Whitechapel - [booze] Beers

[booze] Beers

Luke — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:46:29 -0800

Because I love good beer, and I know some of you bastards have exposed yourselves to things that I've never heard of. Save other people your suffering and pick out the good stuff.

My contribution:

Innis & Gunn, an Edinburgh ale aged in oak whiskey barrels and with everything good that could possibly come from that. If you like beer, you'll like this or you're a fool.
St Peter's Ale, it says "organic" on the label but don't be misled. This isn't hippy-juice, this is a damn fine ale with a great taste and a plenty big bottle for those days when you need lots of refreshment. When they were forced to use a different kind of bottle for a while, they attached an apology note to every single one - these people care.

You name it, I'll find and try it. Who's with me?

[booze] Beers

Fauxhammer — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:52:36 -0800

Ale. Lager yeast makes me gassy. Malty rather than hoppy. Homemade if I can get it (or, y'know, make it), something koo-koo by Flying Dog or Dogfish Head if I don't feel like schlepping up to the brew shop.

Basically: I fucking love beer.

[booze] Beers

Swift Benjamin — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 18:08:09 -0800

Growing up in Oregon left me exposed to a lot of fine beers. I'll drink almost anthing good but my preferrence is for stouts, porters and ales. Some of the best I've had in my time are Rogue's Dead Guy Ale and Morimoto Hazelnut Brown, Stone Brewing Company's Arrogant Bastard, Full Sail's Amber, Deschuttes Brewery's Black Butte Porter and Mirror Pond Pale Ale and Bridgports IPA.

Unfortunately, most of these are unavailable whereI am now so I can usually be found drinking either Red Tail Ale, made locally at the Mendocino Brewing Company, or Newcastle.

[booze] Beers

Joe Paoli — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 18:11:38 -0800

Here in PA, we're fond of our Yuengling. We annoy outsiders with our great love of it. I like both the Lager and the Black and Tan, which is really just a dark beer.
I'm a big fan of Ontario, Canada's Upper Canada beers as well. Probably the Lager and Dark, but it's been so long since I've had the option to drink them, I can't remember which ones.
As well as Newcastle Brown, and Smithwick's.
If want a stronger beer, like 12 or 14% if memory serves, try Quebec's Maudite or La Fin Du Monde. They taste weird and have little floaty bits at the bottom of the bottle, but by the end of your second, I doubt you'll care much.

[booze] Beers

Ben — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 18:20:02 -0800

Some of my favourites include Bitterroot Brewing's Sawtooth, Fat Tire and Swan's Scotch Ale. Except for Fat Tire, they're all pretty hard to find outside of Montana or Victoria. Still, if you're ever in Hamilton, MT, pay eight or so bucks and get a gallon of beer in a nifty growler, it's worth it.

[booze] Beers

Jason Michelitch — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 18:22:36 -0800

Yuengling Black and Tan is a great cheap beer, beat out slightly by McSorley's Dark, a beer brewed specifically for a bar in downtown Manhattan of the same name. Absolutely the best Under-$10 a six-pack beer I've ever had.

Of course, I know nothing about brewing or microbrewing or Purity Laws, really. I just know that Heineken tastes like shit, Budweiser is undrinkable, Newcastle is good and I can't afford to drink many over-$10 beers, at least not all that often.

[booze] Beers

AtomicSloth — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 18:27:19 -0800

Leffe (I prefer the Brune version)
Duvel
Delirium Tremens

Dark, meaty, belgium beers with a high percent. This is what I drink when I have money. Otherwise it's whatever's cheapest so carling, carlsberg or fosters which are all fucking piss, but a man's gotta drink what a man's gotta drink.

[booze] Beers

Ben — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 18:34:38 -0800

Oh yeah, seconded on the Belgian beer. Piraat, Orval or the Chimay blue. Mmmm...boozy.

[booze] Beers

Kunundrum — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 18:34:53 -0800

I live in Cleveland, and the local Great Lakes Brewing Co. makes a Christman Ale with honey, cinnamon, and ginger. It's 7.9%, and drinking a six pack fucks you up pretty good. It says serve at 55 degrees but I like it much much colder. Sadly it's almost sold out already.

[booze] Beers

warrenellis — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 18:36:35 -0800

St Peter's Ale is a fine drop.

I've always been fond of Fraoch, the heather ale. Golden Promise is a nice summer beer.

You've reminded me that I have a mixed case of beers from a Suffolk brewery downstairs...

[booze] Beers

warrenellis — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 18:37:58 -0800

I found a bar in Copenhagen that had several Chimays on draught. Served in the proper Chimay glasses, too. I could have lived there.

