A Beer Thread.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Eh. Comparing Houston and Austin to Dallas, I like my chances better here, thanks.

[leemajors]

I'm just wary of beer festivals put on by distributing companies from personal experience, regardless of where they are. Thought you might like fair warning. They like to give you 5-10 tickets for 2oz pours, then charge 3-6 tickets for "premium" beers to taste.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Nah. They give you 12. Additional tickets of 12 can be bought for $2.

Also, the distributor carries more than just miller lite and bud light. Google is your friend.
Call me crazy, but a distributor that carries Stone, Dogfish Head, Spaten and Chimay is OK with me

[Viva Las Espuelas]

But don't worry. I'll be here to rub it in your face come Sunday :toast

[leemajors]

Freetail gave them permission to use the image.

I worked in a bar for 4 years, most distributors are the same, trying to push stuff on you you generally don't want cause they are under pressure to do so.

I do hope you have a great time though, I wouldn't wish the experience I had 2 years ago at something similar on anyone. Take some notes and tell us if there is anything rare or really special!

[Sense]

I think DogFish Head's 75 Minute Johnny Cask IPA is way better than the 60 or 90, had it last night:

http://s3.amazonaws.com/user-beer-photos/beer_photos/7571/dogfish-head-75-minute-ipa.jpg

I always thought 60 minute didn't have enough and 90 minute was maybe a bit much... sounds perfect.


My favorite is still Burton Baton, I have to try this one.

[Sense]

I heard they have 120 minute tonight at the saucer... if this is true, I envy everyone there. I wonder how much a glass would be.

[jman3000]

They had a mini keg there not too long ago. Maybe 3 months. 1 glass got me a slight buzz.

I remember drinking the whole bottle once a few years ago and it and a palo santo got me borderline drunk. Probably my favorite Imperial IPA.

[BlairForceDejuan]

What is y'alls go to at Flying Saucer??

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Freetail gave them permission to use the image.

I worked in a bar for 4 years, most distributors are the same, trying to push stuff on you you generally don't want cause they are under pressure to do so.

I do hope you have a great time though, I wouldn't wish the experience I had 2 years ago at something similar on anyone. Take some notes and tell us if there is anything rare or really special!

It'll be a great time. He updated all the breweries that are gonna be there and it looks pretty good.

[Sense]

They had a mini keg there not too long ago. Maybe 3 months. 1 glass got me a slight buzz.

I remember drinking the whole bottle once a few years ago and it and a palo santo got me borderline drunk. Probably my favorite Imperial IPA.

One time I bought a 4 Pack of Palo Santo and a 4 pack of 90 minute, and I drank all 4 Palo Santos and I think 2 90 min and passed out.


I need to get Palo Santo again

[leemajors]

Ananke release at Freetail tomorrow. I can't make it, but maybe they will have some left over on Monday.

[Sense]

First time having Chimay Grande Reserve, I know... smh, but it's really good.

[jman3000]

Ananke release at Freetail tomorrow. I can't make it, but maybe they will have some left over on Monday.

My friend loves that shit.... i personally cant stand it but he drinks it like it's fucking kool aid.

[jman3000]

Palo Santo is a sipper for sure. A 4 pack will get me right where I'm buzzing very very hard. Anything more and I'm probably retarded drunk, but at 12% you can't fuck around with that shit.

[leemajors]

My friend loves that shit.... i personally cant stand it but he drinks it like it's fucking kool aid.

My girlfriend is not so big on the sours/tarter beers either. She loves kombucha though, and the tartness is usually about the same. More for me!

[Sense]

Yeti and Hop Wallop today... awesome beers.

[leemajors]

Yeti and Hop Wallop today... awesome beers.

Which Yeti? The Chocolate will hopefully be out soon, the best out atm is the Oak Aged. I think Draught finally floated their Whiskey Barrel Double Pecan Porter from 512.

Edit: Double Pecan Porter. :toast

[DPG21920]

512 Pecan Porter is good. It made its way into a restaurant here in Dallas.

[jman3000]

My girlfriend is not so big on the sours/tarter beers either. She loves kombucha though, and the tartness is usually about the same. More for me!

I take what I said back... I was confusing Ananke with Ankh. They had that a couple years ago and it was like sour black liquorice.

Ananke sounds like it wouldn't be up my alley, but I enjoyed Namaste and hopefully it's that type of wit. Less tart and mildly sweet is what I enjoy in a wit.

[Fpoonsie]

512 Pecan Porter is good. It made its way into a restaurant here in Dallas.

That sounds amazing. Where can I procure some of this?

And, by tha by, DPG, we still need to get together for a beer or two.

[Sense]

Which Yeti? The Chocolate will hopefully be out soon, the best out atm is the Oak Aged. I think Draught finally floated their Whiskey Barrel Double Pecan Porter from 512.

Edit: Double Pecan Porter. :toast

Just the regular Yeti Imperial Stout, that's about the only one my Spec's in Beaumont gets, and it's full of flavors I love it.

[monosylab1k]

That sounds amazing. Where can I procure some of this?

And, by tha by, DPG, we still need to get together for a beer or two.

I know Ginger Man and Holy Grail both have had it. I'm sure Flying Saucer has it too. Holy Grail has had the Double Pecan Porter as well.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

http://www.dallasnews.com/business/small-business/20120411-dallas-couple-hopes-to-ferment-interest-in-craft-beers.ece?action=reregister

2 more days. Can't wait!

[Sense]

http://www.dallasnews.com/business/small-business/20120411-dallas-couple-hopes-to-ferment-interest-in-craft-beers.ece?action=reregister

2 more days. Can't wait!

:toast sounds awesome

[benefactor]

Took the jump out of my beer box and tried some Stone IPA this past week. The initial taste is interesting but the bitterness is way over the top as it sinks in. I may give the rest of the six pack away.

Back to old faithful I go.

[leemajors]

Sierra Nevada's Hoptimum is making its way around Texas, picked up a 4 pack last night. Delicious.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

"Rare and unusual" beers at the Big Texas Beer Fest tomorrow

Rea Ale WT3F?!
Sierra Nevada Hoptimum
Stone Cali-Belgie IPA
Real Ale Barrel-Aged Lost Gold IPA
St. Bernardus Christmas
Saint Arnold Bitter Belgian
Brooklyn Mary's Porter
Ommegang Art of Darkness
Dogfish Head Palo Santo Marron
Dogfish Head Burton Baton

Confirmed participants
Abbey Beverage Co.Abita BeerAce Premium Hard CidersAdelbert’s BreweryAffligemAlaskan Brewing Co.Armadillo Ale Works – Serving Craft SodasAvery BrewingAyingerBallast PointBard’s Tale Beer CompanyLuck_The_Fakers_ (Gluten-Free)BavikBear RepublicBelhavenBig Sky BrewingBitburgerBlanche de BruxellesBlue MoonBoulevard Brewing Co.Breckenridge BreweryBrooklyn BreweryBrasserie D’AchouffeChimayChoc BeerClown ShoesCrispin CiderDeep Ellum Brewing Co.Deschutes BreweryDogfish HeadDuvel MoortgatFranconia BrewingFranziskaner BeerGreat Divide Brewing Co.Green’sLuck_The_Fakers_ (Gluten-Free)GuinnessHarpoon BreweryHeineken USAHoegaardenHofbrauImperialJester King Craft BreweryJulius EchterKrombacherKronenbourgLakewood Brewing (Will not be pouring beer)Laughing DogLeffeLeft Hand BrewingLeprechaun Hard CiderLeinenkugel’s BrewingLiefmansLindemansMagic HatMaui BrewingMorettiNegra ModeloNew Belgium BrewingNo Label BrewingNorth Coast Brewing Co.OmmegangOskar Blues BreweryPeticolas BrewingPinkusPyramidRahr & Sons BrewingRochefortSaint ArnoldSamuel AdamsSamuel SmithSan MiguelSanta Fe BrewingShiner BeersSierra Nevada BrewingSouthern Star BrewingSpatenSquatters BeersStaropramenSteinlagerStella ArtoisStone BrewingTimmerman’sTroubadourUnibroueVan SteenbergeVictoriaWasatchWeihenstephanWell’s & Young’sWestmalleW.M. Magner’s CiderWoodchuck CiderXinguZatec

:lol I just did a copy-paste from my phone and I'm NOT gonna fix that mess above :lol just figure it out :)

[DPG21920]

That sounds amazing. Where can I procure some of this?

And, by tha by, DPG, we still need to get together for a beer or two.

I got it at Matador Tapas on lower Greenville. Haven't found it in stores though. Although I should have no trouble locating it since I'm moving to Austin. So looks like no beers for us dude.

[Spurminator]

Lakewood Brewing (Will not be pouring beer)

Couple of my best friends just started this one up, go check them out if you're there. Wish they were able to pour, but they'll be up and running soon and it's going to be good stuff.

[Sense]

Took the jump out of my beer box and tried some Stone IPA this past week. The initial taste is interesting but the bitterness is way over the top as it sinks in. I may give the rest of the six pack away.

Back to old faithful I go.

It's an acquired taste.. My first bitter beer was probably Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, and at first I wasn't a fan, not it can't get bitter enough...



Sierra Nevada's Hoptimum is making its way around Texas, picked up a 4 pack last night. Delicious.

That's awesome! Going to San Antonio tomorrow probably, hopefully I see it.




Also I heard there was going to be a new HEB opening in Bandera that was going to have the best selection in San Antonio. Apparently a friend knows the "beer lady" there and he says the list is huge.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Damn. If you ain't here, you're definitely missing out :toast

[leemajors]

Draught House in Austin has Green Flash's Palate Wrecker and Boulevard's Rye on Rye on right now. Drank plenty of both last night.

[Sense]

I ended up going to Gabriels Superstore and it is by far the best selection SA has, needless to say I spent a long time in there trying to decide what to take home... and this is what I took.
OH and that "secret stash" exists :lol


http://imgur.com/tgOie

damn that's a huge picture..

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Is that the one off 35 in new braunfels? By that outlet?

[leemajors]

I like Endeavor quite a bit, hope it makes the regular rotation for St. Arnolds. I think it started out as last year's Divine Reserve.

[Sense]

Is that the one off 35 in new braunfels? By that outlet?

No I think that's a Gabriels in San Marcos... this one's off 1604 and Blanco in San Antonio

[The Great Fantastic]

Central Market in San Antonio has all of their beer on sale again. 25% off any beer purchase of $25 or more. Sale is good through Tuesday the 17th. It looks like it's not isolated to the San Antonio Central Market.

