Beer Thread

[bdutts]

I'm not a big fan of Brooklyn Brewery myself. It's fine but lacks imagination in my mind. As a result of the poor brews....or possibly my age, I've found myself moving more and more toward wine, bourbon, and scotch. There are several very nice bars for those drinks if you are interested.

Best of luck and let me know if you find anywhere good.

Wow, really? Which brews did you try and not like that much? Their core beers are solid. Their Black Chocolate Stout is outstanding. Local 1 and 2 are excellent as well. Their Sorachi Ace is a one of a kind brew.

While I don't think Brooklyn is the best brewery around, they are a solid brewery.

 

[bdutts]

I am currently working out or Norther California right now, and am fortunate enough to be drinking a couple of Pliny the Elder's. For anyone that has a chance to get their hands on one, I absolutely recommend it.

I am a bit of a hop head, and really think this may be the most impressive double IPAs (and potentially beers) I have ever embibed.

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/863/7971

I have the ingredients to a PtE clone that I'll be firing up in the next couple of weeks.

 

[KBLEE]

I have the ingredients to a PtE clone that I'll be firing up in the next couple of weeks.

Let me know if you need a taste-tester

 

[pizzaman]

Thank you for the advice. I brewed my first 5 gal batch of Irish Red Ale and it started fermenting this morning. At least I got to that point! I sanitized everything as good as I could so hopefully I didn't spoil it. I did an extract malt recipe kit and it smells delicious so far.

Do you do extract malt or 100% grain? I got a very good book called "Beer Craft" and it shows you how to make 1 gallon batches of 100% grain and it seems pretty painless. I might try that next.

Edit: My recipe called for a total of a 60 min boil 60 min for one set of hops and 30 for the other. I didn't have any problem with a boil over. I sat over the top of it the entire time and had to turn the heat down and stir a couple times, but it was really enjoyable.

Couple of weeks fermenting and a few weeks in the bottle and you'll have more friends than you ever imagined. I've never gotten into the 100% grain brewing. I'm just lazy and the brew kits create a wonderful beer that's as good as anything I've ever had in a bottle. I've had a few pints in a brew pub that compete but nothing is really as good as your own homebrew.

 

[bdutts]

Let me know if you need a taste-tester

You're not that far away. It must first pass my strict quality control testing.

 

[bdutts]

Couple of weeks fermenting and a few weeks in the bottle and you'll have more friends than you ever imagined. I've never gotten into the 100% grain brewing. I'm just lazy and the brew kits create a wonderful beer that's as good as anything I've ever had in a bottle. I've had a few pints in a brew pub that compete but nothing is really as good as your own homebrew.

You should try it. The control you have over the process is greatly increased when you go to all grain. It's not that much extra work for the increase in quality and control.

 

[Illinell]

Congrats and happy birthday!

I suggest you pick up some "Moose Drool." Its a micro brew from Montana and its the best beer I have ever had if you are into micro brews. I have only found it in one spot in Illinois and im pretty sure its at Piccadillys.

Awesome beer! I've been to the brewery out in Missoula and loved every second of it. Big Sky is an awesome brewery, with Trout Slayer (which they actually bought from another brewery) being a great one to try as well.

 

[fish48]

Awesome beer! I've been to the brewery out in Missoula and loved every second of it. Big Sky is an awesome brewery, with Trout Slayer (which they actually bought from another brewery) being a great one to try as well.

Thats crazy! I had Trout Slayer for the first time two weeks ago when I was in Spokane WA. I ordered it and they brought it out in a can, which disappointed me a tad, but the taste of the beer made up for it. I hate aluminum cans!

 

[AzIlliniFan]

Well, in an hour and 40 minutes I will legally be able to be an informed participant in this thread! Gonna go enjoy a flight of beer and some BBQ at black dog tomorrow night

Happy Birthday!:whoo:

 

[KBLEE]

Thats crazy! I had Trout Slayer for the first time two weeks ago when I was in Spokane WA. I ordered it and they brought it out in a can, which disappointed me a tad, but the taste of the beer made up for it. I hate aluminum cans!

As long as you are not drinking directly from the can, it shouldn't affect the taste at all.

