What kind of beer is everyone drinking tonight? (5 Viewers)

[The Gator]

Alesmith IPA

Never heard of it

Hey, get your own shtick. I'm the forgetful one.

What?

 

[3C's]

Alesmith IPA

Never heard of it

Hey, get your own shtick. I'm the forgetful one.

What?

Don't you mess with me. I had a whole thing, something typed up and hit refresh. And it all went away.

 

[Skylord]

OK. Gonna try a beer which I have never seen nor heard anything about.

Hopback Summer Lightning. Its English so it could, well...suck. But its worth a try.

 

[The Gator]

Alesmith IPA

Never heard of it

Hey, get your own shtick. I'm the forgetful one.

What?

Don't you mess with me. I had a whole thing, something typed up and hit refresh. And it all went away.

 

[Skylord]

Alesmith IPA

Never heard of it

Hey, get your own shtick. I'm the forgetful one.

What?

Don't you mess with me. I had a whole thing, something typed up and hit refresh. And it all went away.

Where's Furley? I feel like he should be here, confused by this post.

 

[bakes]

Gonna finish off the night with a Hops Infusion. Remember trying this a few years ago when I first started getting into good beer and not liking it. Hopefully it's better now.

Massively better - there is now malt to balance the hops and a really neat hop profile as well. Did you get one with the yellow label, or the one with the blue label with a big green hop on the sonofagun?

Yellow. Looks just like this. Is the blue the old one? It does seem to be pretty well balanced. As I remember from before, it was a bit (understatement) hop overloaded. I'm liking it.

That's the last of the old label. The new one looks like this. Same brew, though - they changed the recipe about 6 months ago.

Sweet looking label. Never seen it. I didn't think the blue was old. This one is all I remember seeing. Definitely a different taste though.I know you saw my post about the new brewey near me. Don't know if you caught the part about him learning (a bit) from Andy at St. George. Gives me a bit of hope that more good beer will be brewed in the area. Gonna call them in the next few days to see how they're progressing.

Cool. St. George's is one of the underrated breweries in the mid-Atlantic - solid beers. Definitely holds promise for the new place.

 

[Fullback Fro]

Maharaja - Imperial IPA - Damn. I really like this beer. Batch 3 was bottled Feb 06. I suspected I would be dissapointed based on the ba reviews but talk about grapefruit. Nice hop character. Good mouthfeel. Slippery good.

 

[Fullback Fro]

Maharaja - Imperial IPA - Damn. I really like this beer. Batch 3 was bottled Feb 06. I suspected I would be dissapointed based on the ba reviews but talk about grapefruit. Nice hop character. Good mouthfeel. Slippery good.

Props to Wingnut for the trade.

 

[3C's]

I'm having an Alt from Otter Creek. Not bad, but I'm sure I've had better.

 

[The Gator]

I'm having an Alt from Otter Creek. Not bad, but I'm sure I've had better.

Is this the "whole thing" you had typed and lost?

 

[3C's]

Maharaja - Imperial IPA - Damn. I really like this beer. Batch 3 was bottled Feb 06. I suspected I would be dissapointed based on the ba reviews but talk about grapefruit. Nice hop character. Good mouthfeel. Slippery good.

I liked it. Good stuff.

 

[3C's]

I'm having an Alt from Otter Creek. Not bad, but I'm sure I've had better.

Is this the "whole thing" you had typed and lost?

What?

 

[Skylord]

In a somewhat related yet unrelated note, I've decided to get rid of all but one of my pint glasses. I figure a pint glass is for specific types of beer, just like the various tulips, flutes, wide rims, etc. No need to have six.

I've got too many glasses and its cluttering up my bar area. Every time I go to the Stuffed Sandwich I forget my glass and have to buy a new one (and one for my wife) so my collection is growing out of control. I wouldn't have this problem if I remembered to bring a glass to SS.

 

[The Gator]

I'm having an Alt from Otter Creek. Not bad, but I'm sure I've had better.

Is this the "whole thing" you had typed and lost?

What?

 

[3C's]

I'm having an Alt from Otter Creek. Not bad, but I'm sure I've had better.

Is this the "whole thing" you had typed and lost?