Picked up Sierra Nevada's Hoptimum, Vampire Slayer from Clown Shoes, Buried Hatchet Stout from Southern Star, Hop Head Red from Green Flash, Wake Your Dead from Left Hand, St Arnold's Endeavour IPA, and Alpha Dog IPA from Laughing Dog.

Had to stock up with that kind of sale going on! :toast

[leemajors]

Central Market in San Antonio has all of their beer on sale again. 25% off any beer purchase of $25 or more. Sale is good through Tuesday the 17th. It looks like it's not isolated to the San Antonio Central Market.

Picked up Sierra Nevada's Hoptimum, Vampire Slayer from Clown Shoes, Buried Hatchet Stout from Southern Star, Hop Head Red from Green Flash, Wake Your Dead from Left Hand, St Arnold's Endeavour IPA, and Alpha Dog IPA from Laughing Dog.

Had to stock up with that kind of sale going on! :toast

Sale is Austin as well, think it's 10% of 10.00, 20% off 20 and such. Not bad, basically no tax on $10

[Sense]

That sounds awesome, only Central Market?

[The Great Fantastic]

Only Central Market. Tried the Alpha Dog Double IPA from Laughing Dog and was not too impressed. Was only $5.49 before the 25% off, so I can't be too upset.

The Hoptimum is pretty damn tasty!

[Sense]

Only Central Market. Tried the Alpha Dog Double IPA from Laughing Dog and was not too impressed. Was only $5.49 before the 25% off, so I can't be too upset.

The Hoptimum is pretty damn tasty!

I thought Alpha Dog was light for an imperial... by light I mean there wasn't much flavor there.. it needed more hops and body.

[leemajors]

Hoptimum is fucking awesome. Sierra is on a fucking hot streak with that and Ruthless!!!

[Sense]

Hoptimum is fucking awesome. Sierra is on a fucking hot streak with that and Ruthless!!!

I just had it ... it is fantastic.. I got the 4 pack but split it.. so glad I still have another one. Everything about it is great for hop heads, the aroma and the flavour is incredible.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Man, was that beer fest great. The taps were definitely flowing and lots of smiles in that place. I did not need to go to that after party, but I insisted :)

[leemajors]

Man, was that beer fest great. The taps were definitely flowing and lots of smiles in that place. I did not need to go to that after party, but I insisted :)

did they have kegs?

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Yep. Quite a few.

[RandomGuy]

Is that the one off 35 in new braunfels? By that outlet?

San Marcos. There is one in San Marcos.

It is heaven.

If you get a chance, get the Real Ale Devil's Backbone.

After almost a decade of forcing my wife to try beers in the hopes that she and I could share something she finally admitted "this is tolerable".

That says a lot.

http://realalebrewing.com/beers/backbone

[Viva Las Espuelas]

I think I had enough beer for a month, this weekend.

[The Great Fantastic]

Drinking Boulevard's Rye on Rye. It is damn tasty but is one that makes for some slow drinking.

The Flying Saucer in San Antonio is having West coast rare beer week. They are tapping Palatte Wrecker on Thursday. I'm gonna have to go check it out. I've really liked the beers I've had from Green Flash.

[baseline bum]

Dogfish Head Palo Santo Marron


Great stuff.

[leemajors]

Drinking Boulevard's Rye on Rye. It is damn tasty but is one that makes for some slow drinking.

The Flying Saucer in San Antonio is having West coast rare beer week. They are tapping Palatte Wrecker on Thursday. I'm gonna have to go check it out. I've really liked the beers I've had from Green Flash.

The Palate Wrecker is pretty good, they have gone through two kegs recently at Draught House. Green Flash is great except for their bottle prices.

[leemajors]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb64/beestrofowler/photo1.jpg

#1238 mofos! They saved one for me at Sunrise Market :toast

[Sense]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb64/beestrofowler/photo1.jpg

#1238 mofos! They saved one for me at Sunrise Market :toast

That beer there looks very trade-able.

[leemajors]

I have friends going to San Diego for Stone Sour Fest in June in a station wagon that will bring a case back to me, and I am at GABF in October in Denver. My cellar will be back in badass shape by then, I am gonna hang on to this for a year or so.

[Sense]

I have friends going to San Diego for Stone Sour Fest in June in a station wagon that will bring a case back to me, and I am at GABF in October in Denver. My cellar will be back in badass shape by then, I am gonna hang on to this for a year or so.

I envy everything about that.

[IWantsACuatro]

I enjoy drinking beer. May I post in this thread?

[Viva Las Espuelas]

http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/hash/8d/ca/8dcaf6e6f5226c135f7106a7014e29f3.jpg



The Big Texas Beer Fest (http://www.bigtexasbeerfest.com/) has now come and gone, and with that comes the inevitable rehash of the day's events. You've likely already read about minor issues with venue temperature, rinsing stations, seating and the like. All are easily correctable and have already been acknowledged by organizers Chad and Nellie Montgomery, but there is one issue I will address specifically in their defense.

I urge anyone taking issue with the entry line to attend just one session of the Great American Beer Festival (http://www.gabf.org/). I have been to festivals in multiple states, some of which have been in existence for as many as 30 years. There is always a line to get in, and it always seems a bit more daunting than it really is. In Denver, the line tends to wrap around the entire block that encompasses the downtown convention center. It takes time to work through it, but it's a beer festival and precautions must be taken (you are 21 aren't you?). The bottom line is you can't just throw open the doors and let freedom reign. The important thing is how fast the line moves, and how rewarding the experience is once you get in the door. From what I've heard, for the vast majority of attendees these last two items were not in dispute.

Now that we have that out of the way, let's focus on the positives, some things we learned and what it all means for the future.

One thing that immediately stands out is the idea of "If you build it, they will come". For me, this festival represents that sentiment on two levels. First, it's been repeated time and again that a brewery was needed in Dallas to take the local scene to the next level. Well, judging by the crowds that formed around taps belonging to Deep Ellum (http://www.deepellumbrewing.com/) and the Peticolas (http://www.peticolasbrewing.com/) brewing companies, we may finally be on the verge of just such a breakthrough. At the same time, equally important are events that bring people together to celebrate these brews, and while the Big Texas Beer Fest was a first-time affair, its success represents a significant milestone in helping to grow and strengthen our craft beer community.

It also is worth noting how the Big Texas Beer Fest has now taken on a leadership role in the area of festival management. Not only were they able to promote a successful event in the largest and arguably most difficult craft beer market the state, they did so while effectively setting the benchmark for festival admission price in Texas. That may seem like a bold statement, but consider that upfront costs are fairly constant from event to event. What sets them apart is what organizers choose to charge for additional drink tickets. While others may charge upwards of $10 (or more) for additional pours, this past weekend another round of a dozen samples sold for just $2.
As for items one might consider to be part of a beer festival bucket list, things like a focus on craft beer, the availability of rare brews and a celebration of local breweries can be summarily checked off. Sure, we'd like to see more breweries and more rare beers, but don't forget that this first-time event was up against complicated and restrictive state laws, as well as the stigma of failed festivals past. It is to be expected that some chose to take a wait-and-see approach rather than commit to supporting an unproven venture.

What matters most is that we now have something to build on, and while we might be tempted to think of this weekend's success in terms of baby steps, these first steps were anything but awkward, and the indelible impressions left behind represent the mark of one BIG baby.


Best of the fest: While it is my belief you cannot get a proper read on a beer from a 2 oz sample, first impressions cannot be discounted. With that in mind, the following brews certainly will warrant further attention should the opportunity present itself:

Jester King/Mikkeller Beer Geek Rodeo - A dark, spicy and richly complex imperial oatmeal stout brewed with chipotle peppers and Vietnamese coffee. (I tried this one and YUM. Honestly, I was a little tipsy by this time and I just told the lady "Dark!")

No Label Jalapeño Ale - Considering the inclusion of 60 lbs of jalapeño peppers in the boil this brew displayed a remarkable flavor balance, as any concerns related to an overwhelming spiciness were quickly laid to rest with what may have been the most refreshing beer of the day.

Peticolas Royal Scandal -This English Pale Ale with American hop influences is just further proof that Peticolas may one day be known as the Perfectly Balanced Beer Company. (Didn't try this one but I tasted Peticola's Velvet Hammer and that was tasty.)

Deep Ellum Oak-Aged Dry-Hopped IPA - My first sample of the day, dry-hopped with Apollo and others I don't recall. Whatever it was, this brew can be summed up in two words. Fresh. Hops.
http://www.examiner.com/craft-beer-in-plano/one-rant-mostly-raves-thoughts-on-the-big-texas-beer-festival

[Viva Las Espuelas]

The buzz for Big Texas Beer Fest on Saturday morning was palpable miles away from Fair Park. From the Mockingbird Station where I embarked, people of all stripes, many sporting T-shirts from breweries and the bars where they're served, were packed like anchovies into the DART train. Despite the occasional befuddled passenger cocking a head and wondering, sometimes aloud, where all these people came from, it was obvious we all shared a destination.

The Fairgrounds were no less crowded shortly after noon, with the line snaking all the way from the Automotive Building to the gate by the Fair Park DART stop and just a handful of ticket takers. After a few minutes of confusion, I ran into organizer Chad Montgomery and was able to retrieve my press pass without standing in line -- a huge relief. I later heard that the lines right at opening time lasted more than 45 minutes, settling to 10 to 20 minutes a few hours (and a few floated kegs) later.

The long line was the only glaring misstep I noticed that could be laid at the feet of Montgomery and his wife, Nellie. With very limited food options, the lines for a bite to eat were problematic as well, but there's little the Montgomerys could do about that: All but three of the area's food trucks inexplicably blew off a golden opportunity to get their names in front of thousands of people and earn a shitload of money.

Otherwise, the event looked like it was successful beyond even my most optimistic expectations. I generally expect the majority at such beer-centric events to be mainly middle-aged upper-class white dudes, but this was an interesting cross-section of Dallas and the outlying burbs. Along with the Europhiles in kilts or Premiere League jerseys, guys with mohawks, longhaired dudes in metal concert T-shirts, yuppies, hot co-eds and old farts of every color mingled, with friendly conversation between strangers of wildly different demographics the norm. Beer tends to have that effect, particularly when you're waiting in line for an in-demand brew.



