I finally got out to the dogfish Alehouse in Falls Church, VA. I'm always excited to get some of their beer on tap. I tried Midas Touch for the first time and I was pleasantly surprised. It's smooth from start to finish and fairly sweet and crisp. I tried the black and tan with 90min and chicory Stout and that was very enjoyable (notably the stout since I'm no stranger to the 90min ale). The Shelter IPA wasn't nearly as hoppy as most dogfish IPAs, but it was still a nice IPA that might have been a little too drinkable. the Pangaea was complex, but it didn't pack as much of a wallop as when I'd tried it at a beer fest.

Grabbed a bottle of the Harvest this Saturday. It was decent last year, so I figured I would see how this year's batch turned out. Grabbed some other stuff too, mainly went to see what Fall stragglers I could find and if any of the Holiday stuff started to pop up. Nothing major yet, Mad Elf has just started popping up and that is the only one I noticed.

I did grab some more beers from The Bruery to try. I have had their black wit before, which was decent except for being extremely volatile. I am hoping these ones are a bit more stable. Also found Bear Republic's special Brown Ale that they just put out. Not a big Brown Ale fan, but since it is from Bear Republic, I will give it the benefit of the doubt. It is not like I dislike the style, as there are a couple for really good ones out there.

Also managed to put in what is likely my last order for the year from Liquid Solutions before it gets to cold. This will be the last Ninkasi I can get for awhile. Also managed to snag Stone's black IPA, which was good the last time I had it when it was a limited beer.

Oaken that map actually does make a lot of sense. California being the number one is not shocking at all. . Wisconsin being so high was a little of a surprise, did not know so many good beers came from there. We do not get any beers from there here in NJ either. Pennsylvania being up there is what I always suspected, most of the really good beers I get come from there.

I brought a six-pack of Avery's "Old Jubilation" winter seasonal to a Halloween party on Saturday. As winter warmers go, I really like it. No spice bombs, just a well made strong ale. Lots of malt flavor, balanced by potent but not overpowering hop bitterness. I was surprised to read that it's 8% ABV; it's not like a barleywine where you can really taste the alcohol. It was only about $8 for the pack, too. Definitely recommended.

Seems most folks think Guiness is the end all be all of stouts, but I've found so many better stouts out there. Probably my favorite is Samuel Smith's Imperial Stout, such a great flavor. I also need to get some Sierra Nevada Wet Hop, last year's was extremely tasty, so hoping this year is no different. I also just recently had a coffee porter from Kona Brewing which was pretty tasty.

OLD RASPUTIN OLD RASPUTIN OLD RASPUTIN

I consider myself an apostle of the finest RIS I have ever drank. I loves it so much.

North Coast Brewery makes wonderful beers. I have never had a bad one from them. If you are ever in Ft Bragg they have a nice pub where you can sample some wonderful beers that don't always make distribution. Brother Thelonius Abby Ale is great, and on a hot day their Scrimshaw Pilsner is very nice.

Old roommate and I came up with a car bomb style drink using Old Rasputin. 1/2 pint of Old Rasputin and 1 shot of Knob Creek 100-proof bourbon, drop the shot in and slam the beer. The fire of the Knob Creek is wonderfully matched by the smokiness of the Old Rasputin, hence we called it a 'Forest Fire'.

I actually bought a 4 pack of this Friday afternoon on my way home, before I read this. I do concur with you, some damn good stout.

Sounds interesting, but I hate the idea of chugging something as tasty as Old Rasputin, just seems like a waste not to drink it slow and savor it.

Good call. A while back a friend shared a bottle of Old Stock he'd had in the basement for a couple years, and it was absolutely amazing. Very complex flavor, but smooth too as you said. It really opened my eyes to how much certain beers can improve with age.

Stout: I love Victory's Storm King Stout and Elysian's Dragonstooth Stout. Guinness is great on the proper nitrogen tap, but in a bottle I usually pick other things.


I grabbed Sierra Nevada's Kellerweis this weekend, and I have to say I was really disappointed. Maybe the more Bavarian style they were going for just doesn't suit me, but it just tasted off for reasons I can't really pin down. Everything else they do I love, and I also enjoy the occasional Tripel.

Has anyone had this year's Winter Solstice? They've ranged from good to amazing over the past three years, with 2006 still being my favorite of the three, and I'd like to know whether or not I should consider picking up a case. The 06 was medium-heavy malt with a very slight honey flavor, but it wasn't overpowering like Weyerbacher's Decadence.

Barbeque is it's own topic, but what shop did you go to that had this on tap?

Also I need to go on record for Fin du Monde like some in this thread and Delerium Tremens (yes pink bottle with elephants). Both these are lighter beers but so very tasty (belgium style).

For the Northwesterners, make your way to Mcmenimans and try their Nitro Porter, it's damn good. (lower queen anne)