Combatting the Notion that American Beer is Yellow Fizzy Piss (2387 hits)
Category: NoneRating: 1.4 on 132 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude <fuck.that> (View user info) at 2007-12-18 19:18:33 EST
It's a pervasive notion indeed. Everyone has observed an incident in which some limey hooligan exclaims "Oi! I'd ratha' drink a pint of bitta' outta me mum's shoe than some watery swill that trickled out of a yank's dick!" or something equally incomprehensible. But ask any student of the fine art of brewing and they'll set you straight.
While the mass-produced lagers (Budweiser, Coors, Miller) here are just awful, a beer renaissance has been gestating and evolving since the 80s. The craft brewing movement has been spearheaded most notably by Samuel Adams and Sierra Nevada, breweries who concentrate on interpreting several different styles and producing beer for the sake of beer, not money. But even these well-known breweries don't make more than a very few beers that are extraordinary to the sophisticated palate. There's another tier of breweries, far smaller in scale and far more devoted to quality, flavor, and boundary-pushing experimentation: microbreweries.
I've spent the last 9 months road-tripping, trading, and spending ungodly amounts of money on highly-regarded, rare, unique beer from Belgium, Germany, Britain, and of course, America. I've chosen several of my favorite American beers (in no particular order) to show you folks, with the hope that maybe, just maybe I can enlighten a hooligan or two. All these pictures are my own, for the record.
User Reviews
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2008-10-28 16:06:25 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by indoninja (user info) at 2008-10-28 09:35:02 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I didn't realize any american brewers used the belgian open fermentation method.
I will have to check that out.
In Sanctification's case the brewer uses barrels that are already infected with Brettanomyces (the yeast loves to reside in the wood, munching on cellobiose), rather than letting ambient yeast invade pristine vessels of wort. Another one of Russian River's beers, Beatification Batch 002, is 100% spontaneously fermented. I think most brewers experimenting with wild yeast and bacteria use infected barrels in order to control the final product more closely.
Submitted by sage104 (user info) at 2008-10-28 10:38:11 EDT (#)
Ranking: -1
I'm not too good for Coors Light, and I'm not afraid to admit that. I have no problem with beer snobs as long as they keep their snobbery to themselves.
Submitted by indoninja (user info) at 2008-10-28 09:35:02 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I didn't realize any american brewers used the belgian open fermentation method.
I will have to check that out.
Submitted by rad1101 (user info) at 2008-10-28 08:38:29 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
that rogue brew makes me happy
Submitted by BoogieFevuh (user info) at 2008-10-14 09:42:35 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Very well said! +2 for Stone and Rogue brews alone!
Submitted by Istaros (user info) at 2008-01-07 22:52:13 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
this was long overdue. and look at that, now i have goals in life
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-24 23:31:18 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I like proper lambics. There's nothing inherently more nasty about fermentation by brettanomyces, pedococcus, or lactobacillus than by the traditional saccharomyces. I like the sour dryness of a gueuze and the bittersweet tartness of a fruit lambic (Lindemanns with all that added syrup doesn't count). I've had many of the most highly regarded examples of wild Belgian beers (Drie Fonteinen Schaerbeekse Kriek, Girardin 1882 Black Label, Cantillon Rose de Gambrinus etc) and it's clearly an acquired taste, but a perfectly valid one, and one I would certainly prefer over nearly any generic pale ale or lager.
Submitted by haikumikoo (user info) at 2007-12-24 18:11:54 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2007-12-24 13:02:56 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
This qualifies you as a Beer Snob.
Proper lambics are nasty, if you know how they're fermented. It cracks me up seeing people rave about them.
Stouts are the easiest and quickest beers to brew, which is why they're popular with people that homebrew and brewpubs. Plus, they typically taste better.
Hop Devil is so hoppy that it tastes like yard trimmings.
Just because a beer costs $5 a pint doesn't necessarily make it better than a local brew that is overlooked. A lot of east coast states have little breweries that managed to survive prohibition, and they offer a quality, cheap beer. See http://www.yuengling.com and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion_Brewery,_Inc. for what I mean.
If you're interested, email me, and I'll try to hook you up with a few bottles.
Submitted by HellRazer (user info) at 2007-12-23 11:49:33 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
That looks like it was one hell of a road trip.
Submitted by Falconer (user info) at 2007-12-22 06:18:08 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I too noticed there was a lot of head on your beers, but i'll assume it's personal preference. +2 for an informative guide.