And the lines inside the hangar-like Automotive Building were the surest sign that North Texas beer drinkers are becoming savvier by the pour. Booths for corporate-owned beers such as Pabst Blue Ribbon and Tecate often had no visible takers at all, and pseudo-craft beers such as Shock Top and Blue Moon must have had plenty of leftovers at the end of the fest. Even Widmer Brothers, Kona and Redhook, companies that began as independent breweries but are now part of the partially Anheuser Busch-owned Craft Brewers Alliance, had scant few takers.

Most exciting of all, Texas breweries had the longest lines of all. Jester King's looked like it was the most consistently long line, followed closely by Dallas' own Peticolas and Deep Ellum brewing companies; DEBC blew out of its dry-hopped IPA well before I even got a chance to try it. The Open the Taps table benefited from its proximity to those booths, signing up 40 new members and dozens more adding their names to the mailing list.

Entertainment seemed to be a hit as well, even if most were listening at a distance that rendered the music all but incomprehensible in the building, which was clearly not designed with pristine acoustics in mind. Fish Fry Bingo's hard-rocking bluegrass set the raucous mood early and The O's kept it going. O's singer/guitarist John Pedigo didn't mind that so few ventured close to the stage. "There's beer over there," he said pointing toward the booths a stone's throw away. "And it's free."

I tried more than 20 beers, nearly all of which were new to me or to the area. A few stood out in particular. The cask-conditioned Rahr & Sons Ugly Pug with vanilla was a twist on the brewery's standby black lager, creamy and with just a touch of vanilla that didn't overwhelm. No Label's Jalapeño Ale was great. I've never liked peppered beers, but this one -- a pale ale made with reduced hops and an addition of 60 pounds of jalapeños -- had just a touch of spiciness and was actually really refreshing.


Another peppered beer, the Jester King/Mikkeller collabo Beer Geek Rodeo, was a good balance of sweet, burnt coffee and subtle spiciness in stout form. Clown Shoes Blaecorn Unidragon was a pitch-black, thick Russian imperial stout, chocolate sweetness with a crisp, bitter espresso finished that masked an ABV of 12.5 percent. And Ballast Point served up its Big Eye IPA alongside the acclaimed Sculpin. I actually preferred the former, which I find a better balance of malty sweetness and tangy hops. Meantime was a very good English IPA, dry and very well balanced but with more welcome hoppiness than English beers typically have.

A few people passed out on the Fairgrounds lawn notwithstanding, there didn't seem to be too many drunks leaving the fest afterward. The lines for in-demand beers forced you to pace yourself; it would have taken some work and some less picky beer-drinking to get hammered. I certainly left with a nice buzz, but I'm not sure whether it was from the alcohol or the excitement of seeing that the Dallas beer scene has truly arrived.
http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/cityofate/2012/04/big_texas_beer_fest_ruled_lets.php

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Big Texas Beer Fest (http://stouthouse.wordpress.com/2012/04/16/big-texas-beer-fest/)

Posted on April 16, 2012 (http://stouthouse.wordpress.com/2012/04/16/big-texas-beer-fest/) by johnboots (http://stouthouse.wordpress.com/author/johnboots/)

Saturday, April 14. Exactly one week after my 27th birthday, the beer gods decided to honor my growing love by arranging for an inaugural beer festival to be held in Dallas. It would be named the Big Texas Beer Fest, in honor of the state’s unnecessary fixation on large things. As implied, BTBF was no small event.
Roughly 300 beers were made available by 80+ breweries. Some breweries were corporate powerhouses, like MolsonCoors-owned Blue Moon, and ABInBev-owned Shock Top. Others were Texas-only brands, such as Blanco’s Real Ale and Dallas’s Peticolas. In combination, the selection was surprising given Dallas’s reputation for limited distribution.
My main highlights were as follows:

1) Jester King/Mikkeller’s Beer Geek Rodeo (http://http//texasbeer.blogspot.com/2012/04/jester-king-beer-geek-rodeo.html) collaboration. An imperial oatmeal stout with coffee, peppers, and smoked malt. Mikkeller fans are likely familiar with the brewer’s TX-sized fascination with peppers, as seen in variations of Chipotle Porter aka Texas Ranger. This was a big, strong beer. The oats and smoke hit first, coffee second, and pepper heat last.

2) Santa Fe’s Imperial Java Stout (http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/1683/36164). Served in a minimal, brownish-copper can, this brew was surprisingly flavorful. Definitely a marker of progress for the small, New Mexican brewery. Strong aromas and flavors of well-roasted coffee beans jumped to the foreground in smells and tastes. Smoothing milk chocolate balanced out the bitterness and made this quite enjoyable. (like an idiot, I completely forgot about going and trying this one. I was too occupied with the international and texas beer. oh well...)

3) Saint Arnold’s Bitter Belgian (http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/337/78633). Deemed a Belgian pale or IPA by the brewery, this reminded me more of a few hoppy trippels I tasted in CA and Brussels. Light, crisp, and refreshing, I would be happy sessioning this new SA brew.

Aside from these three highlights, there were numerous good beers that I was fortunate to try on Saturday. TX was well represented with appearances from aforementioned Jester King, Adelbert’s, Deep Ellum, Peticolas, Saint Arnold, Real Ale, and more. Jester King seemed to be the clear winners of the day, as their line only waned as the festival was drawing to a close at 6 PM. Their Sour Black Metal and Boxer’s Revenge were both high-quality, enjoyable additions to their lineup. According to the owner/operator, Peticolas Brewing may have made an initial contact in an effort to partner with a much larger and more established craft brewery for an upcoming collaboration brew. So good things were afoot all about Fair Park.

A few things will need improvement for future festivals. First, the VIP line was unbelievably long. With the VIP designation and the 70% increase over standard admission, our party expected to walk right in at noon. Unfortunately, we, along with the other 500+ VIPs, were subject to a line. While my group only waited about 25 minutes to enter, others may well have experienced 30+ minute waits. If ticket scanners then began allowing non-VIPs to enter at the opening time of 1 PM, then the extra $25 would have been ill-spent for those at the end of the VIP line. We were able to try most, if not all, of the specially allocated brews brought to serve the VIPs, so it all ended well for us. Second, the food trucks that were scheduled to be available for hungry, drunk festival goers were nowhere to be seen. Apparently a few predicted (NASCAR race) and less-predicted (warnings of inclement weather) persuaded truck operators to park elsewhere. So food was served only by one concession stand. The operators of this small outfit were overrun with business for the duration of the festival. Their line was quite long, so we kept on sippin’ while the suckers waited for their snacks. Otherwise, things went very smoothly.

I have already pledged to assist with next year’s festival. Chad and Nellie Montgomery, the husband and wife super team who made this event happen, were most gracious hosts. Chad explained to me that his trips to Great American Beer Fest in Denver had led him to want something equally as good for the Texas craft beer community. Since there wasn’t anything like it in Dallas, the couple decided to devote themselves to creating a new reality. I think that this event marks an important moment in Texas’s appreciation for craft beer. Less than a year ago, the Dallas Beer Festival was cancelled only days before its first occurrence. This cancellation threatened to derail the city’s momentum in craft beer progress. But Chad and Nellie were undeterred by this last minute change of plans, and forged ahead with their plans to give Dallas the festival it needed. So they did. And, man, was it a hit!

If you’re in TX during the festival next year, I can assure you it will be worth the drive/flight to Dallas. Join me in celebrating the future of Texas craft beer!

http://stouthouse.wordpress.com/tag/craft-beer/

[Sense]

I just had the Lips of Faith Cocoa Mole by New Belgium and I think it's one of the strangest beers I've had... not a fan of chili beers.. but this one deserved respect. The flavor and aromas were complex.

[Notorious H.O.P.]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb64/beestrofowler/photo1.jpg

#1238 mofos! They saved one for me at Sunrise Market :toast

Had this on draft today. Mighty tasty. Also had Sierra Nevada Hoptimum and Dogfish Burton Baton. Both were great but I expected a little more out of the Hoptimum. But that may have been a good thing. Heard the bitterness was off the charts but I thought it had good balance.

[leemajors]

Had this on draft today. Mighty tasty. Also had Sierra Nevada Hoptimum and Dogfish Burton Baton. Both were great but I expected a little more out of the Hoptimum. But that may have been a good thing. Heard the bitterness was off the charts but I thought it had good balance.

The Hoptimum is so clean. I like the change to 4 packs, esp since Central Market has it at 9.49 in Austin.

[Sense]

disregard everything I said about that new HEB... and avoid it for about a month or so. I went Friday and there was a 40 minute wait line, at least that's what an employee told me and while there is like 6 people giving out samples of beer it is not the best selection at all.. but hopefully with time it gets better.

[Notorious H.O.P.]

disregard everything I said about that new HEB... and avoid it for about a month or so. I went Friday and there was a 40 minute wait line, at least that's what an employee told me and while there is like 6 people giving out samples of beer it is not the best selection at all.. but hopefully with time it gets better.

That is disappointing news. I live near there but didn't dare go in this weekend. You could tell from the outside that the place was a madhouse.

I passed up a chance to stock up at Gabriels Superstore because I was hopeful about the new HEB. I'll still check it out and see what I find there anyway.

[Wild Cobra]

Paradise is stumbling upon our whole flower hops room and inhaling.

[jman3000]

Really looking forward to this new SA IPA. Missed the last one of these and was pretty bummed. Already got my 2 tickets.



Limited Seating. $50.
When: Thurs, May 17, 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
What: This special 6 course dinner (plus an extra course!) offers amazing pairings from the brains of our own Rob Landerman and Cruzan Catering. Bake, Broil, and Brew will host the occassion, and the dinner will also benefit Open The Taps. Special gelato will be provided from Brindles. Check out this amazing menu!

Course 1
La Bestia Aimable
Sausage ravioli with basil pesto and Pecorino Romano

Course 2
Strawberry Milk Stout
Seared Salmon with Strawberry glaze

Course 3
San Antonio IPA
Cranberry Goat Cheese Salad with an IPA-Orange Vinaigrette

Course 4
Lucky Ol’ Sun
Jalapeno Citrus Chicken with a pineapple salsa

Course 5
OPA
Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin Roulade

Course 6
Mesquite Smoked Porter
Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake

Extras
Ranger Creek .36 Texas Bourbon
Special .36 Bourbon Gelato from Brindles with Bourbon Truffle

Where: Bake, Broil, and Brew

[Sense]

I'm having the Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti tonight and it's AWESOME... celebrating the Spurs win, I highly recommend this beer.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

i'm cracking that one open tomorrow

[Notorious H.O.P.]

