the "post your thoughts/review on the alcohol you have been drinking" /thread [Archive]

KillerGremlin

01-17-2011, 04:35 AM

So lately I've been sucking down a lot of beer. Nothing too fancy since I am on a college budget. I've been dipping into a lot of Sam Adam's brews as they are cheap and readily available.

(sorry for the hot linking in advance but....)

I am by no means a beer expert nor a stout expert. But I tried Sam Adam's Imperial Stout:
http://www.realbeer.com/blog/images/20090220-imperial.jpg

At 10 bucks for a 4-pack you expect something pretty damn good. I feel that this stout should come with a bold disclaimer: MADE FOR PEOPLE WHO ENJOY SWEET BEER. This is one of the most fruity, sweet stouts I have had. I much prefer my staple Guinness or the bold and complex Old Rasputin: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3605/3343467929_cc6165e117.jpg?v=0

I picked up the Sam Adam's holiday pack and their Autumn pack. I think these are cool mixes of beer with a nice variety. The autumn pack was mostly average with some average Pumpkin Ales and a very average Irish read. What was pretty sweet was the Sam Adam's Dunkelweizen:
http://beeradvocate.com/im/beers/38366.jpg

The Dunkelweizen is a dark, unfiltered wheat beer. Unfiltered wheat beers rank among my favorite styles of beer so this was a really pleasant surprise. The Sam Adams Dunkelweizen had a good flavor and a nice refreshing finish.

Also impressive from the Sam Adam's holiday pack was their Chocolate Bock. This was my first dabbling with a Chocolate Bock, and I was impressed. Like the Sam Adam's Imperial Stout this one was on the sweet side of things, but that is expected with the implicit "chocolate" in the title.

I picked up a 12-pack of Sierra Nevada's Celebration Ale:
http://beer-taster.com/wp-content/uploads/yapb_cache/sierra_nevada_celebration_ale.6oifql8nv808ksk8osc4kswww.6ylu316ao144c8c4woosog48w.th.jpeg

I've honestly dabbled the most in pale ales the past few years. I've had pale ales from a lot of larger micro breweries, including Dogfish Head, New Holland, New Belgium, and Stone Brewing. The Celebration Ale is like drinking a Christmas tree. It has wonderful pine notes. It is extremely bitter and dry as a good IPA should be. It has a malty mouth feel, especially at first taste, but it really hits with dry and bitter. I actually am quite impressed with this little bottle of hoppy goodness.

Some other excellence was New Belgium's Hoptober. This is another bitter, citrusy IPA style beer. http://mustlovebeer.com/uploads_user/1000/1/1358.jpg.

On the other end of the spectrum, I tried Annheiser Busch's Shock Top:
http://www.anheuser-busch.com/images/marketingImgs/ShocTop6pack.jpg.
This is an insanely bland macro that is supposed to compete with Coor's Blue Moon. Honestly, Blue Moon is much better and has become my staple Belgian White (aka macro watery goodness) that I order when I go out to a burger joint to wash down my burger and fries. Also good is Coors from the bottle. If you need a 6-pack of something light, watery and cheap, go with Coors.

I was ultimately unimpressed with Budweiser's American Ale. I think there are better cheap alternatives. I get it though...it has hops, it is kind of a real ale. It is Budweiser's answer to Sam Adams. But Boston Lager is such a good, readily available brew, I feel that it is too little and too late.

Anyway, that's just some of the specific beer I've been drinking lately. I've had many more.

I figured it would be interesting if everyone posted some of the their hard liquor, wine, or beer experiences here as a reference for other members. You don't need to write an elaborate review or anything, just mention what you have been drinking and maybe mention if you'd recommend it or if you think people should stay away from it!

manasecret

01-18-2011, 12:45 AM

Ok sorry in advance, but the beers I am about to mention are all from Texas. I know we have a few texans here, and everyone else ought to visit at least once. This is a good way to spend such a visit.

For my birthday last august, my girlfriend and I did a brewery tour of Texas. We did five brewery tours in four days. Best. Birthday. Evar.

This actually takes a bit of finesse, since two of the tours only run on weekdays.

We started driving out to Shiner, Texas early Friday morning at about 8:00 a.m. to get to the Shiner brewery tour at 10:00 a.m. They are best known for their bock, which is fairly well known throughout the u.s. and is the only one of the following beers you can get outside Texas.

http://www.weaponscache.com/forum/attachments/grilling-cooking-recipes/558d1287278746-beer-whats-your-favorite-type-beer-shiner.jpg

Shiner is a good gateway beer. They are very tasty, but are on the light end of craft brews. They have been dabbling in other styles, and I had my first shiner Oktoberfest at the tour. A tasty but lighter version.

http://www.beertripper.com/btbimages/beer/Six-Pack_Shiner_Oktoberfest.jpg

After shiner we drove to Blanco, TX for the Real Ale brewery tour at 2:00 p.m. This turned out to be my favorite. A great, informational tour and all the free tastings you want of their many varied and strong beers that you want. I didn't have it there, but their coffee porter is awesome.

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/eating/buzz%20beer.jpg

We then stayed the night in Austin, TX at the historic Driskill hotel downtown. Beautiful place to say the least.

http://www.travelvista.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Driskill-Hotel-Austin-Texas-.jpg

Saturday morning we got up, and after eating went to the Live Oak brewery tour -- my second favorite. (Humongous live oak trees are all over Texas, thus the reference and their tagline, "made in the shade.") They recently hired a true German brewer recently, who has been refining some of their recipes with great success. They make an excellent hefeweizen, a very cloudy, fruity beer the type of which I love. He explained where the fruity flavors come, namely the banana flavor. Turns out, a certain yeast produces the same enzymes that also help give bananas their flavor. So it's not just beer knurds being snooty, it's science!

http://kristyowen1.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/live-oak-austin.jpg

