Beer Thread III - Very Sessionable

This weekend's haul:

Sierra Nevada Tripel - smooth, fruity bouquet of a Belgian with a solid dose of good old American simcoe hops. ABV around 8%, probably the lowest I've ever had in a tripel but excellent nonetheless.

Allagash Dubbel - Red, woody color and deep malt profile for a Belgian style, but definitely a much more traditional Belgian than the tripel, and also a higher ABV. Very good but following the Tripel was a bit lacking.

Harpoon 100 Barrel Series Island Creek Oyster Stout - Now THIS was an interesting experience. Bought it in a 22 oz. bomber. Described as a Russian style stout brewed with real oysters. At first I was intrigued, then trepidatious, as I had fears of a briny, low tide tasting mess. Fear not. More like a porter than a stout, it poured black with a thin froth and had distinct notes of chocolate and smoke, with the only hint of oyster being a distinct mineral aftertaste. At 5.5% ABV, I think they could've put a bit more balls in it, but a very solid, daring attempt at something different.

De Ranke XX Bitter: A Belgian IPA which, as I've learned by now about nearly all Belgians, cannot be served any kind of cold. Sure, it was drinkable at about 49 degrees, but it came to life at 57. A very bitter front bite, and a slightly saccharine throat feel balanced a deliciously sessionable brew. Always strange to have the typical Belgian hop profiles in an IPA, and takes a minute to sort it out on your tongue, but always worth the voyage.

This weekend sees England V Ireland in the 6 Nations, so plenty of ale will be flowing, I can't wait. I will try and get my hands on some more Webb Ellis, it was quite nice and refreshing.

Stone Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout - Another masterclass from Stone. Indulgent, brilliant, desert beer with a big 9.2% punch.

Berkshire Raspberry Barleywine Style Ale - This used to be called Raspberry Strong Ale, but is the same beer now. Name change makes sense. Has that slightly oily, smooth taste of a barleywine, and some raspberry but not enough to turn off those who don't like fruit beers (like myself.) 9.0's on the light side for a barleywine. Tasty.

It didn't dawn on us until they were gone, but we should've made black and tans with them.

I need to pick up some Goose Island Bourbon County Stout. Love that stuff.

Thats my absolute favorite beer. Unfortunately I can only find it at 2 stores over here.

I wish they sold it in a 4/6 pack. Psychologically, its hard to justify taking 6 bottles of it off the shelf.

Get a beer buddy

They sell 4 packs in Chicago, which is great

They also have growlers at Clybourn for $40.

I drank some terrific IPAs in London last week. Charles Wells Eagle IPA was one that I remember. They were all cask ales...and VERY sessionable. Not very hoppy at all. Yummy.

Had some Goose Island Green Line Pale Ale last night. Enjoyed it immensely. I can see myself sitting down and drinking a lot of it at one time.

One of my 5 all time favorite IPA's.

Actually didn't drink this weekend, other than a glass of wine with dinner saturday night.

Gotta give the ol' liver a rest occasionally, especially with St. Patrick's Day and a trip to London coming up!

I love Two-Hearted Ale. They should brew it in the UP though to make it closer to it's namesake.

Two Hearted River is a great trout river in the UP that Hemingway references in a story, called "Big, Two Hearted River":

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Two-Hearted_River

Great story.

And the people from the mighty cities of Sault St. Marie, Marquette, Houghton, and Escanaba would disagree with you about their part of the world. Although I'm pretty sure that the deer outnumber the people, overall.

Dogfish Head Black & Blue as well as their Red & White.

1. Smuttynose "Finest Kind" IPA
2. Stone IPA
3. Bell's Two Hearted Ale
4. Sierra Nevada Torpedo IPA
5. Thomas Hooker Hopmeadow IPA

Those are just straight IPA's, not counting doubles or imperials.

Bells is great across the board IMO. My buddy from Michigan put me on to Bells in '03 while trying, unsuccessfully, to get me buy into Michgan football. No thanks, but the beer gets two thumbs up.

I was at Dogfish Brewery in DE this summer. I went to get some chicha, which is a Peruvian brew that involves saliva contribution. Sounds nasty, I know. Got to dogfish, placed me order, and ... sold out. The stuff is pretty tasty.

Oh, you must.

It's my #1 beer of all. Any style, level, or size.

Truly heaven in a 12oz. bottle.

Pretty sweet spot called Tyler's Bar and Grill in Durham, NC. Very nice beer list with lots of local NC stuff, so I got a sampler. Really enjoyed the Foothills stuff and the Big Boss Bad Penny as well. Also had some Sweet Water 420, from Atlanta. Really liked it.

Finally found Kilkenny in the States @ Fado in DC of all places. Made for a very nice Saturday night.