The "Mmmm, Beer" Thread

[eaglefreak]

Originally Posted by geauxboy

Still haven't tried the Brooklyn Local One yet, but it is high on my list. The entire Ommegang family is awesome. The Cave Aged Three Philosophers is wicked good IMO.

Have you tried anything from Southern Tier Brewery yet. They are out of Lakewood, New York. Do you like Imperial Stouts? They have a chocolate and a coffee I.S., and they have a creme brulee milk stout that I hear is awesome. I hope to get to NYC in the spring and I have a list of beer that I hope to bring back. I will have to bring an extra suitcase.

[daybreaker]

Originally Posted by FLIPPY

Fallstaff, Jax, Dixie and Reagal....The last of the Brewers in N.O. It's a shame New Orleans doesn't even have a brewery anymore.

Dixie is planning on moving operations back to the city at some point, next year I think. (Though maybe theyre just going to contract out to Heiner Brau? Dont remember...)

NOLA Brewing company (http://www.nolabrewing.com/) is currently installing equipment at their Tchoupitoulas St brewery, and should be rolling out kegs of their blonde and brown ales late Oct / early Nov to local bars, though I think I heard bottling wont happen until next year, around the Spring. At the WYES beer tasting, I tried some of the Watermelon Ale theyre planning for next summer, and WOW is it good... tastes like a watermelon jolly rancher! So I'm definitely looking forward to NOLA Brewery making a good showing- I think they could put out some delicious beers over the years.

And while not New Orleans, we always have Abita and Heiner Brau (who also does Zea's) on the north shore.

[geauxboy]

Originally Posted by eaglefreak

Have you tried anything from Southern Tier Brewery yet. They are out of Lakewood, New York. Do you like Imperial Stouts? They have a chocolate and a coffee I.S., and they have a creme brulee milk stout that I hear is awesome. I hope to get to NYC in the spring and I have a list of beer that I hope to bring back. I will have to bring an extra suitcase.

I LOVE just about all stouts. Imperial and Oatmeal being two of my favorites. Creme Brulee milk stout sounds interesting, but with all the additives allowed in American beers, I'd rather stay away. Sure, I'll try one, but I won't be stocking up on it anytime soon. I'll look for the Southern Tier brand and let you know.

Since InBev now owns Budweiser, has anyone seen the Bud Ale commercial? Wow. That didn't take long for them to expand the brand.

How is Hiener Brau anyway?

[buzd]

Originally Posted by geauxboy

know.

Since InBev now owns Budweiser, has anyone seen the Bud Ale commercial? Wow. That didn't take long for them to expand the brand.

I've tried the Bud Ale. It's not very good.

[eaglefreak]

Originally Posted by geauxboy

I LOVE just about all stouts. Imperial and Oatmeal being two of my favorites. Creme Brulee milk stout sounds interesting, but with all the additives allowed in American beers, I'd rather stay away. Sure, I'll try one, but I won't be stocking up on it anytime soon. I'll look for the Southern Tier brand and let you know.

Since InBev now owns Budweiser, has anyone seen the Bud Ale commercial? Wow. That didn't take long for them to expand the brand.

How is Hiener Brau anyway?

I've had some Heiner Brau brewed for Luke restaurant and I was not impressed. They are a contract brewery.

Of note, most craft brewers don't use the junk/additives that most of the macro brewers use, and with the higher alcohol content, the shelf life is much longer.

[geauxboy]

Originally Posted by buzd

I've tried the Bud Ale. It's not very good.

You don't say.

Originally Posted by eaglefreak

I've had some Heiner Brau brewed for Luke restaurant and I was not impressed. They are a contract brewery.

Of note, most craft brewers don't use the junk/additives that most of the macro brewers use, and with the higher alcohol content, the shelf life is much longer.

I thought it was brewed right there?

The US does not comply with the Purity Laws and can put basically whatever they want in their beers. That's how we are getting some of the "flavors" that we see today especially in micros.

[FLEA]

I like that French brew.........Schaeffer light. That's some good stuff !!!! Almost as good as an ice cold Dixie.

[eaglefreak]

Originally Posted by geauxboy

You don't say.



I thought it was brewed right there?

The US does not comply with the Purity Laws and can put basically whatever they want in their beers. That's how we are getting some of the "flavors" that we see today especially in micros.

The German Purity Laws are good, but not all good. Where it does prevent breweries from using "fillers" like rice and corn in addition to malted barley (i.e., macros like Bud, etc.), it prevents German breweries from creating unique beer like those produced by Dogfish Head, Brooklyn, Southern Tier, Rogue, etc. To me, the important thing with many/most American craft breweries is that they use all natural ingredients. For example, in a chocolate or coffee stout, they actually use that ingredient rather than "chocolate/coffee" flavoring. I'm also glad that Belgium does not follow the German Purity Law to a tee as I am much more partial to Beglium beer than to German beer.

I actually just read an article on this very subject in either the recent issue of BeerAdvocate or All About Beer magazine. There is a small group of German craft brewers that are emerging and they do not follow the Purity Law to the letter (allowng them to brew different styles/flavors). The article basically states that Germany has fallen behind in the beer scene due to the Purity Law (which is not really a law anymore, but nevertheless, is followed out of tradition). The article also pointed out how hard it is to find a really good beer bar with a good selection in Germany. Most of the bars have gone to wine, mixed drinks, and the German macro beers.