Damn! I forgot to step in to this thread and mention the recent San Antonio Craft Beer Week. The event that jman posted was part of that. I also did the Golden Age Of Homebrewing event that week.

For those that did not attend, one of the events is still going on. Freetail hosted a Tower Of Sour where they dedicated one of their beer towers to sour beers. Stopped by yesterday and most, if not all, of them are still on tap.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

it was American Craft Beer Week tbh

[Notorious H.O.P.]

it was American Craft Beer Week tbh

True but I had wanted to post the San Antonio events here. In any case, I try to make it American Craft Beer Week every week. Judging by this thread, I'm not the only one.
:toast

[mFFL03]

I hear Indio Beer is being sold in Austin. Has anyone found it in SA?

[Fpoonsie]

I hear Indio Beer is being sold in Austin. Has anyone found it in SA?

Whaaaaaaat?!

I usually hafta bring a 12 pack w/ me across the border each time I go.

[leemajors]

I cracked open a Stoic I had bought I guess 6-9 months ago, and man did it improve with age. Was not a huge fan initially, but glad I bought two. Excellent quad when it warmed up.

[Sense]

I hope I can get myself a Ruination 10 year anniversary bottle..

[leemajors]

I hope I can get myself a Ruination 10 year anniversary bottle..

I don't think the label has passed TABC yet tbh, it would be here already if it had. it's not available for retailers to order yet.

[baseline bum]

Crap, does it have the word "masturbatory" too? :depressed

[Sense]

I don't think the label has passed TABC yet tbh, it would be here already if it had. it's not available for retailers to order yet.

smh I hate the TABC

[leemajors]

I have asked if they could order it at Sunrise Market in Austin the last two weeks, but it's not on the inventory yet. Probably sitting in a warehouse somewhere

[leemajors]

I've had two of these, quite good. Might wanna let it sit 10-15 minutes before drinking it, flavor comes out more as it warms:

http://www.beersinparadise.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Bottleworks-13th.jpg

[Sense]

I've had two of these, quite good. Might wanna let it sit 10-15 minutes before drinking it, flavor comes out more as it warms:

http://www.beersinparadise.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Bottleworks-13th.jpg

quite the odd labeling from Stone..

[leemajors]

quite the odd labeling from Stone..

They brewed Bottleworks' 13th anniversary beer with them at Stone

[Sense]

They brewed Bottleworks' 13th anniversary beer with them at Stone

Ahh... never heard of bottleworks :/

[Fpoonsie]

Alright. What limited release should I be on the lookout for next?

[Agloco]

I'm gonna be in the Scottsdale area for an extended period of time. Anyone have a good suggestion about reailers or markets in the area. More specifically, I'm in the area just north of Shea Blvd outside of the 101.

Thanks.

[leemajors]

I'm gonna be in the Scottsdale area for an extended period of time. Anyone have a good suggestion about reailers or markets in the area. More specifically, I'm in the area just north of Shea Blvd outside of the 101.

Thanks.

My best finds for bottle shops and bars have been through Beer Advocate:

http://beeradvocate.com/beerfly/city/29

I know it says Phoenix, but there are also Scottsdale places listed. The highest rated place seems to be Papago for Scottsdale

hope that helps!

[Agloco]

My best finds for bottle shops and bars have been through Beer Advocate:

http://beeradvocate.com/beerfly/city/29

I know it says Phoenix, but there are also Scottsdale places listed. The highest rated place seems to be Papago for Scottsdale

hope that helps!

Ah, thanks Lee. Forgot about BA.

I might just go down the list until I find a good dealer. At least I'm in a location that sells Parabola. I'm digging that brew.

[baseline bum]

You and your conics.

[leemajors]

Ah, thanks Lee. Forgot about BA.

I might just go down the list until I find a good dealer. At least I'm in a location that sells Parabola. I'm digging that brew.

I make sure my iPhone is charged up before I go on a run when I am out of town, haha. I am on BA constantly checking everything to get the cream of the crop out of what I have never seen/had.

My next trip is to Denver for GABF, gonna swing by Fort Collins and Boulder too. I usually take at least one 12 bottle box to check in on the way back, 2 if I fly SouthWest. My girlfriend is going too, so we may bring back 3. I was up there last year and brought back a bunch of Epic beers out of Utah. Their exponential series is quite good - I had the Imp Stout, Imp IPA, and the Sour Apple Saison. All excellent. I haven't had the Parabola, but everything else I have had from Firestone Walker was great. Big fan of the Double Jack IPA

[Sense]

I make sure my iPhone is charged up before I go on a run when I am out of town, haha. I am on BA constantly checking everything to get the cream of the crop out of what I have never seen/had.

My next trip is to Denver for GABF, gonna swing by Fort Collins and Boulder too. I usually take at least one 12 bottle box to check in on the way back, 2 if I fly SouthWest. My girlfriend is going too, so we may bring back 3. I was up there last year and brought back a bunch of Epic beers out of Utah. Their exponential series is quite good - I had the Imp Stout, Imp IPA, and the Sour Apple Saison. All excellent. I haven't had the Parabola, but everything else I have had from Firestone Walker was great. Big fan of the Double Jack IPA

I envy you so hard.

[Sense]

Btw I actually found some cerveza Indio in Lufkin :lol Check your "La Michoacana" grocery stores!

[Agloco]

I make sure my iPhone is charged up before I go on a run when I am out of town, haha. I am on BA constantly checking everything to get the cream of the crop out of what I have never seen/had.

My next trip is to Denver for GABF, gonna swing by Fort Collins and Boulder too. I usually take at least one 12 bottle box to check in on the way back, 2 if I fly SouthWest. My girlfriend is going too, so we may bring back 3. I was up there last year and brought back a bunch of Epic beers out of Utah. Their exponential series is quite good - I had the Imp Stout, Imp IPA, and the Sour Apple Saison. All excellent. I haven't had the Parabola, but everything else I have had from Firestone Walker was great. Big fan of the Double Jack IPA


I envy you so hard.


:lol Indeed. Lee's a baller.

I've tried the Double Jack IPA before (at least it's checked off on my list....) although I don't recall my experience with it. I thought about writing a short synopsis of my feelings, sensations and general thoughts much like BA users do just for my own recollection.

I'll have to make more use of my mobile device for that purpose in the future. Right now, it's pretty much all tied to work. At any rate, I'll hit up Papagos later this week. It's about 11 miles south of where I work. Not exactly convenient for me, but if it's a good spot I'm there.


You and your conics.

:lol

An enjoyable if not healthy bias to be sure.

[BacktoBasics]

I'm having the Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti tonight and it's AWESOME... celebrating the Spurs win, I highly recommend this beer.This is a good beer. I prefer it in the winter but I'll drink it year round.

[leemajors]

http://drinks.seriouseats.com/images/2012/06/20120629-stone-ruination-bottle.jpg

Pretty tasty, I would like H.O.P.'s opinion on this, I found it less hoppy than the Hoptimum but still a damn tasty beer.

[CubanMustGo]

My introduction to non-mass produced beer was from the Celis brewery, located in Austin in the early 90s. Over the years they did a deal with one of the big American breweries, who ended up shutting them down because they weren't producing enough to care about. Someone else bought the brewery and put out something called Celis, but it hasn't been the same. I'm happy to hear that Celis' daughter (Pierre Celis passed away in 2011) has purchased back the rights to the name and intends to open a new brewery back in Austin, which will go back to the original recipes. The brewmaster is someone who worked with Celis in the old days and who has 50 years of experience.

Celis' Belgian-inspired brews were one of the forerunners of the very active small-batch beers so active in the US today, and I look forward to their return to the market. They'll start brewing somewhere else until they can get the Austin facility built.

http://austin.culturemap.com/newsdetail/06-29-12-15-51-a-once-local-favorite-brewery-returns-home-to-austin/

[mFFL03]

Just found Indio in Dallas! It was one of my first dark beers in Mexico and I can't believe I used to get this for $5 a pitcher in Reynosa. Now that I drink a lot of IPAs I can't imagine myself buying this too much...its $9 for a 6 pack. Dogfish head is $10.

It still beats the hell out the bud lights in the world.

[Sense]

http://drinks.seriouseats.com/images/2012/06/20120629-stone-ruination-bottle.jpg

Pretty tasty, I would like H.O.P.'s opinion on this, I found it less hoppy than the Hoptimum but still a damn tasty beer.

Is it finally in Texas shelves?

[leemajors]

i had it that day

[The Gemini Method]

Got to meet the brewers of Ballast Point out of San Diego...and makers of Sculpin IPA--one of my personal faves. Real cool dudes...made me want to consider my own microbrew.

[Sense]

Got to meet the brewers of Ballast Point out of San Diego...and makers of Sculpin IPA--one of my personal faves. Real cool dudes...made me want to consider my own microbrew.

I hope you have a whole lot of money.

[leemajors]

Got to meet the brewers of Ballast Point out of San Diego...and makers of Sculpin IPA--one of my personal faves. Real cool dudes...made me want to consider my own microbrew.

nice, three of my friends went to Stone Sour Fest last weekend and have been there several times. brought me back a Pure Hoppiness shirt from Alpine!

[The Gemini Method]

I hope you have a whole lot of money.

It necessarily doesn't take that much money. I'm not trying to be the next Samuel Adams, but I do know it isn't like say--building a R.C. car. I have a few friends who have already brewed their own beer and we have been at the minimal, talking about starting up something small. One of my friends has had the fortune to have been talking with the people at Bootlegger's here in Fullerton, CA and they've been giving him alot of solid advice.

It is, however, a dream and maybe a side hobby to my main gig. I mean, it would be nice to do something other than the normal 9-5.

[The Gemini Method]

nice, three of my friends went to Stone Sour Fest last weekend and have been there several times. brought me back a Pure Hoppiness shirt from Alpine!

Nice!

I had a local Dark Heart Hops last night...the name of brewing company escapes me, but it was at 11% one of the better Dark IPAs I've had.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

for those of you in the DFW area. this is at the lakewood whole foods
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/532558_415950051788796_344874052_n.jpg

Double Brown Stout mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[leemajors]

Growlers I have had with friends who came back from SD recently:

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/199/66674

Habanero Sculpin - buddy got the last pour from a keg, and boy was this a treat. Very hot initially, hops kicked in and mellowed it. One of the best pepper beers I have had.

Stone Mixtape Ale - 7 Stones blended, very nice oaked finish - strong blend.

