In my experiences, few things can beat a lively conversation in the Spanish language with a beautiful french girl in an Irish pub while enjoying the pint she just bought you, and when the pint is a Double Stout Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale, thatś just a cherry on top if you catch my drift.
Red in color, and smoother than a rootbeer float, Kilkenny ranks immediately near the top of any beers list. I found itś flavor mild, its aftertaste delicious and its composition sooooo easy, just so fucking easy. I also found that i could drink them down in a moments notice, just so i could start drinking another one. Shoot me if you want, but Kilkenny takes a Guinness, slaps it in the face, kicks it down the stairs and throws the empty pint glass down on it just for good measure. let that be a lesson.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Fun Fact Friday!
Good Friday to everyone, especially those who get the three day weekend! WOO Labour Day! For this weeks fun facts I was very torn between two topics: Political Party Conventions, and College Football. Since only the Dems have had their convention, I'm going to save that bad boy for next week, and celebrate the beginning of college football this week. Horay!
For those who are as excited for college football as I am, last night was like Christmas Eve, you got a taste of what's to come but still haven't got to the big day (unless you're a weirdo and open your presents on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas Day. What's your problem?). So since I'm a West-Coaster born and raised, and am filled with East-Coast bias conspiracies, I'm gonna focus on the left side of the nation as much as possible. Suck it Mark May.
The Pac-10 currently supports 22 sports, and their headquarters are at Walnut Creek, California. The largest school in the Pac-10 by enrollment numbers is Arizona State with over 64 thousand students. When the conference was first established in 1915 there were only four schools: Cal, Oregon, Oregon State, and Washington. It did not become the Pac-10 conference until 1978 when it added the two Arizona schools to its repertoire. Since there are at least two schools in the conference in each state, there are a couple of infamous inter-boarder rivalries. The winner of the Big Game between Cal and Stanford wins the Stanford Axe, Washington and Washington State fight in the Apple Cup, Arizona and Arizona State battle it out for the Territorial Cup in the Duel in the Desert, the winner of USC-UCLA gets the Victory Bell, and last but definitely not least the two Oregon schools play in the Civil War for the recently recovered Platypus Trophy.
With today's Bowl system some old timers claim that it ruins the meaning of the postseason to have so many bowls. Some are named the San Diego Community Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, and the Gaylord (not Focker) Hotels Bowl, which gives them a legitamite argument. While there are around thirty-two bowls, only fourteen different states host bowls, including one bowl in Canada! California, Texas, and Florida are the three biggest sites for bowls. The first bowl game was played in 1902, which pitted the University of Michigan and Stanford University. It was at the Rose Bowl and Michigan won 49-0, being the last time a Big Ten(Eleven) team won a big time bowl game. OH SNAP!
Have a lovely weekend, and rejoice, football is back.
For those who are as excited for college football as I am, last night was like Christmas Eve, you got a taste of what's to come but still haven't got to the big day (unless you're a weirdo and open your presents on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas Day. What's your problem?). So since I'm a West-Coaster born and raised, and am filled with East-Coast bias conspiracies, I'm gonna focus on the left side of the nation as much as possible. Suck it Mark May.
The Pac-10 currently supports 22 sports, and their headquarters are at Walnut Creek, California. The largest school in the Pac-10 by enrollment numbers is Arizona State with over 64 thousand students. When the conference was first established in 1915 there were only four schools: Cal, Oregon, Oregon State, and Washington. It did not become the Pac-10 conference until 1978 when it added the two Arizona schools to its repertoire. Since there are at least two schools in the conference in each state, there are a couple of infamous inter-boarder rivalries. The winner of the Big Game between Cal and Stanford wins the Stanford Axe, Washington and Washington State fight in the Apple Cup, Arizona and Arizona State battle it out for the Territorial Cup in the Duel in the Desert, the winner of USC-UCLA gets the Victory Bell, and last but definitely not least the two Oregon schools play in the Civil War for the recently recovered Platypus Trophy.
With today's Bowl system some old timers claim that it ruins the meaning of the postseason to have so many bowls. Some are named the San Diego Community Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, and the Gaylord (not Focker) Hotels Bowl, which gives them a legitamite argument. While there are around thirty-two bowls, only fourteen different states host bowls, including one bowl in Canada! California, Texas, and Florida are the three biggest sites for bowls. The first bowl game was played in 1902, which pitted the University of Michigan and Stanford University. It was at the Rose Bowl and Michigan won 49-0, being the last time a Big Ten(Eleven) team won a big time bowl game. OH SNAP!
