tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60147966361090176242024-03-08T14:33:32.091-05:00Brew BitsFredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014796636109017624.post-64495342373557846432008-11-20T20:57:00.003-05:002008-11-20T21:17:00.337-05:00Random Notes from ArizonaThe lovely wife and I just got back from a work/vacation trip to AZ. For the work portion we stayed at the JW Marriott Starr Pass. I was shocked to see so many craft beers on tap. Every restaurant we ate at in the resort (I think we ate at all of them) had some type of craft brew on tap. Lots of New Belgium beers (Fat Tire, 1554, and at least one other), Alaskan Amber, a Four Peaks (I think), and Nimbus Pale Ale served at all of our social functions (in bottles). I didn't really have a chance to take notes on anything (too busy), but I rememember liking the Sierra Nevada slightly better than the Nimbus (I had them back to back), but I drank more Nimubs, just to support a local brewer. Really the only glitch was one night at dinner (after just ordering a bottle of wine for the table, so I was locked into wine for a bit), I found out that the resturant had an IPA on tap (the server didn't know there was more than one type of IPA). After repeately (gently) inquiring about the IPA the server reported back that it wasn't an IPA, but an unmarked keg that no one knew what it was. He brought a sample of it and it was pretty good - definetly not an IPA - maybe an amber, but more brown ale flavor than most ambers. It was an interesting experience and a great resort for craft beer.<br /><br />After the work portion of the trip was finished we went to spend a couple of days in Phoenix. I was able to try Oskar Blues Gordon - what a great beer! I only had a couple of them, but I really enjoyed them (maybe more so just because we can't get it here?). Again, didn't really take any notes on it, but really enjoyed it. The next night I had a bomber of Alesmith IPA - it was pretty good, but not as good as some of the IPAs I've had recently.<br /><br />I've noticed that I've got quite a few IPAs in the fridge, and I'm thinking about having a blind tasting/sampling event with a small group of my friends. Any suggestions on a format - I'm thinking we'll maybe try 8-10 IPAs and blind rank them from best to worst. I am a bit concerned about how much we'll need to drink to really get a good taste, and how much of some of the random beers I have (or don't have, as the case may be).<br /><br />Also, anyone know the law regrading having beer shipped in from another state or how shipping works when visiting another state? I was tempted to try to put some beer in my luggage, but didn't want all my stuff getting ruined if there were an accident, and I thougth about trying to carry some on the plane, but wasn't sure how that would work with a briefcase and laptop. Any suggestions on how to bring beer back home when visiting another state, but not driving?<br /><br />Thoughts?<br /><br />ps - to Hoosier Beer Geek - I really like the green shirt!Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014796636109017624.post-8194543533439047472008-11-20T20:45:00.003-05:002008-11-20T20:57:00.456-05:00Southern Tier - Imperial Cherry Saison<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">What:</span> <a href="http://www.southerntierbrewing.com/beers.html">Southern Tier Imperial Cherry Saison</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Style:</span> <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/129">Saison</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Vessel:</span> Tulip Glass<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Price:</span> Don't remember<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Where:</span> Home<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">When:</span> November 20, 2008<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Rating:</span> 4<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Comments:</span> This is another purchase from Chi-town. Not sure what made me pick this one up, other than not being able to get it around here (I think). It's not a bad beer, but not a great beer. As it warms, it improves (quite a bit). It has a traditional saison flavor (earthy, fruity), but it's also has quite a touch of alcohol in the finish. I'm not a huge fruit or saison fan, so I'm not really sure why I picked it up, but if you like either type of beer you're probably going to like this one.<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Ratebeer Link:</span> <span style="font-size:78%;"> <a href="http://ratebeer.com/beer/southern-tier-cherry-saison/88358/">http://ratebeer.com/beer/southern-tier-cherry-saison/88358/</a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:78%;" ><br /></span>Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014796636109017624.post-5794317988911952072008-11-04T20:19:00.003-05:002008-11-04T20:38:08.601-05:00Random NotesBefore Sunday's Colt's game, a good friend (and the guy I get season tix with) and I tailgated. We took the opportunity to drink some fresh hop beers and one stood about above the rest - Three Floyd's Broodoo. Man that was a great beer! More to come on that, and the other beers we sampled.<br /><br />Also, I ran to Kahn's (or is Big City Liquors - the store on 52nd and Keystone) on Friday to pick up some wine that I couldn't find most other places and while I was there I decided to check out their beer selection. Despite a pledge not to purchase any more beer until we're in our new home (our coat closet is full of boxes, full of beer, that I need/want to drink), I decided to buy some fresh hop beer. As I was wandering the aisle, Andy (I think that was his name), the beer manager and I struck up a conversation. What a great experience - he gave me a lot of very good guidance, we talked quite a bit about the beers we like and he even cracked open a Founder's for a sample. I would say their prices are average, but the helpful attitude, selection and overall experience were tremendous! One thing I didn't realize - to buy a sixer of Bud, or other macro (in bottles) is about $6 now! That's amazing - makes me feel a little better about spending $8-$11 for a sixer of craft beer (a little, but not a lot).<br /><br />Haven't had a chance to go back to Pikk's recently, but I'd be interested to hear anyone's experience with it. A bunch of buddies and I went to Scotty's Brewhouse the same night they were having their Octobrew fest - it was interesting - a big tent in the parking lot, with a $5 entry fee. We didn't choose to go to the tent party (why pay $5 to get basically the same beer as they had inside the resturant)? It didn't appear to be a rousing success for them - I'd be intersted to see if they hold it again next year. If so, I think they need to tweak their approach.<br /><br />One last note - the folks from Newcastle's PR agency were kind enough to send a sixer of Newcastle (thanks!), and some promo notes about their holiday MAN-ual. The MAN-ual pages I got were interesting. One was a recipie for a beer-nog shooter - Newcastle and egg nog in a shot glass (a kind of black and tan idea - Newcastle on the bottom, egg nog on the top). Can't say that I'll be trying that one out, but I will enjoy the beer - Newcastle is one of my defaults at restruants that don't have much of a craft beer selection. Evidently the recipies from the MAN-ual come from TV personality "Sam the cooking guy". Interesting idea with average execution - if they keep this tradition going and build on it, I think they might have a winner (think of the point of sale displays they could have - a LOT of potential there).Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014796636109017624.post-12601245590332012642008-11-04T19:55:00.003-05:002008-11-04T20:19:05.207-05:00Avery Anniversary Ale 14<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">What:</span> <a href="http://www.averybrewing.com/BigBeers/seasonal/AnniversaryAleFourteen">Avery Brewing Company - 14th Anniversary Ale</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Style:</span> <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/56">Belgian Strong Dark Ale</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Vessel:</span> Tulip Glass<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Price:</span> $4.99 (22 oz)<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Where:</span> Home<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">When:</span> November 4, 2008<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Rating:</span> 3<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Comments:</span> Wow! This beer has a ton of stuff going on! A lot of malt and a lot of tart fruit (not a tart apple, but maybe cherry?). It's a little boozy (although as it warms, it surprisingly is less apparent), but not too bad. This is super carbonated also - when I first poured it, there was a huge foam head, but it quickly disappeared. Also, this is a dark beer - darker than I expected - stout like dark. This is my first Avery beer and I'm glad I bought some others. It's a departure from the IPA, hop bomb stuff I normally drink, but I like it (especially for the price).<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Ratebeer Link:</span> <span style="font-size:78%;">yeah - you probably know about the problems at ratebeer - they're struggling a bit right now.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:78%;" ><br /></span>Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014796636109017624.post-17228939266570688262008-10-21T20:42:00.003-04:002008-10-21T20:53:22.951-04:00Jolly Pumkin Artisan Ales - ES Bam Hoppy Farmhouse Ale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cMAAUK9u8kc/SP54uZuLZAI/AAAAAAAABpo/5r01Qi8NZa4/s1600-h/ESBam.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 118px; height: 142px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cMAAUK9u8kc/SP54uZuLZAI/AAAAAAAABpo/5r01Qi8NZa4/s200/ESBam.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259774153389204482" border="0" /></a><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/FRED&C%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg" alt="" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">What:</span> <a href="http://www.jollypumpkin.com/beers.htm">Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales - ES Bam Hoppy Farmhouse Ale</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Style:</span> <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/129">Saison</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Vessel:</span> Tulip Glass<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Price:</span> $9.99 (750 ml)<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Where:</span> Home<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">When:</span> October 21, 2008<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Rating:</span> 4<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Comments:</span> Yet another pick up in Chi-town. I poured this beer a little aggressively and man did it foam up. There is a lot of head to this beer and a lot of lacing on the glass. It's a very aromatic beer - musty, a little funky and yeasty. The flavor seems to start very leathery and then ends with quite a bit of sour apple. It is a little thin tasting. I'm finding that I'm not the biggest fan of Saison style beers. It's a well crafted beer, but not one of my favorites. Having said that, I'd happily try other Jolly Pumpkin beers.<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Ratebeer Link:</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:78%;" ><a href="http://ratebeer.com/beer/jolly-pumpkin-es-bam/84761/">http://ratebeer.com/beer/jolly-pumpkin-es-bam/84761/</a><br /></span>Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014796636109017624.post-38325466417722783672008-10-20T21:05:00.003-04:002008-10-20T21:12:04.057-04:00Southern Tier Brewing Company - Tripel<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">What:</span> <a href="http://www.southerntierbrewing.com/beers.html">Southern Tier Brewing Company - Tripel</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Style:</span> <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/58">Tripel</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Vessel:</span> Tulip Glass<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Price:</span> $6.99 (22 0z.)<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Where:</span> Home<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">When:</span> October 20, 2008<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Rating:</span> 4<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Comments:</span> Another beer picked up on the Chicago trip. For a 9% beer, this was amazingly alcohol free in the taste department. It has a strong malt flavor at the beginning, smoothed out by a little crispy hoppiness at the end. Not a bad beer, but not anywhere near my favorite tripel. Seems like a pretty basic beer.<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Ratebeer Link:</span> <a href="http://ratebeer.com/beer/southern-tier-tripel/40410/"><span style="font-size:78%;">http://ratebeer.com/beer/southern-tier-tripel/40410/</span></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:78%;" ><br /></span>Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014796636109017624.post-25121390672935085532008-10-19T19:09:00.003-04:002008-10-19T19:23:56.936-04:00Bear Republic Brewing Co. - XP Pale Ale<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">What:</span> <a href="http://www.bearrepublic.com/ourbeers.php">Bear Republic Brewing Co. - XP Pale Ale</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Style:</span> <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/97">American Pale Ale</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Vessel:</span> Pint Glass<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Price:</span> $6.99 (22 oz bottle)<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Where:</span> Home<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">When:</span> October 19, 2008<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Rating:</span> 2<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Comments:</span> This is a great beer! I picked this up in Chicago and decided to crack one open while watching the Colts game (disappointing loss). What a smooth carmel-y beer. A great carmel flavor with just enough hop to make it a little bitter (and tasty). When I first pulled it out of the fridge I thought it was a bit over carbonated, but I let it sit for a bit and it really opened up and the carbonation dissipated. There was a bit of sedimet in the bottom of my glass when I had finished it, but it wasn't enough to deter me. Other than the Colts loss, this was a great drinking experience!<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Ratebeer Link:</span> <a href="http://ratebeer.com/beer/bear-republic-xp-pale-ale/7710/"><span style="font-size:78%;">http://ratebeer.com/beer/bear-republic-xp-pale-ale/7710/ </span></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:78%;" ><br /></span>Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014796636109017624.post-91449837119463635812008-10-15T20:27:00.004-04:002008-10-15T20:37:15.075-04:00Pikk's Tavern & Hot Shotz Update<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"></span>Well, I've been to <a href="http://www.pikkstavern.com/Indianapolis/index.aspx">Pikk's</a> about four times since they've opened and I'm a big fan. The first several times they didn't have their taps installed and they were running two taps out of a cooler set up. We went back with some friends and sat in the dining room (not at the bar for the first time) last Friday and they had their full tap list available (word of warning - their tap list on their website wasn't current as of mid week last week).<br /><br />The chef came out and chatted with us once while we were sitting at the bar and I was very impressed. He hails from a steakhouse background but wanted to do more creative cooking. In this all from scratch kitchen he gets that opportunity. I'd say the menu is a bit random (seems like they're trying to please everyone by offering a little bit of everything), but I haven't had anything that I didn't like. The mufaletta sandwich was awesome and the pork chops were the best I've had in Indy. That, along with a killer beer selection, will make Pikk's a top destination for me. They also have great specials during the week. I don't remember all of them, but I know on Monday they have $1 canned beers (nothing exotic - PBR, Old Style and one other I can't remember - Schlitz, maybe?) and $0.50 mini-burgers (which are awesome). I'd say if you're in the area you should check it out.