Beer

[Dove]

Last day of vacation. All in Bissell Brothers.

 

[AreBee1969]

Tox Sailfest Pale Ale. Lovely for a hot day. Picked up a 4-pack at the brewery along with their newest Ink Series sour (Peach, mango, apricot). Fantastic!

 

[AreBee1969]

Worth trying if you’ve never had it. But it’s old school. Like really old skool pine with a hint of citrus. Lots of Simcoe.

I'm a big fan of this one too. This style is getting f-hazed out and it's a shame.

 

[storrsroars]

I'm a big fan of this one too. This style is getting f-hazed out and it's a shame.

In a similar vein, ordered a pizza last night on way home from taking dog swimming. Went to Harry's (bought name and recipes from Harry's in Hartford). Waited for it at their bar. No taps, only bottles and they were out of the only hazy they had, so I had a Dogfish 60. Hadn't had one in years and I loved it when it was the "it" brewery. It went down OK, but none of the old thrill. And the aftertaste was fairly brutally metallic. Might've been sitting in the fridge awhile, but man, it was not a trip down memory lane.

 

[Dove]

I'm a big fan of this one too. This style is getting f-hazed out and it's a shame.

Many CT breweries are adding west coast IPAs to their arsenals.

 

[HuskyHawk]

In a similar vein, ordered a pizza last night on way home from taking dog swimming. Went to Harry's (bought name and recipes from Harry's in Hartford). Waited for it at their bar. No taps, only bottles and they were out of the only hazy they had, so I had a Dogfish 60. Hadn't had one in years and I loved it when it was the "it" brewery. It went down OK, but none of the old thrill. And the aftertaste was fairly brutally metallic. Might've been sitting in the fridge awhile, but man, it was not a trip down memory lane.

It’s bitter with that onion/metallic note and malty as hell.

 

[karstenkibbe]

I'm a big fan of this one too. This style is getting f-hazed out and it's a shame.

No dude. I was warning @HuskyHawk when I said “Like really old skool pine”. Totally not my thing. I also think Fuzzy Baby Ducks should be in everyone’s rear view mirror by now. Heady and Focal aren’t just nostalgic options for me. They’re still incredibly drinkable. But I’d rather drink clean hazies all day, every day.

The new school West Coast IPAs @Dove mentioned are a great change of pace. They are NOT the Westies of 10-15 years ago. Westbound & Down and Bierstadt, both in Colorado, make insane next-Gen WCIPAs. Fox Farm here in CT is dropping Refluent, their version of West Coast pale, this week.

 

[HuskyHawk]

No dude. I was warning @HuskyHawk when I said “Like really old skool pine”. Totally not my thing. I also think Fuzzy Baby Ducks should be in everyone’s rear view mirror by now. Heady and Focal aren’t just nostalgic options for me. They’re still incredibly drinkable. But I’d rather drink clean hazies all day, every day.

The new school West Coast IPAs @Dove mentioned are a great change of pace. They are NOT the Westies of 10-15 years ago. Westbound & Down and Bierstadt, both in Colorado, make insane next-Gen WCIPAs. Fox Farm here in CT is dropping Refluent, their version of West Coast pale, this week.

it was a good beer. But not, even by old standards, what I always heard. It drinks like a good midwestern double, with the heavy caramel malt profile and enough piney bitterness to balance the sweet. Two Hearted style. Lots of people still love that. Those beers dominated in Colorado, Michigan, Wisconsin etc. Heady and Double Sunshine (and Abner for anyone who actually had it) broke the mold, and then Treehouse, Trillium and others built on that foundation.

I may need to try the new west coast style, but I’m wary of excessive hopping during the boil and the non Citra “C” hops. Cascade, Centennial, Chinook, just not a fan.

I just had a regular Sam Lager at a hotel bar. It’s a well made beer. There are definitely situations where you can do worse. I remember trying it in college at the UConn - Yale Bowl game and thinking it was just insanely bitter. My how times have changed.

 

[karstenkibbe]

it was a good beer. But not, even by old standards, what I always heard. It drinks like a good midwestern double, with the heavy caramel malt profile and enough piney bitterness to balance the sweet. Two Hearted style. Lots of people still love that. Those beers dominated in Colorado, Michigan, Wisconsin etc. Heady and Double Sunshine (and Abner for anyone who actually had it) broke the mold, and then Treehouse, Trillium and others built on that foundation.

I may need to try the new west coast style, but I’m wary of excessive hopping during the boil and the non Citra “C” hops. Cascade, Centennial, Chinook, just not a fan.

I just had a regular Sam Lager at a hotel bar. It’s a well made beer. There are definitely situations where you can do worse. I remember trying it in college at the UConn - Yale Bowl game and thinking it was just insanely bitter. My how times have changed.

Understand your hesitation, but the next-gen WCIPAs are brewed more like NEIPAs in many cases. For example, the WC pale from Fox Farm I mentioned above dry hopped with Cascade,
Citra, Simcoe and Amarillo. So, plenty of pine, but also lots of citrus flavor, and more pronounced from being late-stage additions.

