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Sorry about that. It wouldn't surprise me. Fredericksburg, VA is not a town with a good beer tradition.Besides, it was my wife's birthday. Went out to dinner. Did the presents thing. Then uh...went to bed early.
I love presents. Tried the Blue and Gray Lager the other day. Probably won't be trying that one again.
Oh no. Nothing to be sorry about. I'm all about trying new stuff, especially if it's local. They have an ale that's pretty highly rated on BA. Hopefully I'll be able to find it. The ratings aren't horrible for the lager at BA. Just had a funny aftertaste to me. Can't quite put my finger on it. Sort of a grapefruit aftertaste.Sorry about that. It wouldn't surprise me. Fredericksburg, VA is not a town with a good beer tradition.Besides, it was my wife's birthday. Went out to dinner. Did the presents thing. Then uh...went to bed early.
Often the 'grapefruit' aftertaste is the hops.I will look for the ale and let you know if I can find it. IIRC you work somewhat near me.
In the Hercules I drank, I could decern much through the hops. I don't know if that was because of my palate or the beer, but sweetness wasn't something that I noticed at all. It was very bitter and I felt it was somewhat one-dimensional. I'm not saying that is a bad thing because I still thought it was a very good beer, but (to me) the DFH90 was much better. I could taste all kinds of things going on with that beer. I'm still saving one bottle in my fridge, resisting the urge to drink it for over a week now. I don't know how much longer I can hold out.We could set up another beer trade sometime if you'd like. Heck, I'd be willing to make a straight Arrogant ******* for DFH90 trade. I think it is safe to say that those were our favorites.Im drinking a Hercules right now - my store just got a case in today, so I now carry this beer!!! Available anytime. Im lovin that. The DFH distributor in the area is pushing for my store to carry Avery, Boulder, and DFH beers. If that happens Im gonna #### a purple twinkie.Did you taste any sweetness in the Herc I sent? The one Im drinking definately is hoppy, but has a sweetness not far off from the DFH 90 minute, IMO. Im starting to wonder if the Herc I sent didnt get cooked along the way, but seeing how the others tasted alright, thats probably not the case.. I may need to send you another though because I experienced something similar with the 2 Racer 5 bombers I had (the 1st from the brewery via mail order, the 2nd from you) - The first one I drank I didnt taste much sweetness or balance at all until near the end of the bomber....I thought it was alot like the Hop-Ottin IPA - hops, hops, more hops, and not much behind them. But when I drank the one YOU sent, right off the bat the flowery sweetness was noticeable. VERY balanced. So I think you may need to try another bomber and revisit this beer. Its right up there with 90minute, but with a *tad* less sweetness. Its definately a little more bitter/hoppy than the 90min but not by a landslide. Its got great balance.I did drink the Hercules last night. Wow. That might be the hoppiest beer I've sampled to date. If Hop Ottin is a true hop bomb, Hercules is a freakin' ICBM. The first drink made my eyes water (not joking). Very good, but for me, it's not a beer that I would want more one of at a sitting. It's almost too much. Almost. Very good, however. Not all that complex, but it is what it is. A hoppin' nuke. I followed it with a SNPA, and I couldn't even taste it.I feel the same way as you about Hop Ottin'. It's a very good beer, but it is not all that complex and could use a bit more balance (like Racer 5). That said, it is still in my top five IPAs and is a beer that hop lovers must try. I'm glad that you got the chance.This is the best thread going right now.
We'll get another trade going soon FatMax. I can send you all the 90minute you want. Have you attacked Hercules yet? If so, whad'ya think?
Just finishing up the 1st Hop Ottin IPA. A pretty standard Northwest IPA. Good beer, just nothing new or exciting. Extreme hop bitterness, which I like in a beer. Really thirst quenching and easy drinking. Id like a tad more malt for more balance, but for flat out hoppiness, this beer fits the bill. Its a true Hop Bomb. Im glad I finally got my hands on some though, Ive been wanting to try ot for a while. I think Ill rev up the Racer 5 next.
I'm saving my last DFH 90 for awhile.