<br /><br />On the other hand I went into <a href="http://hotshotzpub.com/">Hot Shotz</a> last night to check out the new scene. If you're looking for a beer mecca, I'm not sure this is it. The tap list was good, but the bartender was clueless about beer. I was happy to see they had quite a few people in the place (and a lot of employees working to get up to speed). I don't know that I'll be going to Hot Shotz very much - while the food was OK, they seem to have moved away from their gastropub offerings and are going with more standard bar fare. Not necessarily a bad thing, but they've lost some of the magic they had in their old space.<br /><br />Anyone else been to either place? I'd love to hear your thoughts<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:78%;" ><br /></span>Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014796636109017624.post-62586221193280950402008-10-15T20:14:00.004-04:002008-10-15T20:38:01.874-04:00Moylan's Brewing Company IPA<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">What:</span> Moylan's Brewing Company IPA<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Style:</span> India Pale Ale<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Vessel:</span> Tulip Glass<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Price:</span> $3.99 (22 oz. bottle)<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Where:</span> Home<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">When:</span> October 15, 2008<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Rating:</span> 3<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Comments:</span> On a recent trip to Chicago to cheer on a friend running his first marathon (way to go Joe!), we stopped by <a href="http://www.samswine.com/">Sam's</a> on our way out of town to pick up some beers I didn't think I could find in Indy. As a fan of IPA's, I grabbed quite a few bombers of different IPA's at different price points. This one was the cheapest. For a beer at this price point, it was really good. If it were readily available in Indy, I'd add it to the rotation (although it doesn't seem like I have a regular rotation).<br /><br />I was drawn to this beer because it was an IPA, and because of the awards it's won. It's won various medals in the CA state fair and several WBC medals. It's a good IPA, but not with overwhelming citrus hop flavor - it's more pine-y than citrus-y. It's crisp and smooth with a fairly strong hop finish. If you can get your hands on some, I'd give it a whirl.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Ratebeer Link:</span> <a href="http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/moylans-ipa/1577/"><span style="font-size:78%;">http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/moylans-ipa/1577/</span></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:78%;" ><br /></span>Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014796636109017624.post-68496963555894261892008-09-28T20:15:00.004-04:002008-09-28T20:31:18.790-04:00<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">What:</span> <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/26/22981">Three Floyd's Brewing Co. - Gorch Fock German Style Helles Lager</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Style:</span> <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/21">Munich Helles Lager</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Vessel:</span> Tulip Glass<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Price:</span> $10.00 (22 oz) - purchased at <a href="http://www.goosethemarket.com/">Goose the Market</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Where:</span> Home<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">When:</span> September 28, 2008<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Rating:</span> 3<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Comments:</span> This was my first adventure with a Three Floyds beer that wasn't a hop bomb. It might have even been my first experience with a Munich Hellles Lager (I don't remember having any others). Overall the beer was pretty good. It's nice to see Three Floyds can craft such a subtle beer. It had a smooth mouthfeel - almost a little buttery (in a good way). It had a touch of citrus to it and it was a little grassy with a bit of malt mixed in for good measure. It wasn't what I expected out of Three Floyds, but I'd drink it again.<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Ratebeer Link:</span> <a href="http://ratebeer.com/beer/three-floyds-gorch-fock-helles/45534/"><span style="font-size:78%;">http://ratebeer.com/beer/three-floyds-gorch-fock-helles/45534/ </span></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:78%;" ><br /></span>Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014796636109017624.post-69262706953777227222008-09-16T19:09:00.004-04:002008-09-16T19:27:11.293-04:00Quick Beer Notes - Recent Tastings<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Well, I haven't been as diligent on posting as I hoped to be after Labor Day, but once we get our whole housing situation figured out I hope to be better. Anyway, onto the beer "reviews":<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Miller Lite Brewer's Collection Blond Ale - 5 rating. </span><br /><br />I was lucky enough to have some of this sent to me from the kind folks at Miller's PR firm (interestingly enough the guy who sent them married a girl who went to the same HS in Indy that I went to). I wanted to like it, I really did. Unfortunately, I didn't really care for it. It tasted a bit flat and it left a slimy mouth feel. It wouldn't have been too bad except for the whole slimy mouth thing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Bell's Third Coast Old Ale - 3 rating.</span><br /><br />I had this one left from our trip to the Bell's Brewery this summer. Just like most of the beers I ended up bringing home from the brewery it was very solid. Nothing too amazing, but just a rock solid beer.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Sierra Nevada Wheat Beer - 4 rating.</span><br /><br />I saw this at Trader Joe's (available as a single bottle), and decided to give it a whirl. It was OK, but not remarkable. I thought it was a little watery and lagery. I normally don't mind wheat beers, but for some reason this one didn't really do it for me.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Brewbits Red - 6 rating.</span><br /><br />This is an OLD homebrew I had in the fridge (I'm still working through my old homebrews). I haven't had one of my homebrews in a long time. Now I remember why I quit brewing - not very good beer. It had no head or carbonation to it, it was VERY dark, and very watery. It was a little better than I remember it being, but with all the great stuff out there why drink bad beer?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Clipper City Brewery Heavy Seas Red Sky at Night Saison Ale - 2 rating.</span><br /><br />This came courtsey of the Beer of the Month club. I've been holding off drinking any of the BOM club beers until I could do a "proper" review. I couldn't hold off any longer. This is a good beer. A really good beer.<br /><br />I didn't really look too much at the label until after I poured the beer. I was expecting a red (yeah, I should have read the label), but it's a Saison. Have I mentioned that I liked this beer? It's extremley smooth. It tastes a bit more like a traditional Belgian beer with flavors like banana, a little clove, citrus flavor, wheat, yeast, etc. It's very good. I hope this is an indicator of the other Clipper City beers that came in the BOM box.Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014796636109017624.post-32520461444324064532008-09-16T18:45:00.004-04:002008-09-16T19:08:59.035-04:00HotShotz and Scotty's UpdateWell, hat tip to <a href="http://generik420.spaces.live.com/">Generik</a> , it looks like I was wrong about HotShotz. They're not done - they're just done at their old location. I drove by the old Bennigan's site at 1-69 and 96th (very close to Fry's), and sure enough there was a now hiring sign out front, HotShotz logo'ed notes on the door and workers inside. Not sure what an open date will be, but it looks like they're trying to make a go of it in a new location. They'll need to wrap some serious PR around that location. The good thing is that there are a few hotels right in the area that will feed them some business and if they do some lunch specials there are quite a few businesses that can help drive their daytime revenue.