The 5 Strongest Microbrews – In a Can

You may have heard the news, but close to 100 craft breweries now can their beer. This is due to the fact that:

• Cans are lighter and reduce shipping costs
• They are airtight and unlike bottles, they block 100% of light (no skunked beer)
• Cans can be taken into places where bottles are forbidden (Mmmm microbrews on the beach…)

But what about that metallic taste? Don’t worry about it. Modern cans have a spray coating so the beer never actually touches the metal.

My favorite canned beer for tailgating is Anderson Valley Brewing Company's Boont Amber Ale.

 

[IntenselyOrange]

Wow, really? Which brews did you try and not like that much? Their core beers are solid. Their Black Chocolate Stout is outstanding. Local 1 and 2 are excellent as well. Their Sorachi Ace is a one of a kind brew.

While I don't think Brooklyn is the best brewery around, they are a solid brewery.

I've had all of those and more. I used to go to the brewery several times each year. Like I said, it's good, but I think over-rated. But, as has been said many times beer, like any food/beverage, is very much a matter of personal preference. I tend to prefer the beers that come from the West more than the East and for some reason and I think that in the East, the beers from Pennsylvania and New Hampshire are better than those from NY. But again, just my opinions.

 

[fish48]

As long as you are not drinking directly from the can, it shouldn't affect the taste at all.

The 5 Strongest Microbrews – In a Can



My favorite canned beer for tailgating is Anderson Valley Brewing Company's Boont Amber Ale.

Wow, I did not know that and would have never thought of that. Well, theres my something new that I learned today.

 

[bdutts]

I've had all of those and more. I used to go to the brewery several times each year. Like I said, it's good, but I think over-rated. But, as has been said many times beer, like any food/beverage, is very much a matter of personal preference. I tend to prefer the beers that come from the West more than the East and for some reason and I think that in the East, the beers from Pennsylvania and New Hampshire are better than those from NY. But again, just my opinions.

Fair enough.

Certainly, the brews on the west coast are hopped differently (and more aggressively) than beers on the east coast. I also prefer that style as well but I really like the Brooklyn beers. I guess that means that if you don't like it, there will be more for me.

 

[bdutts]

As long as you are not drinking directly from the can, it shouldn't affect the taste at all.

Metal doesn't leach into the beer because the cans are lined. Not sure there is any evidence that BPA will have an effect on the taste of beer.

 

[KBLEE]

Metal doesn't leach into the beer because the cans are lined. Not sure there is any evidence that BPA will have an effect on the taste of beer.

Right, but what I was implying is that canned beer should be poured into a cup / glass, as your lips touching the aluminum can / will alter the perceived taste of the beer inside.

 

[danielb927]

Well, I went to Black Dog with my parents last night and enjoyed a flight of their 7 tap beers, which were:

Porterhouse Brain Blasta
Summit Honeymoon Saison
Celis White
Dark Horse Kamita Kolsch
Hofbrau Oktoberfest
Porterhouse Oyster Stout
Two Bros Heavy-Handed IPA

I'm no beer connoisseur (yet) so I couldn't say much about what was good and what wasn't, but favorites were probably the first Porterhouse and the IPA. I was surprised that I like the IPA as much given how bitter IPAs are, but the hops taste was so interesting that it made up for it. Could also really taste the honey in the Summit, the deep smoky/wood flavors in the stout, etc... they were all definitely much more flavorful and interesting than the domestic lights and such that I've tried before.

 

[AzIlliniFan]

Key word there is YET. It's only been what? 24 hours that you've been 'of age'. It's only a matter of time before you turn to The Darkside!

 

[KBLEE]

Key word there is YET. It's only been what? 24 hours that you've been 'of age'. It's only a matter of time before you turn to The Darkside!

Seems to me he's already well on his way... :thumb:

 

[fish48]

Well, I went to Black Dog with my parents last night and enjoyed a flight of their 7 tap beers, which were:

Porterhouse Brain Blasta
Summit Honeymoon Saison
Celis White
Dark Horse Kamita Kolsch
Hofbrau Oktoberfest
Porterhouse Oyster Stout
Two Bros Heavy-Handed IPA

I'm no beer connoisseur (yet) so I couldn't say much about what was good and what wasn't, but favorites were probably the first Porterhouse and the IPA. I was surprised that I like the IPA as much given how bitter IPAs are, but the hops taste was so interesting that it made up for it. Could also really taste the honey in the Summit, the deep smoky/wood flavors in the stout, etc... they were all definitely much more flavorful and interesting than the domestic lights and such that I've tried before.

