The Beer Thread: 2009 – 2012

[Schlitz001]

I won't endorse Milwaukee's Best, but I can't pretend it doesn't exist either. There are times when I can't shell out $9 for a six pack and enjoy falling back on something a little less refined.

 

I'm enjoying a Bayern Doppelbock Lager right now. Very dark, heavy and intense.

[TooLiveBrew]

In the case of Miller Lite they make a 9% abv "beer" then cut it about 50/50 with carbonated water.

 

I'm actually kind of curious now to try that, pre-watering down.

[Funketown]

In the case of Miller Lite they make a 9% abv "beer" then cut it about 50/50 with carbonated water.

 

I'm actually kind of curious now to try that, pre-watering down.

I'm guessing it tastes something like this:

 

http://www.ratebeer.com/b...-9-krepkoe-strong/10540/

 

It's available for $1.99 per 51 oz. bottle at Woodman's, and it's an excellent gag gift for birthdays, Christmas, etc. Oh, and it's putrid.

 

I really do wonder what Miller has to do to claim that Miller Lite is "Triple Hops Brewed". That beer must have no more than 5 IBU's. For sure <10 IBU's. My favorite part about it is that most people who love Miller Lite probably hate hop character. Perhaps they add an infinitesimal amount of hop extract three times during brewing?

[Ando Calrissian]

Then I had Victory Prima Pils. .

That was the best discovery to come of my last stint living in PA. What a great beer.

Capital use to make their "Special Pilsner" which was a fine beer, but I'm not sure if they still produce it or not.

[sgtcluels]

Where have you heard that they blend it with carbonated water? To achieve consistency, they probably blend batches together to get the same taste. Depending on the yeast generation, a lot can change in a beer. If you blend the generations together you get a more reliable beer.

[logan82]

Where have you heard that they blend it with carbonated water? To achieve consistency, they probably blend batches together to get the same taste. Depending on the yeast generation, a lot can change in a beer. If you blend the generations together you get a more reliable beer.

I just read that in a book I have. Blending batches to get a more consistent color.

I heard that Miller Lite is mixed with carbonated water about 50/50 to carbonate the beer. I have a relative that used to work for Miller. They carbonated it then run it through diatomaceous earth a couple times to filter it. I believe he said they keep it under pressure while they do it. Of course they would have to. They may have changed things since then but I honestly kind of doubt it.

I also heard that Coors would make Coor light concentrated and ship it like that in tanker trucks across country to be mixed with carbonated water. They had the whole "Taste the Rockies" thing so they couldn't brew it anywhere else.

[EdgarDiazRocks]

WABL Winter Beer Fest this weekend!

 

Here's the list...

 

http://www.washingtonbeer...10_beer_descriptions.pdf

 

I'll be staying away from the Big Time Holy Molé Chocolate-­?Chile Ale

 

I'll make someone else drink it 'tho.

[sgtcluels]

Trappist Westvleterent 8 - A buddy just recently went to Belgium and came back with a bunch of ultra rare beers. I'm not much of a fan of the style, but this was really good. Lots of malt, subtle fruit flavors followed by a nice dry finish. For not being a Belgian fan, I really liked this one.

 

He also brought back a rare bottle of Chimay. I don't recall the name of the beer, but it had massive green apple notes, followed by a semi sweet finish. Very smooth clean drink.

[Funketown]

^Wouldn't we all love to get our hands on some Westy? I've never had any, but if that stuff is one half of what it's hyped to be, it's gotta be something special.

 

As a current Iowan, I've gotta give some love to Peace Tree Brewing Company for their new DIPA. I grabbed a bottle at HyVee the other day for $2.39, and it was extremely good. Aroma was dominated by killer mango citrus notes, and although it was a bit one-dimensional, it was still one of the best IIPA's I've ever had. I also had their Rye Porter, a belgo-porter, and although I didn't take any notes on it, it was quite good. I'm happy that these guys will soon knock the always mediocre Millstream off their pedestal of Iowa's favorite brewery by default.

 

I was in Chicago last weekend, and did a little shopping at Binnie's Beverage Depot (UIC and north river) for some holiday beer to share with my father and brother. It's a nice place, although they don't sell many 12-oz singles, they have a great selection of (expensive) bombers. They had pretty much the full line-up of Lost Abbey, Stone, Goose Island, Two Brothers, along with good line-ups of Avery, Bell's, Mikkkkelllller, etc. I grabbed Lost Abbey Carnevale, Founders Curmudgeon, Two Brothers Resistance, Stone Double Bastard, Stone Belgo-IPA, Stone Ar-Bastard, and New Holland Dragon's Milk. Those should be some fun ones. The only Lost Abbey I've ever had was their Red Barn Saison, and it was fabulous. If you're ever in downtown Chicago, I'd suggest hitting Binnie's north of the river, but it probably isn't worth the trek to the Binnie's near UIC.

[BrewCrewForever]

I bought some of Lakefront Brewery's Holiday Spice Lager to take to my wife's side of the family tonight. Has anyone had it? This is the only beer of theirs I have never had. I'm guessing it is going to be quite tasty.

 

I also am bringing some Capital Brewery Winter Skal, I have had that before and really enjoy it.

[TooLiveBrew]

Definitely looking forward to how it was, BC. Haven't tried the Lakefront holiday brew myself.

[logan82]

Had some @#%%!%% Brew yesterday.(Dogfish Head Miles Davis album brew) Not to impressed but I am not a fan of Porters. My wife really liked it. It was a bit smoother than a typical porter. It had a sort of semisweet aftertaste. Chocolate flavors. Didn't notice the 9% ABV at all.

 

I am currently drinking a Blue Moon Abbey Ale. It's ok. Sort of a plum/raisin after taste. A little fruitier than I like my abbeys. I like that BMC are getting more into craft beer although I feel they have come up short most of the time. Michelob Dunkel is my favorite so far.I still make a better Dunkel than they do though. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gifhttp://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/tongue.gif

 

Just got 4 New Belgium globe glasses and I think they are fantastic for beer. About 16+oz glasses and they are pretty all purpose.

 

After reading more about Belgian beer(partway through Brew Like a Monk) I have to recant some of my derision of brewing with adjuncts. Belgian beer seems to use a lot of adjuncts. Lots of sugars to boost alcohol content while keeping the beer lighter. I am not sure they use it to the extent brewers do in the US but I can't just ignore that they do.

[Ando Calrissian]

Had some @#%%!%% Brew yesterday.(Dogfish Head Miles Davis album brew) Not to impressed but I am not a fan of Porters. My wife really liked it. It was a bit smoother than a typical porter. It had a sort of semisweet aftertaste. Chocolate flavors. Didn't notice the 9% ABV at all.

 

I am currently drinking a Blue Moon Abbey Ale. It's ok. Sort of a plum/raisin after taste. A little fruitier than I like my abbeys. I like that BMC are getting more into craft beer although I feel they have come up short most of the time. Michelob Dunkel is my favorite so far.I still make a better Dunkel than they do though. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gifhttp://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/tongue.gif

 

Just got 4 New Belgium globe glasses and I think they are fantastic for beer. About 16+oz glasses and they are pretty all purpose.

 

After reading more about Belgian beer(partway through Brew Like a Monk) I have to recant some of my derision of brewing with adjuncts. Belgian beer seems to use a lot of adjuncts. Lots of sugars to boost alcohol content while keeping the beer lighter. I am not sure they use it to the extent brewers do in the US but I can't just ignore that they do.

Are you kegging, logan3825? I'm hoping I can make that jump in the next few months.

[Funketown]

I bought some of Lakefront Brewery's Holiday Spice Lager to take to my wife's side of the family tonight. Has anyone had it? This is the only beer of theirs I have never had. I'm guessing it is going to be quite tasty.

It's very enjoyable in moderation, but I don't think I could drink more than a single bottle of it. The sweetness can be quite cloying, and so can the spice flavors (clove, nutmeg), but it was pretty good with a slice of pumpkin pie last night. The strength is surprising though, as the sweetness hides the 10% alcohol.

[logan82]

Are you kegging, logan3825? I'm hoping I can make that jump in the next few months.

No I am not kegging. If I keg that is in the distant future. Probably at least a year from now. My next steps are temp control, full boils then all-grain. I am still in an apartment so space is tight. No fridge for fermenting. Have to build a fermentation chiller or use coolers.

[BrewCrewForever]

Funketown]

I bought some of Lakefront Brewery's Holiday Spice Lager to take to my wife's side of the family tonight. Has anyone had it? This is the only beer of theirs I have never had. I'm guessing it is going to be quite tasty.

It's very enjoyable in moderation, but I don't think I could drink more than a single bottle of it. The sweetness can be quite cloying, and so can the spice flavors (clove, nutmeg), but it was pretty good with a slice of pumpkin pie last night. The strength is surprising though, as the sweetness hides the 10% alcohol.

I really enjoyed it. It was quite sweet, but it went down so smooth, hardly tasted like a higher alcohol content beer. I had 3 of them on Christmas eve and that was plenty. I don't think I could have more than that at one time, but I would recommend it to anyone. Very tasty.

[sgtcluels]

^Wouldn't we all love to get our hands on some Westy? I've never had any, but if that stuff is one half of what it's hyped to be, it's gotta be something special.

I'm firmly in the "I don't really like Belgians camp" (I can drink a bottle, but half way through it gets old to me). But I really enjoyed the Westy, when I finished the bottle I wanted another one. I can't say that for any other Belgians. Very balanced all around.

 

I'm hoping a buddies new GF can score me some Abrasive Ale from Surly. That Double IPA I heard is stupid good.

[Funketown]

I agree with you on the Belgians, with the exception of the Lambics. Maybe it's just that I'm cheap, but given the option of a world class Impy Stout or DIPA (FBS, Expedition, Hop Rod Rye) that can be had for under $3 per bottle, I just find myself a bit disappointed with Belgians more often than not. I enjoy them, but I often don't want more than 6-8 ounces.

 

My ex-roommate from Minnesota is coming back from a semester abroad and I'm hoping he'll bring me back some good Surly offerings, including Abrasive, when he gets back in February, if it's still around.

 

I must say, I got a nice Christmas haul, and I can't wait to try it out. My brother picked out some of the last Stone available at Steve's. Got bottles of Stone Ruination, Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous, DFH Theobroma, Bells Java Stout, Bells Porter, NG Enigma, NG Apple, NG Abt.

 

I shared a bottle of Lost Abbey Carnevale (post-2008, spiked with Brett) with my father and brother, and that's a great beer. I found the Brett characteristics a lot less dominating than in NG's R&D Golden Ale, although they still were at the forefront. Very nice indeed.

[Beerambassador]

Riley's in Madison has an iffy-quality PDF of the 2011 New Glarus beer schedule.

 

Not much to see that hasn't been already discussed here. The big thing for me is that Two Women will not be a seasonal - it'll be year-round starting in February. Yay! Black Top Black "IPA" (what's with the quotes around IPA?) is their fourth quarter seasonal, along with Laughing Fox Crystal Weizen. The four Thumbprint's announced are Smoked Rye, Imperial Weizen, Cran-Bic and Apple Ale. There are also two unannounced Thumbprint beers.

 

I don't see a lot to be excited about. I'll probably buy a lot of Two Women and I'll give the two new seasonals a shot. It's good to see Staghorn will be back. And I kind of like Back Forty for a session bock. And apparently Moon Man is here to stay - which is fine by me since I never much cared for Hop Hearty. Finally, I'm bummed about no more Crack'd Wheat, which I really enjoy.

[Ando Calrissian]

I'm reallty enjoying Sprecher's Winter Brew this year. In the past I thought it was pretty ho-hum, but for some reason, it's just really hitting the spot this winter.

 

Was out for pizza a few nights back and the bar had Futhermore's Fallen Apple on tap for $2/pint. Thought it was a great change of pace. Wasn't sweet or over-appley at all. Pretty smooth, crisp, and a little tart. At the very least it got me hoping that Thermorefer makes a return appearance soon. I thought that was wonderfully out of the box.

[jimmyjeromehardy7]

Yay! Black Top Black "IPA" (what's with the quotes around IPA?)

I think it has to do with the blackness contradicting the pale in IPA. At least that would be my guess.