What?

 

[The Gator]

I'm having an Alt from Otter Creek. Not bad, but I'm sure I've had better.

Is this the "whole thing" you had typed and lost?

What?

I think this has turned into the What are you drinking/Drunk posting thread.

 

[3C's]

In a somewhat related yet unrelated note, I've decided to get rid of all but one of my pint glasses. I figure a pint glass is for specific types of beer, just like the various tulips, flutes, wide rims, etc. No need to have six.

I've got too many glasses and its cluttering up my bar area. Every time I go to the Stuffed Sandwich I forget my glass and have to buy a new one (and one for my wife) so my collection is growing out of control. I wouldn't have this problem if I remembered to bring a glass to SS.

I know I'm un-cufe. I figure a pint glass covers the greatest amount of beers I drink. I use a weizen glass for Hefe's. The Chimay goblet for Belgians. Pint glass for almost everything else.

 

[Skylord]

In a somewhat related yet unrelated note, I've decided to get rid of all but one of my pint glasses. I figure a pint glass is for specific types of beer, just like the various tulips, flutes, wide rims, etc. No need to have six.

I've got too many glasses and its cluttering up my bar area. Every time I go to the Stuffed Sandwich I forget my glass and have to buy a new one (and one for my wife) so my collection is growing out of control. I wouldn't have this problem if I remembered to bring a glass to SS.

I know I'm un-cufe. I figure a pint glass covers the greatest amount of beers I drink. I use a weizen glass for Hefe's. The Chimay goblet for Belgians. Pint glass for almost everything else.

When in doubt, I go with the Duvel glass that comes with the beer set.

 

[Skylord]

OK. Gonna try a beer which I have never seen nor heard anything about.

Hopback Summer Lightning. Its English so it could, well...suck. But its worth a try.

I'd like to remind everyone in this thread that the next time you think about purchasing English beer, think twice. There is probably something better within reach.Thanks

 

[The Gator]

In a somewhat related yet unrelated note, I've decided to get rid of all but one of my pint glasses.  I figure a pint glass is for specific types of beer, just like the various tulips, flutes, wide rims, etc.  No need to have six.

I've got too many glasses and its cluttering up my bar area.  Every time I go to the Stuffed Sandwich I forget my glass and have to buy a new one (and one for my wife) so my collection is growing out of control.  I wouldn't have this problem if I remembered to bring a glass to SS.

I know I'm un-cufe. I figure a pint glass covers the greatest amount of beers I drink. I use a weizen glass for Hefe's. The Chimay goblet for Belgians. Pint glass for almost everything else.

When in doubt, I go with the Duvel glass that comes with the beer set.

As the newbie i am, WTF is the difference in glass'?

 

[The Gator]

OK.  Gonna try a beer which I have never seen nor heard anything about.

Hopback Summer Lightning.  Its English so it could, well...suck.  But its worth a try.

I'd like to remind everyone in this thread that the next time you think about purchasing English beer, think twice. There is probably something better within reach.Thanks

So, it's NOT worth the try?

 

[3C's]

In a somewhat related yet unrelated note, I've decided to get rid of all but one of my pint glasses. I figure a pint glass is for specific types of beer, just like the various tulips, flutes, wide rims, etc. No need to have six.

I've got too many glasses and its cluttering up my bar area. Every time I go to the Stuffed Sandwich I forget my glass and have to buy a new one (and one for my wife) so my collection is growing out of control. I wouldn't have this problem if I remembered to bring a glass to SS.

I know I'm un-cufe. I figure a pint glass covers the greatest amount of beers I drink. I use a weizen glass for Hefe's. The Chimay goblet for Belgians. Pint glass for almost everything else.

When in doubt, I go with the Duvel glass that comes with the beer set.

I've bought several Duvel sets that had the 3 bottles of Duvel and a glass for other people, but never one for myself. One of these days.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Every time I go to the Stuffed Sandwich I forget my glass and have to buy a new one (and one for my wife) so my collection is growing out of control. I wouldn't have this problem if I remembered to bring a glass to SS.

Why do you have to bring a glass there?

 

[3C's]

OK. Gonna try a beer which I have never seen nor heard anything about.