Submitted by iddqd (user info) at 2007-12-22 01:23:46 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
you pour a beer like old people fuck.
im not entirely sure what that means, but your beers have got more head than gene simmons.
your beers have more head than apollo.
Submitted by Anansie (user info) at 2007-12-21 11:58:43 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I don't know jack about beer but DMD reviews always make me laugh. This is the only way to rate that.
Submitted by Quint (user info) at 2007-12-21 11:50:01 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Pabst Blue Ribbon is the only beer worth drinking. The rest is over-priced and over-marketed. Viva la PBR!
Submitted by Danger_Ranger (user info) at 2007-12-21 08:07:25 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
two words, snigger, dos equis. Merry Christmas...err - dude.
Submitted by MikeyB (user info) at 2007-12-21 05:54:20 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
+2 knowing the difference between beer and lager
Submitted by Maddog (user info) at 2007-12-20 16:40:09 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
No Pabst Blue Ribbon?
Submitted by EatMeCompletely (user info) at 2007-12-20 16:20:54 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Rogue Porter is a particular favorite of mine. As far as Sam goes, the Black Ale would be my personal favorite. Every Sam Adams brew give me a hangover, but that would be true of every breed when you drink 15 - 20 of them.
Submitted by triangle_man (user info) at 2007-12-20 14:39:35 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I go to "BEER FEST" in Idaho Falls every year.
You should too
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-20 14:28:42 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I understand that criticism but the words are all my own. I regularly write reviews for a beer website. I find that through developing one's palate and vocabulary, one can more easily compare beers, appreciate uniqueness, and competently pair beer with food. and it's worth it to me to be able to thoroughly describe something for which I have a passion.
Submitted by Davros (user info) at 2007-12-20 13:17:19 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Good stuff.
My only criticism is that your descriptions sounded like you were quoting directly from a "Good Beer Guide" type publication.
I haven't had a massive chance to try too many US based Microbrewed beers, with the exceptions of beer festivals where, to be honest, there are enough UK beers to keep me busy.
What I have tried from Sierra Nevada and Boston has been pretty good, but a little "thin" for my liking.
That said I would try more.
-Dave
Submitted by TheUniter (user info) at 2007-12-20 11:19:04 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
.
Submitted by TheUniter (user info) at 2007-12-20 11:18:56 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Nellypaal (user info) at 2007-12-20 06:27:19 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
You're clearly into your beer. Well done.
Submitted by rad1101 (user info) at 2007-12-20 03:56:08 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
shut up bob
Submitted by bob (user info) at 2007-12-20 03:17:18 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
either/or depending upon preferences.
I have some 90 min. in the fridge now...good stuff.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-20 01:50:42 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
bob - which dogfish head IPA? they make 4 different ones: 60 minute, 90 minute, 120 minute, and burton baton
Submitted by JonnyX (user info) at 2007-12-20 01:31:46 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by bob (user info) at 2007-12-19 22:59:07 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I really want to try the Russian Imperial Stout.
Where's the Yuengling?
Also, Dogfish IPA is VERY solid. Very pronounced taste.
Submitted by MyNameIsTim (user info) at 2007-12-19 18:40:46 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
i bought a case of Opa Opa IPA the other day. it's pretty tasty.
Submitted by monkeyswithguns (user info) at 2007-12-19 15:20:34 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Excellent report, and very informative.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-19 15:00:20 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Coyote - if you haven't tried yet, make an effort to get Rogue's Chocolate Stout. easily the most interesting and tasty example of the style I've ever had. I agree that they're fairly overhyped though, and they've turned that hype into higher prices which sucks. I was considering including Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, but despite the name it's a Russian imperial stout, of which I already had an example in the post. I agree though, great beer. Barleywine is one of the only things Sierra Nevada has done particularly well. Bigfoot is a very tasty and 'big' beer. Haven't been able to try many of Brooklyn's offerings out here on the west coast, however I did receive their Local 1 in a trade once, and it was a pretty nice Belgian Strong Pale. and the Bell's IPA is Two-Hearted not Two-Headed. and I've never been to Belgium unfortunately
BranDo - yeah I have a decent glassware collection going. it fills me with a little extra pretentious glee to pour a beer into it's proper glass. I've had La Chouffe and Houblon Chouffe, both on tap, both good.
