re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=RedskinMike;775191]Was in dc and picked up some Bells two hearted ale and Founders rye PA, neither are available in Md and was floored at how good they were. The two hearted ale might be the best beer I've ever had. Still looking for Pliney the elder though.[/quote]

Welcome to the Bells Two Hearted party, Mike. If you haven't already seen them, check out previous posts on this thread on the Two Hearted.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=RedskinMike;775191]Was in dc and picked up some Bells two hearted ale and Founders rye PA, neither are available in Md and was floored at how good they were. The two hearted ale might be the best beer I've ever had. Still looking for Pliney the elder though.[/quote]

Bells 2-Hearted is a beast, just an incredible awesome beer. I talked with someone at my local good beer store and she said Pliney the elder or the younger is only found in Pennsylvania and only found as a draft beer being served. They dont send it bottle to the east coast. Never heard from my uncle who had it at Thanksgiving in a 22...but he didnt get it from a local store.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

For DC area folks:

[url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/03/AR2011010304382.html]Beer: Six microbreweries race to open[/url]

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

nice find BBJT

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=tryfuhl;775487]nice find BBJT[/quote]

Even better, check this out:

[url=http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2009/11/the-25-best-american-breweries-of-the-decade-2000-.html]The 25 Best American Breweries of the Decade (2000-2009) :: Blogs :: List of the Day :: Paste[/url]

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

That's cool but I like the local aspect of the other one.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=BringBackJoeT;775554]Even better, check this out:

[url=http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2009/11/the-25-best-american-breweries-of-the-decade-2000-.html]The 25 Best American Breweries of the Decade (2000-2009) :: Blogs :: List of the Day :: Paste[/url][/quote]

No complaints with that list...only that I think Dogfish has always been a little over rated. Sierra shoulda been a little higher. I agree with his statement of Colorado becoming the mecca for great breweries.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=Mattyk;770187]Stone puts out some quality brews, I really like their Arrogant Bastard Ale

[URL="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/147/92"]Arrogant Bastard Ale - Stone Brewing Co. - Escondido, CA - BeerAdvocate[/URL][/quote]


Had the Arrogant Bastard Ale this weekend. Good stuff. Just wish it wasnt' $20 a six pack!

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=tryfuhl;773660]speaking of lambic.. had 2 lindeman's tonight.. the raspberry and peach[/quote]

If you like raspberry lambic, you might like Troeg's Mad Elf. It's not technically a lambic (at least I don't think it is), but it tastes like one.

[url=http://www.troegs.com/our_brews/mad_elf_ale.aspx]Tröegs Brewing Company | Mad Elf Ale[/url]

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

Tried the Starr Hill Gift Winter Lager this weekend for the second time. Good stuff, quickly becoming a fan of Starr Hill. Located in Charlottesville, btw.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

So I've lived in the same apartment in the same city for over 2 years now and somehow I just realized that a liquor store with the best beer selection I have ever seen is only about 5 miles away. It's called The Perfect Pour in Elkridge/Columbia and walking down the beer aisle made me feel like one of those kids in Willy Wonka when they first saw the river of chocolate.

Anyway, last week I picked up two types of [URL="http://www.abita.com/"]Abita[/URL] and I really loved both of them. My cousin went to law school in NO and has told me this beer was pretty good but this was the first time I actually tried it. The first one I had was Restoration Pale Ale, it's very crisp and hoppy but not overboard - I very highly recommend it. The other one I had is called Jackamo IPA and it was also very good. It's a strong IPA but it's not that bitter; I thought it was almost sweet. Both were very good IMO.

Right now I'm drinking [URL="http://www.rogue.com/beers/rogue-irish-lager.php"]Rogue Irish Lager[/URL] and I'm also liking this one a lot. It's not hoppy at all, but kind of light and smooth. Its the type of beer I think I could drink all night.

Seriously, there's a good chance I'm at Perfect Pour every weekend for the foreseeable future!

