What kind of beer you been drinkin' lately?

[motherscratcher]

weird^^^^

I'd like to try that...I think. Maybe. Maple Syrup?

[motherscratcher]

Just had some of this:



Liked it a lot. Expensive, though.

[swerb]

Summer rotation for me ...

The "bad day at work" or "I want everything my wife says to sound like white noise" beer - Great Lakes Commodore Perry

The "want to get really drunk, but still want to be able to feign not being really drunk" beer - Bells Two Hearted

The "back of the fridge, easy drinking, go to summer beer for 2012" - Goose Island 312

[motherscratcher]

Summer rotation for me ...

The "bad day at work" or "I want everything my wife says to sound like white noise" beer - Great Lakes Commodore Perry

The "want to get really drunk, but still want to be able to feign not being really drunk" beer - Bells Two Hearted

The "back of the fridge, easy drinking, go to summer beer for 2012" - Goose Island 312

As I read this I'm drinking Two Hearted.

[FUDU]

Busch Light bottles hit the spot tonight.

Yeah, they make em in bottles bitches.

[motherscratcher]

Busch Light bottles hit the spot tonight.

Yeah, they make em in bottles bitches.

Bottles?!

Jeez. It must be really hard for those guys at the Busch factory to piss into that little opening without getting any on their hands.

[Erie Warrior]

Picked up a growler of this stuff for a friend kids' 1st B-day. Now on to the bourbon.

[FUDU]

Busch Light bottles hit the spot tonight.

Yeah, they make em in bottles bitches.

Bottles?!

Jeez. It must be really hard for those guys at the Busch factory to piss into that little opening without getting any on their hands.

Bottles.

[scott]

Anyone?



A friend of mine was driving back from Chicago to NYC and pulled off just to stop by the brewery in Strongsville to pick this up. I got a couple bottles. I'm not a hophead but really liked this one. Sounds like it doesn't land in stores very often and sells out quickly when it does.

Apparently Columbus IPA is relatively new and just as well regarded. Haven't had that one yet.

If I was closer I'd be picking this up regularly.

[mattvan1]

Busch Light bottles hit the spot tonight.

Yeah, they make em in bottles bitches.

This explains so many things on so many levels.

[Erie Warrior]

Some real good local stuff. I'm becoming a fan of the Black IPAs

[furls]

I got a case of GLB Xmas Ale sitting in the basement from last year right now, thinking about tossing a sixer in the fridge.

I have never held onto a case of anything this long, it has been kept in the dark at ~65 all year, is it going to be OK?

[Sea Foam Green]

I'm in the same boat. Actually forgot I had it, then ran across it in a box last weekend.

Not sure if it's any good, nice little surprise though.

[peeker643]

I know they used to have a 'Drink By' date on the Xmas Ale. Not to say it's not potable afterward, but not sure what it'll taste like now. That stuff continues to be somewhat active in the bottle and probably has changed in that time.

Might wanna put the six in the fridge and try one. See what's up.

[RickNashEquilibrium]

I just had a bottle of X-mas ale from the first batch in 2011 (bottled mid-October 2011). It was really good, though it lost some of its spice element with the age. I've heard it both ways, but some say that since GLBC beer is unpasteurized, it really shouldn't last in the bottle after the exp date. I think the ABV% has an influence on this rumor as I've had aged bottles of both X-Mas Ale and Nosferatu and they were both definitely quaffable. After last year, Frosted Frog by Hoppin Frog gets my vote as best Xmas style ale but we'll see how it is this year. I have a couple bottles from last year and will try them during the holiday season.

As for new beers I've tried lately, these were outfriggenstanding:

[justmebd]

I got a case of GLB Xmas Ale sitting in the basement from last year right now, thinking about tossing a sixer in the fridge.

I have never held onto a case of anything this long, it has been kept in the dark at ~65 all year, is it going to be OK?