 

[AreBee1969]

Many CT breweries are adding west coast IPAs to their arsenals.

That's good to hear. I haven't seen any in my last few trips (6 or 7 breweries). I kick myself for not going to Fox Farm as I was down that way last weekend. in addition to Refluent they have an English bitter too.

I've been relegated to Sierra Nevada Torpedo to get my West Coast fix. New Frontier from Connecticut Valley Brewing is a great "California" Style (Triple) IPA that is ridiculously drinkable at 11%. People have said the brewery has consistency issues, but I've never had a bad one. I don't find it in stores often.

 

[Yardigan]

In a similar vein, ordered a pizza last night on way home from taking dog swimming. Went to Harry's (bought name and recipes from Harry's in Hartford). Waited for it at their bar. No taps, only bottles and they were out of the only hazy they had, so I had a Dogfish 60. Hadn't had one in years and I loved it when it was the "it" brewery. It went down OK, but none of the old thrill. And the aftertaste was fairly brutally metallic. Might've been sitting in the fridge awhile, but man, it was not a trip down memory lane.

What can ya do though? I mean, you can't order takeout without sitting at the bar, can you?

 

[karstenkibbe]

Got a little sneak peek inside New York Craft Coalition yesterday. NYCC is the new home of Marlowe Artisinal Ales and Barclay Brewing Co. They plan to bring in brewing friends to do one-offs, which will add to the diversity of available styles. Very excited for this reimagined former Decadent Ales space in Mamaroneck to open next month. Had a taste from the tank of Marlowe’s Eager to Share variant hopped with Nelson. Not fully carbed yet, but … wow.

 

[Dove]

Hmmm. Mamaroneck may be an easier drive to get to than Nyack.

 

[karstenkibbe]

Hmmm. Mamaroneck may be an easier drive to get to than Nyack.

My drive to get Marlowe beers keeps shrinking… 52 minutes to North Haven, to 42 minutes to Nyack, to 25 minutes to Mamaroneck. It’s a glorious world!

 

[HuskyHawk]

My drive to get Marlowe beers keeps shrinking… 52 minutes to North Haven, to 42 minutes to Nyack, to 25 minutes to Mamaroneck. It’s a glorious world!

I had to Google Mamaroneck to even understand where that is. Nyack I'd at least heard of. My knowledge of Westchester Cty is really limited. Glad you have good beer closer.

I'll likely head to Vitamin Sea tomorrow.

 

[storrsroars]

My drive to get Marlowe beers keeps shrinking… 52 minutes to North Haven, to 42 minutes to Nyack, to 25 minutes to Mamaroneck. It’s a glorious world!

I imagine the food offerings have expanded considerably since I lived there in '80-'81, but when I looked at where it was, I was happy to see Sal's is still pounding out slices. Back then, they were THE pizza place in lower Westchester - pretty good NYC foldable street slices. And Walter's still doing its dog thing just down the road in Larchmont. Those places were already institutions way back when I was in my 20s.

 

[karstenkibbe]

I imagine the food offerings have expanded considerably since I lived there in '80-'81, but when I looked at where it was, I was happy to see Sal's is still pounding out slices. Back then, they were THE pizza place in lower Westchester - pretty good NYC foldable street slices. And Walter's still doing its dog thing just down the road in Larchmont. Those places were already institutions way back when I was in my 20s.

People still flock to the old reliables. Walter’s celebrated a century a few years ago. Still very popular, and they have an additional location in White Plains… because, you know, people don’t want to drive 3 miles to the next town over.

As for Sal’s the place is still wildly popular. I’d argue it’s the most reliable NY style pizza in Westchester, Rockland and Fairfield counties. They also make one of the best Sicilian slices I have ever had. Portnoy liked it when he reviewed a few years ago.

Sal's Pizza Mamaroneck Reviews | Mamaroneck, New York | One Bite

Sal's Pizza Mamaroneck in Mamaroneck, New York reviews and ratings for pizza.

onebite.app

 

[storrsroars]

People still flock to the old reliables. Walter’s celebrated a century a few years ago. Still very popular, and they have an additional location in White Plains… because, you know, people don’t want to drive 3 miles to the next town over.

As for Sal’s the place is still wildly popular. I’d argue it’s the most reliable NY style pizza in Westchester, Rockland and Fairfield counties. They also make one of the best Sicilian slices I have ever had. Portnoy liked it when he reviewed a few years ago.

Sal's Pizza Mamaroneck Reviews | Mamaroneck, New York | One Bite

Sal's Pizza Mamaroneck in Mamaroneck, New York reviews and ratings for pizza.

onebite.app

Speaking of old reliables, ever been to Greasy Nick's?