Have a lovely weekend, and rejoice, football is back.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Big Swell IPA
Another craft from the Maui Brewing Company has me dreaming of the islands and the ocean, again. While when it comes to taste the two are different (this IPA and the Bikini Blonde I sampled earlier), the art on the can is in the same category of bitchin'. The shadow of the anonymous surfer with tower-sized waves dominating the picture reminds any avid surfer of Eddie Aikau, and creates a yearning to go sit in a line up regardless of how great the waves are.
But about the beer (probably the reason as to why you are here), it is really a fantastic IPA. Very smooth, and while I fancy myself a beer snob and do the whole smelling of the beer even if I haven't had any instruction, it really smells like some phenomenal, island grown hops. That had me wondering however, because I know to grow hops there are very specific weather conditions (one of the reasons why Oregon is an exceptionable place to make beer), and I was curious as to whether they imported the hops. Regardless, the hop taste is simple yet delicious. It doesn't try to be too elitist by mixing five different types of hops while making it a high gravity yada yada yada, and all of that madness. I wouldn't recommend it to a beginning beer drinker based on that most don't like IPAs much, but for those who want to expand their beer-rizon, this is an excellent choice.
I am really enamored with this beer. While each sip in incredibly consistent, it really just projects thoughts of left to right breaks, where the barrels are lasting the length of the beach,all the while curling so gently to drip on the surface of the water. If you can't tell, it's been waaaaay too long since I've hit the ocean.
Word to your Mother.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Fun Fact Friday!
I've got another history lesson for todays fun fact, this time dealing with revolutions! Todays date in 1791 marked the first day of the Haitian Revolution. For those who are familiar with generic revolutionary history, you will know that the French revolution began in 1789. And if you have studied the Enlightenment era, you would know that Haiti was a French colony known as Saint-Domingue. If you're sensing that I'm going to tie these statements together, well then give yourself a pat on the back, you're quite the attentive reader!
During the years of their revolution, the French held meetings to help guide the Kings decisions known as the National Assembly. However, these meetings of the Assembly tended to have a radical sense of mind in the opinion of the wealthy back then. In late August of 1789, the Assembly published "Declaration of the Rights of Man" demanding equal treatment for all. Since Saint-Domingue was a French Colony, what the Assembly generated and produced was for the people of the colony as well. Thus, since the King wasn't allowed to make the lowest class pay multiple taxes along with working in horrible conditions, there was no way the slaves of Saint-Domingue were going to accept their current positions.
The reason why the Haitian Revolution is such an interesting topic, is because it is the only revolt that was successful during this period that was lead by slaves. They eventually became an independant nation in the year of 1804. Toussaint Louverture, the main leader of the slaves, had seen many battles before this one. He fought the Spanish Crown, and the English on separate occasions. He fought the English in favor of the French, believing that the French would not turn the island into a slave colony.
The Revolution inspired many, most notably in American slave history, Nat Turner. Turner was a self educated, religious man who instigated the most successful slave revolt in the United States. Turner lead around 50 other blacks to attack certain white, slave owning houses killing every man, woman, and child who accepted slavery as a legitimate practice. However, Turners revolt was not nearly as successful as its Haitian comparison because of a lack of ability to communicate and loyalty among the other revolutionaries.
Well that wraps it up for the history lesson. Have a safe weekend and we'll see you next week. Oh and as long as I am posting, Doug and Pat are in the midst of traveling to their next homes, so it may be a while before you hear from them. But I'll continue with the postings, so that should keep you coming back for more, right? RIGHT?
During the years of their revolution, the French held meetings to help guide the Kings decisions known as the National Assembly. However, these meetings of the Assembly tended to have a radical sense of mind in the opinion of the wealthy back then. In late August of 1789, the Assembly published "Declaration of the Rights of Man" demanding equal treatment for all. Since Saint-Domingue was a French Colony, what the Assembly generated and produced was for the people of the colony as well. Thus, since the King wasn't allowed to make the lowest class pay multiple taxes along with working in horrible conditions, there was no way the slaves of Saint-Domingue were going to accept their current positions.
