Seven weeks...where does the time go? Believe it or not, my absence was for a good reason. Since January I have been writing like a madman. I've probably put down over three hundred pages--not sure how good some of the stuff is, but at least I'm writing.
AND MY FIRST RELEASE, "9 OF A KIND" IS FINALLY IN THE LAST STAGES OF EDITING!!!
A quick writing update without the caps. My book of short stories has changed drastically since I first envisioned the selections seven months ago. Stories have been deleted, others added or edited, and two have actually spawned companion stories. I might just be my own worst enemy when it comes to deciding when a story is finished. Damn.
Fear not folks, I have not forsaken my love for craft beer. For now, I'll skip my rant on beer snobs, beer geeks, and beer assholes, in favor of giving you a quick rundown of ten recent beers that I sampled. Some were great, others were clunkers. Here goes.
1. Sierra Nevada's Ruthless Rye IPA (draft) -- solid IPA -- rating 4
2. Troeg's Nugget Nectar (draft) -- better on draft than bottled -- rating 4
3. Sierra Nevada's Snow Wit White IPA (bottle) -- easy drinking IPA -- rating 3
4. Sierra Nevada's Torpedo Extra IPA (bottle) -- tasty and hoppy -- rating 4
5. Sierra Nevada's Nooner Session IPA (bottle) -- malty hoppy goodness -- rating 4
6. Sierra Nevada's Blindfold Black IPA (bottle) -- like drinking a hopped up coffee -- rating 4
7. DuClaw's Dirty Little Freak Coconut Caramel Chocolate Brown Ale (draft) -- the name lasts longer than the muddled taste -- rating 2
8. Tongerlo Prior Tripel Belgian Triple Ale (bottle) -- excellent, but strong -- rating 4
9. New Belgian Spring Blonde Ale Belgian Ale (bottle) -- OK at best -- rating 2
10. New Belgian Snapshot Wheat Beer (draft) -- thin and lacking -- rating 2
OK, so I like everything that Sierra Nevada makes (including their Summerfest which grew on me slowly).
I'd love to write more, but it is Friday and there is beer to drink. Cheers!!!
Friday, March 28, 2014
Monday, February 10, 2014
Better Late Than Never
Hello beer fanatics, it's Monday and I'm finally posting what I had promised to post three days ago. Better late than never.
First, let's talk about some craft beers. I'll start with a new release from our friends at Sam Adams. Their new beer, a west coast style IPA, is called Rebel. I sampled this beer twice on draft and thought it was quite good. The beer arrived in a Sam signature glass--the color was bright amber, clear, with a fair amount of bubbles, topped nicely by a thick white head. The beer smelled of piney citrus with heavy notes of grapefruit. The taste was bitter and typical of an IPA. At 6.5% ABV this was a solid beer. It's not the best IPA, but I would drink it again.
The second beer was enjoyed during the Super Bowl. Rogue's Yellow Snow IPA is also another example of a quality beer from a great company. The beer was sampled (I drank the whole thing) from a 1/2 gallon growler (their packaging) on that boring Sunday. The beer first, then the Super Dud.
Rogue's Yellow Snow IPA was poured into a SPG and was a cloudy crisp yellow, with a nice off-white billowy head that yielded thick lacing. The smell and taste were both of floral and citrus notes with a mild sweetness in the background. Pleasant beer and easy drinking--I did finish the half gallon. Also, if you check out any of Rogue beers, you'll find out about IBUs, degrees Plato, and Lovibond. It's complicated...Google it.
The Super Bowl. A football fan's best and worst day. If your team is in it and wins it, oh happy days. If not, you still want a good game, with good commercials, and a decent halftime show. If you watched the game, as I did, then maybe you might agree with me. One word, horrific.
Game was a snorefest, halftime sucked, and the commercials were just OK at best. If it wasn't for the company of my wife and brother, great wings and chili, and lots of craft beer, I would've never made it through the day. That's that.
The last beer I want to tell you about is Iron Maiden Trooper ESB English bitter. This is a solid British-style beer. A little thin in smell, taste, and even the finish, but I love Iron Maiden (the band), so I forced myself to give this a decent rating. Bias is a bitch.
My ratings for these three beers...Rebel IPA 3, Yellow Snow IPA 3, and Iron Maiden Trooper a 3. I guess I'm in a generous mood.