Hopback Summer Lightning. Its English so it could, well...suck. But its worth a try.

I'd like to remind everyone in this thread that the next time you think about purchasing English beer, think twice. There is probably something better within reach.Thanks

So, it's NOT worth the try?

depends. I've had some good English ales, but forget the names. Edit to add: Seriously. There are some good ones. But I'm not sure that the good ones are worth the extra price (of a good ale with the added shipping cost).

 

[Skylord]

Every time I go to the Stuffed Sandwich I forget my glass and have to buy a new one (and one for my wife) so my collection is growing out of control. I wouldn't have this problem if I remembered to bring a glass to SS.

Why do you have to bring a glass there?

Sams a clever *******. He has a gorgeous selection of glasses for sale. Then when you order a Pliney the Elder on tap, he asks if you brought a glass or you want it in a plastic keg cup. :cringe:When you say no, he replies that he has some for sale. Pick a beautiful glass and enjoy the moment ten fold.

Stuffed Sandwich also has a legendary bottle selection. You either drink it out of the bottle, out of a plastic cup, or buy a glass. Easy choice.

 

[bakes]

OK. Gonna try a beer which I have never seen nor heard anything about.

Hopback Summer Lightning. Its English so it could, well...suck. But its worth a try.

I'd like to remind everyone in this thread that the next time you think about purchasing English beer, think twice. There is probably something better within reach.Thanks

I recall having that on cask but recall nothing at all memorable about the beer. Probably one of those "have a half hour to kill while waiting for the take out food next door so start firing the mugs at me until I hollar quit" brews at Mahars.

 

[Skylord]

OK. Gonna try a beer which I have never seen nor heard anything about.

Hopback Summer Lightning. Its English so it could, well...suck. But its worth a try.

I'd like to remind everyone in this thread that the next time you think about purchasing English beer, think twice. There is probably something better within reach.Thanks

I recall having that on cask but recall nothing at all memorable about the beer. Probably one of those "have a half hour to kill while waiting for the take out food next door so start firing the mugs at me until I hollar quit" brews at Mahars.

You know, there is nothing wrong with the beer. Frankly, for the style its flawless. Extremely smooth and quaffable with very subtle flavors at work. Its just a tad boring and run of the mill for me. Although I'm being open minded in my review on BA.

 

[Wingnut]

In a somewhat related yet unrelated note, I've decided to get rid of all but one of my pint glasses. I figure a pint glass is for specific types of beer, just like the various tulips, flutes, wide rims, etc. No need to have six.

I've got too many glasses and its cluttering up my bar area. Every time I go to the Stuffed Sandwich I forget my glass and have to buy a new one (and one for my wife) so my collection is growing out of control. I wouldn't have this problem if I remembered to bring a glass to SS.

I know I'm un-cufe. I figure a pint glass covers the greatest amount of beers I drink. I use a weizen glass for Hefe's. The Chimay goblet for Belgians. Pint glass for almost everything else.

When in doubt, I go with the Duvel glass that comes with the beer set.

As the newbie i am, WTF is the difference in glass'?

Proper glassware is ESSENTIAL!!!!http://beeradvocate.com/beer/101/glassware.php

 

[bakes]

Every time I go to the Stuffed Sandwich I forget my glass and have to buy a new one (and one for my wife) so my collection is growing out of control. I wouldn't have this problem if I remembered to bring a glass to SS.

Why do you have to bring a glass there?

Sams a clever *******. He has a gorgeous selection of glasses for sale. Then when you order a Pliney the Elder on tap, he asks if you brought a glass or you want it in a plastic keg cup. :cringe:When you say no, he replies that he has some for sale. Pick a beautiful glass and enjoy the moment ten fold.

Stuffed Sandwich also has a legendary bottle selection. You either drink it out of the bottle, out of a plastic cup, or buy a glass. Easy choice.

Nice sideline - I'll guarantee that the distributors comp him some if not most of the glasses. That said, I have a cabinet full of (some very nice) glasses that I bought on various trips to Mahar's when he puts them on the table and sells them for $3-$5 each. You know you have too much glassware when you insist on a taller corner cabinet in the kitchen so you can fit hefeweiss glasses and liter masskrugs.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

depends. I've had some good English ales, but forget the names.

Edit to add: Seriously. There are some good ones. But I'm not sure that the good ones are worth the extra price (of a good ale with the added shipping cost).

English ales are what they are. If you are used to big hoppy ### West Coast IPA's, then you will be dissapointed. Their idea of bitter is not really that bitter, and the hops lean more towards earthy/grassy tones than our wonderful citrusy American hops. But some of them can have some interesting malt charecteristics. I haven't hade one in awhile, but the Fuller's 1845 can be pretty good. Sam Smith makes some decent beer as well. But yeah, most of the time I will reach for an American brew.

 

[Skylord]

Every time I go to the Stuffed Sandwich I forget my glass and have to buy a new one (and one for my wife) so my collection is growing out of control. I wouldn't have this problem if I remembered to bring a glass to SS.

Why do you have to bring a glass there?

Sams a clever *******. He has a gorgeous selection of glasses for sale. Then when you order a Pliney the Elder on tap, he asks if you brought a glass or you want it in a plastic keg cup. :cringe:When you say no, he replies that he has some for sale. Pick a beautiful glass and enjoy the moment ten fold.

Stuffed Sandwich also has a legendary bottle selection. You either drink it out of the bottle, out of a plastic cup, or buy a glass. Easy choice.

Nice sideline - I'll guarantee that the distributors comp him some if not most of the glasses. That said, I have a cabinet full of (some very nice) glasses that I bought on various trips to Mahar's when he puts them on the table and sells them for $3-$5 each. You know you have too much glassware when you insist on a taller corner cabinet in the kitchen so you can fit hefeweiss glasses and liter masskrugs.

Wouldn't surprise me if they were all comped.Another angle he plays is that you MUST order some food before beer. Even if the beer is to go. Fortunately, the food isn't very expensive (actually its down right cheap for LA standards) but not terribly good. But he keeps the kitchen moving.

 

[The Gator]

In a somewhat related yet unrelated note, I've decided to get rid of all but one of my pint glasses.  I figure a pint glass is for specific types of beer, just like the various tulips, flutes, wide rims, etc.  No need to have six.

I've got too many glasses and its cluttering up my bar area.  Every time I go to the Stuffed Sandwich I forget my glass and have to buy a new one (and one for my wife) so my collection is growing out of control.  I wouldn't have this problem if I remembered to bring a glass to SS.

I know I'm un-cufe. I figure a pint glass covers the greatest amount of beers I drink. I use a weizen glass for Hefe's. The Chimay goblet for Belgians. Pint glass for almost everything else.

When in doubt, I go with the Duvel glass that comes with the beer set.

As the newbie i am, WTF is the difference in glass'?

Proper glassware is ESSENTIAL!!!!http://beeradvocate.com/beer/101/glassware.php

I am one step further from being a newbie.

 

[bentley]

depends. I've had some good English ales, but forget the names.

Edit to add: Seriously. There are some good ones. But I'm not sure that the good ones are worth the extra price (of a good ale with the added shipping cost).

English ales are what they are. If you are used to big hoppy ### West Coast IPA's, then you will be dissapointed. Their idea of bitter is not really that bitter, and the hops lean more towards earthy/grassy tones than our wonderful citrusy American hops. But some of them can have some interesting malt charecteristics. I haven't hade one in awhile, but the Fuller's 1845 can be pretty good. Sam Smith makes some decent beer as well. But yeah, most of the time I will reach for an American brew.

If I'm in a pub (or what passes for a pub in Austin) throwing darts, I'll usually have the Sam Smith Oatmeal Stout. I avoid the English stuff pretty much altogether other than that.

 

[3C's]

OK. Gonna try a beer which I have never seen nor heard anything about.

Hopback Summer Lightning. Its English so it could, well...suck. But its worth a try.

I'd like to remind everyone in this thread that the next time you think about purchasing English beer, think twice. There is probably something better within reach.Thanks

I recall having that on cask but recall nothing at all memorable about the beer. Probably one of those "have a half hour to kill while waiting for the take out food next door so start firing the mugs at me until I hollar quit" brews at Mahars.

