The Beer Thread

[Chili]

I'm a huge fan of stone and I've really disliked their smoked porters. The smoked chipotle porter was pretty awful, the chipotle flavor wasn't exactly what you would call "subtle."

I usually really like smoked beers, but I have to agree that Stone's are not very good. Tastes like what I imagine a dirty sweatsock would. Now Alaska Smoked Porter - AMAZING!

[Spaniel with a Short Tail]

The Chicago Tribune had an article about Minneapolis Breweries. Just came back from there this weekend and got a chance to visit the new Surly Brewery beer hall. Worth the trip. Enjoyed several beverages (liked their seasonal Mild) with good food and a great atmosphere. Also had the chance to tour Lift Bridge in Stillwater, another enjoyable outing.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

The Chicago Tribune had an article about Minneapolis Breweries. Just came back from there this weekend and got a chance to visit the new Surly Brewery beer hall. Worth the trip. Enjoyed several beverages (liked their seasonal Mild) with good food and a great atmosphere. Also had the chance to tour Lift Bridge in Stillwater, another enjoyable outing.

A visit to any brewery named Surly has to end in a good time.

[tower912]

No clocks on the wall.   Why?  
"I don't care what time it is.   I just know it's Surly"   (rimshot)

[Spotcheck Billy]

We checked out the new Brass Tap in Greenfield for the MU game Wednesday, 80 beers on tap and none by Miller-Coors or AB (got to buy those in bottles). Still some growing pains being so new like the bartenders don't know the beers or even where everything is. They will fill 32 oz. growlers of any beer on tap, something about Greenfield ordinances don't allow 64 oz. growlers.

I tried a Brau Brothers peated scotch ale - I had never heard of this MN brewery before, a bit disappointing, thin head and little peat flavor.

BTW, they currently have Goose Island bourbon County stout and barleywine on tap.

[Chili]

We checked out the new Brass Tap in Greenfield for the MU game Wednesday, 80 beers on tap and none by Miller-Coors or AB (got to buy those in bottles). Still some growing pains being so new like the bartenders don't know the beers or even where everything is. They will fill 32 oz. growlers of any beer on tap, something about Greenfield ordinances don't allow 64 oz. growlers.

I tried a Brau Brothers peated scotch ale - I had never heard of this MN brewery before, a bit disappointing, thin head and little peat flavor.

BTW, they currently have Goose Island bourbon County stout and barleywine on tap.

Nice to hear. Need my bonus check.

[Spotcheck Billy]

Update:  no growler fills on high abv brews like Bourbon County at Brass Tap. Still available on tap though #cheers

[🏀]

After two years of searching, found a Pipeworks' "Hey Careful Man, There's a Beverage Here".

Milk Stout that is light and delicious.

[reinko]

Just picked up SN Camp 2015, very very nice.  Will keep me company during this end of times blizzard.

http://www.sierranevada.com/beer/seasonal/beer-camp-hoppy-lager

[MU B2002]

Just picked up SN Camp 2015, very very nice.  Will keep me company during this end of times blizzard.

http://www.sierranevada.com/beer/seasonal/beer-camp-hoppy-lager

Saw that at my local Kroger last night.


I still owe you a 6 pack of something.

[tower912]

http://www.perrinbrewing.com/#perrin-brewing-company

My current favorite local beer is the Perrin Black Ale.   I know it is on tap in about a 30 mile radius, but I don't think it has really gone outside Michigan yet.   

[rocky_warrior]

Didn't know Maui shipped as far inland as CO... is Coco Porter an easy find?  I'm in Denver next week and might have to pick some up.  Sure beats a take-home gift from the airport.

Sorry...completely missed this.  Not always easy to find, but I think primarily because the distributor doesn't  get much.  I'll see it pop up on shelves occasionally, and then be gone in a month or so.

[Sir Lawrence]

Fathers Day suggestion if any of my kids are reading this:

http://www.beercapmaps.com

[mu03eng]

Sorry...completely missed this.  Not always easy to find, but I think primarily because the distributor doesn't  get much.  I'll see it pop up on shelves occasionally, and then be gone in a month or so.

Hey Rocky, I'm going to be in the Denver area next weekend for some skiing and good times with friends....where's a good place to go for quality microbrews on tap?  Specifically quality porters and stouts?

[rocky_warrior]

Hey Rocky, I'm going to be in the Denver area next weekend for some skiing and good times with friends....where's a good place to go for quality microbrews on tap?  Specifically quality porters and stouts?

Bummer, you just missed Stout Month (Feb) at Vine St. Pub (Mountain Sun...etc)!  But, we still have lots of beer...no fear! A good start with taphouses....(and one brewery)

Denver - Falling Rock Taphouse, Freshcraft, Cheeky Monk, World of Beer, Hops & Pie (This is the only one I haven't been to)

Boulder - Backcountry Pizza , Avery Brewery (new location, 30 taps, will fill a growler with anything...even 16% beers)

Winter Park - Cheeky Monk

Breckenridge - Après Handcrafted Libations

Vail - Vail Ale House

If there's any specific beer you're looking for, let me know.

[wildbill sb]

Going to Hawaii (5 days in Kaoai and 5 in Hilo) as a Road Scholar.  Any recommendations as to local brews? 
Thanks.
wb

[Chili]

Going to Hawaii (5 days in Kaoai and 5 in Hilo) as a Road Scholar.  Any recommendations as to local brews? 
Thanks.
wb

Maui Brewing Co. -- their coconut porter is fantastic.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Going to Hawaii (5 days in Kaoai and 5 in Hilo) as a Road Scholar.  Any recommendations as to local brews? 
Thanks.
wb

Don't know when you are going, but the Kona Brewers Festival is upcoming.  Hopefully, that overlaps your Hilo stay.

http://konabrewersfestival.com

[Sir Lawrence]

The Miller High Life guy died. 36!  Yikes!  R.I.P.

http://m.tmz.com/#Article/2015/03/10/miller-high-life-guy-dead-windell-middlebrooks-commercial-dies

[Dr. Blackheart]

Maui Brewing Co. -- their coconut porter is fantastic.

https://mauitime.com/food-drink/restaurant/get-a-back-stage-pass-to-maui-brewing-company-in-kihei/?hvid=48iyeL

[Spotcheck Billy]

so did anyone else manage to get any KBS?

[JuniorCardigan]

so did anyone else manage to get any KBS?

I've been fiending to try it, but I don't think I want it as bad as most who get it. At least the Binny's near me always has a BCBS on tap year round which will tide me over.

[Chili]

I've been fiending to try it, but I don't think I want it as bad as most who get it. At least the Binny's near me always has a BCBS on tap year round which will tide me over.

Even though I am biased, BCBS is better than KBS so you should be ok.

[JoeSmith1721]

Even though I am biased, BCBS is better than KBS so you should be ok.

It's not even close how much better BCBS is than KBS. Although BCBCS vs. KBS would be more fair of a comparison in terms of style, but BCBCS makes the disparity even greater over KBS.

KBS is a good beer but not worth the trouble.

[rocky_warrior]

Even though I am biased, BCBS is better than KBS so you should be ok.

I try a bunch of "top rated" Bourbon Stouts (though never had KBS), and BCBS is consistently the most enjoyable.  Kudos to them for keeping a consistent product that also hard to rival.