What BEER are you drinking?

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#1 Post by **Brian G r a f s t r o m** » December 13th, 2009, 10:28 am

New Belgium -- "Wild Ale" (Lips of Faith series)
Bear Republic -- Racer 5 IPA
Stone -- Arrogant Bastard

JamieM. · #2 Post by **JamieM.** » December 13th, 2009, 10:42 am

Rothaus Märzen Export
Except I just finished my last bottle.

#3 Post by **Adam Noble** » December 13th, 2009, 10:51 am

Full Sail Session Dark Lager is a nice, easy drinking everyday beer I'm on at the moment. Last night was St. Bernardus Christmas Ale - dark, sweet, brooding, and delicious. Last week I had a Trader Joe's 2009 Vintage Ale - very good. And I'm waiting for my yearly six-pack and mag of Anchor Merry Xmas & Happy New Year Ale.

Just picked up a couple of bottle of a Stone collaboration with some Hawaii brewery - Coconut, Macadamia, Kona coffee porter. I'm sure it will be a nice dessert beer.

I didn't bite on the Lips of Faith because it's PRICEY! I'd be interested in hearing what people think of them.

Thanks!

Adam

Dick Krueger · #4 Post by **Dick Krueger** » December 13th, 2009, 11:12 am

The few times I drink beer, it's usually Stone Brewing's Arrogant Bastard or/and Stone Porter or Newcastle Brown Ale.

#5 Post by **Brian G r a f s t r o m** » December 13th, 2009, 11:39 am

Adam Noble wrote:
I didn't bite on the Lips of Faith because it's PRICEY! I'd be interested in hearing what people think of them.

Thanks!

Adam

Adam,

Generally speaking, the L.o.F. beers I've had have been excellent. Of course, I'm not spending $15/22oz. for them (which seems to be the going rate around these here parts) ... instead, a few bars around here have them on tap, so I take advantage of the opportunity to get a glass when I see them on tap (usually served in portions ranging from 30cL to 50cL).

The ones I've had:
Fall Wild Ale: good, but not great. Kind of like a lighter Belgian ale, with a good amount of hoppiness
La Folie - Sour Brown Ale: simply awesome!! If you like sour beers this will be right up your alley.
Le Fleur Misseur: another awesome one. Had this for the first time last weekend -- a very nice session beer.
Bierre de Mars: very nice -- very similar to Le Fleur Misseur, but a bit sweeter and fruiter, whereas the Fleur Misseur is hoppier, and more floral.

Bottom line: highly recommended, especially La Folie and Le Fleur Misseur.

#6 Post by **Brian G r a f s t r o m** » December 13th, 2009, 11:43 am

Dick Krueger wrote:The few times I drink beer, it's usually Stone Brewing's Arrogant Bastard or/and Stone Porter or Newcastle Brown Ale.

one of the first times I visited the Stone brewery I found out about something they call a "Smoky Indian": 2/3 IPA, 1/3 Smoked Porter --- super delicious!!! I've been perturbing bartenders with such requests ever since -- my favorite version thus far is 2/3 Racer 5 IPA and 1/3 Stone Smoked Porter. I can only imagine how fantastic this combination would be if I used Samuel Smith's Porter.

#7 Post by **Frank Deis** » December 13th, 2009, 12:01 pm

My approach to beer is utilitarian -- I look around at Costco and get a case of whatever looks the most interesting.

I found an Oktoberfest beer that I rather liked, but those are gone. Now I would like to buy the Sam Adams Winter Lager but they didn't have it so I just got a case of the Boston Lager. I have asked for a set of the Sam Adams special glasses for Christmas (the description sounds like something Riedel would come up with, has anyone heard of those?).

Just finished a mixed case of Blue Moon seasonals and a mixed case from Yuengling.

One reason I buy beer is because a couple of bottles is enough, I don't keep sipping it all evening. With wine it is harder to stop...

FWIW I should point out that I have a selection of good Belgians in the cellar, including Westvleteren. I -know- about high end beer, and I like it on occasion. But it's not really part of my collecting hobby.

#8 Post by **Joe Dulworth** » December 13th, 2009, 12:36 pm

Decent stuff but nothing outstanding lately:

Red Stripe yesterday with a burger from a local carry out
Red Hook Winter Hook today with some Hebrew National dogs

Need to make a beer run to the liquor store to pick up some Dead Guy.

#9 Post by **Adam Noble** » December 13th, 2009, 2:23 pm

Brian,

Thanks for the reply - I LOVE sour browns - one of my favorite types. I'm headed to the best beer bar in Seattle on Wed (Brouwer's), and hope they have it in one of they many taps.

