The Beer Forum - It's really a thread but we're too drunk to notice. - Page 80

Rob · 11/09/07, 8:54 PM

Re "mass market" beer --

The provided link discusses retail sales of beer (i.e. convenience, grocery, & liquor stores) but not beer sold at bars. I'm guessing including that would bump Sam Adams up a notch... I personally don't tend to buy plain-old Sam Adams to drink at home, but it is often the only decent thing on draft at many bars and restaurants. And FWIW, this link says Sam is the 5th largest US brewery while Sierra Nevada is the 7th largest. I think the distinction for me is really just the fact that Sam Adams has TV ads and Sierra Nevada doesn't (where I live anyway) -- that's what makes it "mass market" to me, at least. Either way though, I enjoy the beers produced by both companies

I'll be on the lookout for Sierra Nevada Celebration, I haven't sampled that yet.

I'm sad and wistful now, thinking about how I miss Bell's White Winter Ale and wishing that it could be sold in Illinois...

Northerner · 11/10/07, 6:38 AM

To be fair to Unibroue, not all their beers are strong. Blanche de Chambly is pretty tasty (although still niche) but I don't think it hits more than 'standard' beer, despite being typically found in large bottles. Fin du Monde is still my favorite of the lot, although that's probably partially due to their every-clever packaging.

Sam Adams I've enjoyed often enough but the Triple Boch is the only one that stands out in my mind. I'll grab the brown sometimes though and not complain about it versus more local and actual micro brews.

In the theme of winter beers though, keep an eye out for Big Rock's Winter Porter. Formerly known as "Cold Cock" with a nice rooster label, it's available sporadically as part of the winter pack. Honestly, it's nothing too special but hey, I've had worse porters. They do make a mass-market "micro" as well in Traditional Ale that's still a good cut above the average.

vhell · 11/10/07, 9:42 AM

Am I the only one that thinks Fall is the best time of year, and gets really sad when they start to pull the Fall beers off of the taps towards Thanksgiving?

futured · 11/10/07, 11:47 AM

I found another rather interesting beer at the beer store earlier this week called Unearthly Imperial IPA. It's made by some Southern Tier brewing company in NY. The label says 150 IBU's and it's a whopping 11% ABV. As for taste it's smoother than something like Ruination and you really can't tell it's that potent. I'm guessing though that it's a pretty small company and would be pretty tough to find outside of the area.

• Wodin · 11/10/07, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by vhell

Am I the only one that thinks Fall is the best time of year, and gets really sad when they start to pull the Fall beers off of the taps towards Thanksgiving?

Nope. Fall brews are typically the most interesting because they've got some texture without being overly spiced, and they're not overly light like spring/summer brews. I cannot stand other flavored beer, but for some reason pumpkin gets a pass.

Cuddlypoo · 11/10/07, 2:52 PM

Originally Posted by Northerner

To be fair to Unibroue, not all their beers are strong. Blanche de Chambly is pretty tasty (although still niche) but I don't think it hits more than 'standard' beer, despite being typically found in large bottles. Fin du Monde is still my favorite of the lot, although that's probably partially due to their every-clever packaging.

Epherme is a good one too (although not something I'd want to drink every day).

Agreed on fall seasonals being a favorite, though.

Whitemane · 11/10/07, 4:33 PM

This may be a bit tough for the american beer audience to come by, but I recently tried a Pauwel Kwak beer. It's a Belgium beer and it was truly spectacular, very rich in flavor. I just visited their homepage and judging from what they say, the beer is truly composed of an insane number of flavors. I wouldn't recommend drinking several as the flavor gets quite heavy in the long run, but for one or two it is a very unique experience. An absolutely memorable beer and most importantly, great!

Welcome to Bosteels Brewery

Pick the Kwak on the left, then click on Tasting at the top.

This is the 33 cl version, there's a 75 cl version as well.

taciturn · 11/10/07, 5:33 PM

For Winter Ale's, if you're on the east coast, i found the Smuttynose Winter Ale to be pretty good. Little bit of cocoa, cloves, and some nutty flavors. Winter's are not generally my favorite, but this one tastes a bit more like beer and less like all the stuff they added.

♦ forostie · 11/10/07, 7:19 PM

I'm quite partial to Carlsberg, although the local pub here has $5 Pure Blonde pints - it's becoming tastier by the day.

Ninjerk · 11/10/07, 11:35 PM

I finally found a liquor store in my little town that sells Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale. Wheeee!

Cuddlypoo · 11/11/07, 12:33 AM

Originally Posted by Ninjerk

I finally found a liquor store in my little town that sells Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale. Wheeee!

Going to really (respectfully, it's all a matter of personal taste) disagree with people who like the Pumpkin beers. I really enjoyed the first pumpkinhead I had, and then the six pack I bought really ended up tasting like pumpkin flavoring on top of water

Maybe it was just a bad batch.

• malthrin · 11/11/07, 12:44 AM

I tried Rogue's winter beer - Santa's Special Reserve. I haven't had anything quite like it before; it's a flavorful amber with a relatively strong hops aftertaste. I'm not really sure what I think of it, it's strange but not bad. I'll try it with food tomorrow.

I also have a bottle of their Chipotle Ale in the fridge. Anyone had that before?

Neone · 11/11/07, 12:56 AM

Originally Posted by malthrin

I tried Rogue's winter beer - Santa's Special Reserve. I haven't had anything quite like it before; it's a flavorful amber with a relatively strong hops aftertaste. I'm not really sure what I think of it, it's strange but not bad. I'll try it with food tomorrow.

I also have a bottle of their Chipotle Ale in the fridge. Anyone had that before?

I have some Jubelale, Rogue Mocha Porter, and some weird Pumpkin Ale the wife bought. I'll be on the lookout for the Rogue Winter Brew (and probably get some Chocolate Stout while I'm at it.)

Go go BottleWorks in Seattle.

Ninjerk · 11/11/07, 11:48 AM

Originally Posted by Cuddlypoo

Going to really (respectfully, it's all a matter of personal taste) disagree with people who like the Pumpkin beers. I really enjoyed the first pumpkinhead I had, and then the six pack I bought really ended up tasting like pumpkin flavoring on top of water

Maybe it was just a bad batch.

It tastes enough like pumpkin pie and beer to make me happy. I'm not sure what I'd like to try next, though.

Northerner · 11/11/07, 5:58 PM

If you like flavoured stouts I'd recommend trying Big Rock's Espresso Stout if you can find it.

I'm generally opposed to mixing my booze and caffeine (other than boozy coffees of course) but it's a pretty nice after dinner beverage. It's dark and heavy on the roasted flavour but sweet enough for a dessert beer.