When I worked in Pelham Manor in the 80s, this was a go-to. Last time I was there was probably a dozen years ago when I brought my then 20-something godson, who reveled in his burger and Piels with millennial irony. Sadly, I understand they no longer sell beer there, which was always part of the attraction as their very limited selection from the cooler always featured regional brands I thought were long dead. I've had Piels, Ballantine, Falstaff and Gansett there over the years. I hope they still use hard rolls for the burgers. That's what made them magical. Well, that and the pigeon poop all over the place.

 

[karstenkibbe]

Speaking of old reliables, ever been to Greasy Nick's?

When I worked in Pelham Manor in the 80s, this was a go-to. Last time I was there was probably a dozen years ago when I brought my then 20-something godson, who reveled in his burger and Piels with millennial irony. Sadly, I understand they no longer sell beer there, which was always part of the attraction as their very limited selection from the cooler always featured regional brands I thought were long dead. I've had Piels, Ballantine, Falstaff and Gansett there over the years. I hope they still use hard rolls for the burgers. That's what made them magical. Well, that and the pigeon poop all over the place.

Never been there. But you had me at old school beers and, like every hood native of this area… hard rolls. Preferably Cassone’s from Port Chester.

 

[storrsroars]

Never been there. But you had me at old school beers and, like every hood native of this area… hard rolls. Preferably Cassone’s from Port Chester.

As mentioned above, they apparently neglected to renew their beer license and no longer serve it. So bring your lawnmower brew. As the updates below indicate, those anachronistic beers were a huge part of the experience. But I guess they're still open and the food hasn't changed. Do get the cheeseburger with fried onions if you go.

Checking In at: Greasy Nick’s, New Rochelle NY

What a massive blunder! Greasy Nick’s somehow neglected to renew their liquor license! How could that have happened? Cheap beer is so intrinsic to the Greasy Nick’s experience that ther…

leftatthefork.net

Checking in at: Greasy Nick’s, New Rochelle NY

What once seemed like a temporary but important setback for Greasy Nick’s — they neglected to renew their liquor license a few years ago — is now permanent. There’s no longe…

leftatthefork.net

 

[Dove]

A black IPA at Armada Brewing in Fair Haven. So delish. Up next, their west coast IPA.

Photog FAIL with the reflection. Ooops.

 

[Dove]

There it is...Cursed King. Armada's westie. Don't know what's innit. Don't care. So refreshing.

 

[karstenkibbe]

William DDH IPA from Marlowe. Despite being under 7%, it’s a hop bomb. Great pillowy mouthfeel. This one would make @HuskyHawk happy.

 

[storrsroars]

@karstenkibbe you're killing me with these Marlowe posts.

 

[Dove]

@karstenkibbe you're killing me with these Marlowe posts.

Did Zac reveal how one can get William?

 

[HuskyHawk]

William DDH IPA from Marlowe. Despite being under 7%, it’s a hop bomb. Great pillowy mouthfeel. This one would make @HuskyHawk happy.


View attachment 89912

Do they sell this stuff anywhere?

 

[karstenkibbe]

Did Zac reveal how one can get William?

It’s not going to make it to distro, mainly because he only brewed enough for about 40 cases. The plan is to roll up the loading dock door either Friday, 7/28 or Saturday, 7/29 and sell cans of William and this delicious pale from Barclays (pictures below) They plan to actually open for pours and full can sales mid-August. If you asked me to be brutally honest Dove, and you only had time for one drive down 95, I would tell you to wait til the full opening in mid-August. He will have Eager to Nelson in cans by then. I tasted it the day before he carbonated the beer, and I can tell you with high confidence that it was the best batch of Eager he has brewed to date.

 

[karstenkibbe]

Do they sell this stuff anywhere?

Unfortunately, no. And in the near term, there will be minimal distribution. By 2024, I think you might benefit from their physical location. They are in a building shared with Half Time Beverage, a massive craft beer retailer with a second location up in Poughkeepsie. Half Time has cut out the middleman (distributors) by buying beer directly from some breweries. They also have a license to ship direct-to-consumer in many states.

Don’t be surprised if 2024 rolls around and you can order fresh Marlowe cans to your doorstep in Mass from Half Time. In the meantime, you may have to rely on me to send you beer mail!

 

[Dove]

Unfortunately, no. And in the near term, there will be minimal distribution. By 2024, I think you might benefit from their physical location. They are in a building shared with Half Time Beverage, a massive craft beer retailer with a second location up in Poughkeepsie. Half Time has cut out the middleman (distributors) by buying beer directly from some breweries. They also have a license to ship direct-to-consumer in many states.

Don’t be surprised if 2024 rolls around and you can order fresh Marlowe cans to your doorstep in Mass from Half Time. In the meantime, you may have to rely on me to send you beer mail!

I'm guessing Marlowes in North Haven is toast? I have not seen any on the Big Board in a while.

 

[karstenkibbe]

I'm guessing Marlowes in North Haven is toast? I have not seen any on the Big Board in a while.

Complete toast. You won’t see Zac doing business with Twelve Percent moving forward. The closest you’ll see Marlowe connected to North Haven would be collabs with Timber Ales, whose owner, Jason Stein, is very close with Zac.