What kind of beer is everyone drinking tonight? (7 Viewers)

[tangfoot]

If you were having 18 of your closest FFA friends over for a three day weekend culminating with the SB on Sunday night. How much beer would you buy and what kind?WE will have a hundred bottles of wine available,and a few handles of tequila, bourbon and Vodka and haf dozen bottles of misc. booze.I'm thinking10 Cases Lone Star3 cases Bombshell Blonde3 cases Fireman's #43 cases Negro Modelo3 cases Independence BootleggersI want to keep it under $500 for beer. Lone Star is no prize, but may need it to bring the cost down enough to slake everyones thirst

If I came over I wouldn't be excited about anything you listed. Someone mentioned you were in Austin? Get some Jester King in there. If the beer is going to suck make sure you have good ingredients for booze. Fresh limes, lemons good mixers(ginger beer, tonic, soda, fruit juice, flavored soda, sweet and sour....)

If we're going to turn our nose up at free beer, keep in mind that it can't all be Westvleteren XII and Schmitt's Gay. To be fair, I don't think the idea is to taste the hint of dingleberries and fonch after a hoppy finish while opining on the irony of Sam Adams still being called a microbrewery. The idea is to have decent beers that different people from different areas of the country with different tastes can agree on to drink as much as they want of for 3 days.

So you've never turned down a free beer? I have and will many times over. I will never drink a ####ty beer. Ever. I'll take a water please and thank you. Or some Tequila or Scotch please. Perrier? Sounds great. "decent beers that different people from different areas of the country with different tastes can agree on to drink as much as they want of for 3 days." This is much easier to accomplish these day than it used to be. I know I am spoiled by living in the beer capital of the world(San Diego), but I think you can give every guest a variety of beers they may like that are all either brewed locally, or at least owned domestically (i.e. No InBev or Miller/Coors) with just a little effort. This is a good thread. Tell us where you live and we will help.

You sound like a real hoot

Sebowski might be intimidating to invite to a beer party, but is a great guy to do a trade with. #russianriver

Seconded. I need to get another bottle of that Bloody Mary mix and the Ballast Point gin.

 

[mr. furley]

Rush River Amber Ale out of River Falls, WINot a big amber guy, this is just meh. 5/10.

Bubble Jack and Double Bubble Jack are supposed to be good

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

If you were having 18 of your closest FFA friends over for a three day weekend culminating with the SB on Sunday night. How much beer would you buy and what kind?WE will have a hundred bottles of wine available,and a few handles of tequila, bourbon and Vodka and haf dozen bottles of misc. booze.I'm thinking10 Cases Lone Star3 cases Bombshell Blonde3 cases Fireman's #43 cases Negro Modelo3 cases Independence BootleggersI want to keep it under $500 for beer. Lone Star is no prize, but may need it to bring the cost down enough to slake everyones thirst

Why not get a keg of some decent local stuff and then just supplement with a few cases of these beers? If there are beer snob guys in the group (like me), they'll probably want to make a beer run anyway.

I really considered this. But its been my experience that when you have a keg, people tend to get much more ####-faced much earlier. I want alcohol-enhanced merriment all weekend, but not really wanting to deal with 20 drunks by 5pm every day.

You might need to get some different friends, gb.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Stopped by the Olive Tree and scooped:4 16oz Pliney the Elder1 22oz Alesmith IPA6 pack or Sculpin IPASitting at the Brigantine siping on a Lagunitas IPA.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Sebowski is just a no-good ticker I am drinking Sculpin.

 

[The Gator]

Sebowski is just a no-good ticker

 

[charvik]

but not really wanting to deal with 20 drunks by 5pm every day.

 

[Sebowski]

Stopped by the Olive Tree and scooped:4 16oz Pliney the Elder1 22oz Alesmith IPA6 pack or Sculpin IPASitting at the Brigantine siping on a Lagunitas IPA.

Nice. Every do the Tasting Room in there?

 

[Sebowski]

Sebowski is just a no-good ticker

Actually just checked in to my 100th Nelson. No ticker checks in to the same beer that many times.

 

[Sebowski]

If you were having 18 of your closest FFA friends over for a three day weekend culminating with the SB on Sunday night. How much beer would you buy and what kind?WE will have a hundred bottles of wine available,and a few handles of tequila, bourbon and Vodka and haf dozen bottles of misc. booze.I'm thinking10 Cases Lone Star3 cases Bombshell Blonde3 cases Fireman's #43 cases Negro Modelo3 cases Independence BootleggersI want to keep it under $500 for beer. Lone Star is no prize, but may need it to bring the cost down enough to slake everyones thirst

If I came over I wouldn't be excited about anything you listed. Someone mentioned you were in Austin? Get some Jester King in there. If the beer is going to suck make sure you have good ingredients for booze. Fresh limes, lemons good mixers(ginger beer, tonic, soda, fruit juice, flavored soda, sweet and sour....)

If we're going to turn our nose up at free beer, keep in mind that it can't all be Westvleteren XII and Schmitt's Gay. To be fair, I don't think the idea is to taste the hint of dingleberries and fonch after a hoppy finish while opining on the irony of Sam Adams still being called a microbrewery. The idea is to have decent beers that different people from different areas of the country with different tastes can agree on to drink as much as they want of for 3 days.

So you've never turned down a free beer? I have and will many times over. I will never drink a ####ty beer. Ever. I'll take a water please and thank you. Or some Tequila or Scotch please. Perrier? Sounds great. "decent beers that different people from different areas of the country with different tastes can agree on to drink as much as they want of for 3 days." This is much easier to accomplish these day than it used to be. I know I am spoiled by living in the beer capital of the world(San Diego), but I think you can give every guest a variety of beers they may like that are all either brewed locally, or at least owned domestically (i.e. No InBev or Miller/Coors) with just a little effort. This is a good thread. Tell us where you live and we will help.

You sound like a real hoot

Sebowski might be intimidating to invite to a beer party, but is a great guy to do a trade with. #russianriver

Seconded. I need to get another bottle of that Bloody Mary mix and the Ballast Point gin.

Anytime

 

[Steve Tasker]

Green Flash/St. Feuillen Friendship BrewMeh. Don't bother with this one.

 

[ditka311]

Is Ruthless Rye available in the Midwest yet? I saw it was released in CA but haven't seen it in Chicagoland yet. I haven't checked this weekend yet, however.

 

[Ilov80s]

120 Minute IPA, I don't know if I ever actually had this. It's very good, but I won't be searching it out again. It just doesn't stand up when I have recently had Hopslam, Double Jack, and Ninja vs Unicorn.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Is Ruthless Rye available in the Midwest yet? I saw it was released in CA but haven't seen it in Chicagoland yet. I haven't checked this weekend yet, however.

We have it in Buffalo, NY. I've heard mixed reviews about this batch, but I haven't had it this year.

 

[Steve Tasker]

120 Minute IPA, I don't know if I ever actually had this. It's very good, but I won't be searching it out again. It just doesn't stand up when I have recently had Hopslam, Double Jack, and Ninja vs Unicorn.

I know it's billed as an IPA, but I'd almost classify it as a different style than those other ones. I'd almost call it, like, an India Pale Barleywine. The closest one you've listed, IMO, is probably Hopslam. Ninja vs. Unicorn is pretty far on the spectrum from 120 Minute.All good beers though.

 

[Ilov80s]

120 Minute IPA, I don't know if I ever actually had this. It's very good, but I won't be searching it out again. It just doesn't stand up when I have recently had Hopslam, Double Jack, and Ninja vs Unicorn.

I know it's billed as an IPA, but I'd almost classify it as a different style than those other ones. I'd almost call it, like, an India Pale Barleywine. The closest one you've listed, IMO, is probably Hopslam. Ninja vs. Unicorn is pretty far on the spectrum from 120 Minute.All good beers though.

Why would you say that? What are the differences that define those categories?

 

[Steve Tasker]

120 Minute IPA, I don't know if I ever actually had this. It's very good, but I won't be searching it out again. It just doesn't stand up when I have recently had Hopslam, Double Jack, and Ninja vs Unicorn.

I know it's billed as an IPA, but I'd almost classify it as a different style than those other ones. I'd almost call it, like, an India Pale Barleywine. The closest one you've listed, IMO, is probably Hopslam. Ninja vs. Unicorn is pretty far on the spectrum from 120 Minute.All good beers though.

Why would you say that? What are the differences that define those categories?

I don't know. I've only had 120 Minute probably twice. I recall it being a lot maltier, sweeter, a lot heavier, a lot heavier than your "basic" IPA/DIPA. I guess when I think of IPA, I think more along the lines of a somewhat lighter beer, big on the hops, with (to an extent) some sort of floral/pine/citrus type of taste. When I think of a big, "chewy", deeper maltier beer, I think barleywine, and I don't think 120 is too far off from that from the times I've had it. There's certainly a hop character to it, it's just....different, for lack of a better term.Doesn't really matter how you classify it, it's still a great beer. But if it's an IPA, it's certainly an outlier for the style, IMO.

 

[Ilov80s]

120 Minute IPA, I don't know if I ever actually had this. It's very good, but I won't be searching it out again. It just doesn't stand up when I have recently had Hopslam, Double Jack, and Ninja vs Unicorn.

I know it's billed as an IPA, but I'd almost classify it as a different style than those other ones. I'd almost call it, like, an India Pale Barleywine. The closest one you've listed, IMO, is probably Hopslam. Ninja vs. Unicorn is pretty far on the spectrum from 120 Minute.All good beers though.

Why would you say that? What are the differences that define those categories?

I don't know. I've only had 120 Minute probably twice. I recall it being a lot maltier, sweeter, a lot heavier, a lot heavier than your "basic" IPA/DIPA. I guess when I think of IPA, I think more along the lines of a somewhat lighter beer, big on the hops, with (to an extent) some sort of floral/pine/citrus type of taste. When I think of a big, "chewy", deeper maltier beer, I think barleywine, and I don't think 120 is too far off from that from the times I've had it. There's certainly a hop character to it, it's just....different, for lack of a better term.Doesn't really matter how you classify it, it's still a great beer. But if it's an IPA, it's certainly an outlier for the style, IMO.

Ok, just curious as you really seem to know a lot about beer and I enjoy reading your thoughts/recommendations. Between this, the music,boxing threads, and a few other, I think we may be living nearly the same life.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Honey Brown. Eh.

 

[Steve Tasker]

120 Minute IPA, I don't know if I ever actually had this. It's very good, but I won't be searching it out again. It just doesn't stand up when I have recently had Hopslam, Double Jack, and Ninja vs Unicorn.

I know it's billed as an IPA, but I'd almost classify it as a different style than those other ones. I'd almost call it, like, an India Pale Barleywine. The closest one you've listed, IMO, is probably Hopslam. Ninja vs. Unicorn is pretty far on the spectrum from 120 Minute.All good beers though.

Why would you say that? What are the differences that define those categories?

I don't know. I've only had 120 Minute probably twice. I recall it being a lot maltier, sweeter, a lot heavier, a lot heavier than your "basic" IPA/DIPA. I guess when I think of IPA, I think more along the lines of a somewhat lighter beer, big on the hops, with (to an extent) some sort of floral/pine/citrus type of taste. When I think of a big, "chewy", deeper maltier beer, I think barleywine, and I don't think 120 is too far off from that from the times I've had it. There's certainly a hop character to it, it's just....different, for lack of a better term.Doesn't really matter how you classify it, it's still a great beer. But if it's an IPA, it's certainly an outlier for the style, IMO.

Ok, just curious as you really seem to know a lot about beer and I enjoy reading your thoughts/recommendations. Between this, the music,boxing threads, and a few other, I think we may be living nearly the same life.

I've noticed. Too bad you're not a soccer fan too.Captain Lawrence Imperial IPA x2 at dinner. Second one was free.

 

[STBootleg]

Shock Top Pumpkin Wheat.It was a free 12 pack from the beer vendor where my wife works. Not too bad especialy for free.

 

[Ilov80s]

120 Minute IPA, I don't know if I ever actually had this. It's very good, but I won't be searching it out again. It just doesn't stand up when I have recently had Hopslam, Double Jack, and Ninja vs Unicorn.

I know it's billed as an IPA, but I'd almost classify it as a different style than those other ones. I'd almost call it, like, an India Pale Barleywine. The closest one you've listed, IMO, is probably Hopslam. Ninja vs. Unicorn is pretty far on the spectrum from 120 Minute.All good beers though.

Why would you say that? What are the differences that define those categories?

I don't know. I've only had 120 Minute probably twice. I recall it being a lot maltier, sweeter, a lot heavier, a lot heavier than your "basic" IPA/DIPA. I guess when I think of IPA, I think more along the lines of a somewhat lighter beer, big on the hops, with (to an extent) some sort of floral/pine/citrus type of taste. When I think of a big, "chewy", deeper maltier beer, I think barleywine, and I don't think 120 is too far off from that from the times I've had it. There's certainly a hop character to it, it's just....different, for lack of a better term.Doesn't really matter how you classify it, it's still a great beer. But if it's an IPA, it's certainly an outlier for the style, IMO.

Ok, just curious as you really seem to know a lot about beer and I enjoy reading your thoughts/recommendations. Between this, the music,boxing threads, and a few other, I think we may be living nearly the same life.

I've noticed. Too bad you're not a soccer fan too.Captain Lawrence Imperial IPA x2 at dinner. Second one was free.

I do like soccer, I just don't really follow much beyond World Cup and some Champions League. I played my entire life though. I drank cocktails at dinner tonight, house smoked bourbon manhattens. However, I do have some Jolly Pumpkin Dark Dawn Stout for the fights tonight.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

120 Minute IPA, I don't know if I ever actually had this. It's very good, but I won't be searching it out again. It just doesn't stand up when I have recently had Hopslam, Double Jack, and Ninja vs Unicorn.

I know it's billed as an IPA, but I'd almost classify it as a different style than those other ones. I'd almost call it, like, an India Pale Barleywine. The closest one you've listed, IMO, is probably Hopslam. Ninja vs. Unicorn is pretty far on the spectrum from 120 Minute.All good beers though.

Why would you say that? What are the differences that define those categories?

I don't know. I've only had 120 Minute probably twice. I recall it being a lot maltier, sweeter, a lot heavier, a lot heavier than your "basic" IPA/DIPA. I guess when I think of IPA, I think more along the lines of a somewhat lighter beer, big on the hops, with (to an extent) some sort of floral/pine/citrus type of taste. When I think of a big, "chewy", deeper maltier beer, I think barleywine, and I don't think 120 is too far off from that from the times I've had it. There's certainly a hop character to it, it's just....different, for lack of a better term.Doesn't really matter how you classify it, it's still a great beer. But if it's an IPA, it's certainly an outlier for the style, IMO.

I agree. There's a thin line between an american barleywine and a double IPA (which almost by definition is a purely American beer.) They have similar ibu's and abv's, but my impression is the IPA will have more late hops and dry hops adding the strong hop aroma, while the barleywine will be left a bit sweeter and maltier, more suitable for aging.I've had a few Lagunitas Sucks tonight manning the grill; am eyeing one of the sour beers Sebowski sent me for after we've put the kids to bed.

 

[flysack]

Just stopping by to let you all know I'm drinking Guinness again, with shots Jameson's. Be back next month to say the same.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Firestone Walker XVI Anniversary

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Harp and Maker's MarkOh wait, this isn't the drunk thread.

 

[17seconds]

couple of glasses of 2009 Rhone wine then following that up with a few Stellas

 

[cosjobs]

couple of glasses of 2009 Rhone wine then following that up with a few Stellas

Did you ever fill up your cellar?

 

[17seconds]

couple of glasses of 2009 Rhone wine then following that up with a few Stellas

Did you ever fill up your cellar?

nopedaunting and expensive task that one

 

[cosjobs]

couple of glasses of 2009 Rhone wine then following that up with a few Stellas

Did you ever fill up your cellar?

nopedaunting and expensive task that one

Yes it is. Wait until you convert a room. You are fortunate to like Rhones. Grenache is not a particularly popular grape right now, so the prices are good. Also, I think Spain is growing some amazing garnacha nowadays and its cheaper than the Rhones (but less nuanced and delicate). Best time to stock a cellar is around Aug-Sept. That's when the stores start clearing their shelves for the new shipments. I probably buy 80% of my wines in those two months.

 

[Sebowski]

couple of glasses of 2009 Rhone wine then following that up with a few Stellas

Did you ever fill up your cellar?

nopedaunting and expensive task that one

Yes it is. Wait until you convert a room. You are fortunate to like Rhones. Grenache is not a particularly popular grape right now, so the prices are good. Also, I think Spain is growing some amazing garnacha nowadays and its cheaper than the Rhones (but less nuanced and delicate). Best time to stock a cellar is around Aug-Sept. That's when the stores start clearing their shelves for the new shipments. I probably buy 80% of my wines in those two months.

 

[FairWarning]

Founders Bolt Cutterbeersnob

 

[the moops]

Founders Bolt Cutterbeersnob

Founders Dirty *******

 

[FairWarning]

Founders Bolt Cutterbeersnob

Founders Dirty *******

Very good too.Monday - Greenbush brewery.

 

[Fantasy_Freak]

So far 2 Bells Hopslam, probably one more then call it a night.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Founders Bolt Cutterbeersnob

niiiiicelike 15% ABV

 

[FairWarning]

Founders Bolt Cutterbeersnob

niiiiicelike 15% ABV

And it doesn't taste as harsh as other DIPA's. Has a little caramel taste at the end. It may be the best beer i ever had. It was $23 for a 22 oz bottle.

 

[-arcK-]

Just had my first Mephistopheles... WOW!!!

 

[Mr.Pack]

Monkey Wheat

 

[Txns8]

Uruguayan beer - Patricia1st one of many here in Montevideo on a business trip.

 

[Txns8]

Uruguayan beer - Patricia1st one of many here in Montevideo on a business trip.

 

[Please See Mine]

120 Minute IPA, I don't know if I ever actually had this. It's very good, but I won't be searching it out again. It just doesn't stand up when I have recently had Hopslam, Double Jack, and Ninja vs Unicorn.

I know it's billed as an IPA, but I'd almost classify it as a different style than those other ones. I'd almost call it, like, an India Pale Barleywine. The closest one you've listed, IMO, is probably Hopslam. Ninja vs. Unicorn is pretty far on the spectrum from 120 Minute.All good beers though.

Why would you say that? What are the differences that define those categories?

I don't know. I've only had 120 Minute probably twice. I recall it being a lot maltier, sweeter, a lot heavier, a lot heavier than your "basic" IPA/DIPA. I guess when I think of IPA, I think more along the lines of a somewhat lighter beer, big on the hops, with (to an extent) some sort of floral/pine/citrus type of taste. When I think of a big, "chewy", deeper maltier beer, I think barleywine, and I don't think 120 is too far off from that from the times I've had it. There's certainly a hop character to it, it's just....different, for lack of a better term.Doesn't really matter how you classify it, it's still a great beer. But if it's an IPA, it's certainly an outlier for the style, IMO.

This is correct. And it's also like 15-18% ABV.Also, interesting comment about the Ruthless Rye. I've always liked it, but I grabbed a 6-pack the other day and wasn't nearly as enthusiastic about it.

 

[3C's]

Alewerks Old StitchAlewerks Bourbon Barrel PorterSN Ruthless Rye

 

[Sebowski]

Beers that aren't IPAs: 120Bolt Cutter

 

[Slapdash]

This has become a Top 3 reason why I like living here. Going to a tasting room at a brewery is like going to a bar without going to a bar. Casual and not weird for a married guy with kids. Most of these places allow kids (and dogs). They also have awesome gourmet food trucks and football or basketball on TV. Pretty much an ideal hangout.America's Best Beer Towns

Number One: San Diego, CaliforniaWith superstars like AleSmith, Green Flash, Coronado, Port, Lost Abbey, Alpine, Stone, Societe, Ballast Point, Iron Fist, Mike Hess Brewing, the remarkable and venerable Karl Strauss Brewing, and the emerging AutomaticBrewingCo., and Rip Current, its inarguable that SDCA has more sheer brilliance per square mile than any other American city. Hosting Stone, Port/Lost Abbey, Alpine, and AleSmith alone would have made the SD area Top Dawg but both the numbers and quality seal the deal. According to the state of CA, the metro area surrounding SD currently has 39 pending brewery licenses. Obviously, quality breeds quality and the future for this SoCal vacation paradise is so bright they have to brew wearing shades. San Diego is simply the best brewing city in America.

Asheville gets way too little credit on this list because their beers (outside of Highland) aren't widely distributed and bottled. French Broad and Green Man are very solid breweries, both make a good ESB, but it is hard to find their stuff even here in nearby Charlotte. Speaking of beers that aren't distributed, I had a really great time in the Thirsty Bear in SF.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

This has become a Top 3 reason why I like living here. Going to a tasting room at a brewery is like going to a bar without going to a bar. Casual and not weird for a married guy with kids. Most of these places allow kids (and dogs). They also have awesome gourmet food trucks and football or basketball on TV. Pretty much an ideal hangout.America's Best Beer Towns

Number One: San Diego, CaliforniaWith superstars like AleSmith, Green Flash, Coronado, Port, Lost Abbey, Alpine, Stone, Societe, Ballast Point, Iron Fist, Mike Hess Brewing, the remarkable and venerable Karl Strauss Brewing, and the emerging AutomaticBrewingCo., and Rip Current, it’s inarguable that SDCA has more sheer brilliance per square mile than any other American city. Hosting Stone, Port/Lost Abbey, Alpine, and AleSmith alone would have made the SD area Top Dawg but both the numbers and quality seal the deal. According to the state of CA, the metro area surrounding SD currently has 39 pending brewery licenses. Obviously, quality breeds quality and the future for this SoCal vacation paradise is so bright they have to brew wearing shades. San Diego is simply the best brewing city in America.

Asheville gets way too little credit on this list because their beers (outside of Highland) aren't widely distributed and bottled. French Broad and Green Man are very solid breweries, both make a good ESB, but it is hard to find their stuff even here in nearby Charlotte. Speaking of beers that aren't distributed, I had a really great time in the Thirsty Bear in SF.

Didn't Sierra Nevada just open a second brewery in or near Asheville? Do they have a taproom? Best US brewery imo.

 

[urbanhack]

This has become a Top 3 reason why I like living here. Going to a tasting room at a brewery is like going to a bar without going to a bar. Casual and not weird for a married guy with kids. Most of these places allow kids (and dogs). They also have awesome gourmet food trucks and football or basketball on TV. Pretty much an ideal hangout.America's Best Beer Towns

Number One: San Diego, CaliforniaWith superstars like AleSmith, Green Flash, Coronado, Port, Lost Abbey, Alpine, Stone, Societe, Ballast Point, Iron Fist, Mike Hess Brewing, the remarkable and venerable Karl Strauss Brewing, and the emerging AutomaticBrewingCo., and Rip Current, it’s inarguable that SDCA has more sheer brilliance per square mile than any other American city. Hosting Stone, Port/Lost Abbey, Alpine, and AleSmith alone would have made the SD area Top Dawg but both the numbers and quality seal the deal. According to the state of CA, the metro area surrounding SD currently has 39 pending brewery licenses. Obviously, quality breeds quality and the future for this SoCal vacation paradise is so bright they have to brew wearing shades. San Diego is simply the best brewing city in America.

And your go-to beer is Fat Tire?

 

[Slapdash]

This has become a Top 3 reason why I like living here. Going to a tasting room at a brewery is like going to a bar without going to a bar. Casual and not weird for a married guy with kids. Most of these places allow kids (and dogs). They also have awesome gourmet food trucks and football or basketball on TV. Pretty much an ideal hangout.America's Best Beer Towns

Number One: San Diego, CaliforniaWith superstars like AleSmith, Green Flash, Coronado, Port, Lost Abbey, Alpine, Stone, Societe, Ballast Point, Iron Fist, Mike Hess Brewing, the remarkable and venerable Karl Strauss Brewing, and the emerging AutomaticBrewingCo., and Rip Current, its inarguable that SDCA has more sheer brilliance per square mile than any other American city. Hosting Stone, Port/Lost Abbey, Alpine, and AleSmith alone would have made the SD area Top Dawg but both the numbers and quality seal the deal. According to the state of CA, the metro area surrounding SD currently has 39 pending brewery licenses. Obviously, quality breeds quality and the future for this SoCal vacation paradise is so bright they have to brew wearing shades. San Diego is simply the best brewing city in America.

Asheville gets way too little credit on this list because their beers (outside of Highland) aren't widely distributed and bottled. French Broad and Green Man are very solid breweries, both make a good ESB, but it is hard to find their stuff even here in nearby Charlotte. Speaking of beers that aren't distributed, I had a really great time in the Thirsty Bear in SF.

Didn't Sierra Nevada just open a second brewery in or near Asheville? Do they have a taproom? Best US brewery imo.

I beleive Sierra Nevada, Oskar Blues, and New Belgium are all opening up breweries in Asheville. I don't think any of them are complete yet though.There is a lot of good beer coming out in North Carolina. There are three microbreweries within a mile of my house right now.

 

[GDogg]

120 Minute IPA, I don't know if I ever actually had this. It's very good, but I won't be searching it out again. It just doesn't stand up when I have recently had Hopslam, Double Jack, and Ninja vs Unicorn.

I know it's billed as an IPA, but I'd almost classify it as a different style than those other ones. I'd almost call it, like, an India Pale Barleywine. The closest one you've listed, IMO, is probably Hopslam. Ninja vs. Unicorn is pretty far on the spectrum from 120 Minute.All good beers though.

Why would you say that? What are the differences that define those categories?

I don't know. I've only had 120 Minute probably twice. I recall it being a lot maltier, sweeter, a lot heavier, a lot heavier than your "basic" IPA/DIPA. I guess when I think of IPA, I think more along the lines of a somewhat lighter beer, big on the hops, with (to an extent) some sort of floral/pine/citrus type of taste. When I think of a big, "chewy", deeper maltier beer, I think barleywine, and I don't think 120 is too far off from that from the times I've had it. There's certainly a hop character to it, it's just....different, for lack of a better term.Doesn't really matter how you classify it, it's still a great beer. But if it's an IPA, it's certainly an outlier for the style, IMO.

I agree. There's a thin line between an american barleywine and a double IPA (which almost by definition is a purely American beer.) They have similar ibu's and abv's, but my impression is the IPA will have more late hops and dry hops adding the strong hop aroma, while the barleywine will be left a bit sweeter and maltier, more suitable for aging.I've had a few Lagunitas Sucks tonight manning the grill; am eyeing one of the sour beers Sebowski sent me for after we've put the kids to bed.

I'll be having a few of those tonight, myself.

 

[Please See Mine]

Anyone recommend some good sours?I have historically been a hophead, but getting into these now. Aside from a couple small local ones, I've liked Rodenbach's and St. Louis Gueuze.