The OFFICIAL Craft Beer Thread

Rush2112 · Post by **Rush2112** » Wed Oct 19, 2016 3:02 pm

Have a friend that goes to Casey (brewer/blender) for most if not all the bottle releases. Want's to know if I want to go sometime. It opens at 9, it's a 3 hour drive from Boulder. I'll just take the dregs that filter down here, thanks.

Went to a place in Greeley that's been getting really really great reviews (WeldWorks) late one afternoon last year. Didn't realize it was a release day until after I got home. Still had 3 of 4 variants on tap and I didn't have to stand on line for hours. Win and win.

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Fri Oct 21, 2016 8:14 am

The Mascot from the Delightful Porpoise in Portland is now a friend on Untappd.

Ryan · Post by **Ryan** » Fri Nov 04, 2016 12:03 pm

Going to Alchemist in an hour or so if anyone wants anything

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Fri Nov 04, 2016 12:07 pm

I have some friends who will be there later today or maybe tomorrow. If you see a group of whites in their 30s, tell them I said hi.

bapo! · Post by **bapo!** » Fri Nov 04, 2016 12:17 pm

Ryan wrote:Going to Alchemist in an hour or so if anyone wants anything

On the drive home, can you stop at a gas station and buy me a six-pack of Yuengling Black and Tan? And maybe a pack of gum? Thanks.

Giff · Post by **Giff** » Fri Nov 04, 2016 12:42 pm

I'm not OK.

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Fri Nov 04, 2016 12:56 pm

Condolences. Still waiting for the first one I really care about to fall.

Ryan · Post by **Ryan** » Fri Nov 04, 2016 1:23 pm

mister d wrote:I have some friends who will be there later today or maybe tomorrow. If you see a group of whites in their 30s, tell them I said hi.

Must be tomorrow, I only saw elderly Asian women

EnochRoot · Post by **EnochRoot** » Fri Nov 04, 2016 5:02 pm

I'm a big fan of the Pale Joe Ale from Founders.

sancarlos · Post by **sancarlos** » Sun Nov 06, 2016 12:55 am

The famous Mr. Sybian was in town so yesterday he and I sampled some local favorites. Went to Devil's Canyon (local San Carlos craft brewer), and had scotch ale, rye IPA, and amber ale. Then to a local pub for some Knee-Deep brewing company "Hop-Trio" triple IPA (11.1% abv). Good time had by all.

Pruitt · Post by **Pruitt** » Sun Nov 06, 2016 7:36 am

mister d wrote:Condolences. Still waiting for the first one I really care about to fall.

Happened here a year ago when the evil empire bought one of my favourites.

Never Drink Labatts

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Sun Nov 06, 2016 10:51 pm

sancarlos wrote:The famous Mr. Sybian was in town so yesterday he and I sampled some local favorites. Went to Devil's Canyon (local San Carlos craft brewer), and had scotch ale, rye IPA, and amber ale. Then to a local pub for some Knee-Deep brewing company "Hop-Trio" triple IPA (11.1% abv). Good time had by all.

That Knee Deep had me drunk the next morning at my conference. Fortunately it was still a good buzz, rather than the shitty next day still drunk. That kicked in around noon, as the conference was ending. Thanks again, good time. BTW, if anyone else is in the area, Devil's Canyon was the coolest brewery "tasting room" I've seen, it's a must visit. The outdoor area had about 8 food trucks circled up, a stage for live music, 2 separate indoor seating areas.

Finally got my hands on and drank a Heady Topper. If I first tried it 2 years ago, I would busted a nut. Now, there are so many incredible IPAs out there, it is one of many. Absolutely top notch for sure, but no better than a number of others I've tried. Totally excited I finally had one, I'd be thrilled to pay or trade for another, but I wouldn't go out of my way or wait in line. I went to a tiny brewery in SC's vicinity called AlphaAcid. If you get the chance, their 650 IPA tasted a hell of a lot like Heady, but less malty. I actually preferred it to Heady. They also had an oatmeal stout aged on cocoa nibs and coconut that was really good.

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Mon Nov 07, 2016 8:45 am

Yeah, Heady isn't even Alchemist's best beer anymore. Go figure.

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Mon Nov 07, 2016 8:58 am

mister d wrote:Yeah, Heady isn't even Alchemist's best beer anymore. Go figure.

Got a Focal Banger in the fridge. Pretty unanimous amongst my friends that Focal Banger is better than Heady. The cans all say "drink from the can," but I can't imagine it is better in the can than in a glass. Can't smell the beer as you drink from a can.

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Mon Nov 07, 2016 9:06 am

You're supposed to stick your fingers in first then smell your fingers as you're drinking.

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Mon Nov 07, 2016 9:21 am

mister d wrote:You're supposed to stick your fingers in first then smell your fingers as you're drinking.