The reason why the Haitian Revolution is such an interesting topic, is because it is the only revolt that was successful during this period that was lead by slaves. They eventually became an independant nation in the year of 1804. Toussaint Louverture, the main leader of the slaves, had seen many battles before this one. He fought the Spanish Crown, and the English on separate occasions. He fought the English in favor of the French, believing that the French would not turn the island into a slave colony.
The Revolution inspired many, most notably in American slave history, Nat Turner. Turner was a self educated, religious man who instigated the most successful slave revolt in the United States. Turner lead around 50 other blacks to attack certain white, slave owning houses killing every man, woman, and child who accepted slavery as a legitimate practice. However, Turners revolt was not nearly as successful as its Haitian comparison because of a lack of ability to communicate and loyalty among the other revolutionaries.
Well that wraps it up for the history lesson. Have a safe weekend and we'll see you next week. Oh and as long as I am posting, Doug and Pat are in the midst of traveling to their next homes, so it may be a while before you hear from them. But I'll continue with the postings, so that should keep you coming back for more, right? RIGHT?
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Schwag Light Lager
Ah the good ol' Schwag. This light lager is about the only light lager I will consider drinking. I'm sorry but Bud light and the rest of those are just shitty, don't try to argue. The reason why I will drink it is because the local brewery Ninkasi makes it. For those of you who don't know Ninkasi I pity you. They piss excellence. If you've never had a Ninkasi brew and one day find an opportunity to enjoy one, do yourself a favor I guarantee you will not regret it.
Now as much as I love my Ninkasi selections, and the Schwag itself, this giant mug at Max's was very bitter sweet. The beer was as refreshing and crisp as always. Clear as a desert's morning (jacked lyric from Paper Bird, check'em out), it truly is the king of all light lagers. But this was the last board meeting between us Beermigos before my brethren moved away. And un-like other light lagers, the light wheat taste stuck around the entire mug swig after swig, until the last gulp. While I wish the beer would've lasted forever thus forcing the beermigos to camp out in our window spot at cozy ol' Max's, it did not.
When finally coming to our 'See ya laters' I began crying like a sorority girl, who's dress had been ruined on the way to the Barn Dance. While this evening was not a goodbye, Doug and Pat will be moving to Chicago and Spain, respectively. This creates a huge strain not only in my heart, but monday night bingos at Sam Bonds as well. I realize, in a cliche sense, that all good things must come to an end, but it doesn't mean that I wont miss sitting on Pat's roof, going to Prom themed parties in jeans and a t-shirt, the 'Prose before Hos' shirt, and the epic runs in beerpong. So to you guys, Proust, and enjoy your journeys. I'm sure that the characters that you will befriend will consider themselves as blessed as I have to be accompanied by you two, dare I say, gentlemen.
Now as much as I love my Ninkasi selections, and the Schwag itself, this giant mug at Max's was very bitter sweet. The beer was as refreshing and crisp as always. Clear as a desert's morning (jacked lyric from Paper Bird, check'em out), it truly is the king of all light lagers. But this was the last board meeting between us Beermigos before my brethren moved away. And un-like other light lagers, the light wheat taste stuck around the entire mug swig after swig, until the last gulp. While I wish the beer would've lasted forever thus forcing the beermigos to camp out in our window spot at cozy ol' Max's, it did not.
When finally coming to our 'See ya laters' I began crying like a sorority girl, who's dress had been ruined on the way to the Barn Dance. While this evening was not a goodbye, Doug and Pat will be moving to Chicago and Spain, respectively. This creates a huge strain not only in my heart, but monday night bingos at Sam Bonds as well. I realize, in a cliche sense, that all good things must come to an end, but it doesn't mean that I wont miss sitting on Pat's roof, going to Prom themed parties in jeans and a t-shirt, the 'Prose before Hos' shirt, and the epic runs in beerpong. So to you guys, Proust, and enjoy your journeys. I'm sure that the characters that you will befriend will consider themselves as blessed as I have to be accompanied by you two, dare I say, gentlemen.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Fun Fact Friday!
Good afternoon Ladies and Gents. Hope everything is going well in your life, right now the Olympics are going on and it's absolutely beautiful. I love the competition, and the patriotism it brings around the world. If you haven't seen the 4x100 IM swimming relay, stop whatever you're doing and look it up, simply amazing.
So our random facts this week are inspired by the four year wonder that is the Olympics. How the games started are debated quite often. Some believe they were started by Heracles to appease Zeus, while others believe it was started based on the Greek ideal of Olympic truce. For those who believe in the Heracles story, once he finished building the Olympic stadium, he ran in a straight line for 400 steps. This was the measurement the competitive field was supposed to be, and why one lap around the track is 400 meters.
While which fact you want to take is up to your opinion, there is something about these games that is non-debatable. Michael Phelps is a golden God in the US right now. He set the all-time record for most gold medals won in the modern era. However there is one record that he will not beat, considering he's said this is his last games. The greatest Olympic athlete of the old days was a wrestler by the name of Milo of Croton, who scored a victory in six different games, the only person in history to achieve that milestone. Suck it Dara Torres (competing in her fifth games, a Women's American Swimming record)!
One last tid-bit of my ranting. The pre-games tradition of carrying the torch from Olympia to the host city by runners was first implemented by the Germans in 1936 to promote their National Socialist party. Have a safe, fun weekend and we'll put up some pictures of our Tour de Fat experience.
So our random facts this week are inspired by the four year wonder that is the Olympics. How the games started are debated quite often. Some believe they were started by Heracles to appease Zeus, while others believe it was started based on the Greek ideal of Olympic truce. For those who believe in the Heracles story, once he finished building the Olympic stadium, he ran in a straight line for 400 steps. This was the measurement the competitive field was supposed to be, and why one lap around the track is 400 meters.
While which fact you want to take is up to your opinion, there is something about these games that is non-debatable. Michael Phelps is a golden God in the US right now. He set the all-time record for most gold medals won in the modern era. However there is one record that he will not beat, considering he's said this is his last games. The greatest Olympic athlete of the old days was a wrestler by the name of Milo of Croton, who scored a victory in six different games, the only person in history to achieve that milestone. Suck it Dara Torres (competing in her fifth games, a Women's American Swimming record)!
One last tid-bit of my ranting. The pre-games tradition of carrying the torch from Olympia to the host city by runners was first implemented by the Germans in 1936 to promote their National Socialist party. Have a safe, fun weekend and we'll put up some pictures of our Tour de Fat experience.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Skinny Dip
While this is not a new beer for myself, I always find it a good selection while wetting my whistle at Rennie's. However last night I was enjoying the brew while watching the four year spectacle that is known as the Olympics.
The event that was on was the synchronized diving. I'm not sure at what height they were jumping, but it was high enough to be a platform, so it was a heighth you definitely wouldn't want to land awkwardly into the water from. I'll admit it, my diving spectatorship comes around every four years during the olympics, so I'm usually in shock and awe at the crazy flips and how little of splash they make.
I also couldn't help but to think how much more interesting synchronized diving would be after adding the title of the New Belgium Brewing Company product I was drinking. My pervertedness digresses. The beer is a good summer time amber because it has a nice caramel taste to it like a good amber should, but at the same time it's very crisp and fairly light compared to other ambers. It isn't a beer that you would sit with for a while and try to understand it's complexity, but is perfect when hanging out with beer-migos of your own, or on a hot summer night and want that amber ale taste.
P.S. Just in case anyone is reading out there, Pat, Doug, and myself will be attending the Tour de Fat up in Portland on Saturday. In case you aren't sure what it is, it's an even that New Belgium Brewing Company puts on in different western US cities that is a bicycle festival with merrymaking after words. There are elaborate costumes and bikes, so it should be a rockin' ass good time.
The event that was on was the synchronized diving. I'm not sure at what height they were jumping, but it was high enough to be a platform, so it was a heighth you definitely wouldn't want to land awkwardly into the water from. I'll admit it, my diving spectatorship comes around every four years during the olympics, so I'm usually in shock and awe at the crazy flips and how little of splash they make.
I also couldn't help but to think how much more interesting synchronized diving would be after adding the title of the New Belgium Brewing Company product I was drinking. My pervertedness digresses. The beer is a good summer time amber because it has a nice caramel taste to it like a good amber should, but at the same time it's very crisp and fairly light compared to other ambers. It isn't a beer that you would sit with for a while and try to understand it's complexity, but is perfect when hanging out with beer-migos of your own, or on a hot summer night and want that amber ale taste.