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/147/34436

Double Dry Hopped Oaked Stone IPA - coincidentally, this is also on tap atm at Draught minus the oak. This is a damn tasty beer, and the nose is tremendous.

[leemajors]

Scott, the new site looks great!

[scott]

Scott, the new site looks great!

Thanks amigo!

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Anyone try the new experimental Sam Adams, that come in 22oz single bottles?
Tried one that was brewed with juniper berries....interesting to say the least

[leemajors]

Thanks amigo!

Does the Available Now dropdown update live? I was never disappointed in what I found on tap at Freetail, but sometimes the selection menu on the site was a bit behind.

[Spurminator]

Shameless plug for some good friends of mine in Dallas, but after over a year of hard work they're about to start serving and distributing. Go check them out.

http://www.lakewoodbrewingcompany.com/

[leemajors]

Shameless plug for some good friends of mine in Dallas, but after over a year of hard work they're about to start serving and distributing. Go check them out.

http://www.lakewoodbrewingcompany.com/

Plug away, this kinda stuff is what the thread is here for. How are the beers? Josh at Draught House generally gives every TX brewery a shot so if they go outside Dallas I should see it

[scott]

Does the Available Now dropdown update live? I was never disappointed in what I found on tap at Freetail, but sometimes the selection menu on the site was a bit behind.

Yeah, it updates automatically and pulls from the same database as our new in-house beer board, so it will always be up-to-date

[leemajors]

Yeah, it updates automatically and pulls from the same database as our new in-house beer board, so it will always be up-to-date

Badass. That is a great idea :toast

[Spurminator]

It's good stuff... My favorites are the Temptress and Lakewood Lager. I've only had them from the small batches while they were still being developed, though.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

They've got some tough competition with deep ellum brewery. Those guys have got the beer, the branding and all that. Good luck to them. I wanted to try their stuff at the big beer fest but I believe they didn't have any samples or they were handing out root beer. Oh, that Temptress looks pretty damn tasty.

[leemajors]

They've got some tough competition with deep ellum brewery. Those guys have got the beer, the branding and all that. Good luck to them. I wanted to try their stuff at the big beer fest but I believe they didn't have any samples or they were handing out root beer. Oh, that Temptress looks pretty damn tasty.

Ehh there's plenty of room for new breweries in TX. I haven't had anything terribly impressive from Deep Ellum. From what I have seen, TX breweries are a pretty tight knit community that help each other out when they can.

[baseline bum]

Anyone try the new experimental Sam Adams, that come in 22oz single bottles?
Tried one that was brewed with juniper berries....interesting to say the least

Sounds like an IPA I tried in California a few years ago.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__zfdK-3ry7c/S9idxcAk5CI/AAAAAAAAAFI/Q1MGTtX_LB0/s1600/4553260789_be9b20756a.jpg

[Spurminator]

Ehh there's plenty of room for new breweries in TX. I haven't had anything terribly impressive from Deep Ellum. From what I have seen, TX breweries are a pretty tight knit community that help each other out when they can.

Yeah I think DEB is doing a really good job in general of just helping build interest and excitement around craft brewing in DFW, which is going to benefit all of the new breweries.

All of those guys are in constant communication with each other and for now it doesn't seem like they see themselves as direct competitors.

[leemajors]

Yeah I think DEB is doing a really good job in general of just helping build interest and excitement around craft brewing in DFW, which is going to benefit all of the new breweries.

All of those guys are in constant communication with each other and for now it doesn't seem like they see themselves as direct competitors.

Sounds just like the guys down in Austin/SA, good to hear. Big beer is the competition, not each other. Take the taps and shelf space back!

[The Gemini Method]

Had a Duvel last night...was damn good!

[Sense]

I agree with the rest Scott, awesome job on the site.

[leemajors]

GABF brewery list announced!

http://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/at-the-festival/breweries-at-the-2012-festival/

Can't wait

[The Gemini Method]

GABF brewery list announced!

http://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/at-the-festival/breweries-at-the-2012-festival/

Can't wait

Bootlegger's and AleSmith in tha house!!!

[leemajors]

Bootlegger's and AleSmith in tha house!!!

Old Numbskull from Alesmith is one of my faves

[Sense]

This probably doesn't belong here, but...


got some family down in Coahuila atm, there's no craft beer in that state that they could possibly get me is there? How about liquor? What would you go down there to get?

Just trying to get something you wouldn't normally get here.

EDIT: or any Mexican craft beer really, apparently you can buy stuff online.. or get it shipped.

[SourCandy]

I am not a beer drinker by any means. Only reason I drink the occasional budweiser,bud light is because I actually find it refreshing. But the taste...not really crazy about. I know it is kinda hard to recommend me a beer since we all share different taste. But is it safe to say that all beer has some what the same taste? I have tried the buds,coors,dos x and some other beer in a cup. But most to me most tasted the same. What beer would you guys say tasted way different then the ones I have mentioned?

[silverblk mystix]

I am not a beer drinker by any means. Only reason I drink the occasional budweiser,bud light is because I actually find it refreshing. But the taste...not really crazy about. I know it is kinda hard to recommend me a beer since we all share different taste. But is it safe to say that all beer has some what the same taste? I have tried the buds,coors,dos x and some other beer in a cup. But most to me most tasted the same. What beer would you guys say tasted way different then the ones I have mentioned?

Try a hefeweizen with a little lime in a glass...

If you don't like it...you probably won't ever like beer, but I think you might be surprised with a Hefe.

Shiner, Widmer and Pyramid all make a pretty good one (unless you are at a pub or microbrewery--in which case they will have a house hefe) but make sure you have a decent glass so it can maximize the taste. :toast

[Sense]

I am not a beer drinker by any means. Only reason I drink the occasional budweiser,bud light is because I actually find it refreshing. But the taste...not really crazy about. I know it is kinda hard to recommend me a beer since we all share different taste. But is it safe to say that all beer has some what the same taste? I have tried the buds,coors,dos x and some other beer in a cup. But most to me most tasted the same. What beer would you guys say tasted way different then the ones I have mentioned?

Most of those beers are light lagers, which I'm not fond of and most craft beer drinkers avoid them.

Not all beers taste like that, at all!

You should try going to the flying saucer (assuming you're in SA) and having some of the beers the "beer goddesses" (waitresses) recommend, you'd be surprised what real beer tastes like.

Most girls I know like Milk Stout by Left Hand.


Try a hefeweizen with a little lime in a glass...

If you don't like it...you probably won't ever like beer, but I think you might be surprised with a Hefe.

Shiner, Widmer and Pyramid all make a pretty good one (unless you are at a pub or microbrewery--in which case they will have a house hefe) but make sure you have a decent glass so it can maximize the taste. :toast

I'm not a huge hefe fan, so you can't really say that.. and most of those breweries have mediocre flagships but a good starting point.

I probably started with Shiner and then moved to Boston Lager, then Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, and once I hit Dogfish Head I knew I had to try more beers.. as many as I could.

[The Reckoning]

beer in australia is complete shit...awful. i heard in new zealand there are some decent ales but here....ugh.

i went to a bavarian pub where i had a glass of franziskaner and spaten...cost me 24 bucks.

[leemajors]

Epic outta New Zealand makes some fantastic beers.

[leemajors]

St. Arnolds Divine Reserve was released today in Austin. Scott, you guys getting a cask?

[Notorious H.O.P.]

St. Arnolds Divine Reserve was released today in Austin. Scott, you guys getting a cask?

I know they are supposed to receive both kegs and bottles, but not sure about casks.

A pour out of a cask would be great. According to the Saint Arnold's website, they only produced 20 casks.

I tried one on Tuesday. It was like a flavor kick in the face with a golf shoe. It is powerful and is good as it but will benefit from some aging. I plan on burying the remaining bottles in the back of my beer fridge and revisiting in a few months.

[The Gemini Method]

allagash curieux

bourbon barrel aged 11%ABV

pronounced "cru-ex"

[leemajors]

I know they are supposed to receive both kegs and bottles, but not sure about casks.

A pour out of a cask would be great. According to the Saint Arnold's website, they only produced 20 casks.

I tried one on Tuesday. It was like a flavor kick in the face with a golf shoe. It is powerful and is good as it but will benefit from some aging. I plan on burying the remaining bottles in the back of my beer fridge and revisiting in a few months.

They are tapping a cask at Billy's on Burnet in Austin Friday at 6pm, and I don't doubt Josh at Draught House has one too.

Happy IPA Day!

[Drachen]

They are building a new microbrewery on the east side near Hays street bridge. Sounds like it will be a nice place.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/East-Side-brewery-plan-gets-final-City-Council-OK-3757422.php

[Drachen]

They are building a new microbrewery, or I guess more accurately they are moving alamo brewing into a new brewpub beer garden type place that will be built, on the east side near Hays street bridge. Sounds like it will be a nice place.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/East-Side-brewery-plan-gets-final-City-Council-OK-3757422.php

[Notorious H.O.P.]

St. Arnolds Divine Reserve was released today in Austin. Scott, you guys getting a cask?

I'm not going to say yes, but you can get the answer to this Thursday afternoon at Freetail. :toast

[lefty]

A bill tled

[Spurminator]

Go get some.

http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/cityofate/2012/08/goodfriend_and_the_common_tabl.php


Goodfriend and The Common Table Gush Over Lakewood Brewery
By Scott Reitz Tue., Aug. 7 2012 at 3:05 PM

Lakewood Brewing tapped its first two beers for the public this past weekend to an enthusiastic crowd at Goodfriend. A bartender told me it was the burger restaurant's busiest day since it opened last year. Even last night the staff seemed especially giddy about the brew. Lakewood Brewing's Rock Ryder and Hop Trapp are a hot commodity at East Dallas' favorite horseshoe bar, and for good reason.

Rock Ryder is an impressively drinkable rye/wheat beer with a light blond color and a well pronounced peppery taste that lingers on your palate. I loved it. At 5.2 percent ABV it's almost a sessionable beer and I can see football fans settling in with a few hundred pints of the liquid gold this fall without a problem.

The Hop Trapp seems a little misnamed to me. Previously scarred by American style IPAs that are hopped into the stratosphere and taste like pharmaceutical marijuana smells, I'd thought the brewery's second beer would be aggressively bitter. It's not at all. Modeled after a true Belgian IPA, the beer clocks in at 68 IBUs, and it's more floral than face-puckering. I'm a hop-averse beer drinker and I loved this brew.