[booze] Beers

Jason Michelitch — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 19:16:47 -0800

There's a bar in Cambridge, Massachusetts that has Chimay Red on draft with the proper glasses. I did some severe damage there over the Thanksgiving holiday.

[booze] Beers

Leandro Damasceno — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 19:28:55 -0800

If any of you ever come to Brazil, be sure to try Baden Baden

[booze] Beers

C.c. — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 19:29:14 -0800

Victory Ale is pretty nice. I'm also a fan of Dogfish Head and the Saranac Imperial IPA.

I have to respectfully disagree with Joe Paoli in that Yuengling is pretty mediocre. It's good for a cheaper beer that has some taste, but I wouldn't put it up there with actual good, flavorful beers.

And then microbrews. There are some great ones around, and it's generally one of the better ways to find good American beer.

[booze] Beers

C.c. — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 19:34:19 -0800

Oh, and how could I forget Arrogant Bastard Ale? Great taste, pretty high ABV, and you'll feel like a fucking champ. If Warren hasn't drunk this already, I would be surprised.

Pricey, but as their slogan says: "We're not too expensive, YOU'RE too cheap."

[booze] Beers

Preston Spradling — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 19:39:09 -0800

Austria produces a good basic beer called "Gosser" which isn't bad. The Czechs produce a host of good beers, most famously Pilsner Urquell. The Americans have been working on their beer, and it's getting better. The Magic Hat Number Nine from Vermont is excellent, as is the San Francisco-based Anchor Steam.

[booze] Beers

mrkvm — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 19:40:42 -0800

I live near Boulder, Colorado which has quite a few microbreweries. So, I basically just drink local stuff most of the time.

Of those, the Boulder Brewery (Boulder Beer) does a nice hoppy ale called Hazed & Infused which is sold in a few markets around the US.

My favorite is a total hippy restaurant / brewpub called The Mountain Sun. They have several beers but one favorite is Colorado Kind ale, which is another wonderful hops explosion. Their Java Porter is a yummy coffee-infused porter. Both are usually served on a nitrogen tap to boot. They don't bottle their beer, but if you ever make it to Boulder, be sure to stop in. Their food is pretty great too.

[booze] Beers

erudite_ogre — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 19:43:27 -0800

I second the Fraoch; great flavor and it goes down quick. I like all of the beers by that company, especially their elderberry dark.

Hobgoblin Strong Dark Ale is fabulous, as is Black Wych, both from Wychwood Breweries.

Around here Saranac has come out with their Beers of Winter, and I am stocking up on Caramel Porter and Oatmeal Stout, and giving my guests the Scotch Ales :-).

We also have a great Belgian ale made nearby called Ommegang, with a nice balance of strength and smoothness to it, and it comes in big bottles :-).

[booze] Beers

williac — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 19:47:35 -0800

Chimay is a beautiful thing.

Brasserie Des Rocs Grand Cru is delicious and complex. We're lucky enough to have it on draft. We can also get Piraat and Delirium Tremens.

I'd also like to go on record as a pro Yuengling Ohioan.

[booze] Beers

Spadiee — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 19:52:02 -0800

Warmeister (as I believe it is called), specificaly a Dunkel version of it, is very good. Dark without all the chewing.

[booze] Beers

Miss — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 20:03:36 -0800

I'd recommend Piss, but every time I drank it I got sick.
Should have perhaps switched to Piss Weak. Really it was the novelty of asking for a fresh jug of Piss.

[booze] Beers

Drunkard — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 20:04:56 -0800

Indeed, the whole Stone Brew range is worth a shot. The range includes what you'd generally expect from a smooth tasting pale ale to what will also generally climb up your arse, strangle you from the inside with hoppy goodness, and exit your body through what ever orifice is available looking for another victim. Their advertising is top notch as well.

I try and make a stop over each time work gets me within screaming distance of San Diego.

[booze] Beers

alwayscrashing — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 20:15:48 -0800

Old Tom. Excellent stuff.

Also anything by Wychwood or Old Peculiar.

[booze] Beers

Joe Paoli — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 20:39:47 -0800

I have to respectfully disagree with Joe Paoli in that Yuengling is pretty mediocre. It's good for a cheaper beer that has some taste, but I wouldn't put it up there with actual good, flavorful beers.

Strong as my love for it is, I can't disagree with that statement. But I'll take it over any nationally advertised American brew any day.

[booze] Beers

bschory — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:37:24 -0800

"I found a bar in Copenhagen that had several Chimays on draught. Served in the proper Chimay glasses, too. I could have lived there."

There's a pub here in Boston that always has at least the Chimay triple on tap, and uses the proper Chimay glasses. They're the only place here that really takes pride in their beer, and never has anything that isn't good quality. The only American beers they have are Sam Adams, which is OK, and great mall microbrews (The Sam Adams is in the "Lawnmower Swill" section of the menu, which they include mostly to make a point). They're also very careful about serving the beers in a glass that will maximize what the brewer intended the experience of drinking it to be like.