After that, we went to 512, named after austin's area code. This was the first one that was a humongous party, because as it turns out it was their anniversary (just like me!). It was also miserably hot and outdoors, in the middle of august in Texas. Immediate swamp ass. Their beers are tasty and strong, but not quite what I was looking for in that heat. They are also keg only at the moment.

http://blog.originalalamo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/5121.jpg

We stayed one more night in Austin, then headed back home to Houston on Sunday and rested. Monday morning we then went to the oldest and greatest craft brewery in Texas, my old favorite -- Saint Arnold, the patron saint of brewers. They just moved to their newery closer to downtown Houston, and Jessica hadn't been yet. They make amazing beers which have won many numerous awards at the great American beer festival. They were first introduction into good beers, so they will always be my first love.

http://static.zooomr.com/images/4584229_64bfedfec4_o.jpg

http://theeatenpath.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/saint_arnold_lawnmower_ale.jpg

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/eating/robbrobbrobbbeerbeer.JPG

And many more. They're most fun to find and to try is their divine reserves. Each one is unique and only produced in very limited quantities. My favorite so far is the pumpkin Imperial stout (DR9), the ONLY pumpkin beer I've had that actually tastes like pumpkin. YUM.

So for those that love beer and are in Texas, this was a great trip. If you can't make it to the breweries, then get to either the Gingerman pub or the flying saucer pub, both of which are in a city near you, and ask for one of these true domestic beers.

gekko

01-18-2011, 01:28 AM

http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/TheAbyss_bottle.gifhttp://www.deschutesbrewery.com/the-abyss.gif

:D :D :D :D :D :D

My favorite beer, ever. Randomly decided to check the Twitter feed of my local beer shop and saw "The Abyss IN STOCK" posted 30 minutes ago. Ran out the door and bought my limit of 4. The 2010 did not disappoint. I considered hyping it, but I'll just let it speak for itself:

#5 overall on Beer Advocate (http://beeradvocate.com/lists/top)
100/100 on RateBeer (http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/deschutes-the-abyss/65832/)

http://www.themaltshop.co.uk/productimages/display/SS-image-2009-04-17-49e8d74b88364.jpg

Also finally picked up a bottle of Laphroaig 10 year. Started with the 15 year, and since picked up the Quarter Cask, Cask Strength, and 18 year. Always avoided the 10 year since the Quarter Cask is only $5 more, and while it's still pretty good, I prefer the Quarter Cask for the price.

Jason1

01-19-2011, 06:01 PM

you people and your sophisticated beers...I enjoy drinking the cheaper / more common / American college beers. Some of my favorites:

http://www.anheuser-busch.com/images/brandScroll/budLight.jpg

This was a favorite in college. I dont drink it as much anymore, but on occasion I go cheap and pick me up some 'stones.

http://mycampusbeer.com/images/keystonelt.jpg

I also enjoy a High Life on occasion(the champagne of beers), but never Miller Light. It sucks.

http://xiola.org/spirits/images/miller_high_life.jpg

manasecret

01-19-2011, 10:13 PM

I love people who get snooty about which watered down near-beer is better or worse. If you're going to be snooty about your beer, at least drink good ones. :)

Jason, for you I recommend blue moon, a very tasty gateway beer.

KillerGremlin

01-20-2011, 03:28 AM

Nothing against Macro brands. Sometimes you need something cheap and light. Or...on a more depressing note...sometimes all you can find at the local Jewel or 711 is something macro.

Like I said, bottled Coors transcends. I don't know what the fuck they do, but they do it well. I have many fond memories of getting shit-face-plastered off Coors back in the day....but that was from canned Coors. I think that stuff came in a 30-pack. Anything in a 30-pack is asking to get you intoxicated (please drink responsibly, YEAH RIGHT).

I also enjoy Stella Artois as a good example of a quality macro. And of course, Blue Moon is my go-to when I am ordering a high calorie burger/fry meal and still want my beer. Plus Blue Moon is at like EVERY restaurant in the midwest.

Also formidable is New Castle Brown Ale and Guinness, but both of those blur the echelon between macro and what you can get in the micro world.

KillerGremlin

01-20-2011, 03:34 AM

Immediate swamp ass.

:lolz: :lolz: :lolz:

I have cousins in Texas. If I ever get down there I will check out the local beer and see if I can bring some back. I plan on doing a roadtrip someday once I get my shit in life together. I would like to head that way. Someday.

http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/TheAbyss_bottle.gifhttp://www.deschutesbrewery.com/the-abyss.gif

:D :D :D :D :D :D

My favorite beer, ever. Randomly decided to check the Twitter feed of my local beer shop and saw "The Abyss IN STOCK" posted 30 minutes ago. Ran out the door and bought my limit of 4. The 2010 did not disappoint. I considered hyping it, but I'll just let it speak for itself:

Ah...The Abyss. With a name like that how could you go wrong? I added it to my list, I will keep an eye out for this. :)

Jason1

01-21-2011, 07:57 PM

Combine 017

01-21-2011, 08:34 PM

I am currently drinking...
http://oi55.tinypic.com/2r75ag3.jpg
Its all good, lots of different kinds of drinks to be made.
The only thing I need that im missing is vodka.

Fox 6

01-21-2011, 09:11 PM

Admiral Nelson and Sailor Jerry's. Fuck Captain Morgan

Professor S

01-21-2011, 11:06 PM

http://luekensliquors.com/store/zen-cart-v1.3.8a-full-fileset-12112007/images/FAMOUS%20GROUS.jpg

Probably the best scotch on the market for ~$20 US for 750ml.

The Germanator

01-21-2011, 11:47 PM

BreakABone

01-22-2011, 01:10 AM

Drinking Maker's Mark tonight, but I actually devote a blog to this kind of thing...

http://thisiswhatidrink.blogspot.com/

I haven't updated in over a month which is a damn shame, so I don't have the recent stuff, but maybe this will inspire me to do more.

This is actually a good idea... would you mind cross posting on NoTR as well?