<br /><br />Also, I was at Scotty's this weekend and my memory wasn't quite correct (see previous post). No Rogue beers on tap (hopeful thinking on my part). They did have Magic Hat #9 (mmm...good stuff), Three Floyds Alpha King (tap was dry, and had been for a few days....that means they're selling more than anticipated, hopefully. That also means they'll be willing to try more unique beers that you can't find elsewhere). They had a few other new ones, including Abita Turbodog and Shiner Bock. Good food and an increasingly good selection of craft beer? Count me in!Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014796636109017624.post-356184869367928962008-09-11T21:28:00.004-04:002008-09-11T21:38:23.436-04:00Is it offically over for HotShotz?<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Well, it looks like it might be over for HotShotz. Earlier this week I was hopeful - there as a box truck on site and it looked like work was being done. Well, I think work is being done, but not by the owners. Coming home from work the sign was no longer up and my wife reported that there were crews inside cleaning out the inside.<br /><br />Can anyone provide additional details?<br /><br />Also, on a different note - while at Scotty's Brewhouse last week the server told us they were going to be getting quite a few new beers on tap. If I remember correctly they're adding some Rouge beers, some Three Floyd's and a few others that I can't think of right now. I'm looking forward to the expanded selection (especially considering the fact that I've lost hope for HotShotz).<br /><br />Went to Brugge last night and it was surprisingly easy to get a table. Enjoyed a sample of the Brown (good, but potent - 11+%), had a pint of the German beer (for some reason the name escapes me...it's been a long week, I must be tired), and a pint of the Triple (always a favorite of mine).<br /><br />One last note - drove past the Granite City build site at 96th and Meridian this evening. Looks like they're making good progress (frame is up and wrapped), and they've added a banner out front letting folks know they're coming soon.</span></span>Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014796636109017624.post-55641531446551265152008-08-26T23:11:00.009-04:002008-08-26T23:47:27.099-04:00Brass Monkey BrewpubWe had a chance to stop by the Brass Monkey Brewpub on our way up for a long lake weekend. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. What might have surprised me the most was the size of the samplers - wow - about 6 oz. for each glass - I don't remember exactly how much it was, but I'm thinking $9-$10. Here's a pic of the sampler I enjoyed on their alley porch:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cMAAUK9u8kc/SLTIVGPQiAI/AAAAAAAABds/fLfmuRCbdV8/s1600-h/IMG_1647.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 201px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cMAAUK9u8kc/SLTIVGPQiAI/AAAAAAAABds/fLfmuRCbdV8/s320/IMG_1647.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239032531316148226" border="0" /></a>Here's a photo of each side of their beer descriptions:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cMAAUK9u8kc/SLTIyyETmrI/AAAAAAAABd0/JZe7IK2rWao/s1600-h/IMG_1652.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 382px; height: 281px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cMAAUK9u8kc/SLTIyyETmrI/AAAAAAAABd0/JZe7IK2rWao/s320/IMG_1652.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239033041297578674" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cMAAUK9u8kc/SLTIzBKy3xI/AAAAAAAABd8/j3lNlR0P1dc/s1600-h/IMG_1653.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 280px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cMAAUK9u8kc/SLTIzBKy3xI/AAAAAAAABd8/j3lNlR0P1dc/s320/IMG_1653.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239033045351325458" border="0" /></a>Here's a picture of their (impressive) tap board and their taps (most of them made it into the pic):<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cMAAUK9u8kc/SLTJsEBMrlI/AAAAAAAABeE/3bH2Fg8gxIg/s1600-h/IMG_1654.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 388px; height: 287px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cMAAUK9u8kc/SLTJsEBMrlI/AAAAAAAABeE/3bH2Fg8gxIg/s320/IMG_1654.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239034025368923730" border="0" /></a>I decided to sample only the Brass Monkey beers because I knew I couldn't get them in Indy. Overall they were more polished than I expected - I enjoyed them quite a bit.<br /><br />Here are my notes:<br /><br />White Flag Wit - 3 rating - Fruity, clovey (or maybe a little rubbery?) and appley. It was very smooth with thick mouth feel. I really enjoyed it except for small off flavor I couldn't identify, but by no means was it not worth trying.<br /><br />Green Tea Pale Ale - 3 rating - Hmmm...tastes like green tea. Interesting. I don't have strong feelings one way or another about green tea, but I do like a good pale ale. This fits in the good pale ale category. It's a good change of pace.<br /><br />Tenacious Apple Triple - 2 rating - This was my favorite beer of the outing. I had the lowest expectations for this one (just due to my personal tastes), but this was a good beer. Extremley smooth, especially for a beer with 10% abv. I would have had another one of these if we didn't have an hour and a half drive ahead of us.<br /><br />Speak No Evil Belgian IPA- 3 rating - Solid. Nothing remarkable, but a very well done IPA.<br /><br />See No Evil IPA- 4 rating - I think it's a matter of personal preference and not brewing ability. This beer was well done, but I don't think I enjoy dry hopped beers.<br /><br />I tried to sample the Silver Back, but they were out of it when we happened to stop by.<br /><br />As far as the food is concerned, I tried their tenderloin and it was definetly home made (and good). The food was cheap (we ordered two sandwiches, an order of sweet potato fries, regular fries, an iced tea and a beer sampler and got out of there for under $30), and the service was attentive (and helpful). I was a little leery about our server's knowledge (when I asked about their beers she told me the Wit was kinda like a Coors Light - I don't think the brewer would have appreciated that), but she ended up steering me in the right direction on which beers to include in the sampler. She also was very interested in how we like everything, but not in an annoying way.<br /><br />One interesting note from the wife - how in the world does a place that brews their own beer not brew their own iced tea (the wife will only drink brewed iced tea - she's doesn't drink beer, but she knows good (and bad) tea when she sees it).<br /><br />If you're in Kokomo, or passing through Kokomo, it's definetly worth a stop. I know we'll probably make it a must stop every trip to (or from) the lake.Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014796636109017624.post-13698935240648947982008-08-19T18:51:00.004-04:002008-08-19T22:10:31.348-04:00A partial list of beers I've had since my last reviewWell, I'm still slacking on my posts, but that doesn't mean I'm not sampling beer. Here's a list of the beers I've had since I last "reviewed". Also, I hope to post a summary of the Bells Brewery (really just the cafe & general store, as they don't do brewery tours) and an outing at BJ's in Greenwood. Unfortunately I'll be out of town for the beer gathering at Scotty's this weekend, and I wasn't able to make it to the HBG anniversary party at Brugge (regrettably - it looked like a blast).