It's a great place. If any one of you is ever in Boston, check out "The Publick House".

[booze] Beers

Luke — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:43:21 -0800

I knew I could count on you guys - glad to see so many with fine taste too.

@metalcowboy - One of my missions in life is now to try Arrogant Bastard. Love that advertising slogan.

@Jae Paoli - I already love Maudite and La Fin Du Monde, anybody reading this looking for things to try should leave and only return after those. Your attitude will be well adjusted

@Jason - knowing Bud is undrinkable actually gives you a passing grade in Beer 101.

@AtomicSloth - you are a scholar and a gentleman, and anybody who can recommend those three is someone I like. Lovely beers, especially the Delirium.

@Kunundrum - that's only the second time I've ever considered actually drinking an xmas beer. The first was lunchtime today at the Beer Bistro, a lovely coffee porter.

@warren - I'll add them to the list. Glad to have backup on the St Peters.

@mrkvm - there's some gorgeous stuff coming out of Boulder. Local did an American beer promotion, all the boulder stuff was good - so good I can't remember a name, unfortunately.

@Drunkard - recommending something called Piss that makes you sick every time you drink it is *not* recommending.

That's three added already - keep 'em coming, you lovely drunks you.

[booze] Beers

dezknife — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:55:50 -0800

There are quite a few excellent breweries here in California. I drink a lot of Great White from Lost Coast and Eye of the Hawk from Mendocino (at 8% ABV it's like 2 beers in one!). And, it's hard to live in Chico and not drink Sierra Nevada's full lineup. Their Celebration Ale is fantastic.

[booze] Beers

Drunkard — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:58:05 -0800

Piss wasn't me, that was Miss. However, I've found it's always better to piss your miss than miss your piss. Saves on excuses and clean ups.

For those who are either within or will be passing through Vegas in the meantime, I do suggest the Freakin Frog for their fine range of frosty and not so frosty beverages. The Whisky Attic upstairs is also recommended for a change of pace and probably a change of liver soon afterwards.

[booze] Beers

aike — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 22:04:28 -0800

Having just recently moved to Missouri, I am having trouble finding anything drinkable in the beer department (anheuser-busch be damned). So far my only find has been some imported bavarian stuff that at least tasted like beer. So if anyone knows anything good beer-wise here, please save me...

[booze] Beers

ARES — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 22:24:36 -0800

Rogue Dead Guy Ale, and various others.
Irvine Brewing Mortality Stout (black as night and death).
Everything Mendocino Brewery makes, all named after various birds.
Deschutes Obsidian Stout and Black Butte Porter.
Old Rasputin and Red Seal Ale by North Coast.
Anything by Samuel Smith, in particular the Taddy Porter.
Boddington's, probably my favourite out and about beer.
Stone Brewery, in particular Arrogant Bastard and their Smoked Porter.
Speakeasy Big Daddy IPA, and then the Double Daddy when you want to get shitfaced on 12 ounces or less.
Unibroue's La Fin Du Monde and even moreso the Maudite.
Marin County has some great ones, like Mendocino I'll try anything with their name on it.
Bison has an amazing Belgian style that I try to drink a few of each season.
Belzebuth is grand, although used to be higher alcohol content, not sure what changed.

Many others. I'm a pretty big beer snob. Although tonight I dine with Pacifico to compliment my cheap Mexican feast.

Although not my absolute favourite, I think Stone has the best attitude toward beer. Every beer, and it even changes as each year goes by it seems, has a long explanation about why that particular ale is not for the faint of heart. Their really special ones basically say "put this shit down, you can't handle it." Observe:

Effin' brilliant.

[booze] Beers

Emily Knight — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 22:24:52 -0800

I'll third the recommendations for Stone products. Their Smoked Porter and Oaked Arrogant Bastard are two of my favorites.

Old Rasputin's Russian Imperial Stout is excellent.

Murphy's stout is my usual beer.

[booze] Beers

philnelson — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 23:03:34 -0800

I've tried to be a beer snob, and I'm shit at it. I just don't mind drinking PBR. I'm from the midwestern US, it's the native drink of my peoples.

Any jankem comparisons get smacked.

Point me in the general direction of good beers for someone who doesn't have domestic american beers, and I'll be a happy man tonight.

[booze] Beers

JShelton — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 23:46:47 -0800

Mardesous ten degree, fucking marvelous stuff...and Boddington's as a chaser for Old Overholt.

