re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

Schneed have you tried any beers from Lancaster Brewing Company or Appalachian Brewing Company? I recommended these when anyone gets a chance:
ABC- Mountain Lager, Jolly Scott, IPA on kast, Maibock, Volks Wiezenbock

LBC-IPA, Celtic Knot

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=RobH4413;640234]Ummm... yes.


[URL="http://www.dogfish.com/community/news/press-releases/dogfish-sierra-nevada-2-new-beers.htm"]Dogfish + Sierra Nevada = 2 New Beers! | Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales[/URL][/quote]

It's like Batman & Superman in the same movie

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

I'm trying a Sierra Nevada Porter right now and I've gotta say it's probably one of the tastiest porters I've had. Two thumbs up.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

Williamsburg Alewerks, top notch stuff. Got a sampler and every beer was great. Best white ale I have ever had.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=Mattyk;645406]I'm trying a Sierra Nevada Porter right now and I've gotta say it's probably one of the tastiest porters I've had. Two thumbs up.[/quote]

The stout is very good too.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=BDBohnzie;611736]While technically not a micro brew, I had a Full Moon the other night (Blue Moon's Winter Ale) and have to admit it was quite tasty.[/quote]
Ahh you beat me to it! As I was reading thru everyones post I saw a few sam adams winter comments and was gonna recommend the Full Moon, I love it. I love my Guinness and those of you who like the darker brews, Abita(?) brewing company in Louisiana has a beer called Turbo Dog, mmm good stuff. I also like Old Scratch, but I cant remember the brewery. Samuel Smiths nut brown ale is a great english brew. Ive been getting into a lot of german brews lately, and I cant think of any because believe it or not Ive got a little lah lah going on with the only beer to get a blue ribbon, yep its the one and only PBR tonight baby. Its funny because I haven't had PBR since like 1989 and since this past summer its my favorite domestic 'cheap brew'. I actually was making some black and tans the other night with Guinness and PBR and I can hear the chuckles now but let me tell you it was damn tasty. Anyway I love this topic and will Be back on it soon. Although my wife hates this toast, gee I wonder why but when I get a chance to hang with some of the ol bros our first toast is always... Heres to being single, seeing double and sleeping triple, Cheers!

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

Oh yeah I forgot to mention that I got a Mr. Beer home brewing kit for Christmas. I'm looking forward to my first batch and will keep you guys posted on the outcome. If anyone has done this before let me know your trials and tribulations. cheers!

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=SkinEmAll;651695]Oh yeah I forgot to mention that I got a Mr. Beer home brewing kit for Christmas. I'm looking forward to my first batch and will keep you guys posted on the outcome. If anyone has done this before let me know your trials and tribulations. cheers![/quote]

I have made 6 or 7 batches over the past year. If you are looking for some tips here are some good ones.

1) before you start brewing the beer check to make sure the kit came with some sanitizer. they should look about the size of sugar packets. sanitze everything. fill your sink or a bucket with water then mix in the sanitzer. dip everything you are going to use into the water then let air dry, because if any bacteria get in the beer the beer will taste a little off.

2) when the instructions tell you to bring it to a boil, turn the heat up and get it to a consistantly low boil. don't turn the heat up to high and leave it up it will burn and carmelize the the wort the bottom of the pot. that will also make it taste a little off.

3) make sure you don't walk away from the pot as its boiling. it has to boil for an hour or so, but the second you walk away from it it will boil over the side of the pot and make a mess and you will feel like a douche. it happened to me once and i learned my lesson.

4) when you put the beer in the jug or container to ferment make sure you put somewhere that it will not be exposed to sunlight. the sun light will react with the ingredients and it will taste a little off.

if you need to know anything else just post the question. making beer is fucking awesome. hope it goes well.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

My advice on Mr. Beer is be patient. I know it says in 2 weeks you can drink it, but the more time you can give it the better. I didn't drink mine until 6 weeks. After fermenting for 2 weeks, I gave it 2 weeks warm conditioning and then 2 weeks cold. Here's a good FAQ

[url=http://www.mrbeerfans.com/pmwiki/pmwiki.php?n=Main.MrBeerFAQ]Mr Beer FAQ and Wiki | Main / Mr. Beer Fans FAQ[/url]