Next time, beer snobs, three brews I'm looking forward to, and a writing update.
First, let's talk about some craft beers. I'll start with a new release from our friends at Sam Adams. Their new beer, a west coast style IPA, is called Rebel. I sampled this beer twice on draft and thought it was quite good. The beer arrived in a Sam signature glass--the color was bright amber, clear, with a fair amount of bubbles, topped nicely by a thick white head. The beer smelled of piney citrus with heavy notes of grapefruit. The taste was bitter and typical of an IPA. At 6.5% ABV this was a solid beer. It's not the best IPA, but I would drink it again.
The second beer was enjoyed during the Super Bowl. Rogue's Yellow Snow IPA is also another example of a quality beer from a great company. The beer was sampled (I drank the whole thing) from a 1/2 gallon growler (their packaging) on that boring Sunday. The beer first, then the Super Dud.
Rogue's Yellow Snow IPA was poured into a SPG and was a cloudy crisp yellow, with a nice off-white billowy head that yielded thick lacing. The smell and taste were both of floral and citrus notes with a mild sweetness in the background. Pleasant beer and easy drinking--I did finish the half gallon. Also, if you check out any of Rogue beers, you'll find out about IBUs, degrees Plato, and Lovibond. It's complicated...Google it.
The Super Bowl. A football fan's best and worst day. If your team is in it and wins it, oh happy days. If not, you still want a good game, with good commercials, and a decent halftime show. If you watched the game, as I did, then maybe you might agree with me. One word, horrific.
Game was a snorefest, halftime sucked, and the commercials were just OK at best. If it wasn't for the company of my wife and brother, great wings and chili, and lots of craft beer, I would've never made it through the day. That's that.
The last beer I want to tell you about is Iron Maiden Trooper ESB English bitter. This is a solid British-style beer. A little thin in smell, taste, and even the finish, but I love Iron Maiden (the band), so I forced myself to give this a decent rating. Bias is a bitch.
My ratings for these three beers...Rebel IPA 3, Yellow Snow IPA 3, and Iron Maiden Trooper a 3. I guess I'm in a generous mood.
Next time, beer snobs, three brews I'm looking forward to, and a writing update.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
The Return of Craft Beer Friday
Hello to all. CBF will make a triumph return this Friday. Super busy the last few weeks, churning out what I hope are four really good stories so far this year. Friday, I'll be talking about a new beer from Sam Adams, a beer called Yellow Snow IPA, and a few others, including a beer from one of my all-time favorite bands.
A hint on that last beer, Up the Irons!!!
I'll also talk about beer snobs, a horrible Super Bowl Sunday, and a few new beers on the horizon. See you Friday. Drink up...
A hint on that last beer, Up the Irons!!!
I'll also talk about beer snobs, a horrible Super Bowl Sunday, and a few new beers on the horizon. See you Friday. Drink up...
Friday, January 10, 2014
MIssing a Friday and Happy CBF
Happy Craft Beer Friday. It is a wonderful day for drinking craft beer, but so is any other day. Somehow, I missed last Friday (maybe too much craft beer). Anyway, a trio this week plus a writing update.
All three beers this week are from our good friends at Sam Adams. All beers are collected in the Sam Adams Spring Brews 12 pack. Each of the beers were poured into a SPG and enjoyed fairly early this morning I'm not ashamed to admit.
Number 1, the Maple Pecan Porter. The beer pours like a cola, with a reddish tint to it and a small head. An attracvtive beer. This American porter comes in at 5/6% ABV. The smell, sweet and malty, is followed by a nice mix of chocloate and syrupy goodness. The taste is very good. Pecans, a hint of vanilla, and a good balance of malty sweetness, without being too sweet. Overall, a solid 3.
Number 2, is Cold Snap, a witbier at 5.3% ABV. The look and smell of this beer is typical for most wheat beers, cloudy yellow with a good head and decent carbonation. Hard not to compare this beer to Blue Moon, other than the fact this beer is a little spicier. If you want a witbier from Sam Adams, I would suggest the Blackberry Wit--excellent beer. This rates a 2.
Number 3, is Escape Route, a Kolsch beer at 5% ABV. This beer was the most difficult to rate. I liked the appearance and the smell was OK, but the beer started out tasting a little too tart for me (almost lemony), but finished with a malty sweetness. On Sam Adams website they claim that the beer is a hybrid of an ale and a lager--maybe that's where my confusion comes in. An oddball for sure. I'll rate it a 3 (grudgingly).
