School me on GOOD BEER!

[sirgonzo420]

I've never been a big drinker by any stretch - not even as a teenager ;D (except that for the past year or so I've been into making/drinking mead), and my only forays into beer have consisted of cheap, mass produced American beers (Bud, Miller, Natural Light, etc) and Red Stripe. I may have had others at times, but nothing really that left me thinking "now THAT is a good beer!".

If my basic understanding is correct, there are two main types of beer - ales and lagers. Having said that, I don't know a stout from a pale ale or a porter from a hefeweizen!

I know some of you all are beer connoisseurs; anyone care to school me on "Good Beer 101"?

[hoarder]

I used to drink lot's of it. Now I call it "carbonated formeldahyde beverage". Mountain well water is hard to beat.

[mamboni]

Summer and Spring: Sam Adams Summer Ale
Fall and Winter: Bass Ale

For me, these are the two best beers.

[messianicdruid]

Scientists have recently found evidence that estrogen is present in some of the foods we consume. …red clover, yucca, hops and motherwort demonstrated significantly higher growth than control, indicating possible estrogenic effects.
Hop is one of the four key ingredients in beer. Thus, if estrogen is present in hops, it will be present in beer unless the distilling process manages to eliminate it. If estrogen is present in beer, males who imbibe beer may start displaying feminine characteristics.

To test this theory, 100 men were provided with nine 12 ounce cans of beer within one hour. It was then observed that 100% of the subjects:

gained weight
talked excessively without making sense
became overly emotional
could not drive very well
failed to think rationally
argued over nothing
had to sit down to urinate


No further testing was considered necessary. Male beer drinkers should take a concerned look at their beer consumption.
http://www.solport.com/roundtable/archives/001150.php

[uranian]

never been much of a drinker myself, but there's a belgian white beer i always buy if i see, hoegaarden (http://www.hoegaarden.org.uk/whatisit.asp). coriander is used as a flavouring, gives it a light, unusual taste, great summer drink.

[TheNocturnalEgyptian]

I had a nice Kilikia last night, a good crisp clear armenian beer.

http://armintacorp.com/Kilikia%20orders.jpg

These are pretty good, too, and a hefty 9%:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/229/495445650_4a21f48743.jpg

[Tumbleweed]

Scientists have recently found evidence that estrogen is present in some of the foods we consume. …red clover, yucca, hops and motherwort demonstrated significantly higher growth than control, indicating possible estrogenic effects.
Hop is one of the four key ingredients in beer. Thus, if estrogen is present in hops, it will be present in beer unless the distilling process manages to eliminate it. If estrogen is present in beer, males who imbibe beer may start displaying feminine characteristics.

To test this theory, 100 men were provided with nine 12 ounce cans of beer within one hour. It was then observed that 100% of the subjects:

gained weight
talked excessively without making sense
became overly emotional
could not drive very well
failed to think rationally
argued over nothing
had to sit down to urinate


No further testing was considered necessary. Male beer drinkers should take a concerned look at their beer consumption.
http://www.solport.com/roundtable/archives/001150.php






Now that sounds like good beer and that's the way it ought ot be ;D Ha! Ha!

I'm drinking some cheap and cold beer right now ;D

[TheNocturnalEgyptian]

Interestingly enough, Hops is closely related to Cannabis, and are in the same genetic family, I believe. I know somebody who cured their insomnia by sleeping on a hops filled pillow. Knocks them right out.



Scientists have recently found evidence that estrogen is present in some of the foods we consume. …red clover, yucca, hops and motherwort demonstrated significantly higher growth than control, indicating possible estrogenic effects.
Hop is one of the four key ingredients in beer. Thus, if estrogen is present in hops, it will be present in beer unless the distilling process manages to eliminate it. If estrogen is present in beer, males who imbibe beer may start displaying feminine characteristics.

To test this theory, 100 men were provided with nine 12 ounce cans of beer within one hour. It was then observed that 100% of the subjects:

gained weight
talked excessively without making sense
became overly emotional
could not drive very well
failed to think rationally
argued over nothing
had to sit down to urinate


No further testing was considered necessary. Male beer drinkers should take a concerned look at their beer consumption.
http://www.solport.com/roundtable/archives/001150.php

[sirgonzo420]

I used to drink lot's of it. Now I call it "carbonated formeldahyde beverage". Mountain well water is hard to beat.


Well not everybody can live out in God's Country like you (at least I can't just yet)! ;)




Summer and Spring: Sam Adams Summer Ale
Fall and Winter: Bass Ale

For me, these are the two best beers.


Thank you Doctor; I'll have to give 'em a try.

[KumbayaMan]

Belgian Beer does it for me... :banrasta

:sun: Chimmay.... Aphelgem.... Duvel... Leffe... :sun:

Some of the Trappist beers go back hundreds of years....

Once you have GOOD BEER, all American beer (except Sam Adams of course) is swill... ;D

[sirgonzo420]

Scientists have recently found evidence that estrogen is present in some of the foods we consume. …red clover, yucca, hops and motherwort demonstrated significantly higher growth than control, indicating possible estrogenic effects.
Hop is one of the four key ingredients in beer. Thus, if estrogen is present in hops, it will be present in beer unless the distilling process manages to eliminate it. If estrogen is present in beer, males who imbibe beer may start displaying feminine characteristics.

To test this theory, 100 men were provided with nine 12 ounce cans of beer within one hour. It was then observed that 100% of the subjects:

gained weight
talked excessively without making sense
became overly emotional
could not drive very well
failed to think rationally
argued over nothing
had to sit down to urinate


No further testing was considered necessary. Male beer drinkers should take a concerned look at their beer consumption.
http://www.solport.com/roundtable/archives/001150.php






Hahahaha!