Ah, that makes sense. I'll make sure to really swirl my finger around in the hole to build up a strong odor on my finger.

(no ... needed)

bfj · Post by **bfj** » Sat Nov 19, 2016 2:13 pm

Hello old friend.

Rush2112 · Post by **Rush2112** » Sun Nov 20, 2016 8:59 pm

bfj wrote:

Hello old friend.

Yum

Rush2112 · Post by **Rush2112** » Tue Nov 22, 2016 1:04 pm

From Craft Beer & Brewing magazine

Best Beers of 2016 (ranked 1 to 40)
Bell’s Brewery Two Hearted IPA
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Russian River Pliny the Elder IIPA
Ballast Point Sculpin IPA
Boulevard Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale
Left Hand Milk Stout Nitro
Founders All Day IPA
New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale
Brasserie Dupont Saison Dupont
Founders Breakfast Stout
Stone Enjoy By IPA
3 Floyds Zombie Dust Pale Ale
Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA
The Alchemist Heady Topper IPA
Stone IPA
Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA
Duvel-Moortgat Duvel
Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout
Sierra Nevada Torpedo IPA
Lagunitas IPA
Yuengling Lager
Brasserie d’Orval Orval
Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA
Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin IPA
Anchor Brewing Anchor Steam
Verhaeghe Brewery Duchesse de Bourgogne
Bell’s Brewery Hopslam IIPA
Firestone Walker Pivo Pils
New Holland Dragon’s Milk Stout
Tree House Julius IPA
Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale
Lagunitas Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’
Lawson’s Finest Sip of Sunshine IPA
Allagash White
Odell IPA
North Coast Old Rasputin Stout
Victory Golden Monkey Tripel
Cigar City Jai Alai IPA
Firestone Walker Union Jack IPA
Prairie Artisan Ales Bomb! Stout
Unibroue La Fin du Monde
Deschutes Black Butte Porter
Half Acre Daisy Cutter Pale Ale
Samuel Adams Boston Lager
Sierra Nevada Celebration IPA
St. Bernardus Abt 12 Quadrupel
Creature Comforts Tropicalia IPA
Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter
Jack’s Abby Hoponious Union IPL
Victory Prima Pils

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Tue Nov 22, 2016 1:08 pm

"Most Well Known Craft Beers of 2007"

Rush2112 · Post by **Rush2112** » Tue Nov 22, 2016 1:25 pm

Not listed but mentioned is WeldWorks Juicy Bits from Greeley CO. If you like the juicy NEIPA style get your self some via trade or what have you. It is a fantastic beer, especially the double dry hopped variety.

(and WW didn't exist in 2007.)

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Tue Nov 22, 2016 1:31 pm

In a genre of bad lists, it might be the worst.

sancarlos · Post by **sancarlos** » Tue Nov 22, 2016 1:34 pm

Pretty subjective, eh?

BSF21 · Post by **BSF21** » Tue Nov 22, 2016 1:40 pm

I know I'm a little midwest biased, but people who place Fat Tire above Zombie Dust on any list probably ought to not write grocery lists, much less lists of beers.

Rush2112 · Post by **Rush2112** » Tue Nov 22, 2016 1:41 pm

sancarlos wrote:Pretty subjective, eh?

It's not Beer Advocate and beer brewed from hipster tears so it's not his style.

While a bit weird in some of the picks, it's an online survey of the magazine's readers.

Here's the wishlist from the survey (1-15)

Wishlist Beers
Russian River Pliny The Elder
Russian River Pliny The Younger
The Alchemist Heady Topper
3 Floyds Dark Lord
Westvleteren XII
Samuel Adams Utopias
Tree House Julius IPA
3 Floyds Zombie Dust
Cigar City Hunahpu’s Stout
Maine Beer Co. Dinner
Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout
The Lost Abbey Duck Duck Gooze
Russian River Blind Pig IPA
Toppling Goliath Kentucky Brunch Brand Stout
Cantillon Fou’ Foune

Rush2112 · Post by **Rush2112** » Tue Nov 22, 2016 1:42 pm

BSF21 wrote:I know I'm a little midwest biased, but people who place Fat Tire above Zombie Dust on any list probably ought to not write grocery lists, much less lists of beers.

Well much harder to get, so can't really rank something that you haven't tasted.

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Tue Nov 22, 2016 2:09 pm

Rush2112 wrote:While a bit weird in some of the picks, it's an online survey of the magazine's readers.

Which might explain why it sucks.

Rush2112 · Post by **Rush2112** » Tue Nov 22, 2016 3:41 pm

mister d wrote:
Rush2112 wrote:While a bit weird in some of the picks, it's an online survey of the magazine's readers.
Which might explain why it sucks.