[colbyjack]

Not sure why it took a while to hit the shelves, but Bell's Christmas Ale is finally out, one of my favorite seasonals (I'm also a big fan of their Oktoberfest). Capital's Winter Skal is also a fave of mine this time of year.

[Funketown]

Riley's in Madison has an iffy-quality PDF of the 2011 New Glarus beer schedule.

 

Not much to see that hasn't been already discussed here. The big thing for me is that Two Women will not be a seasonal - it'll be year-round starting in February. Yay! Black Top Black "IPA" (what's with the quotes around IPA?) is their fourth quarter seasonal, along with Laughing Fox Crystal Weizen. The four Thumbprint's announced are Smoked Rye, Imperial Weizen, Cran-Bic and Apple Ale. There are also two unannounced Thumbprint beers.

 

I don't see a lot to be excited about. I'll probably buy a lot of Two Women and I'll give the two new seasonals a shot. It's good to see Staghorn will be back. And I kind of like Back Forty for a session bock. And apparently Moon Man is here to stay - which is fine by me since I never much cared for Hop Hearty. Finally, I'm bummed about no more Crack'd Wheat, which I really enjoy.

I'm pretty pumped about Moon Man. There are few better sessionable pale ales on the market. I'm also pumped about Two Women, although I don't typically care for Pilsners. It should be excellent when fresh. Hopefully the Black "IPA" (why don't they just call it an Indian Black Ale??) is good. The only one I've had of the style is Stone's, which is great fun, but it's $6.99 for a bomber, and no longer distributed in Wisconsin. Totally Naked and Cabin Fever I don't much care for, and I don't see the point of 2 dunkler bocks, much less 3 bocks. New Glarus has already had great success with its Hefes and its Dunkleweiss brews, so I'm sure Laughing Fox will be properly executed, although I'd rather just have Crack'd Wheat. I'm pretty excited that Imperial Weizen is coming back, and I'm excited to try the Smoked Rye Bock. I'm a bit disappointed that Apple Ale is making another appearance, but I recall Cranbic being quite good.

 

Hopefully the other thumbprints are a bit more interesting. I'd love to see them play around with their Gueuze a bit, which they said they might try, or try something funky like a Gose (beer from Leipzig somewhat similar to a Gueuze brewed with coriander, wheat, and salt. I've never had one but I was lucky enough to find a bottle at John's Grocery earlier today. Saving it for New Year's Eve).

[colbyjack]

My cousin, who has won some awards for his own home brewing efforts, is involved with a new website that focuses on craft brews from the Midwest. Check it out:

 

http://www.midwestbeer.com/

[Beerambassador]

I got to try a couple of new (to me) beers last weekend, varying from alright to awesome.

 

Alright was Captain Sig's Northwestern Ale from Rogue. It was a hoppy amber ale I bought to share with my wife. It had a nice, rich malty taste with a real clean bitterness. The hops were not as prominent in the aroma as I would've liked. Might have been a freshness issue. Never know with west coast beer. Not a bad beer, but probably not worth seeking out.

 

Better was Hinterland's Winterland. This was a pretty fantastic winter ale, a really rich porter with juniper. Would definitely suggest picking this up.

 

Even better - and unusual - was Lagunitas A Little Sumpin' Wild. I guess it was a little deceiving that they use the term "wild" since it isn't a wild ale. It's a golden ale, very firmly bittered, and fermented with Westmalle's Belgian yeast strain. I guess I'd use the word "bright" to describe it. Again, cleanly bittered with a nice body. It seemed to be lacking that characteristic Belgian aroma from the yeast...it was there, but very subtle. Similar to the Belgian IPA that is sort of all the rage lately, but not quite. I paid $3.99 for a bomber, which makes it a pretty good bargain.

 

Finally, I loved Goose Island's Sofie, a delicious Saison. Ommegang's Hennepin is one of my all-time favorite beers and this was very similar in overall profile. Very, very drinkable, but not the least bit boring. Lots going on from barrel aging and spices. It's wild fermented, but I thought that was subdued to the point of almost unnoticeable. My beer was bottled in July per the label, so I suspect that would really start to come forward once the beer is a bit older. $6.99 for a bomber, so not cheap, but definitely worth a shot.