Actually could probably steal the content of this thread, we don't do enough articles on purely booze.

manasecret

01-22-2011, 01:32 AM

Yea, ive tried Blue Moon. Its pretty good I guess. I dont really have anything against the "trendy" beers, but what does bug me is people that all of a sudden get done with college and get a real job and suddenly they wont go anywhere near bud light, even though its all they used to drink. Suddenly their opinion changes to "I dont drink that watered down crap." Just shut up, your not better than anyone else just because you enjoy Newcastle, get off your high horse and have a fucking Bud Light.

I got no problem with macros as KG calls 'em and getting the most bang for your buck. But if you're going to go super cheap and still drink beer, why not just go all out and drink some forties?

http://ficdn.fashionindie.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/usa-miller-olde-english-800.jpg

It's malt liquor, so not technically beer, but close enough. And will fuck you up for the low low price of $3.

Also, let's not forget who was just on his high horse about which near beer was better. :p

For me, it's about the taste. Going to a bar or pub with tons of beer options and getting a near beer is like going to a steakhouse and ordering a hamburger steak.

manasecret

01-22-2011, 01:45 AM

http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/TheAbyss_bottle.gifhttp://www.deschutesbrewery.com/the-abyss.gif

:D :D :D :D :D :D

My favorite beer, ever. Randomly decided to check the Twitter feed of my local beer shop and saw "The Abyss IN STOCK" posted 30 minutes ago. Ran out the door and bought my limit of 4. The 2010 did not disappoint. I considered hyping it, but I'll just let it speak for itself:

#5 overall on Beer Advocate (http://beeradvocate.com/lists/top)
100/100 on RateBeer (http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/deschutes-the-abyss/65832/)

This looks amazing. Will have to try it soon.

Btw, to follow up on places in texas to find all this good stuff, the best place to find any beer or liquor in Houston and texas in general is Spec's.

Also, I scrolled through the top beers list, and wouldn't you know -- the Live Oak Hefeweizen I mentioned made the list.

manasecret

01-22-2011, 01:55 AM

Drinking Maker's Mark tonight, but I actually devote a blog to this kind of thing...

http://thisiswhatidrink.blogspot.com/

I haven't updated in over a month which is a damn shame, so I don't have the recent stuff, but maybe this will inspire me to do more.

I see from your blog that there actually are other pumpkin beers that actually taste like pumpkin. I will have to look for some of those next season.

KillerGremlin

01-22-2011, 02:52 PM

http://luekensliquors.com/store/zen-cart-v1.3.8a-full-fileset-12112007/images/FAMOUS%20GROUS.jpg

Probably the best scotch on the market for ~$20 US for 750ml.

I will take your advice on this, good sir, and see if I can find this next time I go liquor shopping.

Professor S

01-23-2011, 03:53 PM

I will take your advice on this, good sir, and see if I can find this next time I go liquor shopping.

Please note, its best with a splash of water. It has a slight astringent quality when straight, but it mellows nicely with a little water with strong barley up front and caramel finish. I like it 2 parts whiskey to 1 part water. No rocks.

In any case, its miles better than Dewars White or Johnny Walker Red (whiskey flavored vodka).

BTW, ever try McClelland's? They have Islay and Highland single malt for ~$20 US. I've had the Islay, and I grew to like it. Seaweed, followed by smoky tobacco (the peat) and finishes with a little salt. Not an everyday scotch, but a nice change of pace at a good price.

Professor S

01-30-2011, 10:22 PM

Johnny Walker Black: MUCH better than the rubbing alcohol that is JW Red, but not nearly good enough to justify the $15US more you'll pay over Famous Grouse. I still maintain FG is the best scotch for the $ (except for maybe Bell's, but I can't get that in the states. Don't hold me to that. I remember Bell's fondly, but I was quite drunk at the time, singing folk songs in an Irish pub)

Well, JW Blue is the best scotch for the money, and its crazy expensive... but how do you put a price on drinking unicorn tears?

KillerGremlin

02-03-2011, 03:35 AM

Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout - Wonderful. I love oatmeal, chocolate, coffee, and cream, and this beer had all of these things. I've heard a lot of good things about this Stout, and I am glad that it did not disappoint. I think I enjoyed it more than Goose Island's Oatmeal Stout, but I may need to revisit that one.

Sam Adam's Cherry Wheat - A fruity wheat beer from Sam Adams. I think this is an okay beer, and it would make a nice session "get drunk" beer. It is low in calories and goes down pretty easily. The cherry flavor in this beer is completely artificial, and it does have a kind of cough syrup vibe. Due to the artificial nature of the flavoring, I will wager that this is going to be very hit or miss for most people. Either you like it, or the flavor will gross you out. Unlike a straight wheat beer, this one is a little more creamy. I found that at cold temps this beer is quite tasteless. As the beer warms up it gets nice and creamy which is a huge perk since the creaminess seems to balance out the cherry flavor. And then if it gets too warm it kind of gets skunky and unfun to drink.

Sam Adam's Blackberry Witbier - The second of the "fruity" beers. I enjoy wheat beers, so this one was not too offensive for me. Unlike the Cherry Wheat, this one has a much more organic taste to it. This smells like blackberry, but the taste is a little on the weak side. Like the Cherry Wheat, this beer peaks at a certain temperature. If it is too cold it has no taste, when it is just right it is very creamy and that really lets the beer "hit the spot." Too warm and bleh. I'd say try it. If you have no preference for Cherry/Blackberry, go with this one.

Blue Moon Winter Abbey Ale - Another average offering. I like what Blue Moon does and I like that they are available. This beer was slightly roasted and had some caramel flavoring. All-in-all it was nothing special, but I would pick it up again for 6 bucks.

Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA - Magical. This is really a great IPA. The 60 Minute IPA has a lot of pine and hops that come through, but it is remarkably balanced for an IPA. This one is actually really light and refreshing, which is amazing since it clocks in at like 6% ABV. I need to drink a few more to really see where this beer stands, but this is a not-offensive IPA that should work for people who are not hop heads and for people who do love hops.