You know, there is nothing wrong with the beer. Frankly, for the style its flawless. Extremely smooth and quaffable with very subtle flavors at work. Its just a tad boring and run of the mill for me. Although I'm being open minded in my review on BA.

That's probably fair. English ales are what they are. They're smooth and drinkable. Just don't expect the hops and flavor varieties we're lucky enough to have. I remember as a youngin' in the early 80s being laughed at by the English snobs because we had no flavor. "Bud? pishaw." Laughs on them now.

 

[Wingnut]

depends. I've had some good English ales, but forget the names.

Edit to add: Seriously. There are some good ones. But I'm not sure that the good ones are worth the extra price (of a good ale with the added shipping cost).

English ales are what they are. If you are used to big hoppy ### West Coast IPA's, then you will be dissapointed. Their idea of bitter is not really that bitter, and the hops lean more towards earthy/grassy tones than our wonderful citrusy American hops. But some of them can have some interesting malt charecteristics. I haven't hade one in awhile, but the Fuller's 1845 can be pretty good. Sam Smith makes some decent beer as well. But yeah, most of the time I will reach for an American brew.

If I'm in a pub (or what passes for a pub in Austin) throwing darts, I'll usually have the Sam Smith Oatmeal Stout. I avoid the English stuff pretty much altogether other than that.

As boring as I find most Sam Smith beers, the Oatmeal Stout is very good

 

[bentley]

depends. I've had some good English ales, but forget the names.

Edit to add: Seriously. There are some good ones. But I'm not sure that the good ones are worth the extra price (of a good ale with the added shipping cost).

English ales are what they are. If you are used to big hoppy ### West Coast IPA's, then you will be dissapointed. Their idea of bitter is not really that bitter, and the hops lean more towards earthy/grassy tones than our wonderful citrusy American hops. But some of them can have some interesting malt charecteristics. I haven't hade one in awhile, but the Fuller's 1845 can be pretty good. Sam Smith makes some decent beer as well. But yeah, most of the time I will reach for an American brew.

If I'm in a pub (or what passes for a pub in Austin) throwing darts, I'll usually have the Sam Smith Oatmeal Stout. I avoid the English stuff pretty much altogether other than that.

As boring as I find most Sam Smith beers, the Oatmeal Stout is very good

I just finished a clone of it that a neighbor of mine up the street that's also a homebrewer made and he knocked it out of the ####### park. I think I'm going to head back down there tomorrow to tell him I need a couple more to decide whether it's good or not.

 

[Wingnut]

This Alesmith IPA has some of the best head retention Ive seen....I dont remember it having this much retention. Not much lacing, but a good 3/4 inch head has stuck thru the whole glass.

Fluffy head makes me happy.

 

[3C's]

I just finished a clone of it that a neighbor of mine up the street that's also a homebrewer made and he knocked it out of the ####### park. I think I'm going to head back down there tomorrow to tell him I need a couple more to decide whether it's good or not.

I hate you.

 

[Skylord]

depends. I've had some good English ales, but forget the names.

Edit to add: Seriously. There are some good ones. But I'm not sure that the good ones are worth the extra price (of a good ale with the added shipping cost).

English ales are what they are. If you are used to big hoppy ### West Coast IPA's, then you will be dissapointed. Their idea of bitter is not really that bitter, and the hops lean more towards earthy/grassy tones than our wonderful citrusy American hops. But some of them can have some interesting malt charecteristics. I haven't hade one in awhile, but the Fuller's 1845 can be pretty good. Sam Smith makes some decent beer as well. But yeah, most of the time I will reach for an American brew.

I like the darker English ales. Some of the pales can play diacetyl nicely but they don't take it to the next level (leave it simple instead of making it complex).But Mackesons is one of my all time favorite stouts. And I really like Old Peculiar and of course quite a few of Sammy Smiths.

I despise Youngs. Most over rated brewery ever..

 

[Wingnut]

depends. I've had some good English ales, but forget the names.

Edit to add: Seriously. There are some good ones. But I'm not sure that the good ones are worth the extra price (of a good ale with the added shipping cost).

English ales are what they are. If you are used to big hoppy ### West Coast IPA's, then you will be dissapointed. Their idea of bitter is not really that bitter, and the hops lean more towards earthy/grassy tones than our wonderful citrusy American hops. But some of them can have some interesting malt charecteristics. I haven't hade one in awhile, but the Fuller's 1845 can be pretty good. Sam Smith makes some decent beer as well. But yeah, most of the time I will reach for an American brew.

If I'm in a pub (or what passes for a pub in Austin) throwing darts, I'll usually have the Sam Smith Oatmeal Stout. I avoid the English stuff pretty much altogether other than that.

As boring as I find most Sam Smith beers, the Oatmeal Stout is very good

I just finished a clone of it that a neighbor of mine up the street that's also a homebrewer made and he knocked it out of the ####### park. I think I'm going to head back down there tomorrow to tell him I need a couple more to decide whether it's good or not.

Homebrewers are proud, and like positive feedback. I bet he gives it to ya without hesitation. Well played.

 

[Skylord]

depends. I've had some good English ales, but forget the names.

Edit to add: Seriously. There are some good ones. But I'm not sure that the good ones are worth the extra price (of a good ale with the added shipping cost).

English ales are what they are. If you are used to big hoppy ### West Coast IPA's, then you will be dissapointed. Their idea of bitter is not really that bitter, and the hops lean more towards earthy/grassy tones than our wonderful citrusy American hops. But some of them can have some interesting malt charecteristics. I haven't hade one in awhile, but the Fuller's 1845 can be pretty good. Sam Smith makes some decent beer as well. But yeah, most of the time I will reach for an American brew.

If I'm in a pub (or what passes for a pub in Austin) throwing darts, I'll usually have the Sam Smith Oatmeal Stout. I avoid the English stuff pretty much altogether other than that.

As boring as I find most Sam Smith beers, the Oatmeal Stout is very good

I just finished a clone of it that a neighbor of mine up the street that's also a homebrewer made and he knocked it out of the ####### park. I think I'm going to head back down there tomorrow to tell him I need a couple more to decide whether it's good or not.

Thats cool. I was wondering earlier today if we had enough homebrewers on the board to do a BOTM Homebrewers editionEdited to say not BIF but BOTM

 

[Wingnut]

depends. I've had some good English ales, but forget the names.

Edit to add: Seriously. There are some good ones. But I'm not sure that the good ones are worth the extra price (of a good ale with the added shipping cost).

English ales are what they are. If you are used to big hoppy ### West Coast IPA's, then you will be dissapointed. Their idea of bitter is not really that bitter, and the hops lean more towards earthy/grassy tones than our wonderful citrusy American hops. But some of them can have some interesting malt charecteristics. I haven't hade one in awhile, but the Fuller's 1845 can be pretty good. Sam Smith makes some decent beer as well. But yeah, most of the time I will reach for an American brew.

I like the darker English ales. Some of the pales can play diacetyl nicely but they don't take it to the next level (leave it simple instead of making it complex).But Mackesons is one of my all time favorite stouts. And I really like Old Peculiar and of course quite a few of Sammy Smiths.

I despise Youngs. Most over rated brewery ever..

Much like Sam Smiths, I like their Oatmeal Stout. The double Chocolate has fell off my draft board, though. Id rather have a Brooklyn Black or Rogue CS.

 

[The Gator]

Downtown Brown Ale

 

[bentley]

depends. I've had some good English ales, but forget the names.

Edit to add: Seriously. There are some good ones. But I'm not sure that the good ones are worth the extra price (of a good ale with the added shipping cost).

English ales are what they are. If you are used to big hoppy ### West Coast IPA's, then you will be dissapointed. Their idea of bitter is not really that bitter, and the hops lean more towards earthy/grassy tones than our wonderful citrusy American hops. But some of them can have some interesting malt charecteristics. I haven't hade one in awhile, but the Fuller's 1845 can be pretty good. Sam Smith makes some decent beer as well. But yeah, most of the time I will reach for an American brew.