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=SkinEmAll;651692]Ahh you beat me to it! As I was reading thru everyones post I saw a few sam adams winter comments and was gonna recommend the Full Moon, I love it. I love my Guinness and those of you who like the darker brews, Abita(?) brewing company in Louisiana has a beer called Turbo Dog, mmm good stuff. I also like Old Scratch, but I cant remember the brewery. Samuel Smiths nut brown ale is a great english brew. Ive been getting into a lot of german brews lately, and I cant think of any because believe it or not Ive got a little lah lah going on with the only beer to get a blue ribbon, yep its the one and only PBR tonight baby. Its funny because I haven't had PBR since like 1989 and since this past summer its my favorite domestic 'cheap brew'. I actually was making some black and tans the other night with Guinness and PBR and I can hear the chuckles now but let me tell you it was damn tasty. Anyway I love this topic and will Be back on it soon. Although my wife hates this toast, gee I wonder why but when I get a chance to hang with some of the ol bros our first toast is always... Heres to being single, seeing double and sleeping triple, Cheers![/quote]

Hey nothing wrong with PBR. I love a good black & tan, I just might have to try that variation. A B&T with Guinness and Blue Moon is pretty tasty too.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

Thanks AYJAX and Matty for the info! I have read in the Mr beer community some of the same suggestions and it only confirms it hearing it from fellow Warpathers. I'm really looking forward to this and will keep you guys posted on how it goes. I do enjoy a black & tan with blue moon as well. I've tried a bunch of different combos and another fav of mine is Guinness and Warstiener with a couple beef brats with mustard, onions and sauerkraut, hot damn thats good stuff, as a matter of fact now I know what were having tomorrow night!

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

I love me some black and tans (Guinness and Bass or Smithwick's) and half and half (Guinness and Harp), but I've never strayed away from those variations. But methinks I'll be getting a 4 pack of draught cans and a belgian white this weekend.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

That sounds good, let us know which combo you go with.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

Bought a twelve of Sierra Nevada Celebration Beer. Not a huge fan of it. It was alright. My next experiment is Brooklyn Beer which has been mentioned a few times.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=redsk1;651934]Bought a twelve of Sierra Nevada Celebration Beer. Not a huge fan of it. It was alright. My next experiment is Brooklyn Beer which has been mentioned a few times.[/quote]


You are welcome to mail it to my house.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=mredskins;651940]You are welcome to mail it to my house.[/quote]


Doesn't mean I didn't drink it, of course.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=redsk1;651934]Bought a twelve of Sierra Nevada Celebration Beer. Not a huge fan of it. It was alright. My next experiment is Brooklyn Beer which has been mentioned a few times.[/quote]

Too much hops for ya?

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=Mattyk;651959]Too much hops for ya?[/quote]


It is hoppy, I drank a six pack one night and then a few nights later went out to dinner and had a Sam Winter Brew, the Sam tasted like a lite beer in comparsion.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=Mattyk;651757]Hey nothing wrong with PBR. I love a good black & tan, I just might have to try that variation. A B&T with Guinness and Blue Moon is pretty tasty too.[/quote]
I don't mind a Guinness and Blue Moon (I call it a black and blue) from time to time.

also try my personal favorite, which is Kilkenny Irish cream-ale and Bass (or any other ale)... so kind of a white and tan. It's soooo good.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

i have not been able to find pete's winter brew anywhere. i know they only brew a small batch every year but i cant find it at the largets beer distributors in MD or on the freakin internet. i could buy a wife, house, car and butler midget on the internet but i cant buy a case of pete's winter brew?

if anyone can help i would be in your debt.

ps - alos drank some homebrewed christmas hooch the other night. the guy bottled it 2 years ago and it was amazing. warm, perfectly spicy and after 2 shots my girl was hammered.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

Some good selection here, but no Pete's

[URL="http://www.liquidsolutions.biz/home/index.asp?tab=Beer"]Liquid Solutions: Purveyors of World Class Beer, Tea and Coffee[/URL]

Have you tried contacting them directly?

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=RobH4413;651993]I don't mind [B]a Guinness and Blue Moon (I call it a black and blue) from time to time. [/B]

also try my personal favorite, which is Kilkenny Irish cream-ale and Bass (or any other ale)... so kind of a white and tan. It's soooo good.[/quote]

I've heard that called a Belgian Waffle.