<br /><br />Here's the rough list, with ratings, and any brief notes I might have taken:<br /><p id="p9.:10" class="MsoNormal">Bell’s – Special Double Cream Stout 3</p> <p id="p9.:15" class="MsoNormal">Founder’s – Dry Hopped Pale Ale 3</p> <p id="p9.:18" class="MsoNormal">Stone – IPA 3</p> <p id="p9.:27" class="MsoNormal">Boulder Beer – Buffalo Gold Golden Ale 3 or 2<br />Very good for an ale – a little buttery</p> <p id="p9.:29" class="MsoNormal">Boulder Beer – Single Track Copper Ale 3</p> <p id="p9.:39" class="MsoNormal">Mishawaka Brewing Company – Hop Head Ale 4<br />Musty, but it improved as I drank it</p> <p id="p9.:41" class="MsoNormal">Goose Island – Pere Jacques 2</p> <p id="p9.:47" class="MsoNormal">Smuttynose Brewing – Robust Porter 3</p> <p id="p9.:49" class="MsoNormal">Dark Horse Brewing Co. – Too Cream Stout 2</p> <p id="p9.:52" class="MsoNormal">Bell’s – Sparking Ale 2</p> <p id="p9.:56" class="MsoNormal">Bell’s – 3<sup id="p9.:59">rd</sup> Coast Old Ale 3</p> <p id="p9.:63" class="MsoNormal">Harpoon – IPA 3 or 4<br />Watery</p> <p id="p9.:65" class="MsoNormal">Mad Anthony – IPA 3</p> <p id="p9.:67" class="MsoNormal">Vieille Provision – Saison Dupont – Brasserie Dupont – Belgian Farmhouse Ale 4</p> <p id="p9.:69" class="MsoNormal">Smuttynose – Portsmouth Lager 3</p> <p id="p9.:77" class="MsoNormal">Bell’s – Big Porch Ale 2008 3<br />Sedimenty</p> <p id="p9.:79" class="MsoNormal">Lake Placid – Ubu Ale 3</p> <p id="p9.:82" class="MsoNormal">Shock Top Belgian White 5</p> <p id="p9.:84" class="MsoNormal">Black Sheep Brewery - Monty Python Holy Ail Ale 4 or 5</p> <p id="p9.:86" class="MsoNormal">Bell’s – Consecrator Doppelbock 3</p> <p id="p9.:90" class="MsoNormal">Bluegrass Brewing Company – American Pale Ale 3</p> <p id="p9.:93" class="MsoNormal">Bell’s – Lager of the Lakes 5</p> <p id="p9.:97" class="MsoNormal">Mikkeller – Struise Mikkeller (Rate Beer) 2</p> <p id="p9.:100" class="MsoNormal">Bell’s – Kalamazoo Stout 4</p> <p id="p9.:105" class="MsoNormal">Goose Island – Demolition 3</p> <p id="p9.:110" class="MsoNormal">Chimay Ale Peres Trappister Tripel White 3</p> <p id="p9.:114" class="MsoNormal">Broad Ripple Brew Pub – Amarillo Lager 3</p> <p id="p9.:118" class="MsoNormal">Broad Ripple Brew Pub – IPA 3</p> <p id="p9.:120" class="MsoNormal">Piraat Ale – Br. Van Steenberge 3</p> <p id="p9.:124" class="MsoNormal">Bell’s – Bourbon Barrel Aged Cherry Stout 4<br />An assault of cherry and bourbon (improved as I drank it) </p><p id="p9.:130" class="MsoNormal">Sam Adams – Cherry Wheat 4</p> <p id="p9.:132" class="MsoNormal">Sam Adams – Light 5</p>Lexington Brewing Company - Kentucky Ale 3<br /><br />Most, if not all of these beers were in the beer fridge at the old house and had to be quickly consumed, as we didn't have room for them along with everything else in our "regular" fridge when we moved into the apartment. I still have a bounty of beer (much to the dismay of the movers who had to move everything up three flights of stairs) in our closet that I will drink at a slower pace, hopefully allowing for better reviews. We've still got the two produce drawers full of beer that I need to drink before I can re-stock with any new beers, so any new beer reviews might have to wait until I've worked through those. Ahh, such a rough life.<br /><br />We'll be out of town for a little bit, but after Labor Day I expect to have more regular posts, along with a weekly (or more frequent) beer news roundup.Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014796636109017624.post-51941179989643438882008-07-25T15:56:00.004-04:002008-07-25T16:13:00.645-04:00Where the hell have I been?!After way too long of a hiatus, I'm back. Sorry about all that not posting, and stuff. I forgot how busy summer is. This summer has been especially busy - we bought a new town home (construction starts next week!), we got our house ready to sell, sold our house in 2 days, found an apartment, went on vacation, packed all of our stuff up and I launched a major project at work.<br /><br />Anyway, you're not here to hear about all that. You're here to read about one of my favorite subjects - beer. Unfortunately I was out of town for every beer fest that has happened this summer (talk about poor planning on my part). Needless to say, I haven't been in the local beer loop lately, but I've been getting my fix from some of the local blogs (congrats to all the NKOTB(R) at HBG).<br /><br />I've been drinking a lot of beer lately (trying to work through all the beer that was in my beer fridge at the old place - unfortunately there's no dedicated beer fridge at the apartment), and I'll post about that, but to catch up I'm just going to post a list of beers and ratings. If anything stood out, I'll list it, but otherwise it will be a fairly straightforward list. Once I'm caught up, I'll return to a "normal" review process. Also, during vacation we had a rainy day and decided to run up to Bell's - I'll post on that experience as well.<br /><br />So, changing subjects, does anyone have an update on HotShotz? Our apartment is within walking distance to them and we tried to go to the cookout they were going to have on Monday night. We stopped by around 7 pm and there were no signs of life. I emailed them to see what the story was and didn't hear back. I'm hoping they get up and running soon - I've never been this close to such a great beer place.<br /><br />Alright, that's all for now - sorry for the long absence, but I hope to post every few days.<br /><br />Oh yeah, one more thing - a very good friend of mine and I will have a guys night on the town to take in some of the great beer that's being served locally - anyone had anything worth our time and effort? We're not sure what we'll be doing yet, but I'll open it up to your suggestions.Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014796636109017624.post-88335246964755415002008-05-20T22:07:00.000-04:002008-05-20T22:09:54.775-04:00News May 8 - 20<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_cMAAUK9u8kc/SDN2EtHUD7I/AAAAAAAABTo/ZGlm1_iYibU/s1600-h/News+Icon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 102px;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_cMAAUK9u8kc/SDN2EtHUD7I/AAAAAAAABTo/ZGlm1_iYibU/s320/News+Icon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202631817744879538" border="0" /></a>Alright, after a longer hiatus than expected, here are some links I found interesting. Hopefully I'll get some beer "reviews" up in the next few days. I've got quite a few to post.<br /><br />Onto the news:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/features/mutts/blog/2008/05/dog_beer_hooch_for_your_pooch.html">Beer for dogs</a> - even man's best friend needs a good beer every now and then.<br /></li><li>Looks like Miller has announced <a href="http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/consumer_goods/article3937214.ece">price increases</a> for the next two years. I'm sure this is a sign of things to come from other brewers as well - raising input prices = more expensive beer.</li><li>Here's an article out of Cleveland regarding the popularity of <a href="http://blog.cleveland.com/lifestyles/2008/05/now_that_spring_is_back_beer_l.html">bock beers</a> this time of year. Anyone have any favorites they'd like to recommend?<br /></li><li>Looks like the <a href="http://www.thestar.com/living/article/424975">folks to the north</a>, in Canada, are getting pretty excited about American craft beer. When they can't get their fix, they <a href="http://www.thestar.com/living/article/424973">travel to Buffalo</a> to buy hundreds of dollars worth of beer.<br /></li><li>Will Three Floyds follow the lead of other craft brewers and start <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/food/chi-drink-distilling-14may14,0,1228285.story">distilling liquor</a>? Has anyone had the Rouge Gin?<br /></li><li>Will PA finally end their sales by the case law? Here's an editorial regarding <a href="http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20080513_Editorial__Selling_Beer.html">the lawsuit</a>.</li><li>Anyone in Chicago enough of an insider to get invited to the <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/business/945853,CST-NWS-beer13.article">Glunz Global Beer Expo</a>? Sounds like a pretty interesting event.</li><li>Looks like Diaego won't close the Guinness brewery after all - <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ET_Cetera/Diageo_drops_plan_to_sell_Guinness_birthplace_to_give_it_e650m_facelift/articleshow/3034619.cms">here's an update</a>.</li><li>A former head brewer at Great Lakes Brewery is now heading up brewing operations at a <a href="http://www.ohio.com/news/top_stories/18825169.html">new brewpub</a> in Akron, OH.</li><li>Even Wired magazine is reporting on the <a href="http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/2008/05/beer">increase in prices</a> related to brewing beer. They talk a bit about how folks are changing their recipes to cope with the price spikes.