And maybe I'll break down and get one.

Adam

Jason Hagen · #10 Post by **Jason Hagen** » December 13th, 2009, 2:54 pm

Just popped this 24 oz bad boy. Sharing with my better half.

#11 Post by **Todd Hamina** » December 13th, 2009, 2:59 pm

The New Belgian Folly 12 pack gives you three each of, 2 below, abbey, 1554 and Fat Tire. All gone!

Todd F r e n c h · #12 Post by **Todd F r e n c h** » December 13th, 2009, 3:07 pm

Jason Hagen wrote:Just popped this 24 oz bad boy. Sharing with my better half.

Your upper half?

#13 Post by **Brian G r a f s t r o m** » December 13th, 2009, 3:20 pm

Adam Noble wrote:Brian,

Thanks for the reply - I LOVE sour browns - one of my favorite types. I'm headed to the best beer bar in Seattle on Wed (Brouwer's), and hope they have it in one of they many taps.

And maybe I'll break down and get one.

Adam

if you LOVE sour browns there should be no "maybe" about it -- get a La Folie!!! IMO, it's better than Monk's Flemish Sour Red

Josh Beck · #14 Post by **Josh Beck** » December 13th, 2009, 4:03 pm

Recently I've been drinking a lot of beer. I've been brewing too, so about 1/2 of my consumption is homebrews and the other half is a rotation of:

Traquair House Ale
Traquair Jacobite Ale
Westmalle Tripel
St Bernardus 12
St Bernardus Wit
Boont Amber
Red Seal
Allagash White
Grimbergen
Local brewpub's "Old Soulstice" a big, malty, bitter, spicy ale.

#15 Post by **Brian G r a f s t r o m** » December 13th, 2009, 4:08 pm

Josh,

What are those Traquair's like? I've seen 'em, but never tasted one.

Josh Beck · #16 Post by **Josh Beck** » December 13th, 2009, 4:36 pm

About as dark, rich and malty as possible while staying in the caramel / toffee / malt spectrum and not tasting like a coffee or chocolate. Kind of biscuity / bready but still not like porter. Moderately bitter, moderately sweet, no overt hops. Pretty big but not huge (7% or so each I think), very complex, very full bodied, very satisfying. One of the best beers (to my tastes) I've discovered in the past year or two. Bummer on the price, but qualitatively they are up there w/ top Belgians for me, at least based on having had a half dozen or so of them.

Josh Beck · #17 Post by **Josh Beck** » December 13th, 2009, 4:40 pm

Oh, should add to my list, I've had several Sam Smith's Nut Brown Ales lately, always a win for my tastes, and I drank several Gordon Biersch Maerzens a couple weeks back and remember thinking it was the best Gordon Biersch beer I've had -- still not great, but better than the many disappointments I remember from them.

#18 Post by **Jorge Henriquez** » December 13th, 2009, 5:25 pm

Been liking this one recently:

From Vermont.

Aside from that, had some Saranac Caramel Porter that was quite tasty and full-bodied without it being overly sweet.

#19 Post by **Steve Saxon** » December 13th, 2009, 5:32 pm

#20 Post by **Rick Allen** » December 13th, 2009, 5:53 pm

We went to Higgins in Portland last night, and I made everyone break away from the 96 Clos des Goisses we were drinking (which went really well with the truffle risotto appetizer we had) to try a Trappiste Rochfort #8 with the salad course. Perfect match.

#21 Post by **Frank Deis** » December 13th, 2009, 5:55 pm

Well, it's not what I am -drinking- but with all the beer porn going on I tried to take a picture of my Westvleteren bottle. Someone reviewed this as "the best beer in the world" -- the beer equivalent of a Parker 100 score. I personally don't agree but it is nice to have a couple of bottles since this is really tough to find. You kind of need Belgian friends.

There is -no- label on the bottle, just brown glass, and the only ID is the cap. I had trouble using flash with the macro setting, I could take a good picture in daylight probably. At any rate it looks just like this except mine is 10.2% alcohol instead of 11%.

#22 Post by **John Cabot** » December 13th, 2009, 6:00 pm

I mentioned this in another thread but I had a Heater Allen Sandy Paws dark lager that was really good. Nice job, Rick!

#23 Post by **Bob Wood** » December 13th, 2009, 6:53 pm

#24 Post by **Brian G r a f s t r o m** » December 13th, 2009, 7:07 pm

Pliney .... yummo!!!

Josh,
Thanks for the Traquair info.