Lib - Black Butte is a very good porter but I realized I don't have self-taken picture of it. although if I was going to use any porter it would be Alaskan Smoked Porter
cat_head - all the flavors in these beers are a result of natural fermentation. Banana oil and clove oil are phenolic compounds that are by products of wheat fermentation. That's why you get those flavors when you drink a Hefeweizen. Grapefruit is a classic flavor imparted by several different varieties of hops, especially the very popular Amarillo strain. Toffee is a classic characteristic of many British and some American malt varieties. Chocolate malt contains no chocolate, but mimics the flavor.
Submitted by redskieslookfake (user info) at 2007-12-19 14:48:39 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
100 bottles of beer on the wall
Submitted by forthewin (user info) at 2007-12-19 13:55:06 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by cat_head (user info) at 2007-12-19 12:30:22 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by cat_head (user info) at 2007-12-19 10:42:13 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Yes but these are all flavoured with fruits and sweet things. That's even worse than a bland gassy beer if you ask me.
_______________________
What are you talking about?
_________________________
I just saw mention of banana, clove, grapefruit, toffee, chocolate etc. Not things which I normally look for in a beer. But I think that these flavours are mentioned in a similar way as one would bullshit about wine, i.e., even though the flavours only come from the grape, soil etc you can still get tastes like vanilla, chocolate etc. It looks like the flavours here come from the hops.
So I take it back - they look pretty good.
________________________
I was about to correct you, but you did a pretty good job on your own. And as far as I can tell, the reason for those descriptions of beer isn't so much to be pretentious, but because they are fairly accurate descriptions most of the time. Which in turn, makes you sound pretentious either way.
A lot of beers are actually flavored with a lot of strange things. Lambic is pretty serious about the fruit thing, but it is delicious, so who cares. Contrary to what a lot of people seem to believe, beer is actually supposed to have flavor. To think that the beer you find at wal-mart is the general standard for the general public, is kind of funny.
Consensus... Expert marketing. Imagine a bunch of guys tailgating and busting out a case of Belgian Tripels. I regard that mental image in the same way I regard mental images of an Arab American president. Sure, it's possible, but there's no way in fuck that'll happen in my lifetime.
Submitted by polyamorousaj (user info) at 2007-12-19 13:47:29 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
+2 for Stone. Never had the others.
Why no mention of Shiner?
Submitted by sicosemen (user info) at 2007-12-19 12:54:37 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by cat_head (user info) at 2007-12-19 12:30:22 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by cat_head (user info) at 2007-12-19 10:42:13 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Yes but these are all flavoured with fruits and sweet things. That's even worse than a bland gassy beer if you ask me.
_______________________
What are you talking about?
_________________________
I just saw mention of banana, clove, grapefruit, toffee, chocolate etc. Not things which I normally look for in a beer. But I think that these flavours are mentioned in a similar way as one would bullshit about wine, i.e., even though the flavours only come from the grape, soil etc you can still get tastes like vanilla, chocolate etc. It looks like the flavours here come from the hops.
So I take it back - they look pretty good.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2007-12-19 11:59:44 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Rhymenocerous (user info) at 2007-12-19 08:56:36 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Sam Adams is the best tasting beer on the planet. Hands down.
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Saying that is like saying Harley Davidson is the best motorcycle. There is a mystique about them that is largely based on word-of-mouth advertising but when it comes down to an actual performace test, neither does anything that they're supposed to do very well.
Submitted by Lib (user info) at 2007-12-19 11:48:49 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Black Butte ?
Submitted by Brdn_Nkd (user info) at 2007-12-19 11:33:07 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
i love good beer. I've had this debate many times. not ALL beer here is fizzy piss water and not all of us drink the fizzy piss water.
Submitted by forthewin (user info) at 2007-12-19 11:18:26 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
And oh yeah, I had just tried the Shakespear Stout for the first time a couple weeks ago on draft somewhere.
It was, in fact, delicious.
Submitted by forthewin (user info) at 2007-12-19 11:17:06 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by cat_head (user info) at 2007-12-19 10:42:13 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Yes but these are all flavoured with fruits and sweet things. That's even worse than a bland gassy beer if you ask me.
_______________________
What are you talking about?
Submitted by Paralyzed_By_Hope (user info) at 2007-12-19 11:15:45 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Yay for beer.
Submitted by cat_head (user info) at 2007-12-19 10:42:13 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Yes but these are all flavoured with fruits and sweet things. That's even worse than a bland gassy beer if you ask me.
Submitted by Yozz (user info) at 2007-12-19 10:07:38 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
+2 Beer.
Submitted by BranDo (user info) at 2007-12-19 09:24:16 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Picture 3 has a glass of my fav wheat beer, Franziskaner.
Also I could see a Chimay glass, a splendid Belgian beer.
