The Beer Thread

[Chili]

FYI, if you are in Wisconsin still, Three Floyds getting distribution in WI starting in September I believe.

That is the rumor - and has been for a few years now - but six packs of Alpha King and probably Pride and Joy are supposed to show up mid September.

[madtownwarrior]

a friend / beer enthusiast is having a party tomorrow - he sent the beer list out in advance, it will be like a kid in a candy store, I claimed dibs on all the Dreadnaught ahead of time

Old Rasputin - Russian Imperial Stout
Stone - Smoked Porter
Stone - Arrogant Bastard
Moylan's - Scotch Style Ale
Moylan's - Hopsickle Imperial Ale
Three Floyd's - Dreagnaught
Three Floyd's - Black Sun Stout
Meantime - India Pale Ale
Lagunitas - Hop Stoopid Ale
Steamworks - Ale Diablo
Farmhouse - Robust Porter
Southern Tier - Uber Sun
New Belgium - Fat Tire
Ommegang - Abbey Ale

[Chili]

a buddy of mine and i split a bomber of the Stone - Smoked Porter on the recommendation of another friends from HS & MU. My buddies reaction "tastes like a sweat sock the has soaked up chew spit". It is interesting to say the least.

[Spotcheck Billy]

I'm hoping to get lucky and and run across some Dark Lord one of these days. Until then, its Bourbon County Stout, or Founders Breakfast Stout when I need a giant imperial fix. 

Any other imperial stout suggestions?

If you like Founder's Breakfast Stout, try and get ahold of their KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout), the BS aged in oak bourbon barrels.

It's only out around February and sells out quick. Discount Liquor put a limit of maximum of 4 bottles per person, although I still ended up with a case somehow 

[MU B2002]

Had a New Belgium 1554 last weekend, and was very impressed.  I am not sure if I can get it anywhere locally on tap, but was quite tasty out of the bottle.  The "chocolate finish" as they describe was noticeable, but not overpowering.

[Hards Alumni]

Had a New Belgium 1554 last weekend, and was very impressed.  I am not sure if I can get it anywhere locally on tap, but was quite tasty out of the bottle.  The "chocolate finish" as they describe was noticeable, but not overpowering.

honestly, its garbage.

[MU B2002]

honestly, its garbage.

Can you recommend a similar style beer for me to compare?  It could be garbage, but never having a "belgian black ale", I have no basis for comparison.  I did question the "belgian black ale" statement since I lived in Belgium, and had not seen another beer called a black ale.

[MUfan12]

I quite liked the 1554 when I had it. Also had New Belgium's Blue Paddle Pilsner this weekend, thought it was pretty good for a domestic Pilsner. Haven't had a bad beer from them yet.

[Hards Alumni]

black wheat from new glarus is much better.

I just don't think that the fat tire brewery stuff is all that great.

its all hype... put it by other beers on sheer taste and I think it is pretty clear.

[rocky_warrior]

Hards - you're really beating this anti-New Belgium drum hard.

I know you didn't like 1554, but to compare it to a black wheat is unfair.  They are two different styles.

Fat tire (the beer) is crap if you ask me.  But you shouldn't write off New Belgium so fast.  Stop by their brewery in Ft. Collins, try all their beers in the tasting room (free! no liquor license), and talk with the brewers.  If you still think it's all crap macro-brew hiding behind a micro-brew name, I'll leave you alone.  But just trying 1 or 2 of their beers and calling it all crap is painting with a pretty wide brush.

Yes other breweries have some better options, but most of new belgiums stuff is very drinkable, without too many defects (unless you drink fat tire out of a bottle - blech).  That's better than I can say for a lot of micro brewers.

[rocky_warrior]

Now back to the beer reviews, tried a Belgica from Great Divide last week.

Described as a Belgian IPA, it certainly had plenty of alcohol content, but I can't say I enjoyed the taste of the hops and spices together.  First Belgian IPA I've tried, but based on my experience, I'll probably limit further attempts at this category to a single bottle (mix & match) before jumping into a whole 6-pack commitment.

I wouldn't say it's a bad beer, just not my style.

[drewm88]

Had some Massachusetts beer lately and was impressed.
Offshore Brewery is from Martha's Vineyard. Their Amber Ale was quite good.
Also had 3 from Harpoon Brewery out of Boston- the IPA, UFO (Unfiltered Offering) Hefeweizen, and UFO White. All were very good.

I don't think any of these are available outside of New England, but Harpoon's easy to find out there.

[MUfan12]

Had a few newbies after a trip to Sugar Maple and the Sprecher Brewery.

Rogue Juniper Pale Ale- Earthy hops, with a bright citrus flavor complimented by the Juniper berries. Definitely an interesting take on a Pale Ale. Pretty light color, dry in taste, overall a nice beer. I'd drink it again, but it doesn't stack up to an Alpha King IMO.

Sprecher Generation Porter- I had to try this one when I built my 4 pack at the brewery. Brewed with cocoa, caramel malts, and raspberry extract. At first sip, was not a fan. The beer got exponentially better as it warmed. Not one I'd drink at a bar, but for a dessert beer it's top notch. Smooth, sweet, and very drinkable.