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=Mattyk;770187]Stone puts out some quality brews, I really like their Arrogant Bastard Ale

[url=http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/147/92]Arrogant Bastard Ale - Stone Brewing Co. - Escondido, CA - BeerAdvocate[/url][/quote]I also got a bottle of this, [URL="http://www.stonebrew.com/doublebastard/"]Double Bastard Ale[/URL], that I'm going to crack open in a little bit after I finish these last few Abitas. Man, I think I'm going to be feeling it tomorrow!!!

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=ArtMonkDrillz;779663]I also got a bottle of this, [URL="http://www.stonebrew.com/doublebastard/"]Double Bastard Ale[/URL], that I'm going to crack open in a little bit after I finish these last few Abitas. Man, I think I'm going to be feeling it tomorrow!!![/quote]

Double bastard sounds good, never seen it. officially on the list.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=ArtMonkDrillz;779662]
Anyway, last week I picked up two types of [URL="http://www.abita.com/"]Abita[/URL] and I really loved both of them. My cousin went to law school in NO and has told me this beer was pretty good but this was the first time I actually tried it. The first one I had was Restoration Pale Ale, it's very crisp and hoppy but not overboard - I very highly recommend it. The other one I had is called Jackamo IPA and it was also very good. It's a strong IPA but it's not that bitter; I thought it was almost sweet. Both were very good IMO.
[/quote]

I love Restoration

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

I mostly just drink Corona. I need to be taught.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

EQ - just head to your local beer store, pick something up and give it a whirl. If you're normally drinking Corona, give Landshark Lager a try. But if you go back over this thread, there are plenty of examples to give a try. At first, stick to the more mainstream beers (Guinness, Bass, Killians' Red, Yuengling, etc.) and then get adventurous. Check out [url=http://www.beeradvocate.com]BeerAdvocate - Respect Beer.[/url] and learn about beer and the different styles and start with ones that sound good to you.

Look at AMD. When I first met him, he was chugging Natty Light through a funnel. And now he's all growns up...

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=BDBohnzie;780210]EQ - just head to your local beer store, pick something up and give it a whirl. If you're normally drinking Corona, give Landshark Lager a try. But if you go back over this thread, there are plenty of examples to give a try. At first, stick to the more mainstream beers (Guinness, Bass, Killians' Red, Yuengling, etc.) and then get adventurous. Check out [url=http://www.beeradvocate.com]BeerAdvocate - Respect Beer.[/url] and learn about beer and the different styles and start with ones that sound good to you.

[B]Look at AMD. When I first met him, he was chugging Natty Light through a funnel. And now he's all growns up[/B]...[/quote]It's funny because it's true!

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=BDBohnzie;780210]EQ - just head to your local beer store, pick something up and give it a whirl. If you're normally drinking Corona, give Landshark Lager a try. But if you go back over this thread, there are plenty of examples to give a try. At first, stick to the more mainstream beers (Guinness, Bass, Killians' Red, Yuengling, etc.) and then get adventurous. Check out [url=http://www.beeradvocate.com]BeerAdvocate - Respect Beer.[/url] and learn about beer and the different styles and start with ones that sound good to you.

Look at AMD. When I first met him, he was chugging Natty Light through a funnel. And now he's all growns up...[/quote]

Yuengling is good. I've had that but I am not a fan of Guiness for some reason. I know that will piss Matty off but I dont like Guiness. Then again I am probably the only black guy who hates watermellon.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=EARTHQUAKE2689;780227]Yuengling is good. I've had that but I am not a fan of Guiness for some reason. I know that will piss Matty off but I dont like Guiness. Then again I am probably the only black guy who hates watermellon.[/quote]

BD list some great advice on aquiring a taste for real beer. Yuengling is a great starter beer. Im gonna suggest [B]Blue Moon Belgian White[/B]. Along with really the obvious taste, which is more aquired as you drink it, the real difference is the "heaviness" of the beer. Where you drink a 12 pack of Natty and its "heaviness " or consistancy as i describe it is more like water, the style of good beers at first is gonna seem like eating a meal if you drink a sixer of something good. More filling. The taste will adjust naturally, like when everybody started drinking beer in early high school, the taste had to be aquired. Miller light tasted pretty nasty at first (still does) but the more you drink it, easier it became. So in suggesting Blue Moon Belgian White or Yuengling its a lighter tranistion. Drinking Guiness (which is a personal fav) and your not used to it, is like consuming a full course buffet, that sh*t is thick, super heavy. But that is the nature of the stout.