Sidebar--look for Sam Adams Rebel IPA coming soon. I can't wait to review this west coast-style IPA.
9 of a Kind, my first book is really coming soon (by the end of the month I hope). I'll blog the first of the week about my writing plans for the year.
Cheers!! It's Friday...drink up.
All three beers this week are from our good friends at Sam Adams. All beers are collected in the Sam Adams Spring Brews 12 pack. Each of the beers were poured into a SPG and enjoyed fairly early this morning I'm not ashamed to admit.
Number 1, the Maple Pecan Porter. The beer pours like a cola, with a reddish tint to it and a small head. An attracvtive beer. This American porter comes in at 5/6% ABV. The smell, sweet and malty, is followed by a nice mix of chocloate and syrupy goodness. The taste is very good. Pecans, a hint of vanilla, and a good balance of malty sweetness, without being too sweet. Overall, a solid 3.
Number 2, is Cold Snap, a witbier at 5.3% ABV. The look and smell of this beer is typical for most wheat beers, cloudy yellow with a good head and decent carbonation. Hard not to compare this beer to Blue Moon, other than the fact this beer is a little spicier. If you want a witbier from Sam Adams, I would suggest the Blackberry Wit--excellent beer. This rates a 2.
Number 3, is Escape Route, a Kolsch beer at 5% ABV. This beer was the most difficult to rate. I liked the appearance and the smell was OK, but the beer started out tasting a little too tart for me (almost lemony), but finished with a malty sweetness. On Sam Adams website they claim that the beer is a hybrid of an ale and a lager--maybe that's where my confusion comes in. An oddball for sure. I'll rate it a 3 (grudgingly).
Sidebar--look for Sam Adams Rebel IPA coming soon. I can't wait to review this west coast-style IPA.
9 of a Kind, my first book is really coming soon (by the end of the month I hope). I'll blog the first of the week about my writing plans for the year.
Cheers!! It's Friday...drink up.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Quick Reviews and Short Football Rant...
Merry Christmas to all! And Happy New Year as well! Another Christmas in the rearview and it's kind of sad already. A lot of work for one day, but I had a truly wonderful holiday. Spent time with family and friends, received some nice gifts, and enjoyed quite a few craft beers.
First, the best of the lot that I had over the holidays--Goose Island's Ten Hills IPA. This APA is 6.2% ABV and was poured from a bottle into an SPG. This beer gives you everything you would want from a pale ale. There is a creamy head sitting softly atop a copper-colored beer and as the glass was emptied, nice lacing remained around the glass.
Big scents emerge immediately--tropical citrusy fruit, some maltiness and hints of bitter grapefruit. The taste is also quite good. The usual bitter hops of a pale ale blended with a nice bready mouthfeel make for a very good beer. This is a solid 4, but limited. If you see it, buy it.
Now for maybe the worst of the lot. Ridgeway's Bad Elf Winter's Ale, is a poor excuse for a winter beer. Maybe I was expecting a true winter beer--spicy, hearty, delicious, but Bad Elf offered none of that. Instead, the thin, pale IPA from England is just OK even for an IPA. I believe this beer to be more of a holiday novelty than a serious brew, as there are other beers in their holiday line that are much better. Some of those include Lump of Coal Dark Holiday Stout, Pickled Santa English Xmas Ale, and Insanely Bad Elf Imperial Red Ale.
To football. The Pittsburgh Steelers were bounced from the playoffs Sunday afternoon, when the Chiefs back-up players were cheated out of a win over the Chargers (yes, I'm bitter). But, that's football. It stinks that the NFL officials wait til the day after to say that we fucked up--I already knew that, but would rather them keep it to themselves since the game was over.
There's always next season. Speaking of seasons, before you know it spring will be here. Will we see some more Orioles magic in 2014? I hope so.
More beer reviews coming Friday. Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year's to all.
First, the best of the lot that I had over the holidays--Goose Island's Ten Hills IPA. This APA is 6.2% ABV and was poured from a bottle into an SPG. This beer gives you everything you would want from a pale ale. There is a creamy head sitting softly atop a copper-colored beer and as the glass was emptied, nice lacing remained around the glass.