Guinness Extra Stout - I cannot say this beer is remarkable, but for the price, availability, and consistency, what is there to lose? I think this is a great stout, and it is available at almost any major grocery store. If you are looking for your stout fix and do not have access to a Binny's or other place that sells import/micro beers, then this is a good fit.

That's all for now. I picked up a 6-pack of some brand I never heard of, it's an IPA. So far I'm not impressed, but we will see how that goes. I also tried the whole Sam Adam's Holiday Collection. The Old Fezziwig Ale was probably the most holiday of the bunch. The Holiday Porter and Winter Ale were both okay and had similar flavors. The White Ale was crap as I already mentioned, and the Chocolate Boch was great but obviously a very niche beer.

The Germanator

02-03-2011, 09:47 PM

[b]Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA - Magical. This is really a great IPA. The 60 Minute IPA has a lot of pine and hops that come through, but it is remarkably balanced for an IPA. This one is actually really light and refreshing, which is amazing since it clocks in at like 6% ABV. I need to drink a few more to really see where this beer stands, but this is a not-offensive IPA that should work for people who are not hop heads and for people who do love hops.

Excellent choice! 60 minute IPA might be my favorite go to beer ever. Of course I have some hometown pride because it's brewed right in downstate Delaware. If you find the 90 minute IPA out there, definitely try it. It's 9% ABV and maybe even better than the 60 minute.

KillerGremlin

02-04-2011, 02:24 PM

Excellent choice! 60 minute IPA might be my favorite go to beer ever. Of course I have some hometown pride because it's brewed right in downstate Delaware. If you find the 90 minute IPA out there, definitely try it. It's 9% ABV and maybe even better than the 60 minute.

I either had the 90 or the 120 back when I was less knowledgeable of beer. I remember thinking it was a very sweet brew and very strong...but maybe that was the batch. I do believe Dogfish Head suggests you drink the super hopped brews like a brandy or wine, so it isn't really intended to be a session beer. The 60 minute is a session beer though (imo).

I will definitely check it out though. Props to Dogfish head, their brews are readily available all over the Chicago area.

I've had the Raison D'Etre too. I do not remember that one well enough to offer a critique, other than I drank that a long time ago back when I knew nothing about beer.

Seth

02-04-2011, 06:50 PM

KillerGremlin

02-05-2011, 04:58 AM

I'm more of a wine guy as of late. My home valley is Canada's Napa so the wine is everywhere.

For beer though I prefer Nelson Brewing Company. Since 2006 they have embraced organic brews and now they're entire stock is certified. Their Paddywhack India Pale Ale is my favourite. Gotta get me to Nelson for some boarding and beer hoarding.

Yum, I was checking their site out, I will pick some up if I come across it.

Tonight I had a pint of Lindemans Pêche Fruit Lambic (bottled). I've tried their Raspberry Lambic, and it is goooood stuff. Lambic beers remind me a lot of wheat beers, and they have similar tastes. Lambic beer is kind of like wine I guess. It has a sweet taste to it, and it is brewed with wild yeast. The one I had tonight was a peach lambic, and it is apparently brewed with real peaches. The beer was quite complex with a lot of good yeasty flavors coming through. Obviously you get a ton of peach, and it had a nice sugary and syrupy mouthfeel. I'd say this was a heck of a beer and I would get more lambic beers if they were not so expensive.

I picked up a variety pack by Dundee Brewing Co. for 12 bucks at Jewel. 12 bucks, 12 beers. So far I have tried the Dundee Kölsch-Style Ale which is a super light and very average golden ale. I get corn, biscuits and maybe some citrus in this brew. I'd say this is a good summer or easy drinking beer. The Dundee Stout was maybe average to below average; it has all the typical flavors in your average stout, but it was a bit oily. It sort of peaked once it warmed up though, and I may need to revamp my opinion once I have a few more. The Dundee IPA is also maybe a bit below-average. Sort of an unbalanced, not particularly hoppy brew that is not very memorable. And finally, the Dundee Pale Bock seems to be the most complex of the brews with a nice balance of flavors, a good amount of roast, caramel and malt, and a beer that actually tastes multidimensional.

I also picked up a 6-pack of Metolius Dolly Varden India Pale Ale. I wish this brew had more bitterness and more bite. Otherwise, it seems to be on the weaker side of IPAs. If I blindly drank this I wouldn't even peg it as an IPA. This brew is more caramely and grassy than most IPAs I have had, so yeah. I will see how I feel as I finish the 6-pack.

KillerGremlin

02-11-2011, 03:55 AM

http://www.ratebeer.com/beerimages/74578.jpg

So I just killed off the final 2 bottles of this Metolius Dolly Varden India Pale Ale while trying to decipher my stats homework. Like I said before, I think I picked this up for 6 or 7 bucks which is not a bad price to pay for a craft 6-pack. This is an okay IPA. It goes down pretty easy because it is on the lighter side, so if you are looking for something a little bit tasty to get drunk on this would do the job. It isn't very balanced...it has some pine and hops, but the bitterness gets washed out by the unbalanced malt. More of a grassy, malty, caramel-ish IPA. If anything, a bit generic. Like I said, goes down smooth and I could see myself putting 5 or 6 of these down in a sitting if I wanted to.

Typhoid

02-15-2011, 04:27 PM

On the weekend a friend came back from school in the valley, so we had a box social which involved sports, and alcohol.

Anyways, 3 of us split a big bottle of Glenfiddich Scotch - while others had beer, like chumps.

It wasn't my first time having Glenfiddich, but I forgot how smooth and good it was. We had the 12 year, which is by far the lowest on the Glenfiddich scale, but as far as single malt goes, it's still my favourite.

If there are any fans of scotch/whiskey/rye in here, I do recommend you try Glenfiddich, if you already havent.

TheSlyMoogle

02-15-2011, 05:46 PM

http://www.chinabeergeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/jiahu.jpg

Dogfish Head's Chateau Jiahu: Mmm... It's based on a 9000 year old recipe very loosely. It's a sweet and bubbly brew with a nice little punch to it. Reviews suggested that it's pretty close to what mead would have tasted like if mead had honey in it. Something like that anyway.