[booze] Beers

lux23 — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 23:51:24 -0800

Generally I keep Mackesson in my fridge, with some stuff by Dogfish Head from time to time

[booze] Beers

david.marks — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 00:20:33 -0800

Okay my time as a "beer delivery guy" while in college could be looked back on as the most rewarding experience ever, for anyone, for many reasons. Discovered a lot about beer and human nature the few years I worked there.

Anything by TROEG, particularly their Oatmeal Stout. TROEG is a very good small brewery out of Pennsylvania. Other good breweries from Pennsy: Stoudts, Iron Hill Pub, Yuengling, Victory.

Abita's TURBO DOG is a pretty good nut brown ale. Abita is based out of Louisiana and they also make a Raspberry Wheat which is cool, if your in to that kind of thing.

I saw an add for Stone Brewery above. They are very good, and there is a very nice restaurant at the brewery's location in San Diego, California.

Frankensteiner Heffe Weisen (a very strong and old heffe weisen brew)

[booze] Beers

ScottBieser — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 00:21:59 -0800

Some of my favourites include Bitterroot Brewing's Sawtooth, Fat Tire and Swan's Scotch Ale. Except for Fat Tire, they're all pretty hard to find outside of Montana or Victoria.

I think I've seen the Sawtooth in Cheyenne. But who the fuck lives in Cheyenne? Except me, that is. I drink a lot of Fat Tire here.

Sierra Nevada, in California, has several fine ales and lagers. Anchor Steam is pretty good, too. I've also heard that Anchor has opened a distillery that is making North America's only single-malt whisky, but I haven't seen it.

[booze] Beers

Starrah — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 00:24:00 -0800

The bar in my college town always rotated its microbrews, so I tried a lot of neat stuff. Someone already mentioned Magic Hat #9, which is great, but I like Magic Hat Circus Boy even more. A little darker, a little more of a full taste, in my opinion. I also love Sierra Nevada and Anchor Steam porters (if you like porters in general, those two are fantastic). I'll also second Cleveland's Great Lakes.

Also, almost anything brewed in Middlebury, Vermont is great. Especially the cider.

And I once tried some kind of ginger Japanese beer that blew my mind in a bar that served nothing but foreign beer and grilled cheese sandwiches, but I can't remember the name of it for the life of me, and I've made it a life quest to find it again.

[booze] Beers

C.c. — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 00:32:56 -0800

ARES, seriously, did you not miss my plug for Arrogant Bastard Ale? Surliest beer in the 50 states.

[booze] Beers

david.marks — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 00:33:23 -0800

lux23, I have some Dogfishhead aging at my parent's house. I will be back in the hometown for the holidays and can pick up my forgotten stash of expensive live bear. Among other random bottles I have some Dogfishhead 120 minute IPA. Real wicked stuff and pretty expensive. If you haven't had it picture a really hoppy beer, then times that by a ridiculously large number. Very much like a strong Imperial IPA.

[booze] Beers

reasonableman — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 02:10:55 -0800

Budweiser far from undrinkable. It's just the McDonald's of beer, that's all. Far from being good but it's not fucking Blatz. I drink Bud fairly often, usually as a shot chaser, or if I'm strapped for cash. I enjoy Bass and Kronenbourg 1664.

[booze] Beers

The Skoot — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 02:42:52 -0800

My usual drink of choice is an ale called Gem from a local brewery called Bath Ales. Lovely little thing.

Leffe beer is bloody brilliant. Belgian abbey beer, Leffe Brune is the stuff of dreams. Pretty hard to get a hold of in the UK though - thank god for my parents popping over to the continent three or four times a year ;).

[booze] Beers

Scribe — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 05:27:54 -0800

Goose Island Summer Pale Ale is my favorite. Goose Island does seasonal brews which can be ordered online, or if you ever find yourself in Chicago you can stop in one of their two eating establishments and many local watering holes serve it.

[booze] Beers

Pooka — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 05:40:56 -0800

can't stomach normal beers...taste like the poo...but I do enjoy Hornsby's Apple Beer...
my husband claims to love guinness...but there's been three bottles in the back of the fridge for about a year now...

[booze] Beers

Ted — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 05:55:36 -0800

@ Skoot - Gem is a very nice ale. It's a good one to find.

My favourite is a Gloucestershire ale called Old Spot; I found it in a great pub called the Rose and Crown, in Nympsfield - perfect place to arrive at after a 5 mile dog walk. They do great pub lunches, and the pint was perfect.

I also quite like an Irish pint called Kilkenny's; fairly strong, but great taste.

[booze] Beers

warrenellis — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 06:13:34 -0800

That's it. I'm going to have to make Niki drive me out to Beers Unlimited next week.

[booze] Beers

Chaosbringer — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 06:20:37 -0800

I'm all about the Yuengling Lager, but there are times when I enjoy a few (okay, several) Kirin Ichiban or even Asahi.