EQ, after you try a couple transitions, quickly move to the Sam Adams line...much better beer with a very wide selection of all styles. Sam Adams was break through in the mid 90s for me along with Seirra's PA.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

Guinness is certainly an acquired taste. However, if you try it in a Black and (Tan, Blue, Red, etc., a mixture of half Guinness and half another beer, usually Bass or Smithwick's), it'll cut some of the heaviness of Guinness.

Chico makes mention of Blue Moon. Belgian Whites (for the most part) are quite palatable and are very easy to drink. Shock Top is Budweiser's version of Blue Moon and both are quite similar in taste. From there, check out Hoegaarden.

Beer is an adventure. Don't be afraid to branch out and try something different. Head to a local bar that has either many bottled beers or taps. It's a great cheap way to try different beers without committing to a 6 pack of something you might not like.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

Blue Moon is actually good stuff, even if it's made by Coors.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

Picked up a 6er of [URL="http://www.sierranevada.com/beers/glissade.html"]Sierra Nevada Glissade[/URL] for the Super Bowl. Very good once I poured it into a glass (tried to drink the 1st one out of the bottle like an amateur...no offense to anyone), especially once it sat for a bit. Felt like the flavors melded together better once it sat in the glass. I'd buy it again, and certainly wouldn't mind trying it on tap.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

I found these in a store in Chicago last week end.
Who new Missouri made good microbrew?
The Plowboy is a somewhat light but superior porter. It has a very complex rainbow of tastes with a nice dry finish.

The Headless Man is a sweet but very crisp amber ale that is somewhat highly carbonated but accents the crispness very well. I could drink a shipload of this on a hot summer day.

[img]http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f237/redstout/newbrews.jpg[/img]

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=BDBohnzie;783241]Picked up a 6er of [URL="http://www.sierranevada.com/beers/glissade.html"]Sierra Nevada Glissade[/URL] for the Super Bowl. Very good once I poured it into a glass (tried to drink the 1st one out of the bottle like an amateur...no offense to anyone), especially once it sat for a bit. Felt like the flavors melded together better once it sat in the glass. I'd buy it again, and certainly wouldn't mind trying it on tap.[/quote]

I have not seen the Glissade before.
I will definitely look for it.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

Having a Famille Rue The Bruery™ TradeWinds Tripel

it's a "Belgian styled ale brewed with rice and thai basil"

the rice, vs using candy sugar is pretty refreshing, makes for a lighter easier-drinking tripel

I'm not used to trying many spiced tripels but I've had some coriander containing ones, I think that I prefer the thai basil honestly, if for nothing more than it's interesting

this would be very interesting to have around in the summer, unfortunately due to it being a seasonal that's likely the next time that I'll be able to enjoy it

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=BDBohnzie;783241]Picked up a 6er of [URL="http://www.sierranevada.com/beers/glissade.html"]Sierra Nevada Glissade[/URL] for the Super Bowl. Very good once I poured it into a glass (tried to drink the 1st one out of the bottle like an amateur...no offense to anyone), especially once it sat for a bit. Felt like the flavors melded together better once it sat in the glass. I'd buy it again, and certainly wouldn't mind trying it on tap.[/quote]

Picked up a 6 of this and was pleasently surprised. Last couple new Sierras products ive tryed over the last couple years Ive been disappointed with the slight execption of the Autum Wet Hopped which was pretty gud, not great. But this Glissade was very good. As warm weather approachs, this is a good outdoor beer, very light and big initial taste with a very light,suttle finish. Has what I refer to as an eastern European pils bite, which is a nice change to the overly hoppy beers ive been drinking in the last year. welcome surprise from Sierra