#25 Post by **Randy Bowman** » December 13th, 2009, 7:24 pm

I'm a boring beer drinker:

Golf course: Coors Light
Mexican Food: cold Negra Modelo
Fishing: warm Heineken Dark
Beer Bar: Black & Tan (Guinness & whatever dark beer)

We have Napa Smith beers at the shop and all are pretty good. The amber ale and pilsner are the stand outs.

#26 Post by **Adam Noble** » December 13th, 2009, 7:31 pm

I love Monk's Cafe, so I'm going to have to break down on the LoF.

I've had 2 Heater Allen beers so far, and enjoyed them a lot. The Eiserweizen (?) - one of the best hefe I've had, and the Bobtoberfest - one left that I'm nursing through the winter.

I like beer a lot!

Larry Kaplan · #27 Post by **Larry Kaplan** » December 13th, 2009, 7:35 pm

North Coast Brewing Pranqster AWESOME

Josh Beck · #28 Post by **Josh Beck** » December 13th, 2009, 7:42 pm

Have never had any Heater Allen beers, and can't say that I've ever noticed them / heard of them before, I'll keep my eyes peeled.

Pranqster is a great beer indeed, Larry, I'm a big fan. One of the best beers in CA IMHO.

Larry Kaplan · #29 Post by **Larry Kaplan** » December 13th, 2009, 7:47 pm

Josh if you like that you should also try the Muhal 12 a bit darker and deeper in color and more malt in flavor but still a close second to the Pranqster. You know what i say about 2nd place "you are just the first loser"

Paul L i n · #30 Post by **Paul L i n** » December 13th, 2009, 7:51 pm

Ballast Point Sculpin IPA

#31 Post by **Bob Wood** » December 13th, 2009, 8:23 pm

Josh Beck wrote:Have never had any Heater Allen beers, and can't say that I've ever noticed them / heard of them before, I'll keep my eyes peeled.

For the time being, lots of luck unless you visit the brewery or Portland.

#32 Post by **Veronica Castro** » December 13th, 2009, 10:01 pm

There is a blueberry beer done by Stadium Brewery in Aliso Viejo. So good! They brew it themselves during the Fall. It's not artificial or sickly sweet. It's sublime, just slightly sweet (for a fruit beer) and natural, with a tablespoon of fresh blueberries sitting at the bottom of your glass. Low alcohol level. Good stuff.

I have no connection with this place whatsoever.

Jason Hagen · #33 Post by **Jason Hagen** » December 14th, 2009, 8:36 am

Bob Wood wrote:
Josh Beck wrote:Have never had any Heater Allen beers, and can't say that I've ever noticed them / heard of them before, I'll keep my eyes peeled.
For the time being, lots of luck unless you visit the brewery or Portland.

I just added this to my February to do list. Are the bottles large format?

Jason

Jim Brennan · #34 Post by **Jim Brennan** » December 14th, 2009, 9:25 am

Saison Dupont
Oro de Calabaza
Westmalle Tripel
Beamish

#35 Post by **Bob Wood** » December 14th, 2009, 9:28 am

Jason Hagen wrote:
Bob Wood wrote:
Josh Beck wrote:Have never had any Heater Allen beers, and can't say that I've ever noticed them / heard of them before, I'll keep my eyes peeled.
For the time being, lots of luck unless you visit the brewery or Portland.
I just added this to my February to do list. Are the bottles large format?

Jason

Yes.

#36 Post by **Rick Allen** » December 14th, 2009, 12:27 pm

Jason Hagen wrote:
Bob Wood wrote:
Josh Beck wrote:Have never had any Heater Allen beers, and can't say that I've ever noticed them / heard of them before, I'll keep my eyes peeled.
For the time being, lots of luck unless you visit the brewery or Portland.
I just added this to my February to do list. Are the bottles large format?

Jason

Jason, definitely stop by. I'll give you the Berserker discount!

#37 Post by **Bob Wood** » December 14th, 2009, 12:46 pm

Rick Allen wrote:
Jason Hagen wrote:
Bob Wood wrote:For the time being, lots of luck unless you visit the brewery or Portland.
I just added this to my February to do list. Are the bottles large format?

Jason
Jason, definitely stop by. I'll give you the Berserker discount!

Go past The Eyrie Vineyards on 10th and look for the fancy roll-up door on the right.

#38 Post by **Todd Hamina** » December 14th, 2009, 6:05 pm

And check out Remy wines next door.

C Janko · #39 Post by **C Janko** » December 15th, 2009, 6:14 am

Warsteiner Dunkel FTW

Peter Tryba · #40 Post by **Peter Tryba** » December 15th, 2009, 2:57 pm

Just finished off an Achel Blonde.