I age A six-pack of Christmas Ale every year and do a comparison.

Some of the spice taste does weaken, but overall the beer stays very flavorful. I'll be cracking the aged CA tomorrow or Friday.

Other Notes:
Sam Adams White Christmas: Taste reminiscent of Great Lakes Holy Moses, not really a Christmas ale.
Sam Adams Winter Lager: This is the third year in a row the taste has been consistent, so they finally must have settled on a brewing method. The first few years of this lager were up and down.
Leinenkugel Vanilla Porter: Very good Porter, and I'm not much of a Porter guy. The vanilla is not present so much when you smell it, but it hits the tongue right away and has a very nice finish. One of Leinenkugel's better offerings.

[Erie Warrior]

Solid stuff. 9.9% as well. Lagunitas is a good brewery.

[swerb]

Love Ommegang ... one of my new favorite breweries.

[FUDU]

OMG will you guys stop with this Xmas ale shit, "will it keep", the stuff ain't THAT good.

Order a pizza, grab a case of Coors light and STFU already.

[motherscratcher]

OMG will you guys stop with this Xmas ale shit, "will it keep", the stuff ain't THAT good.

Order a pizza, grab a case of Coors light and STFU already.

Wait, is this a...I don't even...

[furls]

OMG will you guys stop with this Xmas ale shit, "will it keep", the stuff ain't THAT good.

Order a pizza, grab a case of Coors light and STFU already.

I would rather drink water than Coors Light. Wait a second, Coors light is water. I guess I would rather drink lemonade than Coors Light.

I never said the XMAS Ale was the best beer out there. It is good beer and I have no idea if it is any good after a year of sitting in my basement. I put it down there and forgot about it. It isn't like I am saving it because I think 2011 is Xmas Ale is going to be a collector's item.

[motherscratcher]

You have to understand Furls, FUDU's idea of a really nice, top shelf type beer...the good stuff...is Bud Light Platinum.

[FUDU]

...I'm just fucking around. I like to push the buttons of the beer snobs. Truth be told I am jealous b/c I don't have a good palate for beer, wish I did.

But mo is kind of right, I'm happy with BLP. Although I think it makes me a little loud and obnoxious, can you believe that peeker...

[peeker643]

...I'm just fucking around. I like to push the buttons of the beer snobs. Truth be told I am jealous b/c I don't have a good palate for beer, wish I did.

But mo is kind of right, I'm happy with BLP. Although I think it makes me a little loud and obnoxious, can you believe that peeker...

Any word on how Ed's fared last night?

[FUDU]

You're a funny guy.

Final score:

Mentor - 5
Ed's - 4

It's just easier to count up the number of defensive stops.

Chuck Kyle is a POS fuck face, he lost to Ed's on purpose so they could avoid a real game and play North Royalton (who most people do not realize has a football team).

Other than that I would say GFY but I'd have to pay royalties to CDT.

[peeker643]

You're a funny guy.

Final score:

Mentor - 5
Ed's - 4

It's just easier to count up the number of defensive stops.

Chuck Kyle is a POS fuck face, he lost to Ed's on purpose so they could avoid a real game and play North Royalton (who most people do not realize has a football team).

Other than that I would say GFY but I'd have to pay royalties to CDT.

Interesting. I hadn't heard about the ballgame. Hadn't realized Trubisky was something like 36-48 for ~ 500 yards/4TDs with 100 yards rushing and two TDs and that Ed's blew a 21-point lead with 5:45 left in the 3rd quarter til you went into detail about it above.

They were the #1 team in the state, no?

Hmm... what a shame.

[FUDU]

GFY.

Check is in the mail CDT.

[swerb]

Year old XMas Ale tastes like garbage. I saved a case a couple years ago and opened it up about June, it tasted like ass. I actually took a sip of all 24 bottles just to make sure there wasn't one that was OK. Wife almost called Betty Ford.