[booze] Beers

Jason Michelitch — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 07:08:28 -0800

I find drinking Budweiser to be the equivalent of paying a wino to piss in your mouth, and then having him tell you he's actually been sober for days.

[booze] Beers

ARES — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 08:15:05 -0800

ARES, seriously, did you not miss my plug for Arrogant Bastard Ale? Surliest beer in the 50 states.

I totally was one of those dudes who replies to a thread before reading it for this one, I got too excited to talk about snooty beers. :)

[booze] Beers

BenMiller — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 08:31:06 -0800

Currently living in Prague, I have been drinking mostly Staropramen, though my favorite pub carries a great unpasteurized beer called Svijany that is excellent. And though we are stuck in Winter, during the summer I love a Hawaiian beer called Long Board Lager on hot days.

Great topic by the way.

[booze] Beers

Fauxhammer — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 09:06:20 -0800

jesus fuck i need a drink

My local supermarket, of all places, has a mindblowing beer selection.

Tonight it might be a Chimay.

[booze] Beers

Flabyo — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 09:39:06 -0800

I'm going through a phase of buying bottled lagers from the Baltic. Baltika (Russian, comes in nice big bottles) and Viru (Estonia, and comes in small bottles that look like the sort of thing you see in medieval alchemists shops)

[booze] Beers

hank — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 09:43:56 -0800

I have a yen for Hefeweisens, my favorite being Hacker-Pschorr's Weisse. From there it falls to Shiner's Hefe...

[booze] Beers

KitsuneCaligari — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 10:04:47 -0800

Newcastle Newcastle Newcastle. But that's just me....

Negra Modelo for when I visit the local taqueria. Hop Rod Rye for when I want to feel my beer. Much of the stock found at the Russian River Brewery for when I visit Santa Rosa, CA (the brewery's location, ya see). Mississippi Mud 'cause I like the shape of the bottle (and it's a passable black & tan).

I agree with the others about Bear Republic, Stone, and Republic beers. Those are a good place to start for the ambitious drunkard.

I used to drink something called Howling Monkey Black & Tan, from a brewery out of Texas, but I can't get it anymore....

[booze] Beers

IsenMike — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 10:07:30 -0800

Holy grail of beer for me currently is Alesmith's "Old Numbskull" barleywine. They don't have distribution out here in New England, and as I understand it they haven't even made Old Numbskull in a while, but when I was out in Portland a few summers ago I bought a half-dozen 750ml bottles of the stuff and have been hoarding them ever since. Got two left, and I'm planning on cracking open one of them for my birthday tomorrow. Hope it's kept alright!

[booze] Beers

xtal — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 12:13:18 -0800

Pfffff.

I'm poor. I drink Pabst Blue Ribbon.

[booze] Beers

Randy74 — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 12:16:30 -0800

Im only drinking BudIce or Samuel Adams when im out on the town, sometimes i'll settle for a Corona with a Lemon.

[booze] Beers

david.marks — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 21:17:17 -0800

IsenMike, I definitely was about to pick up some of the Alesmith "ON" Barleywine tonight. I've heard great things about Alesmith (basically that they are the best group of American craft brewers.) So they just made a batch not too long ago.

After reading this thread last night I have decided to break my budget (again) and go buy some tasty hop nectar at the local watering hole. Picked up Anchorsteam's Xmas ale which is okay. VIctory's bold Saison which I've had before and recommend if you enjoy belgium style ales. Also picked up a bottle of Affligem's Noel (Christmas) Brew which I haven't yet to try.

Randy74, I agree Samuel Adams is probably my standard beer while out on the town. You can find it almost anywhere and it is well worth the extra buck.

[booze] Beers

pygmy — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 00:53:29 -0800

I like my beer ultra-crispy, hoppy and burly. Summit Extra Pale Ale is my favorite, and if I can't have that, it's usually Anchor Steam. If none of the beer at a particular joint passes muster, I do have to admit to a fondness for lemony malt beverages (or a gin and tonic, it's hard to fuck up a gin and tonic).

I may get lynched for this, but I've never liked Belgian beers. They always seem pukey-sweet. I don't care if it's 9000% ABV if it tastes like making out with someone with a hangover.

And my two shameful secrets are Carling's Black Label (soooo cheap and none of the skunky cheap lager taste -- just vaguely registers as...."beery." Pop a carb in the can, and you'll put away 30 of them in no time and wake up next to a circus clown named Pierre and have vague memories of starting barfights with enormous skinheads) and Genessee Cream Ale (hometown swill, I was piss-drunk in my 8th grade school picture on it).

[booze] Beers

hank — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 05:01:40 -0800

Ok I tried newcastle tonight. I will add it to the beer i like list.