[geauxboy]

Originally Posted by eaglefreak

The German Purity Laws are good, but not all good. Where it does prevent breweries from using "fillers" like rice and corn in addition to malted barley (i.e., macros like Bud, etc.), it prevents German breweries from creating unique beer like those produced by Dogfish Head, Brooklyn, Southern Tier, Rogue, etc. To me, the important thing with many/most American craft breweries is that they use all natural ingredients. For example, in a chocolate or coffee stout, they actually use that ingredient rather than "chocolate/coffee" flavoring. I'm also glad that Belgium does not follow the German Purity Law to a tee as I am much more partial to Beglium beer than to German beer.

I actually just read an article on this very subject in either the recent issue of BeerAdvocate or All About Beer magazine. There is a small group of German craft brewers that are emerging and they do not follow the Purity Law to the letter (allowng them to brew different styles/flavors). The article basically states that Germany has fallen behind in the beer scene due to the Purity Law (which is not really a law anymore, but nevertheless, is followed out of tradition). The article also pointed out how hard it is to find a really good beer bar with a good selection in Germany. Most of the bars have gone to wine, mixed drinks, and the German macro beers.

It is my observation and opinion that American microbrews try too hard to make a good beer. I find that they end up being too full of flavor. Over spiced fall beers. Overly sweet spring beers. Virtually sediment free wheat beers. Please do not take that criticism to suggest that I don't appreciate what the micro brew biz has done for us beer drinkers in America. I personally try just about every single one I find, yet I am satisfied very rarely by any of them.

I have nothing to back this up, but I am not sure that the list of ingredients is entirely correct especially in the wording. Warsteiner and Budweiser recently came out with a lime beer. First of all, I am completely shocked that a German beer would use lime of all things let alone any citrus actually in the beer. I have heard of a few, but I don't know their popularity in Germany. Anyway, they say "lime flavoring" which could be any number of chemicals to create that "flavor" just like in your foods.

As far as the actual purity law, the last amendment was in 87 which allows for rice, maize and other cereals and also included yeast. I have no problem with a region using say, rice because it is abundant. That's what makes them taste different and add to the uniqueness. After all, there must be several hundred wheats brewed in Germany, but none of them taste the same. Water, soil and weather affect the crops and of course, the beer.

One thing I found interesting is that the beer gardens or brau haus' don't have that much of a selection, but I did find some with extensive listings. But, what are you to expect when the bar clearly shows the main beer for sale and will mainly serve only that brewery? I was amazed at how many different beers Lowenbrau makes and they are ALL of the hook good. Still, I didn't find it hard at all to find good beers, but I guess if you live there, you just might grow tired of it. It does surprise me though because Germany has over 1,300 breweries. I went into a store that must have had over 100 different beers alone in bottles. How can that be the same ol?

Again, I don't mean to suggest that if you don't follow those laws, you will not produce a great beer or that it should be those four ingredients only. I am glad they allowed certain cereals like oatmeal. One of my all time favorite beers (surely in my Top 5) is Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout.

[Webmeistro]

I really liked the Brew Dog Paradox I tried this weekend. It's labeled as an imperial stout that is brewed in scotch casks, but what it really tastes and smells like is a very dry barley wine. Tasty tasty.

[buzd]

Any of y'all tried the Sierra Nevada Torpedo? It's labeled as an "Extra IPA". This is some good ****. Hoppy. Highly recommended if you like the style.



And review:

http://thebeerbrotha.blogspot.com/20...ve-us-ipa.html

[mikaloyd]

Ive met very few beers that i dont like.

[antipop]

Originally Posted by buzd

Any of y'all tried the Sierra Nevada Torpedo? It's labeled as an "Extra IPA". This is some good ****. Hoppy. Highly recommended if you like the style.


And review:

http://thebeerbrotha.blogspot.com/20...ve-us-ipa.html

where did you get it??

[buzd]

Originally Posted by antipop

where did you get it??

Rouse's on Carrollton. It's great. Delicious.

[daybreaker]

Everything Sierra Nevada is great - The Torpedo is my favorite year-round beer from them. And is one of my favorite bottled beers in general.

Hit up Avenue Pub, and you can get the Anniversary Ale on tap (like Torpedo, but hoppier)... and they also have Celebration Ale on tap upstairs. The Celebration is a great beer too. Just as good as Torpedo and Anniversary.

[LonghornSaint]

Originally Posted by daybreaker

Everything Sierra Nevada is great - The Torpedo is my favorite year-round beer from them. And is one of my favorite bottled beers in general.

Hit up Avenue Pub, and you can get the Anniversary Ale on tap (like Torpedo, but hoppier)... and they also have Celebration Ale on tap upstairs. The Celebration is a great beer too. Just as good as Torpedo and Anniversary.

I love the Torpedo, but the Kellerweissen is fantastic.

LS

[Lon Huang]

[LonghornSaint]

I recently tried some Stone Brewery beers, all I can say is wow. 2 that stand out were the Levitation, and the Vertical Epic.

[buzd]

Originally Posted by LonghornSaint

I recently tried some Stone Brewery beers, all I can say is wow. 2 that stand out were the Levitation, and the Vertical Epic.

The Stone beers have just made it to New Orleans. I'm looking forward to trying them.