[FUDU]

See, that's the difference between the beer of snobs and watered down light beer. The latter pretty much tastes like ass all the time, so when it goes bad you don't give a shit, and hence don't waste the alcohol.

...and there is no doubt in my mind that you actually did try every single bottle Rich.

[furls]

Year old XMas Ale tastes like garbage. I saved a case a couple years ago and opened it up about June, it tasted like ass. I actually took a sip of all 24 bottles just to make sure there wasn't one that was OK. Wife almost called Betty Ford.

That was pretty good Rich. I am going to give one a shot here in a minute I put two sixes in the bar fridge. That bar fridge is the best 4bills I have ever spent. Nothing like cooling your beer with precision, and it is in the family room so there is no getting up and walking 30 feet to the kitchen!

[furls]

So I would normally say that Xmas ale is an 8 on a scale from 1-10. After one year of sitting in my basement it is a 6. It isn't quite "ass," but it definitely is not as good as it is fresh. Let that be a lesson to me. When my mother in law gives me my traditional Xmas present of a case and a half (half for immediate consumption) of Xmas ale, I need to drink it by March. I guess I should host more poker games.

I really am more of a Scotch drinker than beer drinker these days. Maybe I can convince her to bring me a bottle of that Macallan 30 (at a mere $1400.00 per bottle) this year. I mean I would pour her a double (even though it would cost me about 110.00) so she could experience it, but I would also try to tell her that the first ounce is all that really matters!

[swerb]

I was so pissed a couple years ago when that all went down that I looked into it. IIRC, the Conways Bros (raging hippies) that run Great Lakes don't use some kind of preservative that makes beer last longer.

Definitely wanna drink Great Lakes beers in the first 120 days they are bottled. Noticable difference as thet age IMO.

[justmebd]

I was so pissed a couple years ago when that all went down that I looked into it. IIRC, the Conways Bros (raging hippies) that run Great Lakes don't use some kind of preservative that makes beer last longer.

Definitely wanna drink Great Lakes beers in the first 120 days they are bottled. Noticable difference as thet age IMO.

I've had mixed results with aging Xmas ale, this year definitely was not a good result.

However, I aged The Southern Tier Pumking this year and it was delicious! I'm going to age two bottles for next year.

[RickNashEquilibrium]

I stated some time ago Great Lakes beers are all unpasteurized. The higher ABV beers can last as long as the temperature is lower, but I will admit that all GLBC beers I've had are better fresh.

FUDU, your opinion on beer is as valid as CDT's on pizza, EOs on marriage/kids and Peeker's on proper hair care.

[RickNashEquilibrium]

I was so pissed a couple years ago when that all went down that I looked into it. IIRC, the Conways Bros (raging hippies) that run Great Lakes don't use some kind of preservative that makes beer last longer.

Definitely wanna drink Great Lakes beers in the first 120 days they are bottled. Noticable difference as thet age IMO.

I've had mixed results with aging Xmas ale, this year definitely was not a good result.

However, I aged The Southern Tier Pumking this year and it was delicious! I'm going to age two bottles for next year.

DO IT. Up until last year, I had multiple vintage bottles of Pumking and all were outstanding.

[Ziner]

RNE have you had Duchesse De Bourgogne. What are your thoughts on sours? I am starting to come around.

This one is tasty

[motherscratcher]

Im hammered

[Ziner]

Et tu, ms?

[RickNashEquilibrium]

RNE have you had Duchesse De Bourgogne. What are your thoughts on sours? I am starting to come around.

This one is tasty

I am not a big fan of the Flander's style ales, but Duchesse is probably my most tolerable. I do however love gueuzes and most types of lambics as long as they are not insanely dry. I have yet to have a beer from Cantillon that isn't great for its style. This is probably the most common gueuze and its pretty tasty:



If you are getting into the sour ales, try Lindemans Cuvee Rene which is a gueuze or the one I pictured above. If you can find any beers from Cantillon, try those as well.