If you don't want to go to Goodfriend The Common Table is tapping both beers at 5 p.m. today. You can get a 20-ounce Hop Trap or Rock Ryder for $5 each. (They'll usually run you $7.) And stay on the lookout for the Temptress. Lakewood's third offering, an imperial milk stout running almost 9 percent ABV, should be out in a few more weeks.

[leemajors]

I still don't understand why Ballast Point went into DFW before Austin. Makes no sense.

[leemajors]

Go get some.

http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/cityofate/2012/08/goodfriend_and_the_common_tabl.php


Goodfriend and The Common Table Gush Over Lakewood Brewery
By Scott Reitz Tue., Aug. 7 2012 at 3:05 PM

Lakewood Brewing tapped its first two beers for the public this past weekend to an enthusiastic crowd at Goodfriend. A bartender told me it was the burger restaurant's busiest day since it opened last year. Even last night the staff seemed especially giddy about the brew. Lakewood Brewing's Rock Ryder and Hop Trapp are a hot commodity at East Dallas' favorite horseshoe bar, and for good reason.

Rock Ryder is an impressively drinkable rye/wheat beer with a light blond color and a well pronounced peppery taste that lingers on your palate. I loved it. At 5.2 percent ABV it's almost a sessionable beer and I can see football fans settling in with a few hundred pints of the liquid gold this fall without a problem.

The Hop Trapp seems a little misnamed to me. Previously scarred by American style IPAs that are hopped into the stratosphere and taste like pharmaceutical marijuana smells, I'd thought the brewery's second beer would be aggressively bitter. It's not at all. Modeled after a true Belgian IPA, the beer clocks in at 68 IBUs, and it's more floral than face-puckering. I'm a hop-averse beer drinker and I loved this brew.

If you don't want to go to Goodfriend The Common Table is tapping both beers at 5 p.m. today. You can get a 20-ounce Hop Trap or Rock Ryder for $5 each. (They'll usually run you $7.) And stay on the lookout for the Temptress. Lakewood's third offering, an imperial milk stout running almost 9 percent ABV, should be out in a few more weeks.

I did a double take at $7 for an imperial before I googled and found the Common Table was Uptown. I wish your buddies well!

[Viva Las Espuelas]

They probably don't want to offset the "weird"ness....

[leemajors]

They probably don't want to offset the "weird"ness....

they'd sell a hell of a lot more here is all

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Ah. I didn't know austin had a bigger population than dfw.

[leemajors]

More breweries, more interest in craft beer.

You had any of their beers yet?

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Ah. More breweries and more interest. We're having two beer fests up here one saturday after another next month. There must be some kinda interest up here. Does that happen in austin?

[monosylab1k]

rofl why are you even arguing that there's more interest in Austin concerning craft beer? Dallas is full of 30K millionaires who drink Bud Light Platinum and Mexican lawn workers who drink Chelada. It's not even close. The craft beer business in Dallas is growing but clearly we're still far behind Austin right now.

[leemajors]

Ah. More breweries and more interest. We're having two beer fests up here one saturday after another next month. There must be some kinda interest up here. Does that happen in austin?

Yes, there are several coming up. There are 15 breweries in Austin, I'm not saying anything bad about DFW :jack

Have you had any Ballast Point beers yet? The Sculpin IPA is pretty damn good

[leemajors]

I want Houston's scene to keep growing too. Then people in state govt may finally see how stupid and prohibitive their policies are to one of the few booming businesses out there and let what Scott has been working so hard for happen. I would love to be able to stop in at a brewery and fill up a growler of something new they are tinkering with in small batches like you can in Cali.

[leemajors]

TABC Changes What it Means to Be a Beer


http://www.texastribune.org/texas-state-agencies/texas-alcoholic-beverage-commission/tabc-changes-what-it-means-to-be-a-beer/


That rule was overturned in December following a lawsuit, and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission officially changed its labeling rules on July 24. Now, brewers can essentially label their products by whatever name they’d like, as long as the label includes the alcohol content. The judgment against TABC said its rules for labeling violated the First Amendment rights of beer makers by dictating what language they could and could not use to describe their products.



FINALLY

[baseline bum]

Wow, surprising.

[Notorious H.O.P.]

St. Arnolds Divine Reserve was released today in Austin. Scott, you guys getting a cask?

Managed to snag one of the last 6 or 7 pints of the DR12 cask at Freetail. After trying it in the bottle, I knew it would be mellower (in a good way) cask and it truly was. Wish I'd gotten there earlier in the weekend and put a few more away.

[The Gemini Method]

Yes, there are several coming up. There are 15 breweries in Austin, I'm not saying anything bad about DFW :jack

Have you had any Ballast Point beers yet? The Sculpin IPA is pretty damn good

The Sculpin is probably my favorite from Ballast Point--BP also is a distillery and is probably the best brewery in San Diego. I like Stone, but I love BP. All the sportfish line is good.

[Spurminator]

I had to try it. But I don't recommend it.

http://www.outblush.com/women/images/2011/11/rogue-voodoo-beer-lg.jpg

[monosylab1k]

I had to try it. But I don't recommend it.

http://www.outblush.com/women/images/2011/11/rogue-voodoo-beer-lg.jpg

I agree. Sounds intriguing but overall i was pretty underwhelmed. It tastes exactly like it's advertised, and it's just not that good.

[Sense]

I agree. Sounds intriguing but overall i was pretty underwhelmed. It tastes exactly like it's advertised, and it's just not that good.

yeap, I keep hearing that about that beer. I've never seen one on the shelves, but from what I've heard I should skip it.

[leemajors]

Had this last night:

http://blog.mlive.com/kalamabrew_impact/2009/03/medium_Founders%20Pack%20KBS.jpg

Fucking delicious.

[baseline bum]

I had to try it. But I don't recommend it.

http://www.outblush.com/women/images/2011/11/rogue-voodoo-beer-lg.jpg

Thanks for the heads up, as I would have probably bought that since I'm a huge fan of Rogue.

[Spurstro]

http://www.worldofbeerusa.com/App_Themes/wobfranchise/Images/logo.png

World of Beer (http://www.worldofbeerusa.com/) is opening up soon on 281 and Stone Oak at that shopping center where Alamo Drafthouse is.

[Notorious H.O.P.]

Does anyone know how the beer selection at your typical World Of Beer compares to Flying Saucer in areas that have both?

[symple19]

jDFH2kPkgWM

[scott]

Does anyone know how the beer selection at your typical World Of Beer compares to Flying Saucer in areas that have both?

Take the Saucer, remove all the best beers, and add $2 to the price of everything else... voila... World of Beer.

[Fpoonsie]

Take the Saucer, remove all the best beers, and add $2 to the price of everything else... voila... World of Beer.

MORE expensive than Saucer?

Jeeeezus.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

ah. so it's really really expensive

[Notorious H.O.P.]

Take the Saucer, remove all the best beers, and add $2 to the price of everything else... voila... World of Beer.

Unfortunately, this was the answer I was expecting to hear. Like a Yardhouse without food.

[Sense]

Ahh yes I heard something like that was going to open in SA, also Whole Foods has draft beer now? That's awesome.




Are any of you going to the Texas Craft Brewers Festival tomorrow?
I can't wait.

[leemajors]

Cool, have fun man. I would recommend the cheese pairing panel thing with John Antonelli if you get the chance. I have been to a pairing event of his before.

I'm going to Denver Thursday for GABF with my gf, we're going to the Thursday and Saturday member sessions and spending Friday night in Fort Collins, hitting up Boulder on Sunday. Gonna hit lots of breweries.

[Sense]

Cool, have fun man. I would recommend the cheese pairing panel thing with John Antonelli if you get the chance. I have been to a pairing event of his before.

I'm going to Denver Thursday for GABF with my gf, we're going to the Thursday and Saturday member sessions and spending Friday night in Fort Collins, hitting up Boulder on Sunday. Gonna hit lots of breweries.

I'm jelly.


Where would you recommend I go on a Sunday in Austin for a beer fix pub-wise? I'm guessing the best chance I have at buying decent beer will be at the Central Market on a Sunday.

[leemajors]

I'd go to the Draught House, it's a few blocks from Central Market on Lamar. Go to Whip In and/or Sunrise Market for good selections too if you're looking to buy bombers.

[Sense]

I'd go to the Draught House, it's a few blocks from Central Market on Lamar. Go to Whip In and/or Sunrise Market for good selections too if you're looking to buy bombers.

Awesome, I'll look into those!

[CuckingFunt]

I'm going to Denver Thursday for GABF with my gf, we're going to the Thursday and Saturday member sessions and spending Friday night in Fort Collins, hitting up Boulder on Sunday. Gonna hit lots of breweries.

If you go to Flying Dog, after the tour they take you next door and show off their whiskey distillery, too. At least, they did when I was last in Denver.

EDIT: Never mind. I guess Flying Dog moved to Maryland.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Finally tried Santa Fe's Java Imperial Stout and damn was it worth the wait. Fantastic.

[leemajors]

To be specific, Sunrise MiniMart on Anderson Lane.

[Agloco]

Had this last night:

http://blog.mlive.com/kalamabrew_impact/2009/03/medium_Founders%20Pack%20KBS.jpg

Fucking delicious.

I've got a professional acquaintance out here in Phoenix that recently came across this stuff. We're supposed to get together early next week and give this a whirl. Glad to hear a good review on it in advance.

[leemajors]

I've got a professional acquaintance out here in Phoenix that recently came across this stuff. We're supposed to get together early next week and give this a whirl. Glad to hear a good review on it in advance.

It's not cheap, but damn is it good! One of the thickest beers I have had since Older Viscosity from Port brewing

[mrsmaalox]

Are any of you going to the Texas Craft Brewers Festival tomorrow?
I can't wait.

I was there! What were your favorites?

I had a great time---good company (not the beer snobs I usually end up at this sort of thing with) and a nice mix of mainstream and more obscure breweries. As I'm sure I've said earlier in this thread, I have a pretty sensitive palate when it comes to beer (and food) so I'm not real adventurous to super strong or complicated flavors. In this world of everyone and his grandmother's IPA's and double IPA's, I am always looking out for the lighter lagers and ales or just the flavors that refresh and don't linger for too long. My 2 absolute favorite picks from yesterday's fest were Uncle Billy's Insomniac Coffee Stout and Deep Ellum Brewery's Rocktoberfest; I'll go out of my way to get those again! The biggest letdown was anything from 512Brewing Company, most specifically the Pecan Porter I was looking forward to.