Well I am not a huge user of hops, as I stated in the OP, but I am a very close friend to another member of the cannabaceae family!

;D

Anyway, if I haven't sprouted tits by now, I don't think I'm gonna!

[uranian]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/229/495445650_4a21f48743.jpg

translates as "the end of the world" !

[sirgonzo420]

I had a nice Kilikia last night, a good crisp clear armenian beer.

http://armintacorp.com/Kilikia%20orders.jpg

These are pretty good, too, and a hefty 9%:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/229/495445650_4a21f48743.jpg


La Fin Du Monde, eh?

LOL seems appropriate for these interesting times we find ourselves in!

[sirgonzo420]

never been much of a drinker myself, but there's a belgian white beer i always buy if i see, hoegaarden (http://www.hoegaarden.org.uk/whatisit.asp). coriander is used as a flavouring, gives it a light, unusual taste, great summer drink.


Thanks! If it's available in my neck of the woods I'll give it a try.

[gunDriller]

I know some of you all are beer connoisseurs; anyone care to school me on "Good Beer 101"?


I've been training for this job all my life. ;D

Basically, I will be drawing from the barleywine sector of the beer family.

First, I recommend Sierra Nevada Bigfoot.

10.5% alcohol, with a thick brew that just plain tastes HEALTHY.

That may sound wierd, but it really does taste like it has vitamins in it.


#2. Anderson Valley Triple.

Similar alcohol content to Bigfoot. Not quite as thick. Easy on the stomach.


#3. Stone Brewery, Arrogant Bastard, Extra Arrogant.

I forget the exact name but, it's good. Will make you burp loud, the Big Belch of Beer Excellence. ;D

[reststop]

Henry Weinhard Private Reserve

This is good stuff. Not my everyday beer cause you can only get it out west. But when I travel out there I am always happy to reacquaint myself with it's flavor. If it can be found in your neighborhood, give it a try. Well worth it. JMHO

Rest

[Libertytree]

I'm not near the beer snob as I am with wine, as an everyday beer I stick with the common variety Budweiser, hey, I'm a common sum bitch and it suits me.

But I really like Fischers Bitter Beer D Alsace, it's a french beer and comes in a variety of styles, the dark is excellent as well.

Also, any of the Trappist Monk ales/beers are a must!

Being in the business for so long I reckon I've tried a couple hundred high end beers and now they are kind of a blurry memory. ;D

[Libertarian_Guard]

Remember one thing about trying different beers, you can't switch beers and get a real feel for how the taste sits with you. Same as you can not expect to get the true flavor & taste if you've just brushed your teeth or had a coffee.

A good rule to follow, is stay with one type of beer for the night. Any bar that runs different taps, will give you a small glass sample, try a sip, if it seems interesting, order a pint. But don't switch after that.

[jaybone]

+1 on Fin du Monde, very tasty.
I have been getting into trappist style ales lately, including brewing a Patersier and Tripel myself.
I can't recommend home brewing enough, it is fun hobby and a useful skill.

I particularly like Delirium Tremmens (Tripel) and Delirium Nocturnum (Dubbel)
http://www.nietvervelen.nl/bier/bierposters/delirium%20tremens-klein.jpg
Very drinkable for approx 10% alcohol.

Ommegang brewery, right in NY, makes excellent belgian style ales.
http://www.ommegang.com/?mcat=1&scat=0
Particularly Hennepin and Rare Vos

A new favorite of mine is Great Lakes Brewing out of Cleveland, Eliot Ness Lager is wonderful.
http://www.greatlakesbrewing.com/beer/an-exceptional-family-of-beers/year-round

For more of a session beer, ie. something you can drink a 6'er of and still stand up, it is hard to do better than Magic Hat #9:
http://www.midwayliquors.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/magichat9.jpg

Palm is an excellent Belgian amber ale:
http://www.latisimports.com/assets/uploads/2008/06/latis_imports_palm.jpg

I recently did a side-by-side comparison of Guinness Stout versus Guinness Draught, both of which I like quite a bit. The stout had better flavor, the draught had better head and texture.

For my everyday lawnmower beer I go for Amstel Light, because the dutch are smart enough to NOT fluoridate their water. American mass-produced beers are going to be made with tap water, possibly filtered, maybe not.

[sirgonzo420]

I know some of you all are beer connoisseurs; anyone care to school me on "Good Beer 101"?


I've been training for this job all my life. ;D

Basically, I will be drawing from the barleywine sector of the beer family.

First, I recommend Sierra Nevada Bigfoot.

10.5% alcohol, with a thick brew that just plain tastes HEALTHY.

That may sound wierd, but it really does taste like it has vitamins in it.


#2. Anderson Valley Triple.

Similar alcohol content to Bigfoot. Not quite as thick. Easy on the stomach.


#3. Stone Brewery, Arrogant Bastard, Extra Arrogant.

I forget the exact name but, it's good. Will make you burp loud, the Big Belch of Beer Excellence. ;D




Henry Weinhard Private Reserve

This is good stuff. Not my everyday beer cause you can only get it out west. But when I travel out there I am always happy to reacquaint myself with it's flavor. If it can be found in your neighborhood, give it a try. Well worth it. JMHO

Rest




I'm not near the beer snob as I am with wine, as an everyday beer I stick with the common variety Budweiser, hey, I'm a common sum bitch and it suits me.

But I really like Fischers Bitter Beer D Alsace, it's a french beer and comes in a variety of styles, the dark is excellent as well.

Also, any of the Trappist Monk ales/beers are a must!

Being in the business for so long I reckon I've tried a couple hundred high end beers and now they are kind of a blurry memory. ;D


Thanks guys!

