The Beer Thread

[rocky_warrior]

If anyone is in Denver (or visiting), stop by Copper Kettle for some of their Sobremesa.  Tequila aged English strong ale.  Pretty awesome beer, on tap and in bombers.

[mu03eng]

Sam Adams Cherry Wheat.

That is the worst beer that has every existed in the history of things existing. I would let Hitler pick a different beer if someone gave him one of those.

[tower912]

That is the worst beer that has every existed in the history of things existing. I would let Hitler pick a different beer if someone gave him one of those.

I would have said Leinenkugel Berry Weiss, but that doesn't make you wrong. 

[Coleman]

That is the worst beer that has every existed in the history of things existing. I would let Hitler pick a different beer if someone gave him one of those.

This made my laugh out loud at my office. And I agree.

[Spotcheck Billy]

That is the worst beer that has every existed in the history of things existing. I would let Hitler pick a different beer if someone gave him one of those.

even worse than Bell's Cherry Stout?

[mu03eng]

even worse than Bell's Cherry Stout?

Definitely, it is the only beer in my life I've ever not been able to force myself to finish.

[warriorchick]

Hate to break it to you progressive beer lovers out there, but apparently you can be misogynist a-hole just by drinking the wrong beer:

http://www.slate.com/articles/life/drink/2015/07/craft_beer_sexism_labels_like_raging_bitch_and_happy_ending_only_alienate.html

[mu03eng]

Hate to break it to you progressive beer lovers out there, but apparently you can be misogynist a-hole just by drinking the wrong beer:

http://www.slate.com/articles/life/drink/2015/07/craft_beer_sexism_labels_like_raging_bitch_and_happy_ending_only_alienate.html

Listen I'm a misogynist a-hole for a lot of reasons besides the beers I choose to drink....thank you very much.

[Spotcheck Billy]

Hate to break it to you progressive beer lovers out there, but apparently you can be misogynist a-hole just by drinking the wrong beer:

http://www.slate.com/articles/life/drink/2015/07/craft_beer_sexism_labels_like_raging_bitch_and_happy_ending_only_alienate.html

All labels have to get government approval, maybe we need to revise this approval process in light of the recent Confederate flag news?

[Hards Alumni]

I know its a long shot, but does anyone here have extras for the Great Taste of the Midwest?  I'm about out of options, and we have 2 tickets for 3 people.

anyone?

[real chili 83]

Hate to break it to you progressive beer lovers out there, but apparently you can be misogynist a-hole just by drinking the wrong beer:

http://www.slate.com/articles/life/drink/2015/07/craft_beer_sexism_labels_like_raging_bitch_and_happy_ending_only_alienate.html

Chick, what's your favorite microbrew?

[warriorchick]

Chick, what's your favorite microbrew?

I like variety too much to pick just one.

[Dr. Blackheart]

I like variety too much to pick just one.

Thoughts Glow?

[Spotcheck Billy]

From O'so Brewing's FB page re: State Fair

I wanted to take a moment to explain to everyone why O'so will not be at the Wisconsin State Fair this year. The State Fair has always been a "pay to play" which means breweries and their wholesalers pay loads of money to get their products on tap at the Micro tent (BTW, we love you Benno). State Fair is not alone in pay to play activities. Just about every large event where you see Bud or Miller as the advertised beer is pay to play.

In years past, O'so would pay along with several of our colleague breweries to gain access to the State Fair and chocked it up as an advertising opportunity. This year the fees went up so much that we decided that we could not continue with good conscience. O'so is fortunate to be at a size where we can afford to pay the $130 per half barrel (this is lower than some breweries pay because we have an awesome wholesaler in the area) but there are many great small Wisconsin breweries that produce excellent products made in this great state that can not afford the "pay to play" scheme.

It's a damn shame that Budweiser is allowed to spend so much money that they have a giant pavilion at the fair and they are not even a Wisconsin product while most Wisconsin breweries cannot afford to pay for the marketing opportunity to showcase their products. The craft breweries (and their wholesalers) that you see at the state fair make no money for producing the beer, packaging, warehousing and delivering the beer.

So when you don't see O'so at the state fair, know that we are still a vibrant, bustling brewery that makes kick ass beer. We are standing on principle and saying "No More!" We can't continue to be part of a scheme that we believe so strongly against.

Cheers!