[symple19]

had this tonight...http://homebrewparty.com/images/BackInBlackIPA400.jpg

[leemajors]

had this tonight...http://homebrewparty.com/images/BackInBlackIPA400.jpg

21st Amendment is great - the Two Lane Blacktop Imperial Black IPA is fantastic as well.

[Sense]

I was there! What were your favorites?

I had a great time---good company (not the beer snobs I usually end up at this sort of thing with) and a nice mix of mainstream and more obscure breweries. As I'm sure I've said earlier in this thread, I have a pretty sensitive palate when it comes to beer (and food) so I'm not real adventurous to super strong or complicated flavors. In this world of everyone and his grandmother's IPA's and double IPA's, I am always looking out for the lighter lagers and ales or just the flavors that refresh and don't linger for too long. My 2 absolute favorite picks from yesterday's fest were Uncle Billy's Insomniac Coffee Stout and Deep Ellum Brewery's Rocktoberfest; I'll go out of my way to get those again! The biggest letdown was anything from 512Brewing Company, most specifically the Pecan Porter I was looking forward to.


There were some really good ones, I guess the ones that stood out for me were Live Oak Hefeweizen, Pumpkinator by St. Arnolds, Austin Beerworks' Flying Headbutt, Real Ale Brewers Cut Black Quadrupel, and Flyin' Monk by Adelbert's Brewery.. and Rocktoberfest yes Rocktoberfest was very good too!



I had a blast in Austin, but I have to say that the festival was overshadowed by an amazing time I had with "The Beerists". My brother listens to their podcast, so John Rubio invited us to the draught house for their monthly bottle share, and pretty much their "rules" for this bottle share is you have to get something you can't get in Texas... or it has to be fairly rare. So I was more than delighted when I saw beers like Founders Breakfast Stout, 2010 The Abyss, Cucumber Saison, Choklat, Wookey Jack, Terrapin Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout, 2007 Old Stock, Heady Topper, and some Cantillon and New Glarus beers as well. I should also point out that after this bottle share at the pub he invited us to his house to open even more bottles. I had some many awesome and rare beers that I should remember them.. but there were just so many. So if you guys get a chance, listen to their podcast.. they know their shit :lol and they treated me awesome, and if you ever get a chance leemajors you should try meeting up with them at one of their bottle shares, they do it first Sunday of every month, it was awesome hanging out with them.

[leemajors]

There were some really good ones, I guess the ones that stood out for me were Live Oak Hefeweizen, Pumpkinator by St. Arnolds, Austin Beerworks' Flying Headbutt, Real Ale Brewers Cut Black Quadrupel, and Flyin' Monk by Adelbert's Brewery.. and Rocktoberfest yes Rocktoberfest was very good too!



I had a blast in Austin, but I have to say that the festival was overshadowed by an amazing time I had with "The Beerists". My brother listens to their podcast, so John Rubio invited us to the draught house for their monthly bottle share, and pretty much their "rules" for this bottle share is you have to get something you can't get in Texas... or it has to be fairly rare. So I was more than delighted when I saw beers like Founders Breakfast Stout, 2010 The Abyss, Cucumber Saison, Choklat, Wookey Jack, Terrapin Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout, 2007 Old Stock, Heady Topper, and some Cantillon and New Glarus beers as well. I should also point out that after this bottle share at the pub he invited us to his house to open even more bottles. I had some many awesome and rare beers that I should remember them.. but there were just so many. So if you guys get a chance, listen to their podcast.. they know their shit :lol and they treated me awesome, and if you ever get a chance leemajors you should try meeting up with them at one of their bottle shares, they do it first Sunday of every month, it was awesome hanging out with them.

I was at the Draught House outside when the bottle share was winding down :lol My buddy Mike helps organize it, he just shaved his long ass dreads off and I barely recognized him at first

[Sense]

I was at the Draught House outside when the bottle share was winding down :lol My buddy Mike helps organize it, he just shaved his long ass dreads off and I barely recognized him at first

:lol wow.. well yeah they told me Mike has been doing it for idk how many years...

[Fpoonsie]

Any idea on the release date for Rahr's BBA Winter Warmer? I keep scouring their website, but can't seem to find any info.

[cantthinkofanything]

Any idea on the release date for Rahr's BBA Winter Warmer? I keep scouring their website, but can't seem to find any info.

I think they're really pushing their Oktoberfest right now. Probably at least not til' November for the Winter Warmer.

[leemajors]

Any idea on the release date for Rahr's BBA Winter Warmer? I keep scouring their website, but can't seem to find any info.

all the beeradvocate reviews are from late dec/early jan, so at least another 6 weeks I would say.

[mrsmaalox]

There were some really good ones, I guess the ones that stood out for me were Live Oak Hefeweizen, Pumpkinator by St. Arnolds, Austin Beerworks' Flying Headbutt, Real Ale Brewers Cut Black Quadrupel, and Flyin' Monk by Adelbert's Brewery.. and Rocktoberfest yes Rocktoberfest was very good too!



I had a blast in Austin, but I have to say that the festival was overshadowed by an amazing time I had with "The Beerists". My brother listens to their podcast, so John Rubio invited us to the draught house for their monthly bottle share, and pretty much their "rules" for this bottle share is you have to get something you can't get in Texas... or it has to be fairly rare. So I was more than delighted when I saw beers like Founders Breakfast Stout, 2010 The Abyss, Cucumber Saison, Choklat, Wookey Jack, Terrapin Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout, 2007 Old Stock, Heady Topper, and some Cantillon and New Glarus beers as well. I should also point out that after this bottle share at the pub he invited us to his house to open even more bottles. I had some many awesome and rare beers that I should remember them.. but there were just so many. So if you guys get a chance, listen to their podcast.. they know their shit :lol and they treated me awesome, and if you ever get a chance leemajors you should try meeting up with them at one of their bottle shares, they do it first Sunday of every month, it was awesome hanging out with them.

The Beerists, huh? Well that's probably a bit too hardcore for me :lol I'm just a tag-a-long with the beer enthusiasts; I'm just in it for tasting beer and talking to drunk, happy people :lol

[jalsina]

Any Downtown Brown fans? Best beer in California, hands down...

http://beer.findthebest.com/sites/default/files/675/media/images/Lost_Coast_Downtown_Brown.jpg

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Pumpkinator by St. Arnolds, that beer is fan-frickin'-tastic! i had it for the first time on draft and it was sex in a glass. it comes out monday. definitely buying a few bottles of it

[Fpoonsie]

My stash from last year.

http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/6169fcc0ea6311e1a2ab22000a1e87b3_6.jpg

[Fpoonsie]

I think they're really pushing their Oktoberfest right now. Probably at least not til' November for the Winter Warmer.


all the beeradvocate reviews are from late dec/early jan, so at least another 6 weeks I would say.

Ah, ok. Thanks.

[leemajors]

My stash from last year.

http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/6169fcc0ea6311e1a2ab22000a1e87b3_6.jpg

Aye, that tap and the Double Pecan Porter blew first within 30 mins or so at the Draught House Anniversary last year. I poured myself more than a few before they were gone. If anyone is interested Josh always has rare kegs and special shit for this:

http://www.draughthouse.com/web-anniversary.jpg

[NFO]

Has anyone had the "Enjoy" IPA by Stone yet and what did you think of it?

[Sense]

Oh ok you're in Ohio.. lol I don't think we'll get it in Texas. So.. we wish.

[NFO]

Oh ok you're in Ohio.. lol I don't think we'll get it in Texas. So.. we wish.

I just picked up 2 bottles during lunch and was going to have one tonight.

Didn't know Texas was not on the distribution list. Sorry man.

[Sense]

I just picked up 2 bottles during lunch and was going to have one tonight.

Didn't know Texas was not on the distribution list. Sorry man.

You're a lucky man, you should get more if you can I'm sure they'll be very tradable.

[NFO]

You're a lucky man, you should get more if you can I'm sure they'll be very tradable.

My local bottle shop only got a case of 12 bombers, with a 2 bottle maximum. I got the max.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

My stash from last year.

http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/6169fcc0ea6311e1a2ab22000a1e87b3_6.jpg

Bastard!!

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Aye, that tap and the Double Pecan Porter blew first within 30 mins or so at the Draught House Anniversary last year. I poured myself more than a few before they were gone. If anyone is interested Josh always has rare kegs and special shit for this:

http://www.draughthouse.com/web-anniversary.jpg

Boy was that pecan porter a let down.

[Sense]

John Rubio opened one of those Double Barrel Aged Pecan Porters for us and it ended up being infected...

[Viva Las Espuelas]

The glass of pecan porter I had tasted infected

[leemajors]

damn, that sucks. the keg at GABF was really good, and the wild bear they had on at falling rock was great too. they also had avery's rumpkin, i got a 12 oz bottle of it as well.

other than that I tried to much stuff saturday and then went to falling rock and great divide and had a blast. odell and equinox were both great again in fort collins, and Avery and Mountain Sun were both tasty in Boulder. Avery had a summertime IPA with a hint of tangerine that was delicious. At GABF some stand outs were Worldwide Stout from Dogfish clocking in at 18+%, Stone Suitable for Cave Aging Porter, the Stone Enjoy By, Racer X, Racer 15, Bruery's Black Tuesday Stout at 19+%, and a host of other beers I have a hard time remembering after those ridiculous abv stouts.

[Fpoonsie]

They just tapped a keg of Pumpkinator at the local Draft House here in Denton. It was gone within an hour and half.

[Sense]

Anyone get a taste of the 2012 Pumpkinator yet?

[Fpoonsie]

Nooooooo. I'm lookin for it EVERYwhere.

[leemajors]

it came out and sold quickly in Austin yesterday afternoon. I passed, but I will have it on draft soon anyway.

[The Gemini Method]

The past few weeks I've had:

Pliny the Elder (10 out of 10)

Russian River's 2nd best beer--Pliny the Younger, which is only brewed once a year, is their first. This week old Pliny was absolutely brilliant. It was its usually hoppy drink but isn't too overwhelming and it is crisp on the palate. It won't over run the female population and it will get you on one. The taste is really great with seafood but is just fine without a pairing.

Uinata Brewery's Jacked Pumpkin (8 out of 10)

This is one of the few beers that had me going well. A hearty brew and it is probably as good as the Kern River Pumpkin Ale. It is an Imperial though so it has its feel. I like it because the pumpkin is there but not overwhelming or underwhelming like some beers are. I highly recommend this with a hearty stew or a nice bisque--it is consummate imperial for something rich and thick.