Also had the Sprecher Oktoberfest. Solid Octoberfest offering, perhaps a bit heavy on the sweetness, especially on the finish. My first foray into this season's fall offerings. Looking forward to sampling some more at Blatz Liquor tomorrow (1121 N. Broadway).

[Hards Alumni]

Hards - you're really beating this anti-New Belgium drum hard.

I know you didn't like 1554, but to compare it to a black wheat is unfair.  They are two different styles.

Fat tire (the beer) is crap if you ask me.  But you shouldn't write off New Belgium so fast.  Stop by their brewery in Ft. Collins, try all their beers in the tasting room (free! no liquor license), and talk with the brewers.  If you still think it's all crap macro-brew hiding behind a micro-brew name, I'll leave you alone.  But just trying 1 or 2 of their beers and calling it all crap is painting with a pretty wide brush.

Yes other breweries have some better options, but most of new belgiums stuff is very drinkable, without too many defects (unless you drink fat tire out of a bottle - blech).  That's better than I can say for a lot of micro brewers.

I realize they aren't the same style.

I have had Fat Tire, Mothership Whit, and 1554.  I found the Mothership to be the most drinkable of the 3.

The reason I call it crap is because it gets far too much hype for what it really is; mediocre beer.

I don't plan to make a trip all the way out to Fort Collins, CO to taste some mediocre beer when I can just go down the street here in Madison and have some mediocre Crapital Brewery beer.   

[MU B2002]

black wheat from new glarus is much better.

But is it available outside of Wisconsin.

[Hards Alumni]

But is it available outside of Wisconsin.

being from Wisconsin, I am not sure

you can easily find out yourself though!!!

http://www.newglarusbrewing.com/BeerFinder.cfm

[MU B2002]

I must confess I had already checked out the website and discovered it is only available in Wisconsin.

I guess I will have to wait until my next visit to the MKE. 


Also, the Andrew Zimmerman clip where he is at the Old German Beerhall... Is this a new place?  I can't believe I was in Milwaukee for 4.5 years and had never seen or heard of this place.

[MU B2002]

I have been told that 1554 is similar to Shiner Black.

Can anyone confirm or deny this before I buy a 6 pack and decide for myself.

FWIW
The gentleman working at the beer store also scoffed at the notion that 1554 has anything to do with Belgium.  He actually seemed put off by the fact that New Belgium makes the connection on the 1554 label.

[T-Bone]

Duchesse de Bourgogne

Ridiculous. 

Smells initially like PAAS easter egg coloring tablets.  Strong vinegar aroma. 
Taste is crisp, sweet-balsamic, but smooth with a fine carbonation. 

I have had it twice.  It was better from a bottle.  On tap, it looses some of the effervescence and crispness.

Great with fatty meats - pork especially.  The acidity cuts through the fat nicely.

[GGGG]

I would be remiss if I didn't put in another plug for one of my new favorite microbreweries - Central Waters out of Amherst, WI.  I had a number of their porters over the weekend, as well as their Pale Ale.  Very good stuff.

[bma725]

Also, the Andrew Zimmerman clip where he is at the Old German Beerhall... Is this a new place?  I can't believe I was in Milwaukee for 4.5 years and had never seen or heard of this place.

It opened in late 2005.  Prior to that it was Guse's City Hall. 

[madtownwarrior]

Duchesse de Bourgogne -  a Flemish Red Ale (aka Sour Ale)  - a very unique beer but very drinkable,  had a similar beer this weekend  - Monk's Cafe, very tasty....

Romans has Duchesse on tap all the time...

If one gets past the distinct smell, people usually like it...

[MU B2002]

Has anyone had New Belgium's Hoptober? Saw it at the grocery store tonight, was going to ask for a review first...


And I know you don't like it Hards. 

[Hards Alumni]

Has anyone had New Belgium's Hoptober? Saw it at the grocery store tonight, was going to ask for a review first...


And I know you don't like it Hards. 

I haven't had it... I didn't say all their beer was crap, The Mothership Wit is actually pretty decent.  I just think they are totally overrated as a brewery, and the 1554 is not as good as everyone thinks.

that said, This weekend, I attended the Thirsty Troll Brew Fest in Mount Horeb, WI.  There were 30 breweries in attendance... mostly beer I have tried before... but a few notables were:

Magic Hat Brewery (VT)
Magic Hat had a Saki Lager... It was VERY strange, but not too bad... maybe a little vinegary.

Grumpy Troll (WI) the host brewery out of Mt. Horeb
The Grumpy Troll had my favorite beer of the competition and got my vote.  The beer was a jalapeno beer which I had never had before.  It had the aroma and flavor of jalapenos without any of the spice... strange indeed, but delightful.  Unfortunately, The Grumpy Troll doesn't bottle their beer, so the only way to try it is to haul all the way down to Mt. Horeb for a taste.  Also had a beer called Erik the Red... which was also fantastic.

other attending breweries were Flying Dog, Ale Asylum, Great Dane, Oso? (ran out, lots of people LOVED their beer), New Glarus, Esser's, etc etc... I'm sure the names are on the website.

[MU B2002]

Just giving you a hard time.  I also enjoy the Mothership Wit.