I've been on a Newcastle kick lately. Not a microbrew, but oh so good.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=Mattyk;654237]Some good selection here, but no Pete's

[URL="http://www.liquidsolutions.biz/home/index.asp?tab=Beer"]Liquid Solutions: Purveyors of World Class Beer, Tea and Coffee[/URL]

Have you tried contacting them directly?[/quote]

i went to their website but didnt find any real options. i scowered the depths of internet distributors with no avail as well. surprisingly they are based out of texas, which really turned me off for some reason.

thanks for trying, if anyone else know of some big selection beer distributors on line please let me know.

ps - i used to have new castle in my rotation but ive gotten too many skunked ones that i try not to take chances anymore. im not the type of guy to order a beer then send it back or not drink it b/c its skunked.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

For those of you in the DC-VA-MD area, you might remember Tupper's Hop Pocket Ale. Bob and Ellie Tupper, from Bethesda, are beer aficianados, and they came up with a recipe for an absolutely delicious IPA that they called Tupper's Hop Pocket Ale. They had the Dominion Brewing Company, a Virginia-based brewer, brew the Hop Pocket. However, a couple of years ago, the Dominion owners sold their brewery (the Dominion name and beers still exist, but are simply being brewed and sold by another brewer), and Bob and Ellie went looking for another brewer. Two years later, they've found another brewer, and Tupper's will officially be back on the market. They are having parties in the area to celebrate its return in the next few weeks. The first is at Hard Times in Bethesda on Jan. 19th, and then the DC Brickskellar bar on the 20th. I'm going to the latter event.

If you live in the area and haven't tried Tupper's, I recommend its purchase when its finally back on area beer shelves. More info about the upcoming events through the link below.

[url=http://www.tuppersbeers.com/TuppersBeer/News/News.html]News[/url]

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

I recently tried the Alaskan Winter Ale, and it's pretty good. It's brewed with spruce tips, which sounds kinda funny, but you can taste the pine a little and it adds to the "winterness". I'd recommend it.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=BringBackJoeT;654677]For those of you in the DC-VA-MD area, you might remember Tupper's Hop Pocket Ale. Bob and Ellie Tupper, from Bethesda, are beer aficianados, and they came up with a recipe for an absolutely delicious IPA that they called Tupper's Hop Pocket Ale. They had the Dominion Brewing Company, a Virginia-based brewer, brew the Hop Pocket. However, a couple of years ago, the Dominion owners sold their brewery (the Dominion name and beers still exist, but are simply being brewed and sold by another brewer), and Bob and Ellie went looking for another brewer. Two years later, they've found another brewer, and Tupper's will officially be back on the market. They are having parties in the area to celebrate its return in the next few weeks. The first is at Hard Times in Bethesda on Jan. 19th, and then the DC Brickskellar bar on the 20th. I'm going to the latter event.

If you live in the area and haven't tried Tupper's, I recommend its purchase when its finally back on area beer shelves. More info about the upcoming events through the link below.

[url=http://www.tuppersbeers.com/TuppersBeer/News/News.html]News[/url][/quote]

F*ing Sweet...met Bob at beer festival in Richmond bout 7-8 years ago and I was already a big fan...really nice guy and was shocked to see him pouring his own beers at his booth, it was a cool thrill. When Tuppers went away I was pissed, this is great news...over the holidays me and this guy were talking bout when he might comeback or if gone forever...great news. Anyone who likes good beers, this is one you have to try, it was a staple for years and will be again.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=Mattyk;654237]Some good selection here, but no Pete's

[URL="http://www.liquidsolutions.biz/home/index.asp?tab=Beer"]Liquid Solutions: Purveyors of World Class Beer, Tea and Coffee[/URL]

Have you tried contacting them directly?[/quote]

Great selections but shipping costs are very high. Unless you are buying 5 or more cases the shipping is as much as the beer itself.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=RedskinMike;654907]Great selections but shipping costs are very high. Unless you are buying 5 or more cases the shipping is as much as the beer itself.[/quote]

Check them out around the holidays when they have deals on the shipping

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=GMScud;654255]I've heard that called a Belgian Waffle.

I've been on a Newcastle kick lately. Not a microbrew, but oh so good.[/quote]
Yeah I like the newcastle too, but a couple years ago I found Samuel Smiths nut brown ale, mmmmmm good. I still like newcastle but the Sammy Smiths is the shanizzle. Try to find it, you will not be disappointed, its a lil more expensive but worth it.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=GMScud;654255]I've heard that called a Belgian Waffle.