[booze] Beers

ARES — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 12:31:22 -0800

Tonight, the woman goes out with a womanfriend.

Tonight, I buy two large, expensive, double-digit alcohol content beers, and watch Erik the Viking.

This is going to be cool.

[booze] Beers

Meatgun — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 13:21:04 -0800

In Wisconsin drinking beer seems to fill that need for some kind of religious and or spiritual fulfillment.

One of the best Micro brews from the state is New Glarus which makes a beer called Spotted Cow, a smooth Ale that has a great taste. They also make seasonal beers brewed every two months. Another one of their specialties is Wisconsin Belgian Red it's a cross between a wine and a beer with a strong cherry taste they also make a raspberry version.

My favorite hometown Micro brew is Pearl Street Brewery their most popular beer is Downtown Brown A nut brown that has a smoky chocolate flavor. The difference I find between it and a lot of other dark beers is that you can drink more than a few without the feeling that you just consumed a ham made out of grain.

A beer I just recently discovered is SkullSplitter I could describe what it tastes like etc but im just going to point out its called fucking SKULLSPLITTER.

@ david.marks, Turbo Dog is a terrific beer I can only get it at this Louisiana chain of restaurants that somehow ended up here, Turbo Dog being its main attraction for me.

@ philnelson, Sadly I must agree with the MidWest PBR comment. Its shit beer, dirt cheap, has a blue ribbon on it like you won it at the god damn county fair. However it has kept me company while all the other beers point out they are to good for me, while im wallowing in my own self pity and urine. <3 PBR. Terrible beer to start a night with, amazing beer to wake up next to, like the ugly girl that just wants to get laid, it just wants to get drank.

[booze] Beers

david.marks — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 15:06:41 -0800

@ pygmy,
The PA distributor I worked at for 3 years had the license for both Genny Cream Ale (and everything else by Gennesse) and Black Label. We also provided the county with Schmidts, Piels, Private Stock, Schaefer, and other such tools of the government used against the lower classes.

We actual had licensed Genny Cream Ale t-shirts which read on the back, "The official sponsor of sausage parties."

My choice in cheap beer has to be Schaefer, though I haven't walk down that aisle in a while. The actual truck in which I delivered the beer had a big Schaefer ad plastered across it. I always loved their dimwitted slogan too, "The one to have when your having fun." sure.

[booze] Beers

Vespers — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 15:18:19 -0800

@ARES
completely OT, but Erik the Viking = pure awesome

[booze] Beers

ARES — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 16:00:43 -0800

@ARES
completely OT, but Erik the Viking = pure awesome

This will be my first time watching it! It wasn't available on DVD until just recently apparently.

Got two bottles of Double Bastard, one bottle of Chimay (red), and a big Trois Pistoles by Unibroue. Last time I had a chance for DB was four years ago when I purchased 4 bottles around this time of year, 3 for gifting, one for self. I ran into a close co-worker friend, who always bought me fine beers, on the way out the door the day before xmas, and relinquished my first and only chance until today. Now it is my time.

First sip: Glorious. Amazing. Abfab. Wow. Going to be a night to not remember.

[booze] Beers

Drunkard — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 16:12:41 -0800

One of my worst ever "day after" experiences came from the following bottle.

Consuming the larger one during a series of phone calls back to the colonies seemed like a good idea at the time until first - the Good Lady Wife came home to find me still on the phone and wildly enthusiastic about life and secondly waking up the next morning not merely afraid that I may die but more importantly terrified that I might live.

A most terrible Sunday involving staying in bed the entire day slowly trying to regenerate my DNA enough to sit up.

Still, could have been worse.

[booze] Beers

ARES — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 16:39:32 -0800

Effin' brilliant. Love your comparison picture too, I've seen the big bottles but have so far backed away slowly, drooling all the while.

wildly enthusiastic about life

The movies never portray the exuberant drunk, but I get that way as well. Day to day depression is why sobriety exists.

Note on current state: halfway through first DB, quite dizzy. This beer is complete magic. The woman was going through old photos and found some of my old dog (died 5 years ago at the ripe old age of 17) and I got a little emotional, but I'm still sober enough to rebound quickly. Hopefully she hid the pictures well for when I'm alone tonight.

EDIT (the time stamp thingy says this post was created 2 hours ago):

Never have I had just one beer that has knocked me so thoroughly onto mine ass. I just awoke from what must have been at least an hour's worth of passedoutedness, only to run spinningly to the kitchen in order to chug as much water as possible along with inhaling every bit of pretzeled snack within reach of my daring fists. There are many hours left in the evening that I could drink more, but I know that nothing will recreate the massive buzz I had shortly before passing out. I could not move, but my mind was wild, even if a bit blurry. Any further attempt this evening at drunkedness will surely lead to a full stomach, headache, and thoughts of "why couldn't you be like your brother?!" to the next brew of choice. Thankfully I purchased two bottles, until next time!