P.S. Just in case anyone is reading out there, Pat, Doug, and myself will be attending the Tour de Fat up in Portland on Saturday. In case you aren't sure what it is, it's an even that New Belgium Brewing Company puts on in different western US cities that is a bicycle festival with merrymaking after words. There are elaborate costumes and bikes, so it should be a rockin' ass good time.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Heaven on earth
Organic used to be a term that designated food grown on a commune from food found freeze dried on supermarket shelves. Slowly, it became a more common expression that seperated expensive tomatos from normal tomatos. Then, then it became an American cultural phenomenon spawing organic as environmentally conscious, organic as political, organic as social resistance.
At Deschutes Brewery, I don't think they fucking care about any of that. They just want to make good beer and their Green Lakes Organic Ale is is most premium. It isn't so much that each of the malted barleys they use is USDA certified organic, it's that they had the foresight to blend five different barleys to make one beer. It isn't so much that the hops were grown in such a way as leave less of an impact on the earth, it's that the choice of two specific hops is different from other beers, and they care enough to specify. It isn't the pure, unfiltered crisp cascade water that tastes so delicious, but the way in which it compliments and accentuates the other ingredients. And it isn't so much that this beer is good for the planet, it's just good.
Flavor-wise, Green Lakes Organic Ale is rich and brisk. It goes down smooth, it feels healthy and refreshing and it doesn't taste like dirt or a love-child of Mother Earth. It tastes like a carefully crafted amber ale, treated with respect and determination. It tastes like it you shouldn't be able to buy it at a 7-11. It tastes like heaven on earth.
And it's organic.
peace.
Pat
At Deschutes Brewery, I don't think they fucking care about any of that. They just want to make good beer and their Green Lakes Organic Ale is is most premium. It isn't so much that each of the malted barleys they use is USDA certified organic, it's that they had the foresight to blend five different barleys to make one beer. It isn't so much that the hops were grown in such a way as leave less of an impact on the earth, it's that the choice of two specific hops is different from other beers, and they care enough to specify. It isn't the pure, unfiltered crisp cascade water that tastes so delicious, but the way in which it compliments and accentuates the other ingredients. And it isn't so much that this beer is good for the planet, it's just good.
Flavor-wise, Green Lakes Organic Ale is rich and brisk. It goes down smooth, it feels healthy and refreshing and it doesn't taste like dirt or a love-child of Mother Earth. It tastes like a carefully crafted amber ale, treated with respect and determination. It tastes like it you shouldn't be able to buy it at a 7-11. It tastes like heaven on earth.
And it's organic.
peace.
Pat
Friday, August 8, 2008
Fun Fact Friday!
This week's edition of fun facts comes from the wonderful world of sports. In case you don't follow sports, or live by Walden pond, my dear old number 4, Brett Favre was traded to the Jets. Here he will be looking to make completions to Laveranues Coles, and Jerricho Cotchery, while making middle aged women excited in their mom jeans (http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/mom-jeans/229048/). But, do you know who Favre's first completion was to? Believe it or not, it was to himself for a gain of negative seven yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1992.
Another nugget I heard today was that this is the first time in 102 years (1906, Yikes!), that both the Chicago Cubs and White Sox have been in first place, this late in the season. Man, if your in Chicago use this to your advantage: "baby, both the north and south side squads are in first. What do you say that we keep the run scoring going, and both hit a home run tonight, if you know what I mean?" Seriously, if anyone has the number to a good shrink, it would probably help mankind.
Have a safe, awesome weekend and one more week till merrymaking in Portland!
Another nugget I heard today was that this is the first time in 102 years (1906, Yikes!), that both the Chicago Cubs and White Sox have been in first place, this late in the season. Man, if your in Chicago use this to your advantage: "baby, both the north and south side squads are in first. What do you say that we keep the run scoring going, and both hit a home run tonight, if you know what I mean?" Seriously, if anyone has the number to a good shrink, it would probably help mankind.
Have a safe, awesome weekend and one more week till merrymaking in Portland!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Blue Moon Belgian White Belgian-Style Wheat Ale
It was a summer afternoon that was slowly transitioning into the evening and was hammock was calling my name. Before I could relax I did all the things necessary; picked up my book, gave the local stray cat a can of tuna to nip on, made a sandwich and grabbed a beer. As I sipped on the first brew from my six pack of Blue Moon I dozed off for a few minutes. When I awoke I finished the first and promptly grabbed another.
As I lay there I thought about all the things that I have enjoyed over these last few years. I thought about good house parties with many friends, fooling around in the dorms, football and basketball games, one on one conversations with many good friends, rooftop parties, bingo at Sam Bond's, kickin it at the river, porch gatherings, quint get together's and even the silly dramatic events and arguments that came up over and over again. I thought about how different and unique these experiences were, how important they have been to me and how much I am going to miss them when I move.