Next time I'm at the liquor store I'll look for those mentioned and see what I can find.

[Grand Master Melon]

I've never been a big drinker by any stretch - not even as a teenager ;D (except that for the past year or so I've been into making/drinking mead), and my only forays into beer have consisted of cheap, mass produced American beers (Bud, Miller, Natural Light, etc) and Red Stripe. I may have had others at times, but nothing really that left me thinking "now THAT is a good beer!".

If my basic understanding is correct, there are two main types of beer - ales and lagers. Having said that, I don't know a stout from a pale ale or a porter from a hefeweizen!

I know some of you all are beer connoisseurs; anyone care to school me on "Good Beer 101"?




Porters and stouts are dark beers. Hefeweizen is wheat beer. Pale ales are usually pretty hoppy and light in color. Lagers come from pilseners i believe. Pilseners originate in the czech region.

I can't really describe all the intracacies of beers but I can offer up a few favorites:

Youngs Double Chocolate Stout - dark but not thick, stout flavor smoothed out by the chocolate but not sweet

Butte Creek Organic Porter - dark, refreshing. not too strong for a porter IMO

Steinlager - good mass produced imported from new zealand lager. refreshing during the summer

Corona w/ lime wedge - light mexican beer sweetened by the lime. goes good with a nice carne asada

Ten Pin Porter - pretty good porter brewed by ska brewing up in colorado

Dogfishhead Imperial Pilsener - not sure if they're still making it but it's pilsener to the 10th power. knock you on your ass stuff with like 10% abv

Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout - hardcore stout. comes in at i think 8 or 9%

AZ local favorites:

Sonoran Inebriator Stout - bottle fermented stout 9% or so abv and you get pieces of beer stuff mixed in. yummy

Dave's Electric - great american style lager brewed in bisbee by an ex con. first licensed microbrew in AZ

[jaybone]

OMG

How could I forget!

Flying Dog Brewery.....


Gonzo Imperial Porter
http://www.bierenco.nl/media/images/usbeers/Gonzo-imperial-Porter-Bottl.jpg

Extremely intense flavor on this one, it is the thickest most complex porter I have ever had.
A fitting namesake for the good Dr. Thompson.

[DMac]

Hey Gonzo,

Some beers I enjoy:

Heineken mini kegs for beach days
Blue Moon for summer
Hoegaarden for summer
Guinness for fall/winter/spring (best from tap)
Stella Artois for light beer
Bass for a nice cold drink (best from tap)
Brooklyn Ales and Lager - the Ale is similar to Bass
Yuengling - America's oldest brewed beer, a nice lager
Duvel/Chimmay (both are excellent when you crave a stronger beer and best served in a glass)

I am one of the only fans of beer in the US that doesn't enjoy Sam Adams. I actually enjoy the Sam Adams Light beer but never mention that outside the home :)

[horseshoe3]

If you're within a few hundred miles of KC, Boulevard Brewing Co makes some good beer. I especially like their unfiltered wheat beer for a summer refreshment.

I don't care for Sam Adams either. It's always tasted musty to me. Kind of that same taste that iced tea gets when it's been to hot and starts to grow.

[The Great Ag]

Hey, SirG:

Since you live near Delaware, you should be able to find Dogfish beer. It is locally brewed and bottled about 5 miles from where I live in Delaware. This link shows all their brews, but they also make spirits (rum, vodka. . .etc) http://www.dogfish.com/brews-spirits/the-brews/index.htm

I particularly like their Midas Touch, 90 Minute IPA, Indian Brown Ale and Raison D'etre. If you like a lighter beer, their Shelter Pale Ale is tasty.

From the posters above, I have tried the Delirium Tremens and that was a yummy stout beer.

Have fun experimenting.

The Great Ag

[Libertarian_Guard]

I can't understand why nearly everyone says wheat (white) beers are summer beers. I enjoy them year round.

Another tidbit on wheat beers that are fermented in the bottle, pour 3/4 of the bottle into the glass, then swirl the rest around the bottom of the bottle to collect up the sediments, before pouring it out. Wheat beers normally have a big thick head, so a little more from stirring everything up won't make much more of a difference.

[Grand Master Melon]

Is it wrong that I hate drinking beer out of anything other than the bottle it comes in?

[sirgonzo420]

OMG

How could I forget!

Flying Dog Brewery.....


Gonzo Imperial Porter
http://www.bierenco.nl/media/images/usbeers/Gonzo-imperial-Porter-Bottl.jpg

Extremely intense flavor on this one, it is the thickest most complex porter I have ever had.
A fitting namesake for the good Dr. Thompson.


I actually HAVE tried this one! I was at the store and saw the gonzo-inspired beer and figured I had to check it out.

I had no idea what to think of it, having only the cheap, mass-produced American beers to compare it to.

Extremely intense flavor is right! It was like waves of different flavors.... I was like "whoa... Whoa... WHOA!".

It was pretty damn wild.

lol

[sirgonzo420]

I've never been a big drinker by any stretch - not even as a teenager ;D (except that for the past year or so I've been into making/drinking mead), and my only forays into beer have consisted of cheap, mass produced American beers (Bud, Miller, Natural Light, etc) and Red Stripe. I may have had others at times, but nothing really that left me thinking "now THAT is a good beer!".

If my basic understanding is correct, there are two main types of beer - ales and lagers. Having said that, I don't know a stout from a pale ale or a porter from a hefeweizen!

I know some of you all are beer connoisseurs; anyone care to school me on "Good Beer 101"?




Porters and stouts are dark beers. Hefeweizen is wheat beer. Pale ales are usually pretty hoppy and light in color. Lagers come from pilseners i believe. Pilseners originate in the czech region.