Big scents emerge immediately--tropical citrusy fruit, some maltiness and hints of bitter grapefruit. The taste is also quite good. The usual bitter hops of a pale ale blended with a nice bready mouthfeel make for a very good beer. This is a solid 4, but limited. If you see it, buy it.
Now for maybe the worst of the lot. Ridgeway's Bad Elf Winter's Ale, is a poor excuse for a winter beer. Maybe I was expecting a true winter beer--spicy, hearty, delicious, but Bad Elf offered none of that. Instead, the thin, pale IPA from England is just OK even for an IPA. I believe this beer to be more of a holiday novelty than a serious brew, as there are other beers in their holiday line that are much better. Some of those include Lump of Coal Dark Holiday Stout, Pickled Santa English Xmas Ale, and Insanely Bad Elf Imperial Red Ale.
To football. The Pittsburgh Steelers were bounced from the playoffs Sunday afternoon, when the Chiefs back-up players were cheated out of a win over the Chargers (yes, I'm bitter). But, that's football. It stinks that the NFL officials wait til the day after to say that we fucked up--I already knew that, but would rather them keep it to themselves since the game was over.
There's always next season. Speaking of seasons, before you know it spring will be here. Will we see some more Orioles magic in 2014? I hope so.
More beer reviews coming Friday. Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year's to all.
Friday, December 20, 2013
Crazy CBFs
I know. I missed last Friday, but I assure you that I did enjoy a few craft beers. And even though it is early right now, I want to talk about two of my favorite beers.
First, last Friday, I sampled the always excellent Anchor Steam Christmas Ale. Now if you've had this beer and really know this beer, then you know that the label changes every year as does the recipe. Not only is the beer a wonderful experience, with tastes and aromas of Christmas--spices, malty goodness and a slight trace of mild hops, but it reminds me why I love the Christmas season. With this great beer, I do something that has become a Christmas tradition for me.
Each year, I buy a magnum of the Christmas Ale and wait a year to enjoy it. But, for today, I am reviewing the 2013 release from a 12 oz. bottle. This beer is a solid 5 for me. Beer was poured into a SPG with a beautiful brownish color with a creamy white head. There are notes of chocolate, holiday spices like cinnamon and clove, all finished with a slight bitter taste reminiscent of a dark chocolate. I love this beer. Try it...you won't be disappointed, and at only 5.5% ABV, you enjoy more than one.
The beer for today, actually from last night around 12:30am, is another winter favorite--Sierra Nevada's Celebration Ale. First off, this is a far cry from the traditional gingerbread Christmas beers. This is an American IPA (or APA), with a big 6.8% ABV. Sierra Nevada makes many beers that I love, and this is one of them.
Forget the cinnamon and spices you might expect because this is a big pale ale that pours a somewhat cloudy amber color with a rich head and excellent lacing. The citrusy, hoppy aroma remains a constant, with slight hints of earthiness and grapefruit. This beer lacks the heavy bitterness typical of many pale ales, and that makes it finish with a nice smooth mouthfeel. Excellent beer. I would also rate this a 5.
As for a Christmas blog, can't do it. Too much to say, too little time.
Anyway, Merry Christmas to all, and a Happy New Year as well. In the meantime, drink good beer, enjoy time with family and friends, and if at all possible, do something nice for a total stranger. And I don't mean just hold a door or offer a holiday greeting, I mean something truly heartfelt and full of Christmas spirit. It will make you feel good.
Earlier this week, at a local restaurant with a good friend, he and I noticed a woman, perhaps in her 40's with two young children. The woman wore a head scarf and was seemingly bald. Maybe a cancer patient. Regardless, I secretly paid her tab and was thanked by her waitress and the manager. And you know what, it made me feel damn good. Try it. I hope she and her children have a fantastic Christmas.
First, last Friday, I sampled the always excellent Anchor Steam Christmas Ale. Now if you've had this beer and really know this beer, then you know that the label changes every year as does the recipe. Not only is the beer a wonderful experience, with tastes and aromas of Christmas--spices, malty goodness and a slight trace of mild hops, but it reminds me why I love the Christmas season. With this great beer, I do something that has become a Christmas tradition for me.