BTW - I think I posted this last year but if any of you are fans of either type of Christmas Ales (American style known for spiciness or Belgian known for more dark sugary flavors) you absolute must try Scaldis Noel (Bush De Noel). Its fucking expensive ($5.99/11.2 OZ. bottle) but absolutely at the top of my list of X-mas beers, and in the top 10-20 of best beers period. Tons of red fruit on the front, dark fruit on the back, plenty of caramel sugar notes but enough hops to keep it balanced.

[swerb]

Dude, that Scaldis Noel seems RIGHT UP MY ALLEY. I just tried Googling, could not find a website where I could buy some online and have it shipped. Did do a little reading on it, it is very positively reviewed everywhere. Where you get it?

[peeker643]

Dude, that Scaldis Noel seems RIGHT UP MY ALLEY. I just tried Googling, could not find a website where I could buy some online and have it shipped. Did do a little reading on it, it is very positively reviewed everywhere. Where you get it?

I'd bet a dollar to a donut they have it at Lina's in Painesville, across from Atwell's. Or at the place right on the corner of 306 and Mentor Ave next to the Dunkin Donuts.

[RickNashEquilibrium]

I'd bet a dollar to a donut they have it at Lina's in Painesville, across from Atwell's. Or at the place right on the corner of 306 and Mentor Ave next to the Dunkin Donuts.

Ding Ding Ding we have a winner. I talked to Wally last week (he runs Save-On @ 306&20) and Scaldis should be available within the next 3 weeks. I have not been to Lina's in some time due to getting frequently stale/vinegarized beer last year but they do keep a good selection so they're probably a safe bet. Any Lizardville location should have it, check out the one in Bedford on Miles. They're selection is top notch.

[RickNashEquilibrium]

Or at the place right on the corner of 306 and Mentor Ave next to the Dunkin Donuts.

Dunking Donuts is no longer there and I'm still pissed. They moved it east down towards the Levin Furniture across from Great Lakes Mall and replaced it with a Best Gyros. What a fucking crock of shit move that was. I take 306 to 90 to get to work so yeah, fuck that.

[Erie Warrior]

Christmas Ale. Finally.

Tis the season

[justmebd]

Had some Thirsty Dog 12 Dogs of Christmas.

Tasty as ever. The difference between it and the Great Lakes is subtle, but it's there.

[peeker643]

Had some Thirsty Dog 12 Dogs of Christmas.

Tasty as ever. The difference between it and the Great Lakes is subtle, but it's there.

Like it substantially more than GLBC Christmas Ale.

And Mad Elf, at 11% ABV? Holy shit.

[Larvell Blanks]

Courtesy of the Highland Brewing Co. in Asheville NC. Enjoyed a few of these as we spent Thanksgiving up in the mountains.

[jjgmyers]

Like it substantially more than GLBC Christmas Ale.

Just had it tonight for the first time. Will never drink Great Lakes Xmas ale again while this stuff is available.

Had a friend tell me the guy who created it for great lakes left for thirsty dog and took the recipe with him. He owns the rights to it or something. Explains why the taste of Great Lakes Xmas ale has changed from a few years ago.

8.3 to 7.5 too.

[jclvd_23]

Was thinking about picking up a bottle of Stone's Mint Chocolate Imperial Stout tomorrow. Anyone had it and is it worth the price for a 12 oz bottle?

[justmebd]

Like it substantially more than GLBC Christmas Ale.

Just had it tonight for the first time. Will never drink Great Lakes Xmas ale again while this stuff is available.

Had a friend tell me the guy who created it for great lakes left for thirsty dog and took the recipe with him. He owns the rights to it or something. Explains why the taste of Great Lakes Xmas ale has changed from a few years ago.

8.3 to 7.5 too.

Yeah, I've heard the same story. We just got 10 cases in of the thirsty dog. Too much beer and too little cash.