I can't really describe all the intracacies of beers but I can offer up a few favorites:

Youngs Double Chocolate Stout - dark but not thick, stout flavor smoothed out by the chocolate but not sweet

Butte Creek Organic Porter - dark, refreshing. not too strong for a porter IMO

Steinlager - good mass produced imported from new zealand lager. refreshing during the summer

Corona w/ lime wedge - light mexican beer sweetened by the lime. goes good with a nice carne asada

Ten Pin Porter - pretty good porter brewed by ska brewing up in colorado

Dogfishhead Imperial Pilsener - not sure if they're still making it but it's pilsener to the 10th power. knock you on your ass stuff with like 10% abv

Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout - hardcore stout. comes in at i think 8 or 9%

AZ local favorites:

Sonoran Inebriator Stout - bottle fermented stout 9% or so abv and you get pieces of beer stuff mixed in. yummy

Dave's Electric - great american style lager brewed in bisbee by an ex con. first licensed microbrew in AZ


Thanks for the recommendations!

:)

[sirgonzo420]

Is it wrong that I hate drinking beer out of anything other than the bottle it comes in?


Good question. I seriously have no idea.

I've seen videos online of robots that are designed to pour the perfect glass of a particular type beer.

I've heard only irish bartenders can pour a proper Guinness.

And there are special glasses and whatnot for different beers (none of which I own, lol) - not to mention the special ways to pour.


If I just open a beer, and start drinking from the bottle, am I doing it wrong?

:conf:

[Grand Master Melon]

Is it wrong that I hate drinking beer out of anything other than the bottle it comes in?


Good question. I seriously have no idea.

I've seen videos online of robots that are designed to pour the perfect glass of a particular type beer.

I've heard only irish bartenders can pour a proper Guinness.

And there are special glasses and whatnot for different beers (none of which I own, lol) - not to mention the special ways to pour.


If I just open a beer, and start drinking from the bottle, am I doing it wrong?

:conf:





Indeed. I have nice beer glasses but I use them for chocolate milk. ;D

Miller has that new "vortex" bottle now which is kind of weird.

[illumin19]

:-*
http://extra.listverse.com/amazon/beer/Smithwicks.jpg http://thesteinbergprinciple.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/guinness111.jpg


^^^^^When I "yooosssss" to drink......

Now it's

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3570196088_bfecfc5dac.jpg

;D

[Libertytree]

Glasses do make a difference Gonzo but it's really not a deal breaker, just enjoy what you drink and get into the refinements later if ya want. A beer can be enjoyed from a bottle or a can, a pitcher or a tin cup, your preference.

Ohhhhh, I DO remember the Delirium, well kinda, it's some good stuff.

[banjo]

They're all good--- it's just that some are better than others. ;)

You've got an open mind so just try different styles until you find the general type that you enjoy... then try different brands within that style.

I like different beers on different days, depending upon my mood, the weather, the lunar phase,who's buying, etc...

[gunDriller]

I like different beers on different days, depending upon my mood, the weather, the lunar phase,who's buying, etc...


i miss drinking beer. it rags on my stomach.

[dysgenic]

Sierra Nevada.... GREAT beer.
Sam Adams Oktoberfest.
Bass Ale.
Pete's Wicked Winter Brew.
Sam Adams Cherry Wheat.


Avoid:

Heineken
Amstel Lite
Sam Adams Summer Ale.

dys

[LuckyStrike]

Your title implies that there is such a thing as "good beer". ;D I maintain the two can't be used in the same sentence.

I've heard my entire life that beer is an acquired taste, but who decided to keep trying? I've had beer don't get me wrong but I'd rather drink cat piss, so I don't continue to try and acquire the taste for it. Hell for all we know cat piss is an acquired taste too.

So why did you guys that didn't like it at first keep going until you "acquired the taste" for it?

[dysgenic]

Beer sort of always agreed with me. I wouldn't say that I ever didn't like it, although when I first tried it I certainly didn't like it as much as I do now. I could go on the most strict diet in the world- and I have before- but the one thing I will never give up is beer.
Your post reminds me of the way that I feel about MJ. I always hated it, even when I was a drug show. Everyone would tell me "oh, but you haven't tried the right kind", or "try it again, you'll like it." Never happened. I always hated it.

dys





Your title implies that there is such a thing as "good beer". ;D I maintain the two can't be used in the same sentence.

I've heard my entire life that beer is an acquired taste, but who decided to keep trying? I've had beer don't get me wrong but I'd rather drink cat piss, so I don't continue to try and acquire the taste for it. Hell for all we know cat piss is an acquired taste too.

So why did you guys that didn't like it at first keep going until you "acquired the taste" for it?

[Libertytree]

Your title implies that there is such a thing as "good beer". ;D I maintain the two can't be used in the same sentence.

I've heard my entire life that beer is an acquired taste, but who decided to keep trying? I've had beer don't get me wrong but I'd rather drink cat piss, so I don't continue to try and acquire the taste for it. Hell for all we know cat piss is an acquired taste too.

So why did you guys that didn't like it at first keep going until you "acquired the taste" for it?


My dad offered me a bottle of Michelob when I was 14, probably thinking I would hate it, I tried it, loved it and wanted more much to his chagrin. I chalk it up to having German lineage and a German babysitter who gave it to me as a small youngin' to placate me.

[LuckyStrike]

Your post reminds me of the way that I feel about MJ. I always hated it, even when I was a drug show. Everyone would tell me "oh, but you haven't tried the right kind", or "try it again, you'll like it." Never happened. I always hated it.