I believe the worlds' bets beers are coming from Belgium but I'll try some of these specimen too if I ever get the chance.
If you ever get the chance try: La Chouffe or La Mc Chouffe, both are around 8% alcohol.
Beer posts, good posts.
Cheers.
Submitted by Rhymenocerous (user info) at 2007-12-19 08:56:36 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Sam Adams is the best tasting beer on the planet. Hands down.
Submitted by CaptainThorns (user info) at 2007-12-19 08:51:35 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I want some of that Russian River and Yuletide NOW.
Submitted by redskieslookfake (user info) at 2007-12-19 08:26:39 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
ok then
Submitted by MudWhistle (user info) at 2007-12-19 07:44:57 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
plenty of good beers brewed in the US
+2 for HopDevil
Submitted by Coyote (user info) at 2007-12-19 07:33:52 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Berty (user info) at 2007-12-19 07:28:03 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-19 05:44:05 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
nah you just sounded snooty so I went to extra lengths to disprove you
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That's like saying that crying over Bambi's mum dying is extra manly. By which I mean it isn't true.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
I'd say "that bitch was asking for it", but a) it's doe a deer, not bitch a deer, and b) there's something wrong with any species where it's the males that have the nice rack.
Submitted by Berty (user info) at 2007-12-19 07:28:03 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-19 05:44:05 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
nah you just sounded snooty so I went to extra lengths to disprove you
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That's like saying that crying over Bambi's mum dying is extra manly. By which I mean it isn't true.
Submitted by Coyote (user info) at 2007-12-19 06:32:30 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Oh yeah, and did you get the thing in Belgium, when you order a gueuze, (even after you practiced saying it a million times so you can be understood), the bartender or the waitress kind of takes a step back and makes some agitated hand movements and finally comes out with "But... you're American!" I love that.
Submitted by Coyote (user info) at 2007-12-19 06:24:27 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Amen! I think it was the unfortunately named writer Michael Jackson who pointed out that you can find a wider range of beer styles, done really well, in any good-sized American city than in many European countries. And as for people drinking piss, you just have to walk down any street in Europe, Heineken and Stella are pretty fine examples of swill. Not on the level of the Beast, perhaps, but...
Although for some reason I've been turned off Rogue, probably because their stuff was hyped out the yin-yang to me before I tried it, and it didn't live up to it.
And, I have to point out a glaring omission-- there's no Brooklyn Brewery offerings in your list. Their Chocolate Black Stout is probably my all time favorite beer, and if you're into barley wines I can't think of a better one off the top of my head than their Monster. I could also add Bell's Two-Headed IPA (not that it remotely competes with the Victory Hop Devil), and the Blue Point Brewing Company's Toasted Lager (speaking as someone not normally a lager fan).
Of course, now I'm stuck in Australia, which is an absolutely awful place for beer lovers. You can't import anything before it's past its prime, and the demand for good stuff is so small that they don't even bother except with global megabrews. The local stuff that's any good at all is $20 or more for a six-pack... I was debating whether or not to take a picture of the lone 6 of Sam Adams the bottle shop round the corner is trying to sell... for $27.
I love it here, but beer and books are each 2-3 times more expensive than they should be. Those two things alone are enough to keep bringing me back home...
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-19 05:44:05 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
nah you just sounded snooty so I went to extra lengths to disprove you
Submitted by Berty (user info) at 2007-12-19 05:30:26 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I'd go so far as to say that if you could hear DMD's nervous system it'd be all 'PANUNUNUUNUNUNUN' sort of thing.
Submitted by Berty (user info) at 2007-12-19 05:29:13 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I think you hit a nerve DJ.
Submitted by DeathJester (user info) at 2007-12-19 05:25:35 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Wow... Did I hit a nerve?
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-19 04:32:08 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
"Guess this post was pretty sparse with just five, and no matter what you say that "Gumballhead" looks like fizzy piss. "
if I really wanted to I could have made this post hundreds and hundreds of beers long. these are just examples.
most wheat beers are light in color, which is appropriate for the style. fizziness describes a cola-like texture of carbonation, that is to say, a sharp and quickly dissipating character. Gumballhead is not fizzy. the title of the post is a reference to the pisswater taste of mass-produced lagers (which by the way doesn't exclude shitty british lagers), not the appearance that you only experienced through a compressed jpg on your screen
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-19 04:25:23 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
"Oh, and IPA was brewed for export to India, hence India Pale Ale."