I agree with all these points Especially the Mirror Pond Pale. I also think Jubile Ale can be a decent session beer even thought its a winter seasonal.My local beer store has stocked Red Seals for awhile now, but I never looked closely enough to realize that it was put out by North Coast, and thus I have never tried one. I'm an idiot. I will correct that ASAP (probably this evening).
I have also seen Blue Heron around, but never gave it a try. Other than their seasonal, I'm not a big fan of Mendocino Brewing. To me, even the Red Tail and Eye of the Hawk are just OK. Nothing spectacular.
For the Super Bowl, I drank one bomber of AB and about a sixer of Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale. Mirror Pond is another beer that I feel doesn't get enough love. It isn't a big hopped PA like Sierra Nevada PA, but it still has a very good taste and works great as a session beer.
Strange that you didnt get much sweetness from the Herc.In the Hercules I drank, I could decern much through the hops. I don't know if that was because of my palate or the beer, but sweetness wasn't something that I noticed at all. It was very bitter and I felt it was somewhat one-dimensional. I'm not saying that is a bad thing because I still thought it was a very good beer, but (to me) the DFH90 was much better. I could taste all kinds of things going on with that beer. I'm still saving one bottle in my fridge, resisting the urge to drink it for over a week now. I don't know how much longer I can hold out.We could set up another beer trade sometime if you'd like. Heck, I'd be willing to make a straight Arrogant ******* for DFH90 trade. I think it is safe to say that those were our favorites.Im drinking a Hercules right now - my store just got a case in today, so I now carry this beer!!! Available anytime. Im lovin that. The DFH distributor in the area is pushing for my store to carry Avery, Boulder, and DFH beers. If that happens Im gonna #### a purple twinkie.Did you taste any sweetness in the Herc I sent? The one Im drinking definately is hoppy, but has a sweetness not far off from the DFH 90 minute, IMO. Im starting to wonder if the Herc I sent didnt get cooked along the way, but seeing how the others tasted alright, thats probably not the case.. I may need to send you another though because I experienced something similar with the 2 Racer 5 bombers I had (the 1st from the brewery via mail order, the 2nd from you) - The first one I drank I didnt taste much sweetness or balance at all until near the end of the bomber....I thought it was alot like the Hop-Ottin IPA - hops, hops, more hops, and not much behind them. But when I drank the one YOU sent, right off the bat the flowery sweetness was noticeable. VERY balanced. So I think you may need to try another bomber and revisit this beer. Its right up there with 90minute, but with a *tad* less sweetness. Its definately a little more bitter/hoppy than the 90min but not by a landslide. Its got great balance.I did drink the Hercules last night. Wow. That might be the hoppiest beer I've sampled to date. If Hop Ottin is a true hop bomb, Hercules is a freakin' ICBM. The first drink made my eyes water (not joking). Very good, but for me, it's not a beer that I would want more one of at a sitting. It's almost too much. Almost. Very good, however. Not all that complex, but it is what it is. A hoppin' nuke. I followed it with a SNPA, and I couldn't even taste it.I feel the same way as you about Hop Ottin'. It's a very good beer, but it is not all that complex and could use a bit more balance (like Racer 5). That said, it is still in my top five IPAs and is a beer that hop lovers must try. I'm glad that you got the chance.This is the best thread going right now.
We'll get another trade going soon FatMax. I can send you all the 90minute you want. Have you attacked Hercules yet? If so, whad'ya think?
Just finishing up the 1st Hop Ottin IPA. A pretty standard Northwest IPA. Good beer, just nothing new or exciting. Extreme hop bitterness, which I like in a beer. Really thirst quenching and easy drinking. Id like a tad more malt for more balance, but for flat out hoppiness, this beer fits the bill. Its a true Hop Bomb. Im glad I finally got my hands on some though, Ive been wanting to try ot for a while. I think Ill rev up the Racer 5 next.
I'm saving my last DFH 90 for awhile.
Looks like you couldnt hold onto tha 90min for too long though....lol
I'll have to ask you about these places the next time I go and see the parents.Unfortunately there has been a shortage of DFH 90 minute here in NC. Seems like the beer stores can never keep any in stock. I have had it on tap in a couple of places though (even better than in the bottle).Also just found out that a couple places in the Tampa area have 90 minute ON TAP.I may be picking up a case of 90min next week, so Ill have plenty.
