Beer

[huskypantz]

For you Boston-area folks who want to test a local microbrew, try Blue Hills Brewery's Black Hops. Full-tasting lager, one of my favorites.

http://bluehillsbrewery.com/beers_blackhops.php

 

[HuskyHawk]

Plenty of chatter here through the years with Dogfish Head Brewing.

Here's one that seems well-matched for the winter season.

http://www.pnj.com/article/20131225...den-Dogfish-Head-has-a-use-for-that-pear-tree

Now, Dogfish Head brings us its Piercing Pils. Czechoslovakian pilsner has always been a bright, spicy, grassy, floral beer. The noble hop varietals used for this style are peppery and herbal, while bready malt rounds it out. Dogfish owner and brewmaster Sam Calagione and his crew decided to throw a little sweetness in there for an interesting display of flavor balance.

View attachment 4597

Just picked up a four pack yesterday. Bringing it to a NY eve party tomorrow, along with some Racer 5 IPA.

 

[Dove]

Samuel Adams chocolate cherry bock,ma ma Mia!

I have seen this in the Sampler box but have not grabbed that bottle. There are two at my brother in law's and I'll have to steal them.

I'm still diggin' the Leinenkugel Snowdrift Vanilla Porters as they go down like water. Smoooooth.

Bought a case of the Harpoon Winter Warmer but had to drink two at near room temp. I'm sure they are better cold.

 

[pepband99]

I can recommend the Piercing Pils - don't let the pear references scare you - this is a worthy pilsner, for those into that sort of thing.

 

[Chin Diesel]

I have seen this in the Sampler box but have not grabbed that bottle. There are two at my brother in law's and I'll have to steal them.

I'm still diggin' the Leinenkugel Snowdrift Vanilla Porters as they go down like water. Smoooooth.

Bought a case of the Harpoon Winter Warmer but had to drink two at near room temp. I'm sure they are better cold.

So true. Smooth. Very smooth.

 

[Chin Diesel]

In one of the many beer threads Goose Island came up as a good craft beer.

It's based in Chicago and makes some tasty brews. It was bought out by AB InBev in 2011 but it looks like corporate has stayed out of the brewmasters way.

They're coming out with a bunch of new brews this years supported by an ad campaign.

Here's a good primer on what to expect.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money...oose-island-new-advertising-campaign/5207619/


Goose Island plans to release 18 new beers this year, a dozen of which will be available nationally (bringing its national beers to 17). New national releases include the 312 Urban Pale Ale, due to launch in March, and three seasonal single-hop beers using hops grown at the brewery's hop farm in northern Idaho. The first is Ten Hill Pale Ale, released nationwide on Dec. 2, 2013, and Endless IPA, a hoppy, lower-alcoholic (5.2% ABV) session ale coming in early April. Next is a Rambler Red ale in late summer.

Goose Island fans may have worried about a watering down of the beloved Chicago brewer's products after its acquisition by AB InBev, "but two years in, we're not seeing it," says Tom Bobak, editor-in-chief of AmericanCraftBeer.com.

"They acquired Goose Island to get a piece of craft beer's pop cultural energy and it's economic energy, of course," Bobak says. "I think they have been careful not to diminish their acquisition. They have left Goose Island to be Goose Island."

 

[Hoophound]

I love everything I've tried from them. I hate to drink stuff from the big companies when I can support the small breweries, but I've bought it several times and enjoyed it. I think Thumpers Ale was my favorite if I remember correctly.

 

[junglehusky]

I suppose that's better than inventing a faux-microbrew, like Shock Top. Maybe I'll try a Goose one of these days.

 

[huskypantz]

I've been running through the Leinenkugel portfolio over the past few months. Drinking a smooth Canoe Paddler as I type. Need to try a goose island. Any can't-miss brews already on the shelves?

 

[Hoophound]

To correct my own post above, I liked Honkers Ale, there is no Thumpers. I also like their IPA and the Harvest Ale.

I tried the Nut Brown and the Oatmeal Stout, but I don't like those kinds of beers too much in general so my opinion is worthless.

 

[UCFBfan]

Went to the Goose Island brewery/restaurant by Wrigley many times and loved a lot of their beers. Excited to see they're having more available nationally. 312 is still my favorite.