Just tried it a couple of months ago, totally in love with it when I'm looking for a beer to sip on.

KillerGremlin

02-25-2011, 10:41 PM

I picked up a 4-pack of Goose Island Matilda so I will give you guys my opinion. Currently I am working on the Matilda, and my first thoughts are pretty positive.

I also picked up tall Stella Artois single so I'll humor my thoughts on that.

KillerGremlin

03-08-2011, 05:08 AM

Stella Artois - not bad, I like Stella. It's better than Heineken by quite a bit, but it loses some points in terms of price. This beer is way-the-fuck overpriced. Seriously, just because it looks like royalty does not justify the insane overhead you pay for this beer. At any rate, this is a great summer beer, and goes with burgers, brats and bbqs.

Goose Island Matilda - This is a Belgian Ale. It is brewed with wild yeast, and has a lot of interesting flavors. The big flavors I got from this beer were fruit and clove and lots of good yeasty flavors. I really enjoyed this beer, and would recommend it as a Belgian style beer with a lot of good funk. I think it might be a little clove-overpowered, but I enjoy cloves so it worked for me (clove cigarettes...mmmm). The Matilda comes in a 4-pack for like 8 or 9 bucks, which is pricey but it is a good return when you factor in that each bottle is 7% ABV.

Duvel - Hey, I finally am getting around to knock this one out. Duvel is THE Belgian Strong Ale. This beer is surprisingly subtle, and I expected it to taste a lot like the Goose Island Matilda. But it doesn't. Duvel has some sour notes, some clove notes, apple notes, and a good malty/creamy mouthfeel with a clean dry finish. This is really a complex beer, and it has a lot of flavors that remind me of a pale lager...and then bam! You get the wild yeasts and the sugars. At 8.5% ABV, Duvel is a beer that will fuuuuuuuuuuckkkkkkk you up! Obviously this is a classy and expensive beer, so it really is not meant to be consumed as a beer pong beverage. Still, I picked up a 750ml bottle (which is like 2.11 beers), and at 8.5% ABV it is about the same as drinking 3-4 beers in one sitting! Very nice!

The head on the Duvel is white and looks all pillow-like. The body is golden and gives off the impression that this is some macro light beer. I guess that is why the beer is named "Devil." The surprise comes from the taste which is huge. Overall, I am loving Duvel and I think I would say this is one of the better beers I have had thus far.

Professor S

03-08-2011, 07:52 AM

http://www.drinkhacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/macallan-18-year-sherry-oak.jpg

VERY good scotch. Sweet, rich, and fruity without being cloying to the palate. Not unlike good Cognac. I will buy this by the bottle from now on because one glass at Stokesay Castle in Reading, PA cost me $26. The only part of this scotch that disappointed me was that the barley flavors (a personal favorite) were lost in the fruit of the sherry casks this scotch is aged in, but this is a minor complaint because the cost of this age dictates that it is a special occasion spirit and not an everyday scotch.

Does anyone have a scotch they DEMAND I try before Memorial Day. I hang up my scotch for the season come Memorial Day. It is unseemly to partake in brown liquor over the summer months, and I switch to gin.

KillerGremlin

03-25-2011, 04:15 AM

I've been getting comfy with a glass of Johnny Walker Black Label tonight. It's pretty smokey and in my opinion a bit harsh, but I am hardly a whiskey connoisseur. It is drinkable, and it tastes much better at warm temperatures. I get lots of smoke, some beefy flavors, some burnt grape and orange flavors, and lots of smokey whiskeyness. I also get some good ol' burn from the booze, which is maybe a bit disappointing since 40% is not the ceiling as far as proof is concerned.

http://ua-flowers.com/goods_pics/155_b.jpg

I also found Unibroue's Trois Pistoles for 7.49 at the store the other day so I picked up a 750ml bottle of that (approximately 24~26 ounces). The bottle artwork is fucking epic:
http://www.unibroue.com/media/assets/Visuel_TroisPistol.jpghttp://greatbrewers.com/sites/default/files/images/Product%20-%20Unibroue%20Trois%20Pistoles.preview.jpg
It's a Belgian dark strong ale, and had some good clove notes going on with a lot of malty goodness (even some chocolate as it warmed up) and lots of approaching dark fruit notes like cherry and raisins. It was not as good as Duvel I don't think, but they are slightly different styles.

Professor S

03-25-2011, 08:38 AM

I've been getting comfy with a glass of Johnny Walker Black Label tonight. It's pretty smokey and in my opinion a bit harsh, but I am hardly a whiskey connoisseur. It is drinkable, and it tastes much better at warm temperatures. I get lots of smoke, some beefy flavors, some burnt grape and orange flavors, and lots of smokey whiskeyness. I also get some good ol' burn from the booze, which is maybe a bit disappointing since 40% is not the ceiling as far as proof is concerned.

As I try out more and more scotch, I find Johnny Walker Black to be entirely overrated. There are a lot of whiskeys that blow it away at a similar price. Don't get me wrong, I think Black is a good whiskey, but not to the extent that validates it's popularity. For only a few dollars more I've been drinking Highland Park 12 year and there is no comparison.

KillerGremlin

03-27-2011, 05:01 AM

As I try out more and more scotch, I find Johnny Walker Black to be entirely overrated. There are a lot of whiskeys that blow it away at a similar price. Don't get me wrong, I think Black is a good whiskey, but not to the extent that validates it's popularity. For only a few dollars more I've been drinking Highland Park 12 year and there is no comparison.

I'll check that out. I have no doubt that Johnny Walker Black is overrated, but it happened to be available so I tried it. It was good and smokey, although not the smoothest scotch I've had. I like the idea of trying lots of whiskey, but I'm less thrilled about having a collection of 20 bottles. For one, the stuff is pricey...and two, the stuff takes a while to drink (unless you are an alcoholic :lol: ). I think sample pack type things exist, so I may pursue those.