</li><li>Here's a great article about the history of beer in Cincinnati and the reintroduction of <a href="http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080509/BIZ01/305090016/1076">Morelein beer</a>. Looks like it will hit Indy soon - I'm interested in trying the "discovery" pack. Anyone see it on the shelves?</li><li>Memorial Day weekend is the <a href="http://www.progressivegrocer.com/progressivegrocer/content_display/supermarket-industry-news/e3if5f2042c3936ff0f9d354c5d1bcf4a3d">2nd biggest weekend for beer sales</a> - an estimated 21 million cases will be sold. Who knew that 50% of all beer sold during the summer is "premium" beer. I'd be interested in finding out the definition of premium, as Nielsen defines it.</li><li>Miller says their cheaper beers are seeing a <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24656739/">growth in sales</a> at the expense of their middle of the road, flagship products.</li><li>Is <a href="http://www.newsweek.com/id/137803">vintage beer</a> the next big thing? Looks like Newsweek tried a few at Gramercy Tavern in NYC.</li><li>Another Newsweek <a href="http://www.newsweek.com/id/137832">article about craft beer</a> - this time about it's growth and the influence they're getting in DC.</li><li>Coors is having <a href="http://adage.com/article?article_id=127175">significant growth</a>, especially compared to the other macros. Is it all about the brand?</li></ul>Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014796636109017624.post-28448065989655808082008-05-08T18:30:00.000-04:002008-05-08T18:39:29.375-04:00Beer News & Blog Roundup - May 5-8<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cMAAUK9u8kc/SAK69-fTM1I/AAAAAAAAAis/N7sP55EEZK0/s1600-h/News+Icon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 139px; height: 99px;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cMAAUK9u8kc/SAK69-fTM1I/AAAAAAAAAis/N7sP55EEZK0/s320/News+Icon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188915294593299282" border="0" /></a>Any good Cinco de Mayo stories out there? Last year we were on a cruise at this time and we were Cozumel for 5/5 - I shouldn't have been too surprised that no one in Cozumel seemed to care that it was 5/5 other than one bar that was right by the port for the cruise ship. In fact I had forgotten about it until as we were getting ready to get back on the ship and we passed a group of folks (fellow cruise ship passengers) with about 20 empty Corona bottles on the ground and one of them was shouting something like "Cinco de Mayo - whoooo!!!!" Ahhh, good times, good times.<br /><br />I'll be out of town on a fishing trip until next weekend, so this will probably be my last post until 5/17.<br /><br />Here's some news from the last few days:<br /><ul><li>Looks like one of the drivers behind <a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2004381832_pyramid30.html">the Pyramid - Magic Hat merger</a> was the costs associated with being a public company.</li><li>Here's an article about <a href="http://www.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/dt.cms.support.viewStory.cls?cid=97757&sid=2&fid=1">rising hop prices</a> (yes, another one) and some brewers tweaking their recipes.</li><li>Looks like <a href="http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/article3872377.ece">most of the original Guinness brewery will be sold</a> (except, of course, the store that attracts all the tourists).<br /></li><li>"<a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/05/05/MNJ110EEOU.DTL">Obama Beer</a>" in Kenya, isn't quite the same as Kennedy milk, in a lot of ways.</li><li>Here's a referendum I can get behind - one to <a href="http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080504/NEWS/80504016">repeal taxes in Maine</a> on beer, wine and soda.</li><li>Is beer the new wine? <a href="http://www.news-record.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080507/NRSTAFF/805070301">They think so in NC</a>. I say it's better and more complex than wine, but that's just me.</li><li>Will we start seeing <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/06/AR2008050600666.html">more organic beer in the marketplace</a>? If <a href="http://brewbits.blogspot.com/2008/05/bison-brewing-company-organic-ipa.html">Bison's IPA</a> was any indicator, I wouldn't mind.</li><li>Will Australia raise <a href="http://news.theage.com.au/big-rise-in-beer-tax-will-harm-sector/20080508-2c8i.html">wine and beer taxes</a> 300%?</li><li>Now this guy has one helluva beer can collection - <a href="http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080507/NEWS01/805070332/1002">over 2600 empty cans</a>.</li><li>Anyone had a "black velvet"? Here's a NYT article on the drink (a mix of Guinness and champagne. I might need to try one. Thanks to Joey P for the head's up on this.</li></ul>Here's a roundup of blog posts I've enjoyed this week:<br /><ul><li>The stale beer ethanol home pump is <a href="http://gizmodo.com/388542/microfueler-home-ethanol-pump-unveiled-ready-for-pre+orders">now available</a> for only $10,000. You know, for those of you who have more $$ than sense.</li><li>Generik has a <a href="http://generik420.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns%2160025C41882D90CE%21916.entry">post about a beer brand</a> I'm not familiar with (but would like to be) - Long Trail.</li><li>Another post from Generik about <a href="http://generik420.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns%2160025C41882D90CE%21917.entry">new brew pubs in and around Indy</a>. I couldn't agree more about his west side comment (as a north-west sider).</li><li>Brookston Beer Bulletin has posted a list of the <a href="http://www.brookstonbeerbulletin.com/worlds-worst/">10 worst beers</a> in the world (from the Tampa Bay Times) - clever. I've only had the Beast (#9) .<br /></li><li>Brew Blog has a roundup of <a href="http://www.brewblog.com/brew/2008/05/brew-news-4.html">earnings reports and beer releases</a> and some other tidbits about some of the macros.</li><li>Looks like the folks at HBG have mixed feelings about the Three Floyds beer dinner at R Bistro. Here's the<a href="http://hoosierbeergeek.blogspot.com/2008/05/r-bistro-marries-three-floyds-recap-of.html"> first post</a>. Here's the <a href="http://hoosierbeergeek.blogspot.com/2008/05/r-bistrothree-floyds-beer-dinner-versus.html">second</a>.</li><li>Looks like Flying Dog is <a href="http://www.flyingdognews.com/2008/05/06/doing-our-best-in-the-hop-shortage/">growing their own hops</a>, partly to offset the hop shortage?</li><li><a href="http://dig-b.blogspot.com/2008/05/beer-this-n-that-on-tap-edition.html">DIG-B</a> has some local tap updates.</li><li><a href="http://www.brewblog.com/brew/2008/05/takeover-rumors.html">Might AB be acquired</a>? Via the Brew Blog.</li><li>Anyone been to Fireside on the south side yet? In addition to hearing about it on <a href="http://mattsbeerblog.blogspot.com/2008/05/fireside-brewhouse.html">Matt's Beer Blog</a>, my barber was telling me about it (she kinda, sorta knows the owner). All indications point to it being a pretty nice place.</li></ul>Alright, that's it for now. See you after 5/17.<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:78%;" ><br /></span>Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014796636109017624.post-61736167524395978722008-05-06T21:30:00.001-04:002008-05-20T22:10:40.080-04:00Left Hand Brewing Company - Warrior IPA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_cMAAUK9u8kc/SCEMR0gZVRI/AAAAAAAAAlc/A4V6xexxp8Y/s1600-h/warrior+ipa+2.bmp"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 29px; height: 112px;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_cMAAUK9u8kc/SCEMR0gZVRI/AAAAAAAAAlc/A4V6xexxp8Y/s320/warrior+ipa+2.