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

haven't seen the glissade yet but i'm headin to wegans soon maybe i'll get lucky.

when i was in pittsburgh for the winter classic i found a pretty sweet beer store that had one of these babies [url=http://www.dogfish.com/brews-spirits/the-brews/occassional-rarities/world-wide-stout.htm]World Wide Stout | Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales[/url] there and had to buy it. i just had it the other night and it was damned good, very full flavor, and a s ton of barley. it didn't come cheap it was about $10 for the single beer, but it is about 18% so it's not a beer you are going to finish in 20 minutes, and i would say worth it espescially anyone who loves dogfish, i love pretty much everything they brew.

i also was in obx last weekend and was able to score some fat tire from [url=http://www.newbelgium.com/beer/detail.aspx?id=7c5b394b-d7b7-486a-ac9a-316256a7b0ee]New Belgium Brewing - Age Verification[/url]. i still am not quite sure why it's not available up here yet, they only started shipping to the east coast a year or two ago. either way i bought two extra 12's so at least i'll have some for the time being.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

For anyone into Belgian styles this is a good one

[url=http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/180/1385]Delirium Tremens - Brouwerij Huyghe - Melle, Belgium - BeerAdvocate[/url]

Smooth and drinkable but it will sneak up on you pretty quick if you're not careful.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=Mattyk;786415]For anyone into Belgian styles this is a good one

[URL="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/180/1385"]Delirium Tremens - Brouwerij Huyghe - Melle, Belgium - BeerAdvocate[/URL]

Smooth and drinkable but it will sneak up on you pretty quick if you're not careful.[/quote]

I like the Delirium products, but they are too expensive. I saw a four-pack in the store the other day for $22. Granted, they're 20oz bottles, but still.

I'm loving the Starr Hill Northern Lights IPA. Delicious. It's brewed in VA, too. I like going local as much as possible these days.

[url=http://www.starrhill.com/brews/brew_item/northern-lights]Northern Lights - India Pale Ale | Starr Hill Brewery[/url]

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=mlmdub130;786411]haven't seen the glissade yet but i'm headin to wegans soon maybe i'll get lucky.

when i was in pittsburgh for the winter classic i found a pretty sweet beer store that had one of these babies [url=http://www.dogfish.com/brews-spirits/the-brews/occassional-rarities/world-wide-stout.htm]World Wide Stout | Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales[/url] there and had to buy it. i just had it the other night and it was damned good, very full flavor, and a s ton of barley. it didn't come cheap it was about $10 for the single beer, but it is about 18% so it's not a beer you are going to finish in 20 minutes, and i would say worth it espescially anyone who loves dogfish, i love pretty much everything they brew.

[B]i also was in obx last weekend and was able to score some fat tire from [url=http://www.newbelgium.com/beer/detail.aspx?id=7c5b394b-d7b7-486a-ac9a-316256a7b0ee]New Belgium Brewing - Age Verification[/url]. i still am not quite sure why it's not available up here yet, they only started shipping to the east coast a year or two ago. either way i bought two extra 12's so at least i'll have some for the time being[/B].[/quote]


Hey your link kept freezing up my computer, I think you trying to refer to the New Belgium IPA Ranger? If you are they dont distribute in VA from my understanding. Im not a big New Belgium fan, but their Ranger IPA is pretty good. I visit the OBX quite often and its super abundant down there which is a good thing, fairly tasty with freshy citrus-y hop. Solid beer, I always pick up a sixer of it when im down there.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

Sounds like he's referring to the Fat Tire brew. It's pretty good, drank a ton of it in NC.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=Mattyk;786415]For anyone into Belgian styles this is a good one

[url=http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/180/1385]Delirium Tremens - Brouwerij Huyghe - Melle, Belgium - BeerAdvocate[/url]