Yeah same here I think a lot of it has to do with the crap quality of beers available to you when your a teen so it's kinda like whatever you can get which always ends up being natty light or some other crap. So I guess I started off on the wrong foot and ruined myself for life, since I don't have a desire at all to ever like beer. I'm not much of a drinker but I prefer liquor either whisky or vodka, over beer. Then again there is some nasty liquor too lord calverts comes to mind.

In general I'll just stick to smokes, they suit me fine.

[Liquid]

Back when I brewed beer for fun, my favorite was brewing steam beer. Basically, lagers need to ferment at cold temperatures, where ales, are fermented at room tempurature. A steam beer, is a lager yeast and malt, fermented at room tempuratures, like an ale. It was quite tasty

Anchor brewing started that history of steam beer. Anchor steam is a good beer, one of my favorites, but I don't think they use the old methods anymore.

http://www.anchorbrewing.com/brewery/ourhistory.htm

[dysgenic]

Different folks, different strokes. Funny you bring up smokes... I've always hating smoking ANYTHING. Good story: on a couple of different occasions back in my drug show days, I ended up with a group that decided to smoke crack at the end of the night. It eventually got passed around to me, and I declined.... because I didn't like it.
One of the guys: "Dude, if I didn't know you, I'd be afraid you are a cop. What's up, you sick or something?"
me: "No, I just don't like it."
dude: "Ok, you are trying to give up drugs then?"
me: "No, I just don't like it."
dude: "You must like downers."
me: "Actually, uppers are my flavor."
dude: "So you love uppers and you are passing up free crack, which some people would rob and steal for?"
me: "yup."
dude: "You are the weirdest drug user I've ever seen."


true story.
dys







Your post reminds me of the way that I feel about MJ. I always hated it, even when I was a drug show. Everyone would tell me "oh, but you haven't tried the right kind", or "try it again, you'll like it." Never happened. I always hated it.



Yeah same here I think a lot of it has to do with the crap quality of beers available to you when your a teen so it's kinda like whatever you can get which always ends up being natty light or some other crap. So I guess I started off on the wrong foot and ruined myself for life, since I don't have a desire at all to ever like beer. I'm not much of a drinker but I prefer liquor either whisky or vodka, over beer. Then again there is some nasty liquor too lord calverts comes to mind.

In general I'll just stick to smokes, they suit me fine.

[LuckyStrike]

Different folks, different strokes. Funny you bring up smokes... I've always hating smoking ANYTHING. Good story: on a couple of different occasions back in my drug show days, I ended up with a group that decided to smoke crack at the end of the night. It eventually got passed around to me, and I declined.... because I didn't like it.
One of the guys: "Dude, if I didn't know you, I'd be afraid you are a cop. What's up, you sick or something?"
me: "No, I just don't like it."
dude: "Ok, you are trying to give up drugs then?"
me: "No, I just don't like it."
dude: "You must like downers."
me: "Actually, uppers are my flavor."
dude: "So you love uppers and you are passing up free crack, which some people would rob and steal for?"
me: "yup."
dude: "You are the weirdest drug user I've ever seen."


true story.
dys





Crazy story man. Thankfully I've steered pretty clear of drugs, legal or otherwise.

[Dave Thomas]

Scientists have recently found evidence that estrogen is present in some of the foods we consume. …red clover, yucca, hops and motherwort demonstrated significantly higher growth than control, indicating possible estrogenic effects.
Hop is one of the four key ingredients in beer. Thus, if estrogen is present in hops, it will be present in beer unless the distilling process manages to eliminate it. If estrogen is present in beer, males who imbibe beer may start displaying feminine characteristics.

To test this theory, 100 men were provided with nine 12 ounce cans of beer within one hour. It was then observed that 100% of the subjects:

gained weight
talked excessively without making sense
became overly emotional
could not drive very well
failed to think rationally
argued over nothing
had to sit down to urinate


No further testing was considered necessary. Male beer drinkers should take a concerned look at their beer consumption.
http://www.solport.com/roundtable/archives/001150.php





That's what womenly type men tell each other once they stopped quaffing the stuff.

[Grand Master Melon]

Your title implies that there is such a thing as "good beer". ;D I maintain the two can't be used in the same sentence.

I've heard my entire life that beer is an acquired taste, but who decided to keep trying? I've had beer don't get me wrong but I'd rather drink cat piss, so I don't continue to try and acquire the taste for it. Hell for all we know cat piss is an acquired taste too.

So why did you guys that didn't like it at first keep going until you "acquired the taste" for it?


Because the government will snatch your kids if you smoke pot.

[SLV^GLD]

I used to despise beer, wine and coffee.
That is because all the people around me drank crappy beer, wine and coffee.
There is good beer, wine and coffee and I love them.
The same crappy beer, wine and coffee that I had always hated I STILL HATE. I never "acquired a taste" for crappy.
Quit drinking crap and you might find you like it.

As for the OP, my best advice is find a local place that does regular tastings. Go as frequently as possible. Remember, even if you taste something you do not like you have just saved yourself the trouble of buying something you do not like. If you find something you DO like ask what is comparable or considered better and give that a try too. Try some fellow's homebrew.
I personally do not have much opinion on the style. I just know what I consider good or lacking for a given style. It is rare for me to find a Pilsner that I like and I have mostly lost my taste for Belgian Wheat ales. That said, there are still some outstanding Pilsner and Belgian Wheats (to my tastes).

And to whoever said all American beer outside of Sam Adams is swill, you sir, are an idiot. The best beer on the planet comes from America. Sure, other countries make great beer too but in my extremely well versed experience American Microbrew is the best and the most diverse.