Also, I'm on a Belgian Ale kick as I picked up another 750ml bottle of Duvel. Damn this stuff is classy. Cloves, apples, grapes, grassy yeast, creamy malt goodness, and earthy notes. This is like Europe's fuck you to all the pale ales out there (except that I enjoy pale ales, so meh).

Angrist

03-28-2011, 10:18 AM

Duvel somehow always gets me so tipsy even after 1 bottle. It feels like there's 2x as much alcohol in it as what it says on the bottle.

TheSlyMoogle

03-30-2011, 05:11 AM

This:

http://popsop.ru/wp-content/uploads/005-absolut-ruby-red-bvd-sweden.jpg

+ THIS:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_goJhs2mI3s4/S7O6KRA1p8I/AAAAAAAAEV4/_aooQbExEQI/s1600/ruby-red-grapefruit-juice.jpg

Cannot taste the vodka. For those of you who like grapefruit juice.

KillerGremlin

03-30-2011, 11:25 AM

Duvel somehow always gets me so tipsy even after 1 bottle. It feels like there's 2x as much alcohol in it as what it says on the bottle.

Well, it is 8.5% ABV so it's almost like drinking two beers. And it goes down incredibly easy and quick, so it is not inconceivable to feel a buzz after putting down a Duvel. I was feeling buzzed after rounding out the 750ml bottle, but I did drink it quicker the first time I had it than the second time.

KillerGremlin

04-01-2011, 07:41 PM

Look what I found:

http://www.masterofmalt.com/drinks-by-the-dram/

Now quick! Someone do the math and figure out for me if this actually is cost-effective in the long run.

Typhoid

04-02-2011, 06:56 AM

Tonight I dank a whole bunch of Glenfiddich 18 year Scotch.
I am quite pleased with how this ordeal turned out. It was one of the tastier scotches I've had, ever. I definitely suggest it to Scotch lovers who haven't yet tried it (and who haven't tried the more expensive types of Glenfiddich).
My liver - however, probably is less of a fan.

Vampyr

07-11-2011, 10:37 AM

magus113

07-11-2011, 03:31 PM

You guys should check out Untappd.com on your smartphones if you have one, especially if you like drinking beers or hard ciders. I'm a member and it's kinda like Foursquare for beer.

All of this talk of scotch and I can't say that I'm really a huge fan, although I do enjoy bourbon on occasion.

Seth

07-12-2011, 01:53 AM

I am in love with this. The variety pack is my camping choice.

http://legalbeer.com/images/st%20ambroise%20apricot%20wheat%20ale.jpg

Vampyr

09-10-2011, 12:26 AM

Tonight I had a Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout.

What a delicious and sweet beer. I highly recommend it.

I also finally got around to trying Old Rasputin a couple of weekends ago. It was great - I loved all the coffee and chocolate flavors it had going on.

http://www.biomagazinenyc.com/storage/Beer.gif?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1297647083517

Professor S

09-10-2011, 10:54 AM

Currently my favorite scotch for ~$50 a bottle.

http://www.forpeatsake.com/Images/Bottles/The_Balvenie/The_Balvenie_The_Balvenie_Doublewood_12_Year_Old_12_.jpg

Aged in Oak and then Sherry casks, and you notice it. Smooth and sweet with distinct vanilla and fruit flavors. Short, clean finish. Not very smokey at all, which is perfect for the summer months. Highly recommended if you have the cash.

Not recommended for pairing with a cigar due to it's relatively delicate flavors and lack of a strong finish.

Also mixing in:
http://www.marpoint.cz/ProductImages/tomatin-12-y-single-malt-whisky-07l-6584-FullSizeImage.jpg

Got this $30 single malt on sale for $20, and I wish I had bought more at that price. Very smokey up front but quickly gives way to a very sweet fruit flavor (cherry and sugared peaches) with some vanilla. Aged in bourbon, oak, and then sherry casks. Good with a nice cigar. Not sure if I would buy it again at full price. If I want a smokey scotch I can get Laphraoig for about the same price and fill my smoke tank to 11, and NOTHING I've had is better with a cigar than Laphraoig.

Vampyr

09-14-2011, 08:00 PM

The Germanator

09-14-2011, 08:49 PM

I'm currently drinking a Schlafly Pumpkin Ale.

Dear god, this stuff is good. Tastes like pumpkin pie. I highly recommend everyone go out and get some of this.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUyyOuiKLN0/TMiLG_BgelI/AAAAAAAAAgw/a_E0Y2SB_GA/s1600/Schlafly+Pumpkin+Ale.jpg

Nice! I love that stuff. Had it for the first time last year and really enjoyed it. I think it's in my top 3 Pumpkin beers along with Dogfish Head's Punk'n and Southern Tier's Pumpking. I plan on going to the distributor that actually sells it and grabbing some soon..

Vampyr

09-14-2011, 08:54 PM

Nice! I love that stuff. Had it for the first time last year and really enjoyed it. I think it's in my top 3 Pumpkin beers along with Dogfish Head's Punk'n and Southern Tier's Pumpking. I plan on going to the distributor that actually sells it and grabbing some soon..

Fall is my favorite time of the year, and all the pumpkin ales are one of the reasons why. I had Dogfish Head's Punkin Ale for the first time last year, and it's probably my favorite beer overall. I've always wanted Pumpking, but I haven't seen it yet.

This is a picture I took today at the liquor store, and I bought both:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5643376/pumpkinAle.jpg

TheSlyMoogle

09-14-2011, 10:57 PM

Fall is my favorite time of the year, and all the pumpkin ales are one of the reasons why. I had Dogfish Head's Punkin Ale for the first time last year, and it's probably my favorite beer overall. I've always wanted Pumpking, but I haven't seen it yet.

This is a picture I took today at the liquor store, and I bought both:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5643376/pumpkinAle.jpg

Do they sell them at Liquor Barn?