Smooth and drinkable but it will sneak up on you pretty quick if you're not careful.[/quote]
I have a bottle of this sitting on my wine rack. I've been holding it for a rainy day...and that day might be coming soon.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=tryfuhl;786475]Sounds like he's referring to the Fat Tire brew. It's pretty good, drank a ton of it in NC.[/quote]

i havent found fat tire in MD. It has really blown up in the west coast, colorado area 5-6 years ago. Im surprised dale pale ale is Md before fat tire.

had a black IPA this weekend, i tasted a hint of coffee but it wasnt a java type beer. real real nice, 8 abv., i forget the microbrew name thoo.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=over the mountain;786547]i havent found fat tire in MD. It has really blown up in the west coast, colorado area 5-6 years ago. Im surprised [B]dale pale ale[/B] is Md before fat tire.

had a black IPA this weekend, i tasted a hint of coffee but it wasnt a java type beer. real real nice, 8 abv., i forget the microbrew name thoo.[/quote]

Ill take Dales P.A. over anything from Fat Tire all day long

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=GMScud;786420]I like the Delirium products, but they are too expensive. I saw a four-pack in the store the other day for $22. Granted, they're 20oz bottles, but still.

I'm loving the Starr Hill Northern Lights IPA. Delicious. It's brewed in VA, too. I like going local as much as possible these days.

[url=http://www.starrhill.com/brews/brew_item/northern-lights]Northern Lights - India Pale Ale |*Starr Hill Brewery[/url][/quote]

I've tried a few of Starr Hill's brews, but I just can't get into them. I just feel like they're always missing something. With each one I've just been left unimpressed.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=jdlea;786566]I've tried a few of Starr Hill's brews, but I just can't get into them. I just feel like they're always missing something. With each one I've just been left unimpressed.[/quote]

me too, never liked any of it. guy at work was talkin bout how much he like northern lights, but he smokes alot of bud and i think that is really why he likes it, the dank reference. Its not bad, not great...the not so pale ale is horrible

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=jdlea;786566]I've tried a few of Starr Hill's brews, but I just can't get into them. I just feel like they're always missing something. With each one I've just been left unimpressed.[/quote]

The best Starr Hill imo is TheGift. If you haven't checked it out, do so, it's pretty good.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=jdlea;786566]I've tried a few of Starr Hill's brews, but I just can't get into them. I just feel like they're always missing something. With each one I've just been left unimpressed.[/quote]

Jomo's good too.

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

I got some good beer news this weekend. For several years, Mendocino brewing co. produced a seasonal IPA that they released each December in short supply. This year, I didn't see it, so I asked the beer guru at my favorite local store about it, and he told me that it was popular enough for Mendocino to make it available year 'round. The downside, though, is that they have made it part of their "Imperial" collection, which means they sell it in four packs, and their three Imperial brews are scarce (my favorite local store doesn't carry it). The only part of their Imperial collection that I've seen in the DC area is their Barleywine Ale, which, randomly, is the only one that my brothers in upstate NY have seen as well.

This weekend, I finally found it. For those in the DC area interested in it, I found it at the Whole Foods at 15th and P, which has a surprisingly good beer collection (at least compared to their Tenleytown store, which doesn't carry any Mendocinos). The four pack sells there for $10.99. It's worth grabbing if you happen to be there.

[url=http://www.mendobrew.com/brews/imperial_collection.html]Mendocino Brewing Company - Seasonal Brews[/url]

re: Let's talk microbrews good beer
 

[quote=over the mountain;786547]i havent found fat tire in MD. It has really blown up in the west coast, colorado area 5-6 years ago. Im surprised dale pale ale is Md before fat tire.

had a black IPA this weekend, i tasted a hint of coffee but it wasnt a java type beer. real real nice, 8 abv., i forget the microbrew name thoo.[/quote]

They will start selling it in MD this fall.[URL="http://beerinbaltimore.com/?p=5163"]http://beerinbaltimore.com/?p=5163[/URL]