Recommended beers by style for anyone to like:

Pilsner: Dogfish Head My Anthonia (the only one I actually like)
Belgian Saison: Saison Dupont (the best that is easily available)
Chocolate Stout: Founders Breakfast Stout, Young's Double Chocolate
English Pale Ale: Saint Peter's (wow), Boddington's (believe it or not), Old Speckled Hen
India Pale Ale: New Belgium Ranger IPA
Trappist: Chimay Blue or Orval (Orval can be hard to come by but is preferable)
Stout: Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary, Guiness (as much as it pains me to say it)
Oak Stout: Great Divide Oak Aged Yeti (hope you like chewing on splinters)
Fruity: Unibroue Ephemere (apple), Sea Dog Blueberry Wheat, Founders Cerise (sour cherry)
Bock: Spaten Optimator or Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary
Scottish: Oskar Blue's Old Chub

Anyway, here is a great resource of styles with a large group of ratings to guide you:
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style

[crazychicken]

My 2 cents on readily available beer and spirits.

Dortmunder-our family favorite since 1914. My greatgrandfather, then grandfather used to bring in a pallet every six months.

Corona with lime added.

OT-Wine-Mateus Rose as table wine-1,500 mL bottle-52 bottles a year

OT x 2-Bombay Gin, Jack Daniels, Wild Goose Vodka, Captain Morgan Rum, Crown Royal

WHEN THE TIMES GET TOUGH THE TOUGH GET GOING! LOL!!!!!!!

CC

[sirgonzo420]

Thanks for all the input everybody!

I made a huuuuge beer list and I'm going pick up a few next time I go to the liquor store.

;D

[BrewTech]

Thanks for all the input everybody!

I made a huuuuge beer list and I'm going pick up a few next time I go to the liquor store.

;D


Next time you find yourself out my way, let me know. Give me a couple of days and you will leave a connoisseur of beer.

There are 33 breweries (and counting - I will be adding to that count soon) in San Diego alone... do some DD and pick up whatever is available from here in your area. We make the best beer in the world here... Stone ois a good brewery to start with. Arrogant Bastard, perhaps?

[FreeEnergy]

I'll add to this.

Czech beer is the best I've tried. In Czech republic, of course. Pilsner, Gambrinus, Kozel, there's a few more. Try it when on european vacation. Unfortunately, Pilsner and Budweiser were so good they were purchased by big US conglomerates and made into an average american beer. By far, the best beers out there IMHO are czechs brewed in Czecho-Slovakia.

German beers are plenty. Don't remember any, have to be in Germany in a bar and ask to give you tips on good beer.

Belgian is ok...there's plenty of belgian beer exported here that's good.

Russian and former soviet...some good beer there, the problem is with export process and young russian "capitalism"....they typically could make a very good brand, but then in a couple of years the quality usually goes south. Again, if you want to try a good one, need to try it on location - in Russia.


If you are here in US bar...I drink drafts, or small local brewery beers, and avoid anything that has the word "miller" , "bud", "coors" or "light" in it. It is a cat's piss.


Corona with lime is good in hot weather...because of the water issues in Mexico, it is not a good beer, but an excellent alcoholic carbonated beverage for the beach.

American... Sam Adams makes good beers. Yengling is ok, when on draft and fresh. Try local breweries, avoid funny stuff like colored beer, beers with berries etc.

[Grand Master Melon]

Thanks for all the input everybody!

I made a huuuuge beer list and I'm going pick up a few next time I go to the liquor store.

;D


Next time you find yourself out my way, let me know. Give me a couple of days and you will leave a connoisseur of beer.

There are 33 breweries (and counting - I will be adding to that count soon) in San Diego alone... do some DD and pick up whatever is available from here in your area. We make the best beer in the world here... Stone ois a good brewery to start with. Arrogant Bastard, perhaps?


That is one thing I will give Cali credit for. That said there are great microbrews across this whole country and I would argue that the US as a whole has the best beers in the world with the exception being some of those ales brewed by monks in europe.

[Black Blade]

Cheap but decent inexpensive Michelob Amber Bock beer pictured here with a parkerized Czech CZ-82 (9x18mm). Tasty and yet quite smooth...

http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/b56368ef1f9aac4020ce1cf13bcc9d10c7864a34.pjpg

T'was a good night.

[JohnQPublic]

Belgian Beer does it for me... :banrasta

:sun: Chimmay.... Aphelgem.... Duvel... Leffe... :sun:

Some of the Trappist beers go back hundreds of years....

Once you have GOOD BEER, all American beer (except Sam Adams of course) is swill... ;D


Orval and Karmeliet are two of my favorites.

[Bigjon]

Seymour Cray used to ship a case of Leinies with every Cray computer. It became a very popular cult beer amongst scientists and engineers. Then Miller brewing bought Leinenkugel Brewing of Chippewa Falls Wisconsin.

Before Miller, Leinies had a very smooth taste, actually it had almost no taste when it was on your palate, just a creamy texture, but the aftertaste was awesome... a growing crescendo of malt flavor that followed the beer down your throat as you swallowed it. It was an awesome experience that required another mouthful to repeat.

A lot of people hated that old leinie beer because it tasted like green hard cider when you first brought it home from the liquor store. I learned that if you kept it for a month and then tried it, it had enough age on it to mellow out that awful green taste, so I always had three cases of Leinies, two aging and one for drinking.

Then Miller bought them out and Miller uses corn (cheap) as an adjutant for the starch component, instead of an all barley beer as required for a true German beer.

My favorites now are Summit Pale Ale, Fuller’s Extra Special Bitter,

I have tried to make a Leinies style beer but it is a real tough assignment. The old Leinies had absolutely no hops bitterness yet it had a clean crisp smooth texture on my palate. The awesome flavor arose when I swallowed it. If you take out too much hops the beer gets a mushy texture and too much hops is bitter and in several attempts I never hit the right combination.

