break from ilx but you know me from simmons and a boston fap from a while ago!
― marcos, Friday, 26 September 2014 14:31 (nine years ago) link
thought it might be you :)
― call all destroyer, Friday, 26 September 2014 14:50 (nine years ago) link
pretty decent list, but the carton brewery beers sound awful (beers based on cigars and trail mix and panzanella? why?)
just made it out to de garde last weekend :) picked up about a case of assorted bottles, looking forward to the next few months
― hug niceman (psychgawsple), Friday, 26 September 2014 16:21 (nine years ago) link
Perennial just launched in Seattle. Looking forward to Abraxas. Saison De Lis, and a few others being readily available.
I as initially skeptical of Carton, but they've managed to impress me with nearly everything I've tried. The Swisher one was pretty great; hoppy and smoky. Regular Coffee was spot-on, and Boat Beer is just a world class Pale. Kane in NJ is also doing great things, but it's a real hassle tracking down their beers.
― Tomás Piñon (Ryan), Friday, 26 September 2014 18:05 (nine years ago) link
Shared a bottle of Firestone Double DBA with friends after dinner last night, perfect application for such a beer. Another one of those where about an 8oz glass is perfect, and despite the stuff tasting great I couldn't imagine trying to consume a whole bottle solo. I was also under the impression that it was much more boozy and big-flavored than it turned out to be.
― dan m, Monday, 29 September 2014 17:52 (nine years ago) link
Ha, I think every time I've had that beer I've finished off the whole bottle myself. I do what I got to do.
― Jeff, Monday, 29 September 2014 18:07 (nine years ago) link
i've drank bottles of merkin solo before, prob could do a ddba.
― call all destroyer, Monday, 29 September 2014 18:08 (nine years ago) link
i am getting worryingly bored of beer at the moment. been a fairly long time since anything really knocked me out. boo me.
― Ass Tchotchke! (jjjusten), Monday, 29 September 2014 18:14 (nine years ago) link
i'm with ya
― call all destroyer, Monday, 29 September 2014 18:18 (nine years ago) link
I think there's an element of choice paralysis crossed with general high quality across the board going on. I have enough great, easy to buy/drink standards that I'd have to go out of my way (or drink everything) to find some truly shitty beers. If anything that explains all the even weirder novelty beers popping up. It's like the brewers are getting bored, too, having perfected all the normal/not disgusting permutations of beer.
Found a bottle of V. Merkin on a shelf today. Still some DDBA, too, though less of it sitting around than there was last year.
― Josh in Chicago, Monday, 29 September 2014 18:59 (nine years ago) link
1st paragraph OTM, I think. I am also feeling a bit burned out, going for lighter beer in general.
― sleeve, Monday, 29 September 2014 19:30 (nine years ago) link
Idk, I still drink something different almost every time. Still an adventure for me.
― Jeff, Monday, 29 September 2014 19:53 (nine years ago) link