Dark Mint Porter Collab from Stone and Iron Fist (7 out of 10)

A minimal release by some of the Southern Southern section of Cali's heavy hitters, this one wasn't all that great. I prefer the Bootlegger's Dark Chocolate Mint Porter compared to this one. I think it was missing consistency as each bottle either had a great taste of the chocolate mint or it missed and it had just a dense indistinguishable porter taste. It was too heavy and may be best paired with chili or a chowder--preferably something not tomato based if you're going chowder.

Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier (8.5 out of 10)

Not going to lie...the Teutonic people know how to make weissbier...I mean, duh! They've been doing it for centuries upon millennial time elapsing! This was the afterthought to the Elder as I wanted a contrasting beer and a weissbier is more mellow than an Elder. I was pleasantly surprised! I mean, I love Pliny the Elder and I am always in the know when it comes out but this accompaniment was crisp and felt right. It smoothly represented the best of weissbier and gave you a sense of Oktoberfest w/o the obnoxious bros and slut manifestations you'll get at your local German-American Oktoberfest venues. It is best with a schnitzel or maybe a bratwurst.

Allegash Brewery Dubbel Reserve (8.5 out of 10)

A grainy intense flavored ale that has the hint of the Maine backwoods that the brewery is surrounded by. It is a complicated drink with a heady oak barrel feel to it and so the smokiness of the beer is best with something that isn't as intense. I think this would be good with a Maine Lobster's sweetness or the rich boldness of a cedar plank salmon. This is a grown folk drink and if you're planning on pouring it--do it in a frosty pilsner glass and not a goblet. I think it holds the intensity within its borders better than the open faced goblet.

[leemajors]

I snagged two Pliny's in Denver at Mondo Vino, bottled just a week before I bought it. I have had Younger too about two years ago, and it is fucking fantastic as well. I also grabbed an Uinata Crooked Line Black ale after the label caught my eye, but I have not tried it yet:
http://thefullpint.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/uinta-labyrinth-black-ale.jpg

My gf also grabbed their Cockeyed Cooper and their Detour Double IPA. Along with Epic Utah has some fantastic breweries.

[Fpoonsie]

The local pub here is getting a bottle of Sam Adams Utopia. $20 for a 2oz pour.

Anybody tried it and know if it's worth the shot to the pocketbook?

[leemajors]

Can get a damn good single malt at that price, I would pass personally

[Fpoonsie]

Yeah, I prolly will. My curiosity was just a bit piqued.

[cantthinkofanything]

The local pub here is getting a bottle of Sam Adams Utopia. $20 for a 2oz pour.

Anybody tried it and know if it's worth the shot to the pocketbook?

It sounds pretty good. I'll probably pick up a six pack at QuickTrip on the way home. Thanks!

[The Gemini Method]

Probably the only beer I'd spend over $20 is Cruiex since that is my personal fave...

[leemajors]

Probably the only beer I'd spend over $20 is Cruiex since that is my personal fave...

I am willing to buy 22oz bombers over $20 on occasion, like an Odell Woodcut or something similar, but not 2oz.

[The Gemini Method]

Oh snaps...I thought it was 22oz...my bad--yeah, unless its Pliny the Younger--and even that is a stretch...I wouldn't pay that much for a 2oz.

[Fpoonsie]

Yeah, I looked up some of the backstory on this limited edition. Aged 10 years, 26% or so ABV, but I'm not even that big a Sam fan as it is.

[leemajors]

Pumpkinator Cask at Billy's on Burnet in Austin tapped at 7 pm tomorrow.

[Fpoonsie]

A firkin @ Oak St Draft House in Denton tapped at 7 tonight. #scoreboard

[leemajors]

A firkin @ Oak St Draft House in Denton tapped at 7 tonight. #scoreboard

Awesome, Austin Beer Week starts tomorrow so they are tapping all kinds of stuff around town the next week if anyone interested is in the area:

http://austinbeerweek.com/

[Fpoonsie]

Ok, lee, jeez. It's not a contest.

:depressed

[leemajors]

Ok, lee, jeez. It's not a contest.

:depressed

I just realized it started tomorrow when i saw the billy's post, not trying to one up anything :lol. There is a Dallas Beer Week coming up too in Nov:

http://dallasbeerweek.com/calendar/

Avery tap takeover breakfast sounds pretty good tbh

[leemajors]

Sierra Celebration on its way across the country, Ruthless Rye in Janurary. yessss

[Agloco]

Had this last night:

http://blog.mlive.com/kalamabrew_impact/2009/03/medium_Founders%20Pack%20KBS.jpg

Fucking delicious.

Hey Lee, I finally got around to having this. 4 out of 5 Jalapenos :lol Really good stuff. Great flavor profile, and didn't leave me feeling bloated.

I'm looking around the Scottsdale area for some high end watering holes. Hopefully their selections are as good as advertised.

[Agloco]

Yeah, I looked up some of the backstory on this limited edition. Aged 10 years, 26% or so ABV, but I'm not even that big a Sam fan as it is.

:wow

Under the table in three sips with that stuff.

[leemajors]

Hey Lee, I finally got around to having this. 4 out of 5 Jalapenos :lol Really good stuff. Great flavor profile, and didn't leave me feeling bloated.

I'm looking around the Scottsdale area for some high end watering holes. Hopefully their selections are as good as advertised.

Praying Monk and Yardhouse look like your best bets

[The Gemini Method]

http://www.theperfectlyhappyman.com/uploads/alesmith-yulesmith-holiday-ale.jpg

Intense flavor and a hoppiness that'll make any devout hophead enjoy! I give it a 8 out of 10...I recommend if you're having a hearty seafood meal or maybe a dense sandwich pairing.

[leemajors]

http://www.theperfectlyhappyman.com/uploads/alesmith-yulesmith-holiday-ale.jpg

Intense flavor and a hoppiness that'll make any devout hophead enjoy! I give it a 8 out of 10...I recommend if you're having a hearty seafood meal or maybe a dense sandwich pairing.

They also make a summer Yulesmith that is very tasty as well

[The Gemini Method]

They also make a summer Yulesmith that is very tasty as well

Yes indeed they do--I haven't had the opportunity to try it yet but I look forward to trying some in the future.

[leemajors]

Picked up my first 6 of Celebration this year yesterday, very limited supplies in Austin until next week. Still one of my favorite seasonals.

[NFO]

Would anybody be willing to trade some Texas beers for some Ohio beers? Regular, seasonal it doesn't matter.

[leemajors]

I might be able to, anything specific you were looking for? I have some shipping containers laying around that I use when traveling to bring stuff back as checked luggage.

[The Gemini Method]

Maybe get a Trade-beer-from-states thing going on here--I'll send out some Cali beers lol

[Fpoonsie]

You Cali boys prolly got easier access to all things Rogue/Deschutes, yeah?

[leemajors]

I have two 3 bottle shipping containers I could send out with a couple beers in the next couple weeks. Either let me know what you want, or what style and I can ship out those to NFO and GM. All I would ask is that you send em back with something good inside.

[The Gemini Method]

I'll have to join up later because I'm in the process of finding a new residence so when I'm up and running--I'll let you guys know.

I've only had the Rogue Voodoo Maple Bacon Ale...I'm really novice right now but I'm going to get more immersed in it now that I've found some pretty cool Ale Shops and Distributors of the craft and microbrew kind. But Cali has its hand on the pulse from Oregon all the way towards your guys' neck of the woods so I'm sure there would be something around here for most palates.

[NFO]

I have two 3 bottle shipping containers I could send out with a couple beers in the next couple weeks. Either let me know what you want, or what style and I can ship out those to NFO and GM. All I would ask is that you send em back with something good inside.

Sounds good to me. I don't have anything specific in mind, but I am a hophead. No problem sending something back. Just as you mentioned let me know if you want something specific or style.

[leemajors]

Sounds good to me. I don't have anything specific in mind, but I am a hophead. No problem sending something back. Just as you mentioned let me know if you want something specific or style.

OK, I might pick up something from Freetail as well, they have two bottled IPA's at the moment I believe :toast

Hophead here too, only thing I usually avoid are hefes. I'll PM for your addy when I'm ready to ship.

[The Gemini Method]

I love hefs and white beers...but I'm a hophead, too. Fuck it--I think I only dislike Bud Light...but I'd even drink a Platinum, too.

[NFO]

OK, I might pick up something from Freetail as well, they have two bottled IPA's at the moment I believe :toast

Hophead here too, only thing I usually avoid are hefes. I'll PM for your addy when I'm ready to ship.

That will work.

[The Gemini Method]

http://savoystomp.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/P6040542.jpg

My hophead friend had a 1/2 keg of this at his baby shower this past weekend...I give it a 8 out of 10--really liked it and at 9.5% it's crazy good to get yourself a little buzz without having to consume too much.

[leemajors]

http://savoystomp.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/P6040542.jpg

My hophead friend had a 1/2 keg of this at his baby shower this past weekend...I give it a 8 out of 10--really liked it and at 9.5% it's crazy good to get yourself a little buzz without having to consume too much.

I had the Denogginizer before, it is pretty damn tasty. Drake's makes some great beers

[The Gemini Method]

I will have to say Drake's is better from the tap/keg than bottled. I have been disappointed with the contrast between the two. But the Denogginizer was tasty and it was really good they had heartier foods with it so that it covered well.

[Sense]

So are they still making Ruination 10th anniversary?

Apparently Friendly Spot still has some bottles..

[scott]

This brewery I know is having their annual release of imperial stout soon. Draft on Nov 1, bottles Nov 3. Just thought I'd share. :)

[Sense]

This brewery I know is having their annual release of imperial stout soon. Draft on Nov 1, bottles Nov 3. Just thought I'd share. :)

It's a shame I'll be in Houston that weekend..

[leemajors]

Scott, will it be a token thing or will this be available in the bottle shop for a bit?

[scott]

Scott, will it be a token thing or will this be available in the bottle shop for a bit?

We're doing a shitton of bottles this year. 1500-1700, so I *think* it'll last a few days at least, but I can't promise. I'd recommend a call ahead or shoot me an email via our website

[leemajors]

I'll just show up in the afternoon Saturday, thanks!

[Fpoonsie]

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/14317_10152049296024625_1067636859_n.jpg

...yikes.

[Sense]

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/14317_10152049296024625_1067636859_n.jpg

...yikes.

did they charge you just to look at it?

[leemajors]

pretty good article:

http://www.businessweek.com/printer/articles/78040-the-plot-to-destroy-americas-beer