Isn't that what Beer Advocate is? (though it does have the weight of the idiot brothers behind the rankings I'm sure.)

More than 200 bottles made, even though it's the most delicious thing I've ever tasted. 2.5 out of 5.

Rush2112 · Post by **Rush2112** » Tue Nov 22, 2016 5:02 pm

When Did Rarity Start to Equal Greatness in Beer?

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Tue Nov 22, 2016 5:12 pm

Rush2112 wrote:Isn't that what Beer Advocate is? (though it does have the weight of the idiot brothers behind the rankings I'm sure.)

Buddy, we both know neither of us are putting 60 minute and 90 minute and fat tire and yuengling in a top 500, let alone a top 50, so why don't we just stop. Its a bad list. Its not personal. Unless you made it.

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Tue Nov 22, 2016 5:14 pm

(Also, both of my "if I could only have two beers forever" are on your bad list.)

Rush2112 · Post by **Rush2112** » Tue Nov 22, 2016 5:44 pm

mister d wrote:
Rush2112 wrote:Isn't that what Beer Advocate is? (though it does have the weight of the idiot brothers behind the rankings I'm sure.)
Buddy, we both know neither of us are putting 60 minute and 90 minute and fat tire and yuengling in a top 500, let alone a top 50, so why don't we just stop. Its a bad list. Its not personal. Unless you made it.

I actually really like 90 minute.

And for shit that almost anyone can get it's not that bad. Look at the article that I posted above. Amazing how ratings on BA go down when it's easier to get. I think Pliny was passed by 5 years ago but people still go ape shit over it because it's hard to get.

(and it's not my list, I just think it's idiotic to shit on something just because you can actually find it on a shelf or a tap list once in awhile.)

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Tue Nov 22, 2016 6:28 pm

Isn't that just statistics? Its far easier to grade 100 with 5 entries than with 500.

Rush2112 · Post by **Rush2112** » Tue Nov 22, 2016 6:45 pm

mister d wrote:Isn't that just statistics? Its far easier to grade 100 with 5 entries than with 500.

Perhaps. But it's also cooler to have a rating for a beer that none of your buddy have had. Ratings also can be biased based on rarity and other's ratings.

Like I said, Pliny has been bypassed by many of the new interpretations of the style, yet it's consistently rated very high because people think they're supposed to rate it that way because it's hard to get..

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Tue Nov 22, 2016 7:35 pm

But if Pliny dropped wouldn't you just claim "hipsters are over it because its not new"? Seems like a no win there.

Pruitt · Post by **Pruitt** » Tue Nov 22, 2016 7:55 pm

Makes a shitty day in Toronto seem a bit less shitty. 9% and smooth too.

Rush2112 · Post by **Rush2112** » Wed Nov 23, 2016 1:21 am

mister d wrote:But if Pliny dropped wouldn't you just claim "hipsters are over it because its not new"? Seems like a no win there.

It's not going to drop. RR limits it. You can currently get it in 3 states and they get their rocks off because it's so limited. People here in CO go apeshit over it because we get a limited amount of cases every month. Anything that needs to be traded for or is a limited release gets overrated because it's hard to get. I like Heady, think it's a great beer, but it's still rated higher than newer, and in my opinion better, beers because it's relatively hard to get.

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Wed Nov 23, 2016 8:11 am

Zombie Dust is the tits, I can't get it and I'd still love it if I could.

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Wed Nov 23, 2016 8:18 am

Yeah. If I suddenly got access and grew tired of it, I'd give up drinking liquids.

vandwagon · Post by **vandwagon** » Sun Nov 27, 2016 8:06 am

We got a new fridge on Friday and moved the old one to the basement to be used as a beer/overflow fridge. As soon as it was filled, the wife and I decided to start drinking it empty again.

Had a growler of DC Brau's On the Wings of Armageddon that was fantastic. This is how the DC Brau site describes it:

OTWOA is a single hop blend* beer utilizing Falconers Flight™. Brewed with just enough Pale malt, Cara-60, CaraPils and Malted wheat to carry the intense hop character onto the pallet.
At first glance, it has an orange hue in the glass with a viscus, rocky head that refuses to dissipate. Upon first sniff there are dominate aromas of citrus, white grapes and grapefruit with light bread and biscuit notes. After the first sip we taste a mellow bitterness that only grows as more is consumed. Moderately carbonated, deceptively smooth, refreshingly dry and extremely heady for a beer at 9.2% ABV.

Feeling good after that I had a couple Evolution Brewing Lot #6 Double IPA:

this beer is loaded with tropical fruit and citrus notes. Deep gold in color, massive additions of American varietal hops generate assertive bitterness and big hop flavor and aroma.

Feel remarkably well this morning too.