[booze] Beers

Drunkard — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 21:30:20 -0800

I'm currently drinking a surprisingly somewhat decent Michelob Marzen brew. The ordinarly profound levels of taste disgust associated with Michelob are currently at war with the on call taste buds who are refusing to bow down to prior expectations. This is not going to end well and may involve a pre-emptive strike on them all by moving towards the rum as a chaser. My liver says to all a good evening and hopes to close the blast doors before the rum shock and awe begins.

[booze] Beers

Mark R — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 23:13:18 -0800

It's been a while since I've had it, but Milwaukee's Riverfront Brewery Riverwest Stein Beer from Milwaukee is one of my favorites. Great aroma, full body, smooth, not bitter, nice easy finish, I can almost taste it now. Been sober almost five and a half years now, but damn, if I went back to it, a Riverwest would be the first I'd have.

[booze] Beers

david.marks — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 15:28:09 -0800

Interesting video from the NY Times: Edible cocktails: Cucumber Martini.

[booze] Beers

sacredchao — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:38:06 -0800

Just had the Stone 07 Vertical Epic. Decent enough - kind of a Stone cover of Belgian ale. I'm hugely fond of Stone Smoked Porter and Arrogant Bastard. For "everyday drinking" (IE not as expensive) I tend towards either Blue Moon or something from Flying Dog. It's Hunter S. Thompson- themed beer with art by Ralph Steadman - what's not to love?

[booze] Beers

videocrime — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 08:53:49 -0800

I live in St. Louis, so I have an intense hatred for AB products - Bud, Bud Light, et al.

But, there is a nice brewery around here, O'Fallon Brewery which makes a delicious Pumpkin Ale and a great 5-Day IPA.

Schlafly, also from here, makes a very nice Coffee Stout and, a rarity in these parts, a nice Heifeweizen.

There's a bar/music venue here called Cicero's, which boasts a rather large wall-o-beers, all draughts - recommended are the Kingfisher from India, the Konig Ludwig from Germany, the Maredsous from Belgium and the Golden Pheasant from Czechoslovakia

My favorite beer thus far is Lev Black Lion, another Czech beer, which no one serves around here anymore. There used to be a rather large beer list at this local Italian joint, Mangia, but they've since changed to a smaller, less impressive list.

Do any of you think you can find the Black Lion anywhere? I've been dying over here in the Midwest for some of that Czech goodness. I've checked Major Brands, which is our Beer Distributor here in St. Louis and they don't carry it. I've checked all the import stores, none have it. I'll pay for shipping on a crate of that shit, it's that good.

[booze] Beers

Jason Michelitch — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 07:41:24 -0800

I went to a Japanese restaurant that served cold sake with cucumber sticks in it. Usually I like my sake warm, but the cold cucumbers soaked in sake were actually quite delicious.

[booze] Beers

curb — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 08:58:11 -0800

Here's a few for the Brits, although if you can find them across the pond then I heartily reccomend them.

Nationally:

Hopback Summer Lightening is always worth a try. I think they've succeeded in bottling the flavour of stumbling across a beer garden on a scorching summer's day.

Marston's Old Speckled Hen. Nothing startling, but it never fails to satisfy. All too easy to knock a few of these back with a meal.

Tim Taylor's Landlord. Only about 3.5% abv, which makes it good for a session without being shitfaced. Simple, balanced, and suppable.

For those in/around East Sussex or the South East:

ANYTHING by Dark Star brewery. Particularly their Dark Star ale and Oatmeal Stout. The latter is as smooth as a velvet child. If you ever visit Brighton, be sure to check out The Evening Star, about two minutes from the train station. About ten taps, all with something interesting, and not a pissy generic lager in sight.

I always find Harvey's brewery worth keeping an eye on. Their Sussex Best bitter is nothing but wholly unremarkable, but they never fail to bring out some really interesting seasonals. Their Bonfire Boy tastes exactly how it sounds, and does well to keep the autumn cold at bay.

[booze] Beers

oldhat — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 09:46:22 -0800

Hobgoblin Ale is pretty good, but Fiddler's Elbow is one of the best beers I've had in a while.

[booze] Beers

joe.distort — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 09:52:20 -0800

is newcastle cheap in england? i've been curious lately as i have been drinking a fair amount of that and killian's red. i'm transitioning from the cheapest of the cheap, a few steps at a time.

[booze] Beers

bschory — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 10:51:53 -0800

@ robinleblanc

Definitely. Fiddler's Elbow is a mighty fine brew, one of my current favorites

I really dig the shape of the bottle too. It's a nice change from the standard bottles almost everything else seems to come in.