Oh, and way to read jackass. That point was specifically mentioned in the post.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-19 04:24:13 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
styles have evolved so much from their original conceptions that your point is completely invalid.
IPAs can hardly be called strictly British in this day and age, because American breweries took the concept of a beer with light colored malt and lots of hops and pushed the boundaries. Today you could not find a British IPA that was even remotely as hoppy as an American IPA. American IPAs are made with American hops and barley (most of the time), which are significantly different from British ingredients due to climate. British IPAs and American IPAs are listed as separate styles on the official Beer Judging Certification Program website.
Russian Imperial Stouts also differ significantly between the current American and British interpretations. American ones have more bitterness, roasted character, and hop character than the British ones, which emphasize ester compounds that manifest as dark fruit flavors.
Perhaps the greatest discrepancy between original and current is that of wild ales. In Belgium, wild ales were originally made in farmhouses in open vessels, allowing whatever microorganisms were in the air to settle and ferment the beer. American Wild Ales are made with a great deal more precision. Russian River, the brewery that made the beer in question on my list, ages their beer in old wine barrels that Brettanomyces yeast has infested. 'American Wild Ale' is additionally a blanket category for any experimental American beer that uses wild yeast or bacteria for fermentation. There's no such thing as a 'Belgian Wild Ale' today. Wild Belgian ales are classified as lambics, gueuzes, or saisons. The beer I wrote about is not any of those.
Submitted by DeathJester (user info) at 2007-12-19 03:54:18 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
So, out of the 8 "American" ales you chose, two were British and one was Belgian?
Guess this post was pretty sparse with just five, and no matter what you say that "Gumballhead" looks like fizzy piss.
Oh, and IPA was brewed for export to India, hence India Pale Ale. To be honest, I don't remember you folks planning on a long stay over there. I might be mistaken, though.
Submitted by EmissionImpossible (user info) at 2007-12-19 03:45:13 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Whats that stuff that comes in tiny beer cans (hehe if you say beer can fast it sounds all carribean, hehe, try it!)
hmmmm now what was I saying..
Submitted by orphelia (user info) at 2007-12-19 03:42:57 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
I would drink dog piss if it got me drunk.
Special Brew.
Submitted by EmissionImpossible (user info) at 2007-12-19 03:37:55 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
no but i like cider so pllllleeeease give me some
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-19 03:36:55 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
emission - cider isn't beer
Submitted by czwij (user info) at 2007-12-19 03:34:37 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
only problem is that you cant get it a sev at two in the morning.
you have to stock up. whereas i can get a semi decent brew 24/7, 365 days a year.
In Prague we have sometyhing called the "beer ambulance". it will ship you a keg within hours of ordering anywhere in the city, anytime. xmas included. only problem is its a Prague beer which is OK, but no more.
Submitted by EmissionImpossible (user info) at 2007-12-19 03:31:55 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
CI FUCKING DER
Submitted by Berty (user info) at 2007-12-19 03:06:37 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by HurtByTheSun (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:25:48 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-19 00:23:48 GMT (#)
Ranking: 0
untrue, it's one of the best browns I've had, along with Alesmith's Nautical Nut Brown Ale. their IPA is also canned and is really really good
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Really? REALLY? I've always been bitterly disappointed by canned ales.
The best brown ale bar none is Newcastle.
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That stuff is foul. It's only useful if you're elderly and are having a devil of a time pooing.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-19 02:52:39 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I honestly can't tell if you like double bastard or hate it, why so cryptic rad
Submitted by rad1101 (user info) at 2007-12-19 02:45:20 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I mean, I guess its been out for awhile but holy crap.
its like malt liquor for white people.
Submitted by rad1101 (user info) at 2007-12-19 02:44:24 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I discovered "Double Bastard" the other day, and it made me want to kill myself
Submitted by maiorano84 (user info) at 2007-12-19 02:43:17 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
http://www.ubersite.com/m/98275
I love you.
Submitted by Director (user info) at 2007-12-19 00:37:25 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
http://www.ubersite.com/m/97018
Submitted by forthewin (user info) at 2007-12-18 23:30:53 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by sadie73 (user info) at 2007-12-18 22:54:13 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
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Submitted by apollo88 (user info) at 2007-12-18 21:20:56 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
yes, its true there are lots of good beers in the USA.
What is also true is 95% of the time people order either bud or miller 'lite' instead.
++++
Those who do that are idiots. Yes. the U.S. has some good beer, as does the UK and the rest of the World. Good beer is good beer, regardlees of the source.
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They're idiots because they haven't been exposed to enough good beer (or any for a lot of people) to form good taste? And that's not even including the people that just can't afford good beer.
Do you know how to order good wine in a restaurant? Or maybe if you do in fact, know how to do so... Do you know the finest points about every product you purchase? Are you telling me that there are no products you purchase because they are cheap, convenient, or you just don't know any better?
I imagine your answer was no. And if it was yes, you're lying.
By your definition, you are an idiot.
Think before you say things, please.
Submitted by sadie73 (user info) at 2007-12-18 22:54:13 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
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Submitted by apollo88 (user info) at 2007-12-18 21:20:56 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
yes, its true there are lots of good beers in the USA.
What is also true is 95% of the time people order either bud or miller 'lite' instead.
++++
Those who do that are idiots. Yes. the U.S. has some good beer, as does the UK and the rest of the World. Good beer is good beer, regardlees of the source.
SLAM TEH BEER!!!!
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2007-12-18 22:48:37 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
yeah
Submitted by Stagger_Lee (user info) at 2007-12-18 22:43:41 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Imperial Russian sounds awesome.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-18 22:14:21 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
the cherry wheat tastes like budweiser with maraschino syrup added. it's thin and cloying
Submitted by MyNameIsTim (user info) at 2007-12-18 22:13:10 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
hop devil is my 2nd favorite IPA. try stone coast brewing batch 420 IPA. from maine. it's good.
Submitted by retrospect (user info) at 2007-12-18 21:45:15 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
no sam adams cherry wheat? for shame
Submitted by apollo88 (user info) at 2007-12-18 21:44:06 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
yeah but not THAT large, trust me.
the head on those beers rival mine.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-18 21:35:39 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
the head on a beer is supposed to be large. volatile compounds get trapped in the foam, intensifying the aroma, and since the sense of smell is so contributive to the sense of taste, it makes for an all-around better experience
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-12-18 21:30:04 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I enjoyed 4 PBR's this evening at "Monster Pizza" and they were only $1 a piece.
Yes, you read that right.
Submitted by pen_name (user info) at 2007-12-18 21:27:27 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
the heads on some of these beers are ridiculous. Who's the bartender, some alcoholic with the Dt's?
Submitted by pen_name (user info) at 2007-12-18 21:24:23 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I like bud. :)
Submitted by apollo88 (user info) at 2007-12-18 21:20:56 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
yes, its true there are lots of good beers in the USA.
What is also true is 95% of the time people order either bud or miller 'lite' instead.
Submitted by pen_name (user info) at 2007-12-18 21:20:10 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
"turns" into assault...oops.
I'm, still high on my beautiful Steel Reserve. If you want a real treat, mix in a tablespoon of strawberry quik.
Submitted by pen_name (user info) at 2007-12-18 21:18:00 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by AsshOly (user info) at 2007-12-18 20:01:19 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by pen_name (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:44:39 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I like Steel Reserve. it has a nice body and a smooth aftertaste. i highly recommend it.
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Too true. I also would recommend chewing Big Chief before taking a seat on the Tilt-a-Whirl. All the big leaguers do it and the results are delicious.
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haha, and wendy peppercorn loves it when a lifesaving exercise into assault.
Submitted by Dexter-Brown (user info) at 2007-12-18 20:54:46 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by HurtByTheSun (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:57:16 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
ubmitted by Dexter-Brown (user info) at 2007-12-19 00:55:44 GMT (#)
Ranking: 2
I usually don't start drinking this early, but this post made me grab a beer.
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International Cheers! It's 1AM here and I'm enjoying a few bottles of Quilmes. At £4 for six, it's not that bad.
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Cheers! It's guiness extra stout out of the bottle for me.
Submitted by Sacrilicious (user info) at 2007-12-18 20:33:29 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
If you ever find yourself in PA or Delaware, check out Iron Hill Brewery. Their only bottles are large, special reserves, but they've won lots of awards and they brew a ton of seasonals.
Submitted by lungfish (user info) at 2007-12-18 20:24:52 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Pilsner Urquell has recently surpassed Guinness as my favorite beer. It's about all I drink anymore.
Here's what they make fairly near my town:
Kilt Lifter®
Scottish-Style Ale
Our award-winning Flagship ale is now in bottles!! This is an ale made in the tradition of the great strong ales of Scotland. Amber colored, malty sweet with underlying note of smokiness.
Alcohol content approximately 6.0% by volume (ALWAYS ON TAP!!)