The style of this beer doesn't relate much to my thoughts while drinking it but looking back in some ways it does. I thought of all the things that have occurred over the last 4 years and all of the different situations. When I think of Blue Moon Belgian White Wheat Ale there is no situation where I feel it doesn't apply. It has a perfect balance of malt and hops with an unbelievably creamy smooth finish. This light spicy citrus flavor is from a combination of white wheat, oats, coriander and orange peel. It can be consumed from a bottle, a glass, paired with an orange a lemon or without. Just one or many is always a good call with Blue Moon. This beer can be had with all of the situations that I mentioned as well as many more. It is very universal, one of my favorites and it comes with only the highest recommendation from me. It was the perfect beer to enjoy while relaxing and thinking of fond memories.
It was a summer afternoon that was slowly transitioning into the evening and was hammock was calling my name. Before I could relax I did all the things necessary; picked up my book, gave the local stray cat a can of tuna to nip on, made a sandwich and grabbed a beer. As I sipped on the first brew from my six pack of Blue Moon I dozed off for a few minutes. When I awoke I finished the first and promptly grabbed another.
As I lay there I thought about all the things that I have enjoyed over these last few years. I thought about good house parties with many friends, fooling around in the dorms, football and basketball games, one on one conversations with many good friends, rooftop parties, bingo at Sam Bond's, kickin it at the river, porch gatherings, quint get together's and even the silly dramatic events and arguments that came up over and over again. I thought about how different and unique these experiences were, how important they have been to me and how much I am going to miss them when I move.
The style of this beer doesn't relate much to my thoughts while drinking it but looking back in some ways it does. I thought of all the things that have occurred over the last 4 years and all of the different situations. When I think of Blue Moon Belgian White Wheat Ale there is no situation where I feel it doesn't apply. It has a perfect balance of malt and hops with an unbelievably creamy smooth finish. This light spicy citrus flavor is from a combination of white wheat, oats, coriander and orange peel. It can be consumed from a bottle, a glass, paired with an orange a lemon or without. Just one or many is always a good call with Blue Moon. This beer can be had with all of the situations that I mentioned as well as many more. It is very universal, one of my favorites and it comes with only the highest recommendation from me. It was the perfect beer to enjoy while relaxing and thinking of fond memories.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Bitch Creek
There are very few things that I appreciate as much as beer, and consider myself a connoisseur of the field: playgrounds, cheeseburgers, and hiking routes are a few. However, front porches are a hidden passion of mine. As weird as it may sound, whenever I see one, I just want to run up to it and take a seat, feel the aura or the Feng Shui if you will. While tonight I didn't have a porch I did have a roof, and sitting out on my special lady friend's roof while sipping away at this beer was a real treat.
Today was very warm, but has really cooled down tonight, making it good weather for any kind of beer. This summer I've been fixated on lighter beers because it's been pretty warm and muggy. Because of the break from the heat tonight, I decided to kick the blonde, pilsner, and other lager tendency to go with a new, heavier beer.
After browsing the lovely beer library known affectionately as Hilly's, I knew I had to try this beer from the Grand Teton Brewing Company once I saw the name. I know, I know, how consumerist of me to be suckered in by the marketing on the bottle, but with a name like Bitch Creek, can you blame me?
This ale is an ESB from the beautiful city of Jackson Hole(which a little tid-bit, is truly a natural beauty of a town. I've been there once when I was younger, and did not posses the appreciation for nature that I have know, but remember it being a very unique mountain town. There are very few places now a days where you have to change your run path because there's a buffalo in the middle of your path). It was quite delicious, at first it didn't have the typical bitter taste that one would expect from an ESB. But as I sat on the roof, listening to the minor league baseball game off in the distance, I could feel the bitterness begin to slowly gnaw it's prescience on to my taste buds, yet change to a strong malty, smooth finish. Bitch Creek was quite an interesting brew, because with each sip it showed its true flavor more, and more. I liken the ale to that guy/girl that you grew up with who always seemed alright, but didn't talk much. But once you got into a rare situation where you were one-on-one with the shy guy/gal, and really started to open up, they ended being an incredibly deep and interesting person.