It had a very impressive, tall head and an almost Champagne consistency to the sud itself. Very aromatic in the higher tones, great grain characteristics and lemon in there. Flavors of citrus, bread, and hops can be found easily. Some citrus on the finish, but dominated by dry hop and banana.

Delicious and cheap!

#41 Post by **Brian G r a f s t r o m** » December 15th, 2009, 3:37 pm

moving the gueuze discussion over here ...

Peter,
that 20yr Cantillon was still sour? That is unf***king believable! The few “slightly aged” gueuzes I’ve had seem to soften considerably, losing much of their sourness, turning more to a slightly funky saison/farmhouse style. Which Cantillon was it? Their standard gueuze?

How much does the Panil reserve cost at retail? I’ve had one Panil, and don’t recall if it was their “reserve” or not ... I think I paid $18. I liked it, but it seemed kind of flat to me, leaving me wishing that I had spent my money on a gueuze or lambic instead. Panil is Italian, no?

Sean Connor · #42 Post by **Sean Connor** » December 15th, 2009, 5:31 pm

'Poon (Harpoon IPA) - support your local brewer that doesn't make $150 Dystopia bottles

Spaten Oktoberfest (clearing out locally cheap)

Long Tail IPA

gary hatley · #43 Post by **gary hatley** » December 15th, 2009, 6:27 pm

Beers are good. Drinking the Stone Smoked Porter lately along with the Anchor Brewing Co Christmas Ale. At Rustic Canyon Golf Course I have the Firestone Double Barrel Ale on tap with a burger... nice way to finish a round.
John, if you have any of the Heaters left...bring one down.

Peter Tryba · #44 Post by **Peter Tryba** » December 16th, 2009, 4:47 am

Panil "regular" is around $18, the reserve is roughly $10 more per 750ml bottle.

Maybe we should start a gueuze and lambic thread?

Good idea, I will!

#45 Post by **Brian G r a f s t r o m** » December 16th, 2009, 10:57 am

Peter Tryba wrote:Panil "regular" is around $18, the reserve is roughly $10 more per 750ml bottle.

Maybe we should start a gueuze and lambic thread?

Good idea, I will!

great idea!!

... even if it devolves into only you, myself, Roberto, and a wall all talking to each other.

#46 Post by **Brian G r a f s t r o m** » December 16th, 2009, 1:37 pm

Had a couple Paulaner Hefe's last night ... this is my favorite straight hefe.

Peter Tryba · #47 Post by **Peter Tryba** » December 16th, 2009, 2:24 pm

This is my desk drawer at work:

One 2008 De Dolle Orbier Reserve for tonight, one for the cellar!

Kent Zimmerman · #48 Post by **Kent Zimmerman** » December 16th, 2009, 5:51 pm

Frank Deis wrote:Well, it's not what I am -drinking- but with all the beer porn going on I tried to take a picture of my Westvleteren bottle. Someone reviewed this as "the best beer in the world" -- the beer equivalent of a Parker 100 score. I personally don't agree but it is nice to have a couple of bottles since this is really tough to find. You kind of need Belgian friends.

There is -no- label on the bottle, just brown glass, and the only ID is the cap. I had trouble using flash with the macro setting, I could take a good picture in daylight probably. At any rate it looks just like this except mine is 10.2% alcohol instead of 11%.

So, when are you going to drink them? Are you going to wait for a special occasion or simply pop one when the mod strikes?

On my last trip to Europe, I tried to come up with a plan to somehow get to the Abby but it was not meant to be.

#49 Post by **Brian G r a f s t r o m** » December 17th, 2009, 10:54 am

Requiem - Espresso Stout. I thought this was very nice: you can taste the coffee, but it’s not overwhelming. The 7.5% alc. is dangerously hidden – most Stouts that stout approach being sickly, to me ... not the case with this one. Definitely more on the bitter, rather than creamy, side of things.

Samuel Smith - “Taddy” Porter. It’s been waaaay too long since I’ve had this beer. So good, it almost makes me laugh. Easily the best porter I’ve ever tasted. Gawd, I love this beer!!

Jeff Twersky · #50 Post by **Jeff Twersky** » December 17th, 2009, 12:09 pm

Brian G r a f s t r o m wrote:if you LOVE sour browns there should be no "maybe" about it -- get a La Folie!!! IMO, it's better than Monk's Flemish Sour Red

I haven't had Monk's Flemish Sour Red, but have seen it for sale. Good stuff? And yes, I like sour beer.