[booze] Beers

ARES — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 12:19:13 -0800

Marston's Old Speckled Hen. Nothing startling, but it never fails to satisfy.

Agreed in all kinds of ways.

Interesting video from the NY Times: Edible cocktails: Cucumber Martini.

I like this, if only for the reason that he sings the praises of vermouth. Every time I order a martini from a bar it sucks shit because NOBODY puts enough vermouth in them, which of course is only the fault of eejits purchasing said 'tinis and then bitching about "too much vermouth, grody, omg gag me," so the bartenders assume everyone ordering one is a douchebag. So I only drink them if I make them myself these days. Note: when I started drinking martinis I used vodka and very little vermouth like a moron, but I have since learned the errors of my ways. Gin only, a good bit of vermouth, 3 small olives.

Tonight I go to a pub where Boddington's is on tap. Hooray.

[booze] Beers

oldhat — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 12:25:13 -0800

@bschory Mmm....now I think I'm going to stop off at the liquor store to pick a couple of those up before heading to my boyfriend's house. :P

[booze] Beers

lude — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 18:38:33 -0800

The Traquair Jacobite Ale is my favourite beer though it's getting harder and harder to find in my area. St.Ambroise Oatmeal stout has been my go to beer as of late.

@Ares Boddington's on tap is a joy. I might need to make a trip tonight as well.

[booze] Beers

ARES — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 22:15:30 -0800

@Ares Boddington's on tap is a joy. I might need to make a trip tonight as well.

Unfortunately they no longer have it as such, oh well. However they had bottles of Samuel Smith Imperial Stout, which just might be the best beer I've had in ages. Amazing stuff, I think I had it before but it was around beer #10 of that particular evening so my recollection of it was not exactly sharp.

[booze] Beers

kozmund — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 01:25:32 -0800

I do so hate to be the "me three" guy here. I also hate to be the "Beer X is like an oatmeal orgasm, bottled by mute monks fed on a constant diet of bacon but it can only be obtained in the center of southern Bumblefuck" guy. So I'm going to keep this somewhat repetitive and fairly accessible.

Arrogant Bastard is indeed a fine beer. However, the best thing I've had from Stone has to be their Smoked Porter. I've recently been on a bit of a Porter jag and it's stayed very, very high on the list. I can't stand the "beer'n'food" people anymore than I can tolerate beer critiques that try to use the language of oenology, but their Smoked Porter bottle label's recommendation of pairing it with a peanut butter & jelly sandwich is worth heading. The Meantime London Porter is also a very nice beer. Anchor Steam's porter was also suprisingly good. Anchor Steam porter is fairly good, though I wasn't expecting much.

Outside of porters, Schneider Aventinus is delicious. Hitachino's Red Rice ale works well in the right environment and has the advantage of saving you from having to order a shite Japanese lager at certain sushi resturants. The Unibroue beers (Maudite, La Fin Du Monde) tend to be good, but Trois Pistoles just flat out fucking fails it. Young's stouts tend to be tasty. In the "a nice change of pace" category I'd stick things like Xingu (a Brazilian black beer,) Unibroue's Ephemere (an apple/wheat,) or whatever limited crazy shit Stone is putting out currently.

I'd pimp Chimay or Rochefort here but Trappist beers seem a bit obvious and overly repetative.

[booze] Beers

Solario — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 05:19:05 -0800

I found a bar in Copenhagen that had several Chimays on draught. Served in the proper Chimay glasses, too. I could have lived there.

Do you by chance remember what it was called? Being a Copenhagen resident, I'm always on the look out for proper bars.

[booze] Beers

curb — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 07:54:46 -0800

Thought this one was mentioning as an oddity, if not a reccomendation. Samichlaus, which translates as 'santa claws' is one of the strongest beers in the world, at roughly 14% ABV. According to the Wiki entry, it's brewed only once a year, on the 6th of December, and is fermented for ten months 'so there is very little sugar left in the beer'. Having tasted it, I can say that's bollocks. Sweeter than a puppy in a bib. However, worth trying for the novelty value alone. Tis the season, after all...

[booze] Beers

warrenellis — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 16:15:58 -0800

Samichlaus is gorgeous, if a touch lethal.

Do you by chance remember what it was called? Being a Copenhagen resident, I'm always on the look out for proper bars.

God, I think I was half-cut when I got there... something in the back of my head wants me to associate the name with witches? I dunno, we hit several places that night...

[booze] Beers

Drunkard — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 17:38:47 -0800

As is Double Bastard. Smooth to the taste until you try and go to the toilet and discover someone has not only interfered with your knees but those certainly can't be your legs as you remember them working properly rather than sporatically as they are now.