Getting into beer, finally...

[Rod]

Recently I've been trying more full bodied micro-brews, and am really liking them! I tried drinking a domestic recently, and couldn't. It's amazing how much flavor there is in the full bodied beers (Sierra Nevada, Sam Adams, etc). I went to Total Wine last night and picked up a few bottles, including Duvel. Looking forward to trying some of these premium brews this weekend. I think I'll start posting beer reviews, though I'll have to work on developing my palate for beer.

 

[Bsneed51]

Beers can be as bad as cigars at making you hunt down rare, limited releases and also stocking shelves and shelves full of different kinds. But it's fun.

 

[Rod]

I see that. I think this is going to be another expensive, addictive hobby.

 

[The Black Cloud]

Nice! It's about time, Rod! Yeah, the world of beer is just as deep and dark as the world of cigars! When I first started exploring, much like cigars, I'd go to my local spirits store and grab something that looked good that I had never tried before. Explore, explore, and explore! There are a ton of great brews out there to be discovered!

Two mass-produced beers that helped get me into the micro-brews were Bass Ale and New Castle. Guinness too, if you like a more creamy texture and smokey flavor. I still drink them all, and a good old black & tan is still quite excellent!

Mmmm, probably have a few this weekend!


edit to add: this time of year, check out an Oktoberfest/Marzen style beer. Sam Adams and Spaten both make excellent versions!

 

[MAS_Puros]

Nice to see you giving it a try. Since you're into wines I would try Stone VE 10.10.10. Tastey but some maybe a wine drinker would enjoy or I think you would enjoy some sours.

I will try to put together a beer tasting at my place soon. Keep your ears open

 

[jfields]

Awesome Rod!

I always cringed when I saw your profile picture with you pouring a Bud Light. :laugh:

I remember my first Duvel. I had three of them for a Pub lunch in London. I was used to Coors Light mind you, so when I got up to leave I felt like I was sinking as I tried to act cool walking out.

I came back home and went to drink a Coors Light that tasted like crap.

What are you're favorites so far...........Hoppy beers, Ales, Stouts, etc?

Beers can be as bad as cigars at making you hunt down rare, limited releases and also stocking shelves and shelves full of different kinds. But it's fun.

Yup! Next thing you know, your friends are like Crack Dealer!

"The first sample is free, the next will cost you." :whistling:

 

[BlindedByScience]

Way to go, Rod...!!...:thumbs:

It's hard not to love great beers, living here in the Pacific Northwest. Our fave local tav just got Deschutes "Jubal Ale" on tap, and is expecting at least one keg of Deschutes "The Abyss" in the next few weeks. (The Abyss is #4 on the top beer list in Beer Advocate....:thumbs: ). Portland, OR is truely "BeerVana".....

(Edited to add linkage.......)

 

[sack]

One suggestion Rod. beeradvocate.com

 

[The Black Cloud]

BBS, you guys got that on tap!? I'm jealous! I had a bomber of it and it was nice but I know with some age it'll be quite awesome. BTW, Black Butte is in my top 5 favs of all time.

 

[BlindedByScience]

BBS, you guys got that on tap!? I'm jealous! I had a bomber of it and it was nice but I know with some age it'll be quite awesome. BTW, Black Butte is in my top 5 favs of all time.

Yes, here in beer heaven, we have The Abyss on tap.....:love: The Abyss launch part downtown is really an event....and hell yes, I'll be there...!!!

 

[MAS_Puros]

BBS, you guys got that on tap!? I'm jealous! I had a bomber of it and it was nice but I know with some age it'll be quite awesome. BTW, Black Butte is in my top 5 favs of all time.

Yes, here in beer heaven, we have The Abyss on tap.....:love: The Abyss launch part downtown is really an event....and hell yes, I'll be there...!!!

With some bottles being infected the last release, did they say they identified the issue and resolve it? I am aging 3 Abyss 09' ... kind of afraid to open

Aren't they suppose to release Dissident soon as well?

 

[T2P]

Nice going Rod! There are so many fantastic brews out there to try that no matter what you pick up it's a learning experience. My suggestion is to approach your hunt like looking for a good B & M. Find a shop with a wide selection, especially of 6-packs broken up into singles (watch markup)and 22 oz bombers, with knowledgeable staff willing to take the time to explain things to you. If you really want to jump in with both feet check to see when your next local beer festival may be. Those are amazing for learning about craft brews and trying new and even non production/distributed brews.

Either way have fun

 

[beyond the band]

Rod,
Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy!