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197448945254094098" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">What:</span> <a href="http://www.lefthandbrewing.com/">Left Hand Brewing Company - Warrior IPA</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Style:</span> <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/116">American IPA</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Vessel:</span> Pint Glass<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Price:</span> $5.99 (22 oz. bottle)<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Where:</span> Home<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">When:</span> May 6, 2008<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Rating:</span> 2<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Comments:</span> Before I started this blog I received two beers from Left Hand Brewing Company (Deep Cover and Sawtooth ESB) as part of the Beer of the Month club. I remembered them being pretty good and saw this IPA offering on a stock up trip to the store. This one is what I like out of an IPA - smooth, bitter, and not very sweet. The hop profile isn't very citrus-y, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I do tend to prefer more of a citrus hop flavor (i.e. Hopslam). I'll be adding this one to the rotation (assuming I can find six packs). I didn't notice this on the bottle, but evidently this is a wet hopped beer - probably the best one I've had (not that I've had all that many).<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Ratebeer Link:</span> <a href="http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/left-hand-warrior-ipa/18691/"><span style="font-size:78%;">http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/left-hand-warrior-ipa/18691/</span></a>Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014796636109017624.post-58224976510589149912008-05-04T22:09:00.002-04:002008-05-04T22:19:06.797-04:00Blog Roundup<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"></span>Alright, I've been negligent in posting the last few weeks. In lieu of another News post, here's a post of some blog entries I've enjoyed (now that I've actually had the chance to read them):<br /><ul><li>DIG-B has a <a href="http://dig-b.blogspot.com/2008/05/beer-badaboomz-no-more.html">good update</a> on Bada Boomz downtown.</li><li>Looks like the <a href="http://hoosierbeergeek.blogspot.com/2008/05/photo-recap-carbonation-day-tasting-at.html">Big Car event</a> the Beer Geeks had was a good time.</li><li>Beers of my Life has a <a href="http://bierjournal.blogspot.com/2008/05/schlitz-1960s-recipe.html">review of Schlitz</a> original recipe.<br /></li><li><a href="http://generik420.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns%2160025C41882D90CE%21894.entry">Generik has a great post</a> about what sounds like a hell of a place to have a beer.<br /></li></ul>Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014796636109017624.post-53704600918781475922008-05-04T21:22:00.000-04:002008-05-04T21:27:06.306-04:00Goose Island Beer Co. - Imperial IPA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cMAAUK9u8kc/R-Wxvrtd6BI/AAAAAAAAAa4/h0HHDO2f5VU/s1600-h/Imperial+IPA.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 42px; height: 103px;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cMAAUK9u8kc/R-Wxvrtd6BI/AAAAAAAAAa4/h0HHDO2f5VU/s320/Imperial+IPA.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180742379105019922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">What:</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> </span><a href="http://www.gooseisland.com/beers/beers.asp">Goose Island Beer Co. - Imperial IPA</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Style:</span> </span><a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/140">Imperial IPA</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Vessel:</span> </span>Pint Glass<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Price:</span> $5.29<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Where:</span> Home<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">When: </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">May 4, 2008</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Rating:</span> 3<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br />Comments:</span></span><span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Just got back from a great Sunday dinner of Hollyhock Hill. Best damn fried chicken in the city, if you ask me. What better than a comfort food Sunday dinner with some family from out of town and getting to meet a new addition to the family? Anyway, decided to have a beer and cracked this one open. It's malty, but not overly sweet. It has a very nice hop finish to it. I'm a fan. </span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Ratebeer Link:</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:78%;" > <a href="http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/goose-island-imperial-ipa/21329/">http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/goose-island-imperial-ipa/21329/</a><a href="http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/arrogant-bastard-ale/1315/"></a></span>Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014796636109017624.post-8836003119010513012008-05-04T16:30:00.001-04:002008-05-04T16:43:30.995-04:00Beer News - May 4<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cMAAUK9u8kc/SAK69-fTM1I/AAAAAAAAAis/N7sP55EEZK0/s1600-h/News+Icon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 139px; height: 99px;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cMAAUK9u8kc/SAK69-fTM1I/AAAAAAAAAis/N7sP55EEZK0/s320/News+Icon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188915294593299282" border="0" /></a>Here's the news from the weekend<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">:<br /></span></span><ul><li>Stanford students are <a href="http://www.2beerguys.com/blog/2008/05/02/beer-brewing-101-provided-by-stanford-students/">enjoying home brew</a>.</li><li>Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, here's a Chicago Trib <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/food/chi-mexican-beers-drink-30apr30,0,7739255.story">article on Mexican beers</a>.<br /></li><li>Looks like wine makers are <a href="http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hm5gRK3maWqEJppJ0BObR7ITHV_w">waking up to transport conditions</a> (temperatures). Will craft beer makers follow their lead?</li><li>Looks like the older folks in TN don't like the <a href="http://www.theleafchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080430/NEWS01/804300333/1002/news01">"card everyone" law</a>, and it will probably be changed.</li><li><a href="http://seattlest.com/2008/04/28/the_east_coast.php">Seattle is jealous</a> of the BeerMenu website that just launched in NY. Is this a sign of the times - when will Indy get one (I'm guessing 2014 or so).</li><li>You know craft beer is gaining momentum when the <a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/printedition/food/la-fo-bomintro30apr30,1,4883377.story">LA Times starts a beer of the month</a> feature.<br /></li><li>Are these <a href="http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/features/20080430-9999-1f30sixpack.html">the next big things</a> in brewing?</li><li>The National Restruant Association has listed craft beer as one of the <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=744865">top 10 "hot" items </a>of 2008. Hopefully this will translate to more craft beer available, and more beer dinners.</li><li>Anyone know anything about <a href="http://www.brassmonkeybrewing.com/">Brass Monkey Brewing</a>? <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/news/1348517">Looks like they're getting ready to open up shop in Kokomo, IN</a>.</li><li>Here's another <a href="http://www.caller.com/news/2008/may/01/beer_trends/">article from TX</a> about craft beers and their popularity.</li><li>Anyone been to any of these <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24411928/">beer festivals</a>?</li><li>Vermont has <a href="http://www.boston.com/news/local/vermont/articles/2008/05/02/legislature_broadens_distribution_of_specialty_beer/">passed a law</a> allowing for the sale of higher alcohol beer. Another victory for craft beer.</li><li>Will we <a href="http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/business-16/1209773643166740.xml&storylist=newsmichigan">soon be seeing</a> a <a href="http://www.gcfb.net/">Granite City Food and Brewery</a> here in Indy?<br /></li></ul>Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014796636109017624.post-16959831980309539522008-05-04T15:37:00.004-04:002008-05-04T16:00:20.760-04:00Three Floyd's Brewing Company - Behemoth Barley Wine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_cMAAUK9u8kc/SB4VvkgZVPI/AAAAAAAAAk0/eSoP9CeDB4k/s1600-h/Behemoth+Barley+Wine.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 79px; height: 107px;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_cMAAUK9u8kc/SB4VvkgZVPI/AAAAAAAAAk0/eSoP9CeDB4k/s320/Behemoth+Barley+Wine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196614927029720306" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">What:</span> Three Floyd's Brewing Company - Behemoth Barley Wine<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Style:</span> American Barley Wine<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Vessel:</span> Tulip Glass<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Price:</span> $4.50 (ish - I didn't see a detailed receipt)<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Where:</span> <a href="http://www.hotshotzpub.com/">Hot Shotz Gastropub</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">When:</span> May 3, 2008<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Rating:</span> 2<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Comments:</span> I had time to grab a quick lunch, and decided I was close to Hot Shotz, so why not get a good beer with lunch. I had a great burger, and a great beer. I'm normally not a huge barley wine kind of guy, but I enjoyed this one. It didn't have an overpowering alcohol flavor and it was nice. I'd say give it a try. I wasn't going to until Chris, one of the owners, offered me a free taster of it (and a couple of other beers). That's the benefit of getting there before any crowd starts arriving. I really need to add this place into the rotation. They've got great food, beer and service.<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Ratebeer Link:</span><a href="http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/three-floyds-behemoth-barleywine/6055/"><span style="font-size:78%;">http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/three-floyds-behemoth-barleywine/6055/</span></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:78%;" ><br /></span>Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014796636109017624.post-29867662559395503022008-05-04T15:28:00.002-04:002008-05-04T15:36:23.393-04:00Three Floyd's Brewing Company - Dreadnaught Imperial IPA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cMAAUK9u8kc/SB4P0UgZVOI/AAAAAAAAAks/K15xpZIDae0/s1600-h/3+floyds.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 104px;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cMAAUK9u8kc/SB4P0UgZVOI/AAAAAAAAAks/K15xpZIDae0/s320/3+floyds.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196608411564332258" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">What:</span> <a href="http://www.threefloydspub.com/beermenu.html">Three Floyd's Brewing Company - Dreadnaught Imperial IPA</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Style:</span> <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/140">Imperial IPA</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Vessel:</span> Pint Glass<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Price:</span> $13.00 (22 oz. bottle)<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Where:</span> <a href="http://www.badaboomz.biz/">Bada Boomz Restaurant (Downtown)</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">When:</span> April 25, 2008<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Rating:</span> 3<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Comments:</span> I split this bottle with Brewer McDuff, and I'm not finding many notes on it. I do remember liking it quite a bit. It's defenitely not a session beer, and a little goes a long way. I think I need to give it a whirl again to be able to comment on it more intelligently.<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Ratebeer Link:</span> <a href="http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/three-floyds-dreadnaught-imperial-ipa/8933/"><span style="font-size:78%;">http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/three-floyds-dreadnaught-imperial-ipa/8933/</span></a>Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014796636109017624.post-19213088045301593102008-05-04T15:06:00.004-04:002008-05-04T15:27:13.903-04:00Bada Boomz Downtown - Samplers<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">What:</span> Bada Boomz Sampler<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Vessel:</span> Sampler Glasses<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Price:</span> $9.00<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Where:</span> Bada Boomz Downtown<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">When:</span> April 25, 2008<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Comments:</span> Here's a continuation from <a href="http://brewbits.blogspot.com/2008/05/rock-bottom-restaurant-and-brewery.html">the guy's night</a> I had with Brewer McDuff. After dinner at Rock Bottom, we hit Bada Boomz for some good craft beer. We had a great time, with an entertaining bartender (Christopher). There was also a group of folks who stopped in on their way from Atlanta to DarkLord day (it was the next day). <a href="http://dig-b.blogspot.com/2008/05/beer-badaboomz-no-more.html">For an update on Bada Boomz, check out DIG-B</a>. These are my comments.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Founder's Dry Hopped Pale Ale: </span><br /><br />This was an OK beer. Didn't love it, didn't hate it. It had a bit of a smoky flavor, compared to some of the others we sampled. I also gave it another shot at Hot Shotz on 5/3 during lunch. My opinion hasn't changed.<br /><br />Rating = 4<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mad Anthony IPA:</span><br /><br />This seemed more like a pale ale than an IPA. Having said that, it was nice and hoppy. I'd order it again (and again).<br /><br />Rating = 3<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bell's Hopslam:</span><br /><br />Yeah, I really like this beer. The hand pull adds another dimension to it.<br /><br />Rating = 1<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA:</span><br /><br />It seemed to have a smoky aftertaste, similar to the Founder's. It also seemed to have a nutty flavor. I was enjoying it until the aftertaste kicked in. I really didn't like how it finished.<br /><br />Rating = 4<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stone IPA:</span><br /><br />I enjoyed this one quite a bit. It was smooth and hoppy. It really seemed to smooth out at the end also. A very nice finish.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bell's Oberon:</span><br /><br />As the bartender, Chris, said - this is just like Blue Moon, but everyone loves it just because it's Bells. I wasn't crazy about this year's offering. There just wasn't too much to it. It tasted a bit like a lager to me. (For the record we sampled all the IPAs after all the non-IPAs).<br /><br />Rating = 5<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Red Hook CopperHook:</span><br /><br />The mouth feel on this was a bit slimy, but not necessarily in a bad way. It seems a bit like Budweiser, but more "funky" (in a weird way). I don't think I'd get this again.<br /><br />Rating = 5<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Abita Turbo Dog:</span><br /><br />I didn't write down too many notes 0n this one. I might need to give it another chance. My notes say "nutty, watery, but smooth".<br /><br />Rating = 4 (with a 3 scratched out)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Brugge's Triple De Riple:</span><br /><br />I really like this beer. It was pretty solid, but not as good as I remembered it being. Having said that, it was still one of the best of the night.<br /><br />Rating = 2<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3 Floyd's Gumball Head:</span><br /><br />This had a nice floral hop profile for a wheat beer. It also had a nice hoppy flavor. Pretty good.<br /><br />Rating = 3<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Founder's Devil Dancer Triple IPA:</span><br /><br />Christopher, the bartender, was nice enough to let us sample this one. He was raving about it. It was pretty good. It's an extremely complex beer. It had a nice hop profile, but it was also scotchy, warm and buttery. Evidently the only places this is on tap is at Founder's and at Bada Boomz (although they were almost out of it at Bada Boomz).<br /><br />Rating = 3<span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"></span>Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029455894477312688noreply@blogger.com3