[Black Blade]

Most Expensive beer

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38376048/

http://msnbcmedia3.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/100723-brewdog-beer-hmed-140a.grid-6x2.jpg

You'd expect a lot from a bottle of beer costing $765. What you get is 55 percent alcohol — and served in a squirrel.

According to Scottish firm BrewDog, "The End of History" is the "strongest, most expensive and most shocking beer in the world."

Just 12 bottles were made and the company has already sold out. They will be shipped out to buyers in the United States, Canada, Italy, Denmark, Scotland and England next week.

The dead animals which were used to create the beers' unusual appearance were four squirrels, seven weasels and a hare. All were roadkill, James Watt, co-founder of BrewDog, told msnbc.com.

It contains juniper berries and nettles, and its taste, Watt said, has hints of cinnamon, orange and an "American hops flavor."

He said this was the last in a series of high-strength beers that the company had produced and there were no plans to go higher.

'Degrading' to animals

The decision to wrap the bottle in a dead animal was taken to indicate how special the beer was, blending brewing, taxidermy and "art."

"We were making such a tiny amount that we wanted to do something epic," Watt told msnbc.com. "We wanted to challenge people's perceptions about how beer can be packaged; taxidermy helps open people's eyes to the fact that beer doesn't have to be made by a multi-national organization."

However the decision was described by Ross Minett, campaigns director for the U.K. charity Advocates for Animals, as "terribly out of date" and "degrading" for the animals.

"The modern approach is to celebrate the wonders of animals and respect them as individual sentient creatures," he said, according to the U.K.'s Daily Telegraph newspaper. "I'm sure this would have much greater appeal with the animal-loving public."

[SLV^GLD]

Kinda reminds me of Mikkeller's Beer Geek Brunch (http://www.mikkeller.dk/index.php?beer_id=78&id=61&land=1):
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSlcERyvxiafZwJFRtTcrnSP8w40G7Dz p1s2FJw5tTCnToRxmQ&t=1&usg=__xWSyRLzxr60Tcm8TVwifuHg-qio=

This is a coffee stout similar to the Beer Geek Breakfast which is one of my all time favorites.
However, the coffee is supposedly the most sought after, rarest, or... whatever.
The coffee is harvested from the droppings of some damned weasel called a civet cat.
To be honest, I found the coffee flavor in this beer to be preferable in taste but the head trip kinda ruins it for me. Especially at about $20 a bottle I'll stick to coffee stouts that forgo the weasel's ass.

Props to Mikkeller for pushing the envelope, though. This had to be done but there are not too many breweries with the kitsch or panache to convince buyers to drink cat pooped coffee berries. Of course, there are those people who buy cat pooped coffee to drink as coffee but I don't know a single one of them.

[MNeagle]

Seymour Cray used to ship a case of Leinies with every Cray computer. It became a very popular cult beer amongst scientists and engineers. Then Miller brewing bought Leinenkugel Brewing of Chippewa Falls Wisconsin.



I worked for Cray! Thanks for the memory!

[woodman]

Any beer you like is good beer. I haven't met a beer I didn't like. Some are much better than others. Sometimes your taste buds just taste things differently.

Try a Stella. Hopefully you won't get a skunky one.

[SLV^GLD]

I haven't met a beer I didn't like.
Wow, "lucky" you. You need to get out more.

[woodman]

I haven't met a beer I didn't like.
Wow, "lucky" you. You need to get out more.


I am always amused by 'beer snobs'. A good beer is a beer you like. Mass produced beer is perfectly tasty. It is what it is. That said, I enjoy many fine and expensive beers. I used to keep kegs of Belgian alle in the basement but my tastes often change. I brew my own beer when I have time and have been doing so for twenty years.

I love beer.

Bells Brewery in Michigan makes some of the best. I have recently been enjoying kegs from Short's Brewery in Michigan. Keepin' it local.

[SLV^GLD]

A good beer is a beer you like.
And a crappy beer is one you don't like and you can identify specific reasons it does not appeal to your tastes.

You are correct that the very existence of a beer on the shelf implies that somebody, somewhere likes that beer. Beer is like music in that way. The fact that certain music exists and is "consumed" by some portion of the population gives that music merit. That music is good to somebody. However, it is not entirely snobbery to discuss why you think certain music is utter crap and a waste of your time to listen to it any further.

I agree that I am a beer snob and I'm glad it amuses you. My snobbery shouldn't stifle discussion of what makes beer good or bad to individuals, though. My snobbery only dictates what I will or will not continue to drink or pour for my friends.

I have met many beers I did not like and many of those beers came with very high pedigree. I cannot fathom how you could drink numerous and diverse beers and not run across a single one you don't like. As I said before, lucky you.

[woodman]

A good beer is a beer you like.




I agree that I am a beer snob and I'm glad it amuses you.


You don't sound glad. Your tone is one of diffused anger.

I listen to people cut down beers that others enjoy. It's all subjective. I think the thing that drinking beer is all about is to lighten up and loose your negativity. Enjoy yourself and enjoy the beer you choose and don't take things so damn seriously. Of course I need to take my own advice because I find myself often getting bent when there is really no need. Beer helps me though. If you are a true beer lover then you understand.

[woodman]

A fellow worker said today that he thought the English weren't capable of producing good beer. I told him that I though this wasn't true. I don't know of any good English lagers but they make some damn fine Ales. I have been enjoying Tetley's Pub Ale lately. It is very low in alchohol (3.6%) but a very tasty and balanced beer. When I come home tired and thirsty and beat, I'll pour a cold one into my frosted mug and pound about half down in a few seconds. Very tasty and refreshing. Then it is nice to sip and enjoy slowly and methodically. A fine form of meditation if you will.