Today was very warm, but has really cooled down tonight, making it good weather for any kind of beer. This summer I've been fixated on lighter beers because it's been pretty warm and muggy. Because of the break from the heat tonight, I decided to kick the blonde, pilsner, and other lager tendency to go with a new, heavier beer.
After browsing the lovely beer library known affectionately as Hilly's, I knew I had to try this beer from the Grand Teton Brewing Company once I saw the name. I know, I know, how consumerist of me to be suckered in by the marketing on the bottle, but with a name like Bitch Creek, can you blame me?
This ale is an ESB from the beautiful city of Jackson Hole(which a little tid-bit, is truly a natural beauty of a town. I've been there once when I was younger, and did not posses the appreciation for nature that I have know, but remember it being a very unique mountain town. There are very few places now a days where you have to change your run path because there's a buffalo in the middle of your path). It was quite delicious, at first it didn't have the typical bitter taste that one would expect from an ESB. But as I sat on the roof, listening to the minor league baseball game off in the distance, I could feel the bitterness begin to slowly gnaw it's prescience on to my taste buds, yet change to a strong malty, smooth finish. Bitch Creek was quite an interesting brew, because with each sip it showed its true flavor more, and more. I liken the ale to that guy/girl that you grew up with who always seemed alright, but didn't talk much. But once you got into a rare situation where you were one-on-one with the shy guy/gal, and really started to open up, they ended being an incredibly deep and interesting person.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Newcastle Brown Ale
It was a cool summer evening. A t-shirt, jeans and my Teva's were the attire for night. A fellow beermigo and I were looking for a beer and a new scenery at the bar Villard Street Pub that we had never been to but had only heard positive things about. Unfortunately to our dismay that bar had closed early for the night. We continued our pursuit while talking of life, changes, the future, friends and of course...beautiful women.
We then came to a for in the road in the night. Continue on to the right to the familiar McMennamen's or go left to Tom's Market to grab a beer and go to a local park that we don't regularly use for recreation. Tom's and a park bench was the decision. While in Tom's I was thinking about how their selection would appease my appetite. When choosing a beer I usually make sure to look at all the options rather than what just first jumps out to me. After a thorough run through I decided on a simple choice and one that I hadn't had in a while, Newcastle Brown Ale. It had been a couple of years since this particular brew so it was a different choice than usual.
As we sat on the bench perched at the top of the park, looking at the dark night casting its shadow on the light green field, blocked off from the street by the surrounding bushes and shrubbery I couldn't help but think about how surprisingly delicious this beer was. I had always remembered that Newcastle Brown Ale was good but with each sip it got better and better. It had a sweet malty taste but was not too overpowering. There weren't many hops so this beer is all about that perfect malt balance. The nutty brown flavor that is standard with this beer also gives a great compliment to the malty flavor. Overall you get a flavorful beer that is not too filling to slug down a generous portion of. This is the type of beer that yo could drink just one of and be pleasantly surprised or you could drink multiple of over the long haul of a merrymaking night without being disappointed. This beer's celebrity profile is Tina Fey. It's not the first choice when choosing but when you drink it all in you are pleasantly surprised. With each sip it grows on you more and more and you find yourself thinking, "Why don't I choose this beer more often? I really like this beer a lot." So next time you're out drinking and nothing jumps out to you right away, try a Newcastle Brown Ale and see what you think.
- Doug
It was a cool summer evening. A t-shirt, jeans and my Teva's were the attire for night. A fellow beermigo and I were looking for a beer and a new scenery at the bar Villard Street Pub that we had never been to but had only heard positive things about. Unfortunately to our dismay that bar had closed early for the night. We continued our pursuit while talking of life, changes, the future, friends and of course...beautiful women.
We then came to a for in the road in the night. Continue on to the right to the familiar McMennamen's or go left to Tom's Market to grab a beer and go to a local park that we don't regularly use for recreation. Tom's and a park bench was the decision. While in Tom's I was thinking about how their selection would appease my appetite. When choosing a beer I usually make sure to look at all the options rather than what just first jumps out to me. After a thorough run through I decided on a simple choice and one that I hadn't had in a while, Newcastle Brown Ale. It had been a couple of years since this particular brew so it was a different choice than usual.