I've been on a Newcastle kick lately. Not a microbrew, but oh so good.[/quote]

Newcastle was what set me on my journey through the world of beer. Was drinking 40's of malt liqour in high school and one day got a 6 of newcastle and have never looked back.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=Mattyk;654918]Check them out around the holidays when they have deals on the shipping[/quote]

Thanks I'll do that. When I first tried they had the 2 day shipping and the cost was $182 on a $28 order. When I changed it to standard the cost dropped to $40 for shipping.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

For those who live in the Balt/Dc area Corridor Fine Wines in Laurel has an exellent selection. By far the best I've seen in a while and their prices are quite good because they buy in bulk.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=Mattyk;651959]Too much hops for ya?[/quote]

It's pretty strong. It wasn't too bad-just not my favorite.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=RobH4413;651993]I don't mind a Guinness and Blue Moon (I call it a black and blue) from time to time.

also try my personal favorite, which is Kilkenny Irish cream-ale and Bass (or any other ale)... so kind of a white and tan. It's soooo good.[/quote]

a bartender friend was pouring us drinks on sunday and gave us a black n blue to try. not that bad considering i have a hatred towards belgian beers and wheat beers.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=RedskinMike;655003]Newcastle was what set me on my journey through the world of beer. Was drinking 40's of malt liqour in high school and one day got a 6 of newcastle and have never looked back.[/quote]

That's a good little side topic... what beer turned you on to real beer?

For me it was Guinness. Before that I was living in a bud lite world. So sad.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=Mattyk;656561]That's a good little side topic...[B] what beer turned you on to real beer?[/B]

For me it was Guinness. Before that I was living in a bud lite world. So sad.[/quote]

Good question. For me, during high school/early college years it was pretty much whatever was cheap. Busch, Milwaukee's Best, Bud light, etc. Then I realized Miller Lite is definitely the most drinkable cheap domestic light beer. Occasionally I would splurge on Amstel Light or Yeungling. But I'd say ultimately Newcastle Brown Ale is what got me venturing into "real" beer so to speak.

If I'm out with the guys having more than one or two drinks, I still drink Miller Lite. Bud Light is water and I avoid all the other crap too.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=Mattyk;656561]That's a good little side topic... what beer turned you on to real beer?

For me it was Guinness. Before that I was living in a bud lite world. So sad.[/quote]

Freshman in college, a couple of my older frat brothers brewed thier own beer and they drank the dank stuff...they gave me Sam Adams Boston Lager, Dominion Ale, Foggy Bottom, Oregon Wheat Beer, Spanish Peaks Blackberry Ale, Wild Goose....those helped me develop my taste of good beers.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

I have Bohnzie and a few of my older fraternity brothers to thank for making me like real beer.
It started with Yuengling as a freshman in college, but Import Night helped a lot. On either Monday or Tuesday (can't remember which) we'd usually have a theme like English/Irish beer night, or German beers. It took some time to get used to the bitterness and the hoppiness, but I'm glad I did.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=ArtMonkDrillz;656587]I have Bohnzie and a few of my older fraternity brothers to thank for making me like real beer.
It started with Yuengling as a freshman in college, but Import Night helped a lot. On either Monday or Tuesday (can't remember which) we'd usually have a theme like English/Irish beer night, or German beers. It took some time to get used to the bitterness and the hoppiness, but I'm glad I did.[/quote]
Yuengling was the excitement that year, with them opening their Tampa and 2nd PA facilities, they started distributing outside PA. I o'd on it real quick...

I started Import Night in order to create an atmosphere where we could drink and have a good time and not get wasted (besides, we could get wasted on Friday and Saturday). Since a 6 pack of an import was as/or more expensive as a 12 or case of cheap stuff, it was an easy target to pick a country and run with it. Luckily we had an awesome beer store that had a ton of imports/crafts to choose from. Of course, most of the guys wanted Mexico or Canada since they tended to be cheaper, but it worked out pretty good. So this made it easy to try different things.

I think the beer that started me towards liking real beer was Bass Ale...

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

This is going to sound backwards, but honestly I grew a liking for King Cobra. Basically I was drinking the hell out of Bud Light and then I went on a King Cobra kick during a particularly poor semester of college.

After I drank that I knew I could drink more than just that or Bud Light and I went on to Heineken and now I can appreciate all the quality craft beers.