Try Stone Arrogant Bastard. There is so much hops that it is like salad in a bottle! Really it's good for you!

 

[kiwifruit]

Rod,

You mentioned that you like full bodied beers. I guess that means you like stouts/porters and belgian strong dark ales? Don't knock on the light and/or hoppy beers though. They can be just as tasty. Best suggestion I read on here is to pick a couple of breweries and buy their lineup. Its a good way to try different styles.

Take Mike up on his invite, his beer tasting should be epic. I'm hoping to be there.

-Chico

 

[BlindedByScience]

With some bottles being infected the last release, did they say they identified the issue and resolve it? I am aging 3 Abyss 09' ... kind of afraid to open

Aren't they suppose to release Dissident soon as well?

....infected? I'm not aware of this....got linkage?

 

[Rod]

So far Blue Moon, Shock Top Belgian White, Sierra Nevada Summer Ale, Firestone Double Barrel and Chimay Blue are some that I've tried and liked. I know this is just touching the surface. After perusing the beer aisle of hundreds of varietals last night, I'll be expanding my horizons very soon. I looked up Duvel on BA, and it got an A+, so I can't wait to try it. I hear it has a pretty significant head.

I'll certainly try to take Mike up on his invite!

 

[SiriusBlack]

Hey Rod...same here. I've been tiptoeing into the micro brews for a little while now. Its cool experience. Fortunately for me between Philly and Delaware and find a lot of places that sell singles and gives me the opportunity to try different things without a huge investment or getting stuck with a pile of stuff I dont like.

 

[kiwifruit]

The list I sent you through PM is for bottle shops. If you have time, these are good bars/places to visit for a brew.

Pasadena/Glendale Area:

Lucky Baldwin's
Stuffed Sandwich
Verdugo Bar

Hollywood:

Surly Goat
Blue Palms

Burbank:
Tony's Dart's Away

Redondo:
Naja's place

Long Beach/Orange County
Beachwood BBQ
Pizza Port San Clemente

Los Angeles Beer Week just ended. Wish you posted sooner since Mike and myself attended some events. Good news though, San Diego beer week is just around the corner. Also, Bevmo will have both and they just came out, Guinness Foreign Extra Stout and Firestone Walker Velvet Merlin (originally called Velvet Merkin but had to change the name because it was vulgar). Both of them are Stouts and should be tasty.

Noticed on your likes list that you like a wide variety, from Belgian Strong Dark Ales to Blue Moon (something close to a Belgian Wit). That's good. Seem's like you have a thing for Belgians. There is a brewery in Placentia, The Bruery, that has a lot of Belgian brews. They serve their beers at the brewery tasting room and in their new store in downtown Orange, The Bruery Provisions.

Hope this helps.

 

[GregSVT]

With some bottles being infected the last release, did they say they identified the issue and resolve it? I am aging 3 Abyss 09' ... kind of afraid to open

Aren't they suppose to release Dissident soon as well?

....infected? I'm not aware of this....got linkage?

http://beeradvocate.com/forum/read/2916163

http://beeradvocate.com/forum/read/2860743

http://beeradvocate.com/forum/read/2902373

That's just the tip of the iceberg on the subject. There are people reporting that there are good bottles out there as well so it must have been an issue with certain batches...there's no way to tell if you have a good bottle right now though. I even read a press release from Deschutes about it that said they had taken a few bottles and "heat" aged them and indeed found an increase in lactobacillus which is what causes the sour flavor in an infected beer. Supposedly you can take them back to the brewery for a refund if you wish.

I have one left that I put in the fridge when this whole infection issue first came up on beeradvocate so hopefully it's still good. I plan to open it soon.

 

[MAS_Puros]

http://beeradvocate.com/forum/read/2916163

http://beeradvocate.com/forum/read/2860743

http://beeradvocate.com/forum/read/2902373

That's just the tip of the iceberg on the subject. There are people reporting that there are good bottles out there as well so it must have been an issue with certain batches...there's no way to tell if you have a good bottle right now though. I even read a press release from Deschutes about it that said they had taken a few bottles and "heat" aged them and indeed found an increase in lactobacillus which is what causes the sour flavor in an infected beer. Supposedly you can take them back to the brewery for a refund if you wish.

I have one left that I put in the fridge when this whole infection issue first came up on beeradvocate so hopefully it's still good. I plan to open it soon.

You beat me to the punch, thanks Greg.

Yeah these are one off bottles so more than likely you may have a good bottle but there are some bad bottles out there. I still love Deschutes! :blush: :blush: