I've been expanding my beer horizons for a few years and now that I live in the Hops capital of the universe, it's only getting worse. Which reminds me - I need to make sure I have the day off for the Hops festival ...
I've had a lot of really great beers since moving to the Pacific Northwest last year and my favorite brewery so far is Fremont in Seattle. During the hops harvest, they have beers made with fresh, organically grown hops which was the hook that got me to notice them, but everything in their lineup is spectacular. The seasonals are a treat, with fall's Bonfire Ale taking the prize.
(http://www.taptrail.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/ftf.png)(https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5386bf34e4b0f6a71c87ce6a/t/5668b891bfe873bf50a44a74/1401424179478/)
Had some of this the other day, quite enjoyed it:
(http://www.wlvliquors.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/3floyd-space-station.png)
I love me a good IPA. Thankfully craft beer is starting to get more popular in France. Still too expensive. Costs much more than when I lived in the US. But at least I can find a few good beers at the grocery stores other than known Belgian beers.
Sometimes they get too French about it, "this pairs well with this or that cheese", "sublime with fois gras", etc.
NJ is blowing up right now in terms of craft beer. In fact, one of my good friends (we were in the same homebrew club for years) opened a brewery not far from me. And from his place, there are two others within a very short walking distance in downtown Hackettstown (those would be Jersey Girl and Czig Meister).
Here's my buddy Joe's brewery: http://manskirtbrewing.com/
It's so named because for years, he's always brewed while wearing a kilt. And he still does, and so do his brewer's assistants when they are in the brewery.
(http://manskirtbrewing.com/Images/logo_sml.png)
Quote from: bsoncini on April 22, 2017, 12:21:40 PM
"sublime with fois gras", etc.
Anything is good with fois fras. ;D But then I feel bad for eating it. :'(
back in Kansas, I enjoyed Boulevard's Bully Porter ... Free State's Ad Astra Ale ... Walnut River's Warbeard Irish Red ... I've even waited in line for River City's The Grinch, their very low production X-Mas brew(very much like Sierra Nevada Bigfoot)
since I got to Florida, I've got locally made Yuengling which isn't exactly craft beer ... I hear good things about Coppertail Night Swim and the stuff from Cigar City but haven't gotten to them yet.
the craft beer revival has been amazing. i took a few years off from traveling to the US and i really surprised at the growth there when i went back. you can even get really nice beer in airport bars now, just a few years ago it was all bud and corona (not that those beers don't have their place as well).
ontario now has a million different breweries. even tiny cottage towns seem to have their own. anything from Muskoka Brewery (http://www.muskokabrewery.com/) is usually amazing. their "mad tom" comes highly recommended by me, pick up a can if you ever see it.
I have a few favourite drops here in NZ. Quite a few craft brewers in Canterbury, one of the most popular '3 Boys' do a sensational Wheat Beer and IPA. And Stout. Actually come to think of it their Lager's not bad, either. :o
I live a stones throw away from Heavy Seas and a few others. Guinness also just bought a place near here to be able to start doing some microbrews in the US market.
I've been loving the Heavy Seas 21st Imperial ESB. If you find it definitely give it a shot.
Here's a couple of my favorites from Adelaide Australia.
Pirate Life.
http://piratelife.com.au/
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170424/20e71d7ddc02a075fdb76f36ef505471.jpg)
These guys do a really great IPA too.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170424/d25ff11daff2323ec6d8d61d46b07ee7.jpeg)
Mismatch
http://www.mismatchbrewing.com.au/
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170424/29892198832a20d370d8dc283d1701b0.jpeg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: stecykmi on April 22, 2017, 07:47:59 PM
ontario now has a million different breweries. even tiny cottage towns seem to have their own. anything from Muskoka Brewery (http://www.muskokabrewery.com/) is usually amazing. their "mad tom" comes highly recommended by me, pick up a can if you ever see it.
Ontario... more then you can shake a stick at around here, too many to mention. Has certainly expanded my appreciation for the huge variety of offerings.
Beau's has a nice selection that's always worth a taste. Local, Collective Arts Brewery uses submitted art for their cans so their tasty offerings are always sporting new coats.
Ransack the Universe
(http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y362/terriac/Bb/file2_zpsgrveoyy2.jpeg) (http://s1030.photobucket.com/user/terriac/media/Bb/file2_zpsgrveoyy2.jpeg.html)
http://collectiveartsbrewing.com/beer/ransack-the-universe/
Art & music & beer
http://collectiveartsbrewing.com/all-series/series-7/
dave
Baltimore's late to the party, but we have some really good ones. Union Craft makes a gose, which is pretty rare, and Dogfish Head is close enough that it's regional -- they're my second favorite brewery after Omegang, who has never made a beer I don't live. My current favorites are Dogfish's Midas Touch (might not count as a 'beer' though) and Omegang's 3Philosophers and kolsh.
We also have a couple good cider and mead makers, but we have nothing on Seattle for cider ... Anyway, Millstone here does Frech style cider, which is cool.
DC also has some really good small breweries.
Quote from: sonnyboy27 on April 24, 2017, 08:15:08 PM
I live a stones throw away from Heavy Seas
I really like their barley wine. It's exceptional.
Quote from: nzCdog on April 24, 2017, 02:59:05 AM
I have a few favourite drops here in NZ. Quite a few craft brewers in Canterbury, one of the most popular '3 Boys' do a sensational Wheat Beer and IPA. And Stout. Actually come to think of it their Lager's not bad, either. :o
I've heard New Zealand hops are a bit different - maybe more fruity. GoodLife brewery in Oregon claims to use them in their 'Sweet As,' which does hint at a berry flavor, but didn't really blow my hair back or taste all that different.
(https://www.goodlifebrewing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Sweet-As-Can.png)
Quote from: midwayfair on April 25, 2017, 02:05:44 AM
Baltimore's late to the party, but we have some really good ones. Union Craft makes a gose, which is pretty rare, and Dogfish Head is close enough that it's regional -- they're my second favorite brewery after Omegang, who has never made a beer I don't live. My current favorites are Dogfish's Midas Touch (might not count as a 'beer' though) and Omegang's 3Philosophers and kolsh.
We also have a couple good cider and mead makers, but we have nothing on Seattle for cider ... Anyway, Millstone here does Frech style cider, which is cool.
DC also has some really good small breweries.
True, lots of cider hereabouts, but I actually hadn't tried any yet. Got a recommendation?
Quote from: jubal81 on April 25, 2017, 06:25:55 AM
True, lots of cider hereabouts, but I actually hadn't tried any yet. Got a recommendation?
No idea, really. I didn't recognize many of the names on the menus when we visited Seattle. But my favorite cider that you can get pretty much anywhere (though not usually in bars) is Crispin's honey cider. It's got legs and it's more of a winter drink than more tart ciders, which tend to be thinner and more refreshing.
Also, this seemed appropriate for this thread:
(https://d3gqasl9vmjfd8.cloudfront.net/d636d847-e022-454d-b6a2-28d6e2f38e9f.png)
my favorite IPA Evah 8)
97 out of 100 on beeradvocate
(http://www.texasbeerspot.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/lone-pint-yellow-rose-169.png)
Quote from: jubal81 on April 25, 2017, 06:24:35 AM
Quote from: nzCdog on April 24, 2017, 02:59:05 AM
I have a few favourite drops here in NZ. Quite a few craft brewers in Canterbury, one of the most popular '3 Boys' do a sensational Wheat Beer and IPA. And Stout. Actually come to think of it their Lager's not bad, either. :o
I've heard New Zealand hops are a bit different - maybe more fruity. GoodLife brewery in Oregon claims to use them in their 'Sweet As,' which does hint at a berry flavor, but didn't really blow my hair back or taste all that different.
(https://www.goodlifebrewing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Sweet-As-Can.png)
i tried this guy when i was in portland over the holidays!! i actually really liked it i, it was not too citrus-y which i prefer.
Quote from: bsoncini on April 22, 2017, 12:21:40 PM
I love me a good IPA. Thankfully craft beer is starting to get more popular in France. Still too expensive. Costs much more than when I lived in the US. But at least I can find a few good beers at the grocery stores other than known Belgian beers.
Sometimes they get too French about it, "this pairs well with this or that cheese", "sublime with fois gras", etc.
I`m a recovering IPA hater, so I`m just starting to appreciate craft beer more (since IPA seems to be the only beer that the craft scene does pretty consistently well) Don`t be too hard on me though, because I live in Ontario where all alcohol sales are controlled by the government so my access to world class craft beer is restricted in favour of being force fed our local product. The Alchemist? Three Floyds? Dogfish Head? Forget it! Its all about local stuff here.
Anyways, the reason I am replying to you is because getting known Belgian beers at the grocery store sounds like a dream come true! I still think known Belgian beers are the best in the world (that I`ve tried at least).
The local stuff is local stuff where ever you are.
The Alchemist you mention only distributes according to one article, within a twenty mile radius of the brewery, that's nothing to do with Ontario government controlled access to beer.
dave
Wow, I stand corrected on that one. Im just jealous I cant try so many of beers that people rave about online, so I blame the LCBO.
However, just looking at the first page of many reviews of the Alchemist Heady Topper on ratebeer I see reviewers from U.K., Norway and Poland, so these people must be getting it there somehow, unless they all visited the brewery.
When look at reviews for some of the most acclaimed US craft beers and then taste local Ontario craft beer I kind of feel like Im missing something. I may be wrong but it seems like some lackluster stuff gets a free pass due to local hipster cred and because its easy to beat the coors light and budweiser most people drink.
That could just be my palate though. A lot of it is milder stuff that seems to be made to appeal to people who are moving up from Coors and the like. I like my beer beefy and well balanced. Maybe Im just fussy. I happen to be enjoying an IPA from Hamilton at the moment though ;)
Haven't had any good craft beers lately, but if NZ brewed stuff is still like it used to be a couple years ago, then they hop the living hell out of the brew. Hoppier than Kermit the Frog on meth.
Quote from: alanp on April 26, 2017, 04:17:49 AM
Haven't had any good craft beers lately, but if NZ brewed stuff is still like it used to be a couple years ago, then they hop the living hell out of the brew. Hoppier than Kermit the Frog on meth.
Seems to be the trend everywhere as craft brewers multiply like crazy. I've read that IPAs are the easiest beer to make because the bitterness masks a lot of mistakes new brewers can make.
I spent years digging through the coolers trying to find a pilsner in there somewhere, but I've gotten used to the extreme hops these days.
Got a six pack of this Blonde Amber at home at it's pretty great - and a break from the bitter. My first go at Pyramid Brewing in Seattle.
(https://i2.wp.com/wine-beer-washington.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/2017_CURVEBALL_12ozBottle.png)
I'm really not very picky, i just like being able to come home with a bunch of single cans/bottles i've never tried or heard of before.
Interesting about the IPA, anecdotally at least they do seem to dominate the offerings i see on the shelves.
dave
Its crazy that IPAs can actually fry your taste buds
Not permanently but still......
Quote from: jubal81 on April 26, 2017, 05:02:06 AM
Quote from: alanp on April 26, 2017, 04:17:49 AM
Haven't had any good craft beers lately, but if NZ brewed stuff is still like it used to be a couple years ago, then they hop the living hell out of the brew. Hoppier than Kermit the Frog on meth.
Seems to be the trend everywhere as craft brewers multiply like crazy. I've read that IPAs are the easiest beer to make because the bitterness masks a lot of mistakes new brewers can make.
I spent years digging through the coolers trying to find a pilsner in there somewhere, but I've gotten used to the extreme hops these days.
Got a six pack of this Blonde Amber at home at it's pretty great - and a break from the bitter. My first go at Pyramid Brewing in Seattle.
(https://i2.wp.com/wine-beer-washington.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/2017_CURVEBALL_12ozBottle.png)
Pyramid apricot wheat is awesome.
Quote from: jubal81 on April 26, 2017, 05:02:06 AM
Quote from: alanp on April 26, 2017, 04:17:49 AM
Haven't had any good craft beers lately, but if NZ brewed stuff is still like it used to be a couple years ago, then they hop the living hell out of the brew. Hoppier than Kermit the Frog on meth.
Seems to be the trend everywhere as craft brewers multiply like crazy. I've read that IPAs are the easiest beer to make because the bitterness masks a lot of mistakes new brewers can make.
I spent years digging through the coolers trying to find a pilsner in there somewhere, but I've gotten used to the extreme hops these days.
Got a six pack of this Blonde Amber at home at it's pretty great - and a break from the bitter. My first go at Pyramid Brewing in Seattle.
If you can find it, Mama's Little Yella Pils from Oskar Blues is a great craft pilsner. Also dig their Old Chubb scotch ale for a change of pace.
Just had one of these:
(http://www.eisenia.demon.nl/wormboy/monnicker.png)
Small new brewery "Bierderij Waterland". Interesting for me, as they are from the area where I grew up. In fact, the name of this organically brewn Tripel refers to the actual town I grew up in. And it actually tastes pretty good!
Quote from: Droogie on April 27, 2017, 07:55:11 PM
If you can find it, Mama's Little Yella Pils from Oskar Blues is a great craft pilsner. Also dig their Old Chubb scotch ale for a change of pace.
You nailed it. Had a Mama's 4-5 years ago, which was what got me on a quest to seek them out. Interestingly, the Post has a story today about Pils being the new trend.
Here's the link. Nice read (https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/make-room-hoppy-ipa-pilsener-is-the-buzzy-new-craft-beer/2017/04/28/9b58c962-2ac7-11e7-b605-33413c691853_story.html).
pilsner is one of those things that I just have very strong opinions about. its the beer a lot of us grew up with (bud, coors, etc) so we know what a middle of the road mass produced pils should taste like and probably little idea of what a good one should taste like. the few craft ones I had were still a little too hop forward for me.
Fresh Hop beer season official underway. There are several on tap around town now that the harvest is over. Fresh hops go in the kettle instead of hops extract. Definitely a bit different - fruitier, more complex, bitter with less bite. It's pretty nice.
(https://s26.postimg.org/60z4jka7t/IMG_0249.jpg)
Hops extract? I thought dried hops were the alternative to fresh.
Quote from: neandrewthal on September 30, 2017, 07:15:04 PM
Hops extract? I thought dried hops were the alternative to fresh.
Aye! Dried hops. They're smuched down into pellets like guinea pig feed, though. Interesting process.
Welp, it's Beer month again. Went looking for some fresh hop, but it's gonna be a few more days.
Didn't come away empty-handed, though. Snagged some Pearl Jam "Home Shows" ale by Georgetown. It's actually damn tasty - about as good as any session-style I've had. I'm surprised. Looked like a gimmick.
(https://s22.postimg.cc/719yj3nch/IMG_0516.jpg)
Quote from: jubal81 on September 12, 2018, 11:50:20 PM
Welp, it's Beer month again. Went looking for some fresh hop, but it's gonna be a few more days.
Didn't come away empty-handed, though. Snagged some Pearl Jam "Home Shows" ale by Georgetown. It's actually damn tasty - about as good as any session-style I've had. I'm surprised. Looked like a gimmick.
(https://s22.postimg.cc/719yj3nch/IMG_0516.jpg)
Maybe a gimmick, but it's gotta be better than the Iron Maiden Trooper beer. That stuff sucks.
(https://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/server2800/a04d0/products/15850/images/16912/iron-maiden-trooper-beer-4pack-16oz-cans__98596.1526522827.1280.1280.jpg?c=2)
Found this last Fall. Still cracks me up.
(http://i.imgur.com/TCbVo7al.jpg)
I'm partial to my local Rock Harbor beer
(http://koperski.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/2015-07-03-rockharbor-rockland-04.jpg)
Seattle Times did a really fun story about fresh hop season -- guys filling their cars to get them back to Seattle by the time the boil is ready.
https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/the-wonder-of-the-fresh-hop-how-washingtons-special-autumn-beer-gets-made/
Enjoying a Boundary Road Brewery _Powder Hound_, right now. Some citrus, a lot of hoppy resin, stays on the tongue for awhile. Quite nice. Extra Pale Ale.
Reminds me of the Good George beers I've tried in the past. (Different brewery, this one is based out of an old decommissioned church.)
Aha. Here we go. Prolly head our to some of the smaller in-town spots later today.
(https://i.postimg.cc/PrDyfjhp/IMG_0519.jpg)
Quote from: alanp on September 15, 2018, 05:59:18 AM
Enjoying a Boundary Road Brewery _Powder Hound_, right now. Some citrus, a lot of hoppy resin, stays on the tongue for awhile. Quite nice. Extra Pale Ale.
Reminds me of the Good George beers I've tried in the past. (Different brewery, this one is based out of an old decommissioned church.)
Nice. I've heard New Zealand produces some nice hops. There's an Oregon brewery that uses them for one of its Ales. Pretty tasty, but I didn't notice a huge difference.
I've planted some hops, next year will plant more, then start dividing scions after a few more years. There are some local micros out here that are very keen to get local hops if possible. It is not ideal growing conditions, but we'll see, I think the main thing will be keeping them out of the monsoon to avoid mildew, but I am already working on that for my tomatoes.
RE Local beers that are worth looking for if you are out this way (middle GA) Terrapin in Athens has many nice beers, Hopsecutioner is a favorite. Also The Sweetwater 420 Extra Pale Ale is tasty and brewed in ATL. But I don't suggest spending much time in ATL. Unless you really like driving crazy. Then go ahead and run the "Watermelon 500" as many times as you like. Old man timbo_93631 is happy to stay in Putnam County and occasionally drink some of that big city ATL beer.
Quote from: jubal81 on September 16, 2018, 08:01:37 PM
Nice. I've heard New Zealand produces some nice hops. There's an Oregon brewery that uses them for one of its Ales. Pretty tasty, but I didn't notice a huge difference.
That's funny, I read an interview years ago with a NZ brewer, who was quite proud about how he used American hops, not just the stuff grown in NZ :)