Medals - Great American Beer Festival (GABF) 1998 & 1999 & 2003 - Bronze - Scottish-Style Ale
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-18 20:16:20 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by HateMudkips (user info) at 2007-12-18 20:14:05 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
since i am currently on a Witbier kick... i recommend Allagash White... mmmm.
Allagash's is pretty good, also try Ommegang Witte if you see it. my favorite wit is the one by St Bernardus. authentic and quintessential.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-18 20:14:18 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
you can get stone products in other states, but their Imperial Stout is seasonal so it's harder to find.
here's a list of their distributors:
http://www.stonebrew.com/about_us/distributors/index.html
Submitted by HateMudkips (user info) at 2007-12-18 20:14:05 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
since i am currently on a Witbier kick... i recommend Allagash White... mmmm.
Submitted by ConorJS (user info) at 2007-12-18 20:11:32 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Sinistral (user info) at 2007-12-18 20:08:50 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Hmm, this Imperial Russian Stout intrigues me. Is it a California-only beer or nationally distributed?
On a related note, I got my brother a "Das Boot" for Christmas.
============
All you have to do is turn the damn thing sideways... Some physics genius that guy turned out to be. You know, believability in movies has just crashed right through the floor in recent years.
Submitted by Sinistral (user info) at 2007-12-18 20:08:50 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Hmm, this Imperial Russian Stout intrigues me. Is it a California-only beer or nationally distributed?
On a related note, I got my brother a "Das Boot" for Christmas.
Submitted by Leonore (user info) at 2007-12-18 20:01:34 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Seems like all I end up drinking lately is Boddington's.
Submitted by AsshOly (user info) at 2007-12-18 20:01:19 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by pen_name (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:44:39 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I like Steel Reserve. it has a nice body and a smooth aftertaste. i highly recommend it.
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Too true. I also would recommend chewing Big Chief before taking a seat on the Tilt-a-Whirl. All the big leaguers do it and the results are delicious.
Submitted by HurtByTheSun (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:57:16 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
ubmitted by Dexter-Brown (user info) at 2007-12-19 00:55:44 GMT (#)
Ranking: 2
I usually don't start drinking this early, but this post made me grab a beer.
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International Cheers! It's 1AM here and I'm enjoying a few bottles of Quilmes. At £4 for six, it's not that bad.
Submitted by Dexter-Brown (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:55:44 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I usually don't start drinking this early, but this post made me grab a beer.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:54:19 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by ConorJS (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:49:50 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:47:43 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
chimay grand reserve and premiere (blue and red) are excellent in my opinion. cinq cents (white) is a little underwhelming. the blue was actually the beer that got me into belgian ales
================
This review is just so beautifully juxtaposed with your username, it makes me want to shit a little.
what can I say, I'm rangy
Submitted by HurtByTheSun (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:52:51 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
White is definitely the weakest. My preference is Red since I can drink it 'til the cows come home; I find the Blue a bit heavy on the old stomach
Submitted by forthewin (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:51:48 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by ConorJS (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:49:50 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:47:43 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
chimay grand reserve and premiere (blue and red) are excellent in my opinion. cinq cents (white) is a little underwhelming. the blue was actually the beer that got me into belgian ales
================
This review is just so beautifully juxtaposed with your username, it makes me want to shit a little.
___
hahaha
Submitted by forthewin (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:51:05 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Yeah, I think it was the white that I had. Hah!
Submitted by ConorJS (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:49:50 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:47:43 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
chimay grand reserve and premiere (blue and red) are excellent in my opinion. cinq cents (white) is a little underwhelming. the blue was actually the beer that got me into belgian ales
================
This review is just so beautifully juxtaposed with your username, it makes me want to shit a little.
Submitted by HurtByTheSun (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:49:41 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by forthewin (user info) at 2007-12-19 00:47:22 GMT (#)
Ranking: 2
Oh thank god, that must be why I never thought anything of it. After I had the first one, not knowing what it was, I never bothered with it again, after writing it off as a retarded waste of money. I'll have to try the Red some time, as I imagine that is not the one I had.
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There are 3, Red, Blue and White.
http://www.chimay.com/en/three_strong_personalities_217.php
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:47:43 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
chimay grand reserve and premiere (blue and red) are excellent in my opinion. cinq cents (white) is a little underwhelming. the blue was actually the beer that got me into belgian ales
Submitted by forthewin (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:47:22 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Oh thank god, that must be why I never thought anything of it. After I had the first one, not knowing what it was, I never bothered with it again, after writing it off as a retarded waste of money. I'll have to try the Red some time, as I imagine that is not the one I had.