You sure sound like one! Lol, good review though as you are right about the bitterness of IPAs. I love most IPAs. Chocolate stouts are some of my favorite too. Part of the joy of being legal drinking age is being able to go out and enjoy some great beers instead of carbonated yeast water (coors, miller etc.). Dont get me wrong, those beers are good for beer pong or what have you, but I enjoy beer like I enjoy a good whiskey or wine, one sip at a time and one beer at a time.

 

[bdutts]

Right, but what I was implying is that canned beer should be poured into a cup / glass, as your lips touching the aluminum can / will alter the perceived taste of the beer inside.

I use a glass because aroma is a huge part of drinking beer and IMO it's the most important reason people should use a glass.

I have never heard about what you're describing above.

 

[WizardBill]

As long as you are not drinking directly from the can, it shouldn't affect the taste at all.

The 5 Strongest Microbrews – In a Can



My favorite canned beer for tailgating is Anderson Valley Brewing Company's Boont Amber Ale.

Dale's Pale is my favorite in the can.

 

[WizardBill]

Thank you for the advice. I brewed my first 5 gal batch of Irish Red Ale and it started fermenting this morning. At least I got to that point! I sanitized everything as good as I could so hopefully I didn't spoil it. I did an extract malt recipe kit and it smells delicious so far.

Do you do extract malt or 100% grain? I got a very good book called "Beer Craft" and it shows you how to make 1 gallon batches of 100% grain and it seems pretty painless. I might try that next.

Edit: My recipe called for a total of a 60 min boil 60 min for one set of hops and 30 for the other. I didn't have any problem with a boil over. I sat over the top of it the entire time and had to turn the heat down and stir a couple times, but it was really enjoyable.

First bold: I am sure you are fine. I sanitize with some simple steps. If you are brewing into bottles (skunky beer occurs when too much light gets into the bottles, or they are not capped correctly.) use brown or green bottles. Never brew in clear bottles, nor do you want to drink beer from clear bottles. Light is bad for beer.

Second bold: I have done both. Obviously the extract is the easy way to go. I would recommend that for a while. Probably five batches or so? That way you completely get the hang of the process. You could do the grain right away, but, while it seems painless, that was the only time I made a bad batch. I got about a 15% alcohol because of reading the wrong original gravity. But, go for it! I still do mostly malt right now because it is just easier.

Third bold: You have what it takes to be a master brewer if you enjoyed that part! Good luck!

 

[fish48]

First bold: I am sure you are fine. I sanitize with some simple steps. If you are brewing into bottles (skunky beer occurs when too much light gets into the bottles, or they are not capped correctly.) use brown or green bottles. Never brew in clear bottles, nor do you want to drink beer from clear bottles. Light is bad for beer.

Second bold: I have done both. Obviously the extract is the easy way to go. I would recommend that for a while. Probably five batches or so? That way you completely get the hang of the process. You could do the grain right away, but, while it seems painless, that was the only time I made a bad batch. I got about a 15% alcohol because of reading the wrong original gravity. But, go for it! I still do mostly malt right now because it is just easier.

Third bold: You have what it takes to be a master brewer if you enjoyed that part! Good luck!

Hey thanks for the advice! I am on my 3rd day fermenting and it has slowed down a lot. Seems like it is starting to lose pressure. I am going to wait until the water is relatively even in the airlock before I transfer it to my secondary glass carboy.

 

[illinifan31]

Key word there is YET. It's only been what? 24 hours that you've been 'of age'. It's only a matter of time before you turn to The Darkside!

It has been a month for me, and my tastes have expanded exponentially. I can hardly drink Keystone anymore. I mean I do...but still.

 

[AzIlliniFan]

It has been a month for me, and my tastes have expanded exponentially. I can hardly drink Keystone anymore. I mean I do...but still.

That will change in time. Trust me on that one. I will still drink the occasional bottle of Miller Lite but find I can only have one or two when that is the only option. At that point I either stop drinking altogether or switch to some hard liquor or make a beer run! Heck, even when it comes to the so called 'domestics' about all I can stomach with any regularity is Amber Bock.