Bond

09-14-2011, 11:11 PM

I need to find some good pumpkin ale here ... looks as though neither of those make it to the upper midwest. :(

Vampyr

09-15-2011, 08:49 AM

Do they sell them at Liquor Barn?

Yep, I bought both of these at the Liquor Barn Express on High St, although I know the one at Hamburg has them as well.

manasecret

09-15-2011, 04:17 PM

Totally agreed on Pumpkin beers. The local brewery in Houston, Saint Arnold is remaking one of their one time release specials, an Imperial Pumpking Stout (:drool:) as an annual seasonal starting this year, which makes me very happy.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NQfFZZMxreg/TjFv4fKq75I/AAAAAAAAGUY/1AuZXWCiBoU/s1600/SaintArnoldPumpkinator.png

The Germanator

09-15-2011, 09:13 PM

Ooh, that sounds awesome. So far any pumpkin stouts that I've tried haven't lived up to the billing, flavor-wise.

Though, I'm not sure I've ever seen St. Arnold beer, so I'm not sure I'd be able to find it...Maybe we'll tour in Texas in October sometime.

KillerGremlin

09-23-2011, 03:07 PM

I also finally got around to trying Old Rasputin a couple of weekends ago. It was great - I loved all the coffee and chocolate flavors it had going on.

I love Old Rasputin. Rasputin was a crazy guy. He was involved with the occult, he was a mystic and a healer, he raped nuns, and was a lady's man, he was hung like a horse, and you couldn't kill the guy.
http://notanotherbeerreview.blogspot.com/2011/09/north-coast-old-rasputin-russian.html

gekko

10-02-2011, 05:16 PM

KillerGremlin

10-04-2011, 12:41 PM

I had the Pumpking recently, pretty good, but I don't drink a lot of pumpkin ales. Did have a 120 minute IPA recently, and that thing was amazing. Can't say I'm a big fan of the 60 or 90, but this was a pleasant surprise.

I thought the 60 was a clean and polished IPA....I have a bottle of the 90 I'm about to bust out. I wasn't able to find a bottle of the 120 this year: most of the stores that had it only received like 4 bottles. Crazy stuff.

Anyway, I hear with the 120 you want to either drink it hot off the press or like 5 years down the line. Anything between will leave you with a sugary, sticky, syrupy beer. I guess if it is fresh the hops are bright - between the hops fade but the malts haven't matured - and down the line it becomes more like a barleywine and the malts provide a really nice character to the beer.

So I've heard. The ABV on those is pretty inconsistent, do you know what ABV yours was?

KillerGremlin

10-17-2011, 01:10 AM

I'm of the opinion that there is 0 science in pumpkin beer reviews because it all comes down to what you want and personal preference.

For example:

New Holland Ichabod - very little actual pumpkin, super high in cinnamon and nutmeg. Pumpkin cookie maybe on the back end.

Southern Tier Pumking - Sweet. Cloyingly sweet. This beer is PUMPKIN PIE melted down in stout form. This beer is heavy and sweet. A bomber is way too much for me, and I'm glad I was splitting it. This is absolutely delicious, but like pumpkin pie I only want a small amount.

Sam Adam's Harvest Pumpkin Ale - Really surprised. This was malty, spiced with nutmeg, and had a decent pumpkin backdrop.

Of these three beers I actually thought the Sam Adams was the most balanced. The Ichabod was too spiced. The Pumking was good but I only want 8oz of the stuff, and only if I'm in the mood.

I could actually drink the Sam Adam's with food. That's my preference. I noticed that a lot of people like the sweet pumpkin pie flavor of Pumking. Some people hate spices. I think your best bet to trying pumpkin beer is to get your hands on 3 or 4 different beers and test them out. I'm the guy who only wants one slice of pumpkin pie a year. I love pumpkin pie in small amounts. I'm not getting 2nds or 3rds like I do with pecan pie or apple pie.

Seth

10-17-2011, 10:19 PM

I tried a new beer over the weekend, which has now earned the top spot on my list of favorite beers:

Hobgoblin from Wytchwood Brewery

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/35/HobgoblinBeer.jpg

Wow. I love this beer. I got three bottles that i found at this crazy liquor store in Airdrie, Alberta. It wasn't the largest liquor dome I've been in, but the liquor selection was by far the most diverse. I think they stocked import liquors just for the sake of 'any liquor you want'. The beer selection wasn't anything special but I found the hobgoblins! I've got a glass and bottle gift set that I left in BC, but will be gifting it to one of my lucky friends come christmas.

ohoh oh I love this brew.

got a Tiger in the fridge for later tonight :p I haven't had a singaporean beer since I was in Thailand, 5 years ago.

KillerGremlin

10-18-2011, 08:18 PM

got a Tiger in the fridge for later tonight :p I haven't had a singaporean beer since I was in Thailand, 5 years ago.

Let us know how that stuff tastes! I have a thing for beer glasses....and I would love to get my hands on Tiger glass. Obligatory:
http://i.imgur.com/qjHZ4.jpg

Seth

10-23-2011, 03:24 PM

Honestly, the Tiger was a let down.
Have enjoyed Stella and Hobgoblins this weekend.

Also on friday I picked up this, quite enjoyable. Last of the store's stock.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/5064073322_f7b2d89fc2.jpg

The Germanator

10-25-2011, 10:43 PM

Let's see. Is anyone into smoked beers or "Rauchbiers" as they're known? I've been enjoying those recently. A good one tastes like eating bacon around a bonfire.

This one is good.

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/263/1324

KillerGremlin

10-27-2011, 02:11 AM

I've had a few Rauchbiers. Beer drinking is making me more worldly, learning all the German, Belgian, and English beer terminology.

gekko

10-28-2011, 01:53 AM

So I've heard. The ABV on those is pretty inconsistent, do you know what ABV yours was?

No idea. It was on tap at the local beer shop, same one who had Pliny the Elder the other day. So delicious.