Team O'so

[Benny B]

From O'so Brewing's FB page re: State Fair

I wanted to take a moment to explain to everyone why O'so will not be at the Wisconsin State Fair this year. The State Fair has always been a "pay to play" which means breweries and their wholesalers pay loads of money to get their products on tap at the Micro tent (BTW, we love you Benno). State Fair is not alone in pay to play activities. Just about every large event where you see Bud or Miller as the advertised beer is pay to play.

In years past, O'so would pay along with several of our colleague breweries to gain access to the State Fair and chocked it up as an advertising opportunity. This year the fees went up so much that we decided that we could not continue with good conscience. O'so is fortunate to be at a size where we can afford to pay the $130 per half barrel (this is lower than some breweries pay because we have an awesome wholesaler in the area) but there are many great small Wisconsin breweries that produce excellent products made in this great state that can not afford the "pay to play" scheme.

It's a damn shame that Budweiser is allowed to spend so much money that they have a giant pavilion at the fair and they are not even a Wisconsin product while most Wisconsin breweries cannot afford to pay for the marketing opportunity to showcase their products. The craft breweries (and their wholesalers) that you see at the state fair make no money for producing the beer, packaging, warehousing and delivering the beer.

So when you don't see O'so at the state fair, know that we are still a vibrant, bustling brewery that makes kick ass beer. We are standing on principle and saying "No More!" We can't continue to be part of a scheme that we believe so strongly against.

Cheers!

Team O'so

There are also many great homebrewers in Wisconsin (with or without dreams of their own start-up) who aren't even able to "pay to play" under the law.  It's hilarious that O'so wants to take this position that the State Fair is supposed to about exhibiting the best and most representative of the state (which it is) yet conveniently forget that these fairs rose to popularity by individuals exhibiting their work and wares, not businesses.  Most, if not all, "gratis" exhibitors at the state fair are either individual persons or a group of persons who aren't in the rabbit-breeding or pie-making business to make a living.

Sorry O'so, but you're a vendor, not an exhibitor, and that's a distinction you've chosen to ignore.  You have no business hawking your craft at a state or county fair unless you've paid to be there.  It's called advertising and it costs whatever someone is willing to pay for it, in this case, it's $130/hbbl.  If you're not willing to step up, somebody else will.

[mu03eng]

http://www.thrillist.com/drink/nation/the-best-craft-brewery-in-every-state-in-america

Interesting list from Thrillist, had beers from about 80% of the breweries, tough to argue with.  I disagree with New Glarus as Wisconsin's best craft though.  Don't get me wrong they have good beer and it's hard to argue with their marketing ability within the state but I'm much more partial to MKE, Central Waters or Karben4.

Though I will say I love drinking Totally Naked in the summer 

[🏀]

I don't think MKE is very good

[mu03eng]

I don't think MKE is very good

Why do you say that?

[Spotcheck Billy]

I don't think MKE is very good

I've enjoyed many bottles of their Walk Off Tripel release

[mu03eng]

I've enjoyed many bottles of their Walk Off Tripel release

I'm a big fan of their Louie's Resurrection but I'm a big fan of bourbon aged beers and porters/stouts

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

MKE has a great brewery tour though. All you can drink for $10.

[MUfan12]

I don't think MKE is very good

They have their hits and misses.  I like Litta Bitta and Increase Wheat in the summer. Louie's Resurrection is good as well.

[mu03eng]

OK, so here is the question for everyone, that may or may not be answered somewhere in this thread...but hey I'm lazy, what is each person's favorite brewery top to bottom.

Think of it as "I can only have access to one brewery on a deserted island, which one am I picking?"  And as part of it, why are you picking that brewery?

[Spotcheck Billy]

If you're limiting me to 1 brewery only (other than my own stuff), currently I'd say Central Waters partly due to familiarity, they make great bourbon barrel brews, and very solid imperial stout, DIPA and scotch ale.

Was tempted to go Russian River or Firestone Walker but am only familiar with a few of each of theirs, the CW lineup has more variety that I'm familiar with.

[🏀]

MKE tour is great and the guys are awesome there. There's some taste in some of their beers that I didn't like. Guess I should give then another shot.

Favorite brewery top to bottom is Pipeworks. Sometimes they get a little wild, but it works usually. Ninja v. Unicorn is my favorite available IPA.