Bass Ale is very fine as Mamboni commented. The barley wines are something else entirely. Old Nick is just too much for me.

Beware the Canadian counterfeits as they simply aren't the same as the originals. Some of the English and Irish brands are being made in Canada now and though they are supposedly made to the same recipe, I just don't think they measure up and worse, they give me 'beer headaches' which I believe are due to the yeast strains. Maybe it's all in my head.

[woodman]

Two very good stouts that I have been enjoying lately are Sierra Nevada Stout and Superior Stout by Michigan Brewing.

I find that when I am tired and thirsty and worn out from a hard day of pounding wood, I really enjoy light American beers like Old Milwaukee or Miller. They must be ice cold though. When they are warm I cannot drink them. My old German friend used to bring over a six pack of warm Busch and that was just what he liked. He is gone now and the only buddy I have left to drink with is living down state. We can sit for hours and contemplate the intricacies of a fine beer. I still have my son-in-laws to drink with but I think they just drink with me because.

[SLV^GLD]

You don't sound glad. Your tone is one of diffused anger.
I can promise you the last thing beer brings me is anger. If you like miller light then have fun with that. We will both have a blast while I drink something I consider worth my while.

[Grand Master Melon]

Beware the Canadian counterfeits as they simply aren't the same as the originals. Some of the English and Irish brands are being made in Canada now and though they are supposedly made to the same recipe, I just don't think they measure up and worse, they give me 'beer headaches' which I believe are due to the yeast strains. Maybe it's all in my head.


Beers are brewed in Canada so that once shipped to the US they can be considered imports. Fosters and Guiness both come to mind. I believe we do the same thing here for export to Canada and maybe Mexico. Crooked.

[Libertarian_Guard]

Miller high life $10 18pack

sobieski $10 liter

Put the rest into under $600 gold pieces


Never mind the Miller.

I know what you drink.

http://i27.tinypic.com/dg2u7p.jpg


http://i30.tinypic.com/34isfmo.jpg

[Libertarian_Guard]

Gay..... Your a jew.. now what?


http://i29.tinypic.com/2vmwlmp.jpg

[Libertarian_Guard]

You call me a jew now your buddies are jumping in. i just tried to give my beer recommendation.


Relax, I'm just ribbing you!

And I thought you were proud to be a Jew?

How much longer till you're off parole?

[BrewTech]

You call me a jew now your buddies are jumping in. i just tried to give my beer recommendation.


Schmaltz brewing makes some pretty amazing shit, actually. I would recommend most of their stuff - but much of it is pretty big, over 10% ABV so if you are a pisslight beer drinker, you probably wouldn't like it.

[Buddha]

You call me a jew now your buddies are jumping in. i just tried to give my beer recommendation.


Schmaltz brewing makes some pretty amazing sh*t, actually. I would recommend most of their stuff - but much of it is pretty big, over 10% ABV so if you are a pisslight beer drinker, you probably wouldn't like it.


Nice, I'll have to try some for Schmaltz. As you may know from the other beer thread I just got into IPA. Good stuff, Ranger from NB is good. I bought a 6 pack of Boulevard IPA the other day, I didn't like it as much. It has weaker ABV, and not as strong of a taste. I want to try the Abby next, the Belgian style ale from New Belgium. I like the IPA because no want wants to steal my beer because they all hate it :) They few ppl I know are bud select/bud wheat drinkers.

[woodman]

I want to try the Abby next, the Belgian style ale from New Belgium. I like the IPA because no want wants to steal my beer because they all hate it :) They few ppl I know are bud select/bud wheat drinkers.



New Belgium makes some really good beers. Their Tripple is beyond excellent. I no longer care for the extreme bitterness of IPAs myself, don't get me wrong, they are ok from time to time but somehow remind me of a homebrew mistake. If you like a bitter beer, try Short's Humalupalicious. It's pretty good. After taste like eating a good bud of weed.

[TomLandrysHat]

I'll throw my personal favorite into the mix with a cloudy Australian pale ale- Coopers Green.
http://www.annandalecellars.com.au/SiteFiles/annandalecellarscomau/images/large_4872_Coopers%20Pale%20Ale.jpg

This beer is free of additives and preservatives and is bottle fermented, which leaves it with a layer of sediment at the bottom, which looks pretty gross but actually adds heaps of flavour. The beauty of this beer is that once properly opened (you have to roll the bottle prior to opening to mix the sediment through) you can drink an absolute load and wake up fresh as a daisy the next day.

On a hangover scale of 1 to 10... 1 being- "hangover? I've never had a beer in my life" with 10 being -"OMFG, why did I drink a whole bottle of Chartreuse Green and what am I doing waking up in the orangutan enclosure at the zoo with used kitty litter in my pants and a Starland Vocal Band tattoo on my forehead". Coopers Green comes in at a so fresh, so clean- 2. Or "I know I should be hungover after 14 bottles of the stuff but hey, I feel like I could perform surgery right now and may damn well have to if I get called in."

Being an alcoholic that hates hangovers and loves tasty beer, I can wholeheartedly recommend Coopers Pale Ale to anyone who can find it.

[SLV^GLD]

That Cooper's is a damn fine pale ale. I had forgotten about that one, I'll have to pick some up next weekend.

I'll also second (third) Schmaltz brewing. I don't care if it's jewish, that is some craft beer with some balls. Personal favorites are Jewbelation 13 and Hebrew Origin Pomegranate Ale. The 13 is over the top but I think the Origin would be tasty to most folks who like beer.
http://beeradvocate.com/im/beers/53470.jpghttp://frugalmacdoogal.com/high_proof_beer/small/hebrew_origin_pomegranate_ale.jpg