Let's see. Is anyone into smoked beers or "Rauchbiers" as they're known? I've been enjoying those recently. A good one tastes like eating bacon around a bonfire.

This one is good.

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/263/1324

I had one of those a while back. Took one sip and poured the rest down the drain. I hate smoked beers, which is a bit odd, since I drink scotch (and Laphroaig at that).

Professor S

11-01-2011, 10:22 AM

I had one of those a while back. Took one sip and poured the rest down the drain. I hate smoked beers, which is a bit odd, since I drink scotch (and Laphroaig at that).

I thin it depends on how the smoke is used and works with other flavors. I'm a fan of Laphroaig as well, but I shy away from other peat-monsters. I think it's that it's not very sweet and the mix of smoke with the briny, ocean notes that that I enjoy so much in Lap. But smoke paired with just peach or honey flavors? Blech..

Seth

02-02-2012, 01:30 PM

The Germanator

12-12-2012, 11:57 AM

Had to revive this thread because I just bought one of the holy grails of beer, Westvleteren XII on 12-12-12. This is the first time it's been available in the US and potentially the last time. The monks needed renovations for their roof! Hefty price at $85 for a six-pack and two glasses. But I may give 3-4 bottle to friends at face value and drink the last 2-3. For a beer lover, I figured I'd give in for the once in a life-time opportunity.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/12/12/166987378/a-sign-from-above-needing-new-roof-monks-sell-rare-beer-in-u-s?utm_source=NPR&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=20121211 (http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/12/12/166987378/a-sign-from-above-needing-new-roof-monks-sell-rare-beer-in-u-s?utm_source=NPR&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=20121211)

Vampyr

12-12-2012, 03:25 PM

The Germanator

12-12-2012, 03:30 PM

This thread just reminded me how depressed I am that I didn't get any Dogfish Head Punk'n Ale this year. It's my favorite beer, and every time I went to the store they were sold out. Never was able to locate any. :(

I'm thinking about asking my wife for some scotch for Christmas...any recommendations?

Yeah, Dogfish Punk'n went quick around these parts, and I basically live in Delaware where Dogfish is from and it never seems to run out...Only got two four packs of it this year...Had it on draft a couple of times too. The pumpkin beer season just starts too early in my opinion. I'd rather still be drinking pumpkin beers now then August 15th.

Seth

12-12-2012, 08:53 PM

I drank a lot of these http://www.canadianbeernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/millstreet_autumnharvestsampler.jpg
this season. Better than the Rickards Cardigan but hard to better the St Ambroise pumpkin ale.

ahhh

So I've been making lots of herbal tinctures, which has subsequently comprised about 90% of my alcohol intake.

mmm everclear echinacia and gingko with ginger tea. the burnn!

Professor S

12-14-2012, 11:09 PM

I've been loving Maker's 46. All the flavor notes of a good bourbon, but with the complexity of a scotch. The age it charred oak barrels, just like any bourbon, but then add charred oak staves. The result is sweet and spicy.

http://www.makersmark.com/images/makers46-bottle.png

Acebot44

12-18-2012, 10:43 AM

Thinking about making Mulled Wine for an end of days/holiday party this Friday. Anyone have experience with that, or a recipe they'd recommend?

I've never had it before, but you can only read so many Fantasy Novels that take place in cold climates before you start wanting to emulate their lifestyle in reality. I've already taken to growing a beard and having unprotected sex...

The Germanator

12-18-2012, 12:46 PM

I've done some mulled wine before. No really crazy recipe, just the basic ones I've found online. Red wine, orange wedges/zest, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ground ginger, a little honey. Make sure you don't boil it, that's about it.

Mulled wine is definitely nice this time of year.

KillerGremlin

12-18-2012, 02:15 PM

Mulled wine is awesome. It's hard to fuck up....just drop a bunch of holiday flavored shit in some wine and heat it up.

Germy, how was the Westy 12?

Closest I've had was the St. Bernardus Abt 12, which is supposedly the same recipe without the Monk magic. Seems like the Westy 12 and Rochefort 10 duke it out for top dog.

You can age that shit too, like wine. It should hold up nicely and peak around 2 to 3 years, but people have held onto similar beers for longer.

The Germanator

12-18-2012, 02:26 PM

Yeah, I haven't dipped into the Westy 12 yet...I'm selling some bottles to some friends, and we might all drink it together sometime in the coming weeks.

You're right, a lot of people argue that the Westvleteren 12 isn't all that different from St. Bernardus, but I figured I'd take a shot at a once in a lifetime opportunity to have it. I don't except it to be life changing, but it better be damn good.

I'm definitely going to age a bottle or two of it as well..

Professor S

12-18-2012, 04:20 PM

I love mulled wine. I have a great recipe for Yulgloog, a Norwegian spiced wine that will FUCK YOU UP. I make large batches, bottle, and age it. Gets better after it rests a few months or years.

1 gallon burgundy
1 gallon port
1 bottle 750 ml Brandy, Aquavit, or Cognac (I prefer Cognac).
4 cups of sugar
4 oranges, juiced and zested
handful of cinnamon stick
handful of cardamom
handful of clove
2 cups blanched almonds
1 cup currants
1 cup cranberries
1 cup dried cherries
One stick lighter

Empty liquids into a pot, reserving 1/2 bottle of brandy/liquor
Bring to LOW covered simmer (I often put 1/2 the pot on the burner to be sure)
Once warm, tie all spice/zest into a cheesecloth ball and dunk in the pot to steep
Put sugar in a pan with high sides with the reserved liquor on medium heat
Once the sugar begins to dissolve, LIGHT THAT FUCKER UP (the fire caramelizes he sugar)
Once the sugar mixtures is a deep caramel color, empty into the pot and let the entire mixture steep, while covered (save the alcohol) for 30-60 minutes depending on taste.
Serve in a teacup with a cinnamon stick and orange peel. This WILL fuck you up, so watch out.
Recommendation: Make this a week ahead of time to let the flavors mellow. This can taste like cough medicine right out of the pot, but is incredible once rested.