Each year, I buy a magnum of the Christmas Ale and wait a year to enjoy it. But, for today, I am reviewing the 2013 release from a 12 oz. bottle. This beer is a solid 5 for me. Beer was poured into a SPG with a beautiful brownish color with a creamy white head. There are notes of chocolate, holiday spices like cinnamon and clove, all finished with a slight bitter taste reminiscent of a dark chocolate. I love this beer. Try it...you won't be disappointed, and at only 5.5% ABV, you enjoy more than one.
The beer for today, actually from last night around 12:30am, is another winter favorite--Sierra Nevada's Celebration Ale. First off, this is a far cry from the traditional gingerbread Christmas beers. This is an American IPA (or APA), with a big 6.8% ABV. Sierra Nevada makes many beers that I love, and this is one of them.
Forget the cinnamon and spices you might expect because this is a big pale ale that pours a somewhat cloudy amber color with a rich head and excellent lacing. The citrusy, hoppy aroma remains a constant, with slight hints of earthiness and grapefruit. This beer lacks the heavy bitterness typical of many pale ales, and that makes it finish with a nice smooth mouthfeel. Excellent beer. I would also rate this a 5.
As for a Christmas blog, can't do it. Too much to say, too little time.
Anyway, Merry Christmas to all, and a Happy New Year as well. In the meantime, drink good beer, enjoy time with family and friends, and if at all possible, do something nice for a total stranger. And I don't mean just hold a door or offer a holiday greeting, I mean something truly heartfelt and full of Christmas spirit. It will make you feel good.
Earlier this week, at a local restaurant with a good friend, he and I noticed a woman, perhaps in her 40's with two young children. The woman wore a head scarf and was seemingly bald. Maybe a cancer patient. Regardless, I secretly paid her tab and was thanked by her waitress and the manager. And you know what, it made me feel damn good. Try it. I hope she and her children have a fantastic Christmas.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Beer Friday
Welcome to another CBF. I know it's Saturday but I'm trying my best. Lots of Christmas business this week and very little writing. But, I'm still in it for the long haul. Things are definitely on the horizon. Part one of my vampire novel is coming right after the New Year and I will also begin two other fairly lengthy writing projects.
You will find all of my updates here.
Anyway, who wants a cold beer? (The answer to that is always a resounding hell yes!!!) This week's beer is Blue Point Brewery's Winter Ale. I would rate this a solid 3 (see previous post for rating info).
Blue Point's winter seasonal is somewhat of an oddball--it is an American amber/red ale that comes in at a robust 7% ABV. The beer was poured from a 12 oz. bottle into a standard pint glass (SPG) and enjoyed while staring at the undecroated Christmas tree. A blog about Xmas is really coming, by mid-week at the latest.
The winter ale is a crisp amber color, clear with a fair amount of lacing. The beer smells of malts and doughy sweetness. The first sip was like drinkling a typical red ale, save for the slightly higher alcohol content. Amidst the malty goodness there is a hint of caramel that gives the beer a nice sugary quality. There is very little hops to speak of, typical of a red ale.
Blue Point's winter offering is good, not a traditional winter beer that leans on spicy goodness for the flavor character.
Until next time, drink up and drink well. And if you are in a store that sells beer and happen to see Anchor Steam's Christmas Ale, give it a shot. You won't be disappointed. Who knows, maybe I'll review the beer next week.
You will find all of my updates here.
Anyway, who wants a cold beer? (The answer to that is always a resounding hell yes!!!) This week's beer is Blue Point Brewery's Winter Ale. I would rate this a solid 3 (see previous post for rating info).
Blue Point's winter seasonal is somewhat of an oddball--it is an American amber/red ale that comes in at a robust 7% ABV. The beer was poured from a 12 oz. bottle into a standard pint glass (SPG) and enjoyed while staring at the undecroated Christmas tree. A blog about Xmas is really coming, by mid-week at the latest.
The winter ale is a crisp amber color, clear with a fair amount of lacing. The beer smells of malts and doughy sweetness. The first sip was like drinkling a typical red ale, save for the slightly higher alcohol content. Amidst the malty goodness there is a hint of caramel that gives the beer a nice sugary quality. There is very little hops to speak of, typical of a red ale.
Blue Point's winter offering is good, not a traditional winter beer that leans on spicy goodness for the flavor character.
Until next time, drink up and drink well. And if you are in a store that sells beer and happen to see Anchor Steam's Christmas Ale, give it a shot. You won't be disappointed. Who knows, maybe I'll review the beer next week.
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