As we sat on the bench perched at the top of the park, looking at the dark night casting its shadow on the light green field, blocked off from the street by the surrounding bushes and shrubbery I couldn't help but think about how surprisingly delicious this beer was. I had always remembered that Newcastle Brown Ale was good but with each sip it got better and better. It had a sweet malty taste but was not too overpowering. There weren't many hops so this beer is all about that perfect malt balance. The nutty brown flavor that is standard with this beer also gives a great compliment to the malty flavor. Overall you get a flavorful beer that is not too filling to slug down a generous portion of. This is the type of beer that yo could drink just one of and be pleasantly surprised or you could drink multiple of over the long haul of a merrymaking night without being disappointed. This beer's celebrity profile is Tina Fey. It's not the first choice when choosing but when you drink it all in you are pleasantly surprised. With each sip it grows on you more and more and you find yourself thinking, "Why don't I choose this beer more often? I really like this beer a lot." So next time you're out drinking and nothing jumps out to you right away, try a Newcastle Brown Ale and see what you think.
- Doug
Friday, August 1, 2008
Fun Fact Friday!
Our weekly nugget of useless trivia comes from our Nordic friends, the Vikings. Back in their hay-day, these crazy bastards would take breaks from battle to drink some delicious ale, then continue their battle. But, after drinking their beer, and feeling a little more daring, they would typically go back into battle without armor, allowing their chests to glare violently in the sun. This is where our English word berserk comes from; in the Norse language it meant "without a shirt." Considering they were going back into war sans armour, I believe our definition of berserk is a little better, seeing as these Vikings were, for a lack of better terms, bat-shit crazy.
So if you happen to go berserk this weekend, do so safely and raise a pint to the crazed shirtless men that brought you this vocab.
So if you happen to go berserk this weekend, do so safely and raise a pint to the crazed shirtless men that brought you this vocab.
BELATED BEER RESUME
I am the third and final participant of this blog and I have taken my sweet sweet time to begin this blogging and tasting journey. Don't let my timing put you off, I enjoy and appreciate a relaxing cold brew as much as these two gentlemen that have come before me.
Let's start at the beginning. I remember my first taste of beer was when I was a youngster in the beginning years of elementary school. Like all good young men my journey began with my father. We were sitting around the kitchen table on a relaxing weekend day and for some reason still unknown to me my Dad was drinking a Sharp's non-alcoholic beer. I asked him for a sip and he told me that I probably would not like it. He was correct. I have not had a Sharp's beer since then and I feel confident in saying that I probably wouldn't like it today, but for different reasons.
My regular consumption of beer took its course in high school and blossomed into what it is today in college. I like all types and kinds of beer because they each provide a different refreshing feeling that fit specific moods but I generally prefer a malty beer with less hops that's not too heavy and not too light. A nice light brown color with a moderately nutty flavor hits the spot on most occasions for me. My favorites are New Belgium products, Blue Moon products, Deschutes Brewery products, Rogue Brewery products and Samuel Adams products are slowly growing on me. My single favorite beer would have to be a simple ice cold Rolling Rock on a humid day.
To whom it may concern, I look forward to this journey and exploration of describing my beer adventures that I am about to embark on. I sincerely hope you do as well.
-Douglas B Weil
I am the third and final participant of this blog and I have taken my sweet sweet time to begin this blogging and tasting journey. Don't let my timing put you off, I enjoy and appreciate a relaxing cold brew as much as these two gentlemen that have come before me.
Let's start at the beginning. I remember my first taste of beer was when I was a youngster in the beginning years of elementary school. Like all good young men my journey began with my father. We were sitting around the kitchen table on a relaxing weekend day and for some reason still unknown to me my Dad was drinking a Sharp's non-alcoholic beer. I asked him for a sip and he told me that I probably would not like it. He was correct. I have not had a Sharp's beer since then and I feel confident in saying that I probably wouldn't like it today, but for different reasons.
My regular consumption of beer took its course in high school and blossomed into what it is today in college. I like all types and kinds of beer because they each provide a different refreshing feeling that fit specific moods but I generally prefer a malty beer with less hops that's not too heavy and not too light. A nice light brown color with a moderately nutty flavor hits the spot on most occasions for me. My favorites are New Belgium products, Blue Moon products, Deschutes Brewery products, Rogue Brewery products and Samuel Adams products are slowly growing on me. My single favorite beer would have to be a simple ice cold Rolling Rock on a humid day.
To whom it may concern, I look forward to this journey and exploration of describing my beer adventures that I am about to embark on. I sincerely hope you do as well.
-Douglas B Weil
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