I like the darker English ales. Some of the pales can play diacetyl nicely but they don't take it to the next level (leave it simple instead of making it complex).But Mackesons is one of my all time favorite stouts. And I really like Old Peculiar and of course quite a few of Sammy Smiths.

I despise Youngs. Most over rated brewery ever..

I've been going to back to Old Peculier every once in a while for about ten years now. I just haven't "got it." I want to like it, but it seems bland when there are so many other options.

 

[Skylord]

depends. I've had some good English ales, but forget the names.

Edit to add: Seriously. There are some good ones. But I'm not sure that the good ones are worth the extra price (of a good ale with the added shipping cost).

English ales are what they are. If you are used to big hoppy ### West Coast IPA's, then you will be dissapointed. Their idea of bitter is not really that bitter, and the hops lean more towards earthy/grassy tones than our wonderful citrusy American hops. But some of them can have some interesting malt charecteristics. I haven't hade one in awhile, but the Fuller's 1845 can be pretty good. Sam Smith makes some decent beer as well. But yeah, most of the time I will reach for an American brew.

I like the darker English ales. Some of the pales can play diacetyl nicely but they don't take it to the next level (leave it simple instead of making it complex).But Mackesons is one of my all time favorite stouts. And I really like Old Peculiar and of course quite a few of Sammy Smiths.

I despise Youngs. Most over rated brewery ever..

I've been going to back to Old Peculier every once in a while for about ten years now. I just haven't "got it." I want to like it, but it seems bland when there are so many other options.

I'd categorize it as simple. I like the basic caramel flavors. Its been about two years since I've had it, probably the same for Mackesons.This is actually the first English beer I've drank in a couple of years then. No, I had the Winter Warmer and Winter Welcome. I take that back

 

[Wingnut]

Maharaja - Imperial IPA - Damn. I really like this beer. Batch 3 was bottled Feb 06. I suspected I would be dissapointed based on the ba reviews but talk about grapefruit. Nice hop character. Good mouthfeel. Slippery good.

Props to Wingnut for the trade.

Glad you like that one. It was the replacement for Sawtooth, which my store was out of.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

I'd categorize it as simple. I like the basic caramel flavors. Its been about two years since I've had it, probably the same for Mackesons.

This is actually the first English beer I've drank in a couple of years then. No, I had the Winter Warmer and Winter Welcome. I take that back

Last English beer I had was a Very Bad Elf. Really it was just a bigger version of a typical English ale. A bit of caramel, earthy tasting. Not bad, but I didn't pick up another one.

 

[3C's]

Ah! I remembered one of the English ales. It's from Ridgeway. Ivanhoe. Looking at the BA reviews is typical. It's not "exciting" enough for some over here. Well done though. I forgot (shock) that I gave it to a buddy of mine and he gave it a 4.25. About right.

 

[The Gator]

Ah! I remembered one of the English ales. It's from Ridgeway. Ivanhoe. Looking at the BA reviews is typical. It's not "exciting" enough for some over here. Well done though. I forgot (shock) that I gave it to a buddy of mine and he gave it a 4.25. About right.

 

[bakes]

depends. I've had some good English ales, but forget the names.

Edit to add: Seriously. There are some good ones. But I'm not sure that the good ones are worth the extra price (of a good ale with the added shipping cost).

English ales are what they are. If you are used to big hoppy ### West Coast IPA's, then you will be dissapointed. Their idea of bitter is not really that bitter, and the hops lean more towards earthy/grassy tones than our wonderful citrusy American hops. But some of them can have some interesting malt charecteristics. I haven't hade one in awhile, but the Fuller's 1845 can be pretty good. Sam Smith makes some decent beer as well. But yeah, most of the time I will reach for an American brew.

I like the darker English ales. Some of the pales can play diacetyl nicely but they don't take it to the next level (leave it simple instead of making it complex).But Mackesons is one of my all time favorite stouts. And I really like Old Peculiar and of course quite a few of Sammy Smiths.

I despise Youngs. Most over rated brewery ever..

One of the reasons I like Middle Ages so much is that they take Ringwood yeast to so many different levels - imagine a Belgian tripel brewed with that yeast. Everything from simple pale ales to Impy stouts, hop bombs to Kilt Tilter scottish. Fun place.