Next trip to the beer store Im making a pit stop!
Do they also have the "hopinator"? I forget what its really called, but it have a dry hopping gizmo in the draft line. It literally dry hops the brew right before it hits your glass.... wait, maybe it was stone that made thing ...Also just found out that a couple places in the Tampa area have 90 minute ON TAP.I may be picking up a case of 90min next week, so Ill have plenty.
Next trip to the beer store Im making a pit stop!
No, it was DFH.Randall, the Enamel AnimalDo they also have the "hopinator"? I forget what its really called, but it have a dry hopping gizmo in the draft line. It literally dry hops the brew right before it hits your glass.... wait, maybe it was stone that made thing ...Also just found out that a couple places in the Tampa area have 90 minute ON TAP.I may be picking up a case of 90min next week, so Ill have plenty.
Next trip to the beer store Im making a pit stop!
NM
I was present when that picture of Sam pouring beer from the randall in to the pitcher was taken!Beer Yard, Wayne PA - what a night. Kicked a sixtel of the 90 in about 45 minutes.No, it was DFH.Randall, the Enamel AnimalDo they also have the "hopinator"? I forget what its really called, but it have a dry hopping gizmo in the draft line. It literally dry hops the brew right before it hits your glass.... wait, maybe it was stone that made thing ...Also just found out that a couple places in the Tampa area have 90 minute ON TAP.I may be picking up a case of 90min next week, so Ill have plenty.
Next trip to the beer store Im making a pit stop!
NM
I can only hope to find a place that serves beer through one of these.
Lucky!I was present when that picture of Sam pouring beer from the randall in to the pitcher was taken!Beer Yard, Wayne PA - what a night. Kicked a sixtel of the 90 in about 45 minutes.No, it was DFH.Randall, the Enamel AnimalDo they also have the "hopinator"? I forget what its really called, but it have a dry hopping gizmo in the draft line. It literally dry hops the brew right before it hits your glass.... wait, maybe it was stone that made thing ...Also just found out that a couple places in the Tampa area have 90 minute ON TAP.I may be picking up a case of 90min next week, so Ill have plenty.
Next trip to the beer store Im making a pit stop!
NM
I can only hope to find a place that serves beer through one of these.
I love you man . . .
New Glarus Hearty Hop?
I loves me some Titan. Im starting to like the Hercules better though, much like I started preferring DFH 90min over 60min in the last few weeks. I also think my favorite style is becoming Double IPA. Ive only tried Alpha King once, it was pretty damn good. Ill be trying Dreadnaught in 2 weeks. High expectations for that one.
review?
Deschutes makes some good beers (Mirror Pond Ale, Black Butte Porter, Obsidian Stout and Jubelale are all good).
sake bombers?
no - just the beerAnd I'm not hungover.
I was going to run to the store tonight and get some spotted cow, but if there is a good review I might have to try the above.
i'm probably going to crack one of these tonite..
One of the best Imperial Stouts I have ever had was brewed there.
I know the brewer at the Mendocino in Saratoga (Paul) - when they give him free reign over a recipe, he brews some tasty, tasty beer. The Winter Ales and Summer Ales are his recipes, while the Raptor brews (White Tail, etc) are the corporate recipes. Apparently the water chemistry is a bit different in Saratoga, which gives the East Coast mendo brews a slightly different flavor than the West Coast ones and it doesn't translate as well as it could. They get it as close as possible, though.I agree - this year's Winter Ale was a kickass brew. GREAT hop combination in that one. My case is long gone, but the local distributor has some left.Mendocino's 2005 Winter Ale is(was) insanely good. A great DIPA. I still have 10 bottles left from 2 cases I bought early December. Im having one right now.
I havent been impressed with their regular beers, either. The IPA isnt horrible, but nowhere close to top notch.
I will be drinking Black and Tans in about an hour
Spread the Gospel Jaysus.
you should be happy for meI will be drinking Black and Tans in about an hour
Just jealous.
You could say that