As for Leinenkugel, it's my favorite line of beer. I know Summer Shandy kind of became the "it" beer for people to drink last summer so it doesn't have the "craft appeal" but it's a damn good beer. There are very few Leinenkugel beers I don't like. '

If you ever get to Wisconsin you need to try New Glarus beer. It's only sold in Wisconsin and every time I travel with the wife for business we smuggle home 2-3 twelve packs in our suitcases.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Like the Goose Island Urban Wheat.

Leinenkugel's Vanilla Porter is fantastic. Not a fan of Shandy's in general.

Tried a New Belgium Brewing Co (the maker's of Fat Tire) Snapshot tonight. Very taste. It's supposed to be a sour beer but tasted similar to the Shiner Ruby Red Grapefruit. During the summer months if you're having a seafood cookout of any type these Snapshots would be great. Goes down very easy and you could quickly do damage to a 12 pack.

http://www.pnj.com/article/20140205...ll-have-you-enjoying-sour-beer?nclick_check=1

Like a photographer armed with light meters, special lenses and training on angles and f-stops, there’s a lot that goes into making Snapshot that a casual glance won’t tell you. Step one is adding lactobacillus bacteria to the grain wort. This causes a sourness that coaxes extra citrus out of the wheat base of this hazy, straw-colored ale. Additional lemon notes come from coriander while grains of paradise lend exotic flavors of trade route spice. Pepper, cardamom and ginger mingle with a light breadlike profile. Overall, Snapshot begins with a massive, fluffy head before delivering a crisp, effervescent body and a tangy, spicy, clean finish.

 

[JayRU09]

Get Sofie, Matilda, and their IPA. Three easy to find and awesome beers. They also have rarer stuff but only top flight bottle shops will have those. I know Crazy Bruce's in Bristol carried their wild ale series.

 

[Matt (Chicago)]

Their IPA is fantastic. People in Chicago were bummed out when they sold, but as the OP mentioned the mantra from the start was that they would be largely independent, jus with a bit more funding. I've done their brewery tour which is very cool. They also have a pretty decent brewpub in the city. All in all a great beer/company, excited to try some of their new stuff.

 

[Milo65]

Where's the pregame festivities?

 

[UConn4ever]

I always go to stout or the bar right next to it whose name i cant think off right now

 

[Milo65]

I went to Stout prior to the Indiana game...good place.

 

[UConnDad]

Blarney rock pub is next door

 

[patrick]

The best pre game spot is Ricks cabaret...... with happy hour beers are only a dollar more then stout or the rock and you get in for free with any game day ticket....... also the view is kinda nice!

 

[UConnRock]

This run to the championship has just taken over my once varied beer consumption habits. I picked up a six pack of Half Cycle IPA out of Indianapolis just before the St. Joes game. Thought is was appropriate as the NCAA HQ is in Indy and I could symbolically pi $ on Emmert during each game. During the 1st game I finished off another brew when they were playing poorly. I shifted to the Half Cycle, they won. I stayed with Half Cycle thought the tourney. I don't want to stop. If I keep going B1G invite might happen. Problem, it is a 6%. I can't keep drinking 6% during the week. When should I stop?

 

[uconnfan68]

This run to the championship has just taken over my once varied beer consumption habits. I picked up a six pack of Half Cycle IPA out of Indianapolis just before the St. Joes game. Thought is was appropriate as the NCAA HQ is in Indy and I could symbolically pi $ on Emmert during each game. During the 1st game I finished off another brew when they were playing poorly. I shifted to the Half Cycle, they won. I stayed with Half Cycle thought the tourney. I don't want to stop. If I keep going B1G invite might happen. Problem, it is a 6%. I can't keep drinking 6% during the week. When should I stop?

When you reach 100%.

 

[intlzncster]

This run to the championship has just taken over my once varied beer consumption habits. I picked up a six pack of Half Cycle IPA out of Indianapolis just before the St. Joes game. Thought is was appropriate as the NCAA HQ is in Indy and I could symbolically pi $ on Emmert during each game. During the 1st game I finished off another brew when they were playing poorly. I shifted to the Half Cycle, they won. I stayed with Half Cycle thought the tourney. I don't want to stop. If I keep going B1G invite might happen. Problem, it is a 6%. I can't keep drinking 6% during the week. When should I stop?

after 50.1 miles.

 

[Milo65]

Can you run 50 miles with two beers in hand? If you can keep drinking.

 

[pepband99]

Same routine. Ruthless Rye from Sierra Nevada. The stuff is just awesome.

 

[ScottBonz]

Found one last sacred in the back of the fridge last night. Thing still tastes like Mojo.