Submitted by forensicgirl3 (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:47:13 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I hear you on the microbrewry thing. Here in Kansas City we have Boulevard Brewing Company. http://www.blvdbeer.com/index.cfm
I've tried most of their different beers. They're all very good.
Submitted by HurtByTheSun (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:45:49 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
FTW, which one? Chimay Red is fucking awesome, the other two I'm not so bothered about.
Submitted by forthewin (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:45:25 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Being that Delaware is only a few hours away, and DC supports good beer, it's pretty easy to get it here. On that note, I think Dogfish Head is the only good thing to ever come out of that shithole of a place.
Submitted by pen_name (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:44:39 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I like Steel Reserve. it has a nice body and a smooth aftertaste. i highly recommend it.
Submitted by forthewin (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:43:42 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
And on the subject of beers that don't belong to American, am I the only one that thinks Chimay is the most over rated and over priced beer there is? Sure, it's good stuff, but it's not THAT good.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:42:49 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I live in California, there's no 120 minute here. the only way I was able to get the 60 and 90 minutes was through trading with a friend of mine who lives in Massachusetts
Submitted by forthewin (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:41:26 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Why stop at 90 Minute, when you've got 120! (that stuff will knock you on your ass)
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:41:22 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
pbr is a lager not an ale
Submitted by ConorJS (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:40:29 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I tried out this really awesome pale ale the other day called Pabst Blue Ribbon.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:40:23 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
hmm I'd forgotten about that. my girlfriend is from Minnesota so I have it a little easier
Submitted by HurtByTheSun (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:38:54 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
No wonder I never had any Surly beers. They've only been around a year and a half! And the elitist bastards don't seem to want their precious booze to leave Minnesota!
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:37:53 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
maybe I'll write a 2nd edition sometime. I was actually considering using Bell's HopSlam or Dogfish Head 90 Minute IIPA, but I had already used an IPA and an Imperial Red and wanted to get a lot of variety in one post
Submitted by forthewin (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:37:40 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I sound like a pretentious bastard.
Submitted by forthewin (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:35:43 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Stone's Imperial Stout is pretty delicious. I'd recommend Old Rasputin for another good American Imperial Stout. And Speaking of Victory, there's nothing wrong with their Storm King Stout.
HopDevil used to be a great one for a to go cup on the walk back from work.
Even though there's nothing I can really say about it that's all that fantastic, my favorite seasonal American beer is Anderson Valley's Winter Solstice (their oatmeal stout is good too, but I'm a sucker for oatmeal stouts).
What I can't believe is that you wrote a post about American Breweries and you didn't even mention Dogfish Head or Belle. I mean, sure they're not the best, but still.
Submitted by HurtByTheSun (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:30:55 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
In that case if I can find any of their efforts over here, I'll happily give them a try.
I'll readily admit that Newcastle Brown doesn't have as much texture or body as some other ales, but damn it's tasty and the bottle doubles as a handy weapon. Saying that though, I only ever saw the wuss American sized pint sized ones over there. Perhaps they are not as strong, but maybe they are.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:28:25 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I'm not bullshitting you. Surly is a regular craft brewery that puts a ton of effort into making really good beer. it's just that at the end of the process they put it in a can. if you are able, try their stuff.
newcastle is watery in comparison to bender and nautical nut brown
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:26:02 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I am the king of getting things that can't be gotten. I will have all of these in FL or survive being greviously wounded in the attempt.
http://www.ubersite.com/m/82220
http://www.ubersite.com/m/78603
Submitted by HurtByTheSun (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:25:48 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-19 00:23:48 GMT (#)
Ranking: 0
untrue, it's one of the best browns I've had, along with Alesmith's Nautical Nut Brown Ale. their IPA is also canned and is really really good
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Really? REALLY? I've always been bitterly disappointed by canned ales.
The best brown ale bar none is Newcastle.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:24:21 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
that was for hurtbythesun by the way
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:23:48 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
untrue, it's one of the best browns I've had, along with Alesmith's Nautical Nut Brown Ale. their IPA is also canned and is really really good
Submitted by Talibandrew (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:23:40 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Mmmm Stone...We only have their Arrogant Bastard Ale and Stone IPA. Both delicious.
Submitted by ConorJS (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:23:21 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I fucking hate connoisseurs and the language they use...
Nothing personal.
Submitted by HurtByTheSun (user info) at 2007-12-18 19:21:30 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
I have sampled all of those apart from the last one. I doubt it's any good if it only comes in can form.