Some good news, for a change (unfortunately non-bb)

[Frobie]

Just came from Specs on Smith Street and saw that the Shiner 98 is out.  The guy behind me in line had some, but I figured it would give me a good reason to go back (like I need one) so I didn't give up my place in the queue to look for it.  It's apparently a Bavarian amber lager. 

In fact, the bagger started to box up the dude's beer with mine but, stupid me, I pointed this out.  Lousy stinkin' good upbringing.

Lo siento if Cabrera is still a Brave.  This was the first I've seen or heard of it.

[remy]

Cool... someone recommended Shiner 97 to me last year but I missed out before the season was over.  I'll keep my eye out for 98.

[Limey]

Cool... someone recommended Shiner 97 to me last year but I missed out before the season was over.  I'll keep my eye out for 98.

97 was the shit.  If 98 is half as good it'll be all I'll drink until it's gone.

[dirty steve]

97 was the shit.  If 98 is half as good it'll be all I'll drink until it's gone.

agreed.  the local HEB usually has the newest stuff the fastest, i'll check there.

[JackAstro]

97 was the shit.  If 98 is half as good it'll be all I'll drink until it's gone.

Likewise. 96 made me happy inside, too. Why in the hell can't they just have the stuff year-round?

[Frobie]

I might have mentioned this the last time Shiner 97 came up, but the Sam Adams Black Lager is quite good and widely available.  Köstritzer is nice too but probably something that would require a trip to The Pinnacle of Mankind's Achievement (AKA Spec's) or whatever the equivalent is in the other, lesser cities.

[austro]

After the heads-up about the Shiner 98, I went to the (semi-)new Spec's here in Austin and picked up a case. I'm enjoying one now; very nice.

In addition to too many other ways to spend your money, they also had some Whittington's jerky. I remembered that from some other previous thread, so I picked up a 4 oz. package. Man, that really is good. Not cheap ($7/4oz), but really, really good.

[JimR]

After the heads-up about the Shiner 98, I went to the (semi-)new Spec's here in Austin and picked up a case. I'm enjoying one now; very nice.

In addition to too many other ways to spend your money, they also had some Whittington's jerky. I remembered that from some other previous thread, so I picked up a 4 oz. package. Man, that really is good. Not cheap ($7/4oz), but really, really good.

describe the 98, please. i may make a side trip on the way home.

[T. J.]

describe the 98, please. i may make a side trip on the way home.

Only one review out there on Beer Advocate, probably because it's so new.  This guy liked it though:  http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/143/36866/?ba=HardTarget

[austro]

Only one review out there on Beer Advocate, probably because it's so new.  This guy liked it though:  http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/143/36866/?ba=HardTarget

That review is much better than any I could have provided, and I think it describes it quite well.  The 98 is not as chewy as I remember the 97 being, but that may just be my fading memory.

[HudsonHawk]

describe the 98, please. i may make a side trip on the way home.

If it's really a Bavarian lager, I'm all over it.  Off to Spec's now...

[loganck]

I picked up my HEB's last two sixers last night.  I can't do a fancy description like the advocate review, but I do like it a lot.  It's hoppy.  Not dark at all.  It isn't yellow, but light brown.  Ever had New Belgium's Loft?  This reminds me of that, but I don't have any here to compare it with.  Loft is probably hoppier.

[Limey]

Only one review out there on Beer Advocate, probably because it's so new.  This guy liked it though:  http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/143/36866/?ba=HardTarget

Is the "Shiner note" in the aroma he describes on the front end or the "back end"?

[Limey]

That review is much better than any I could have provided, and I think it describes it quite well.  The 98 is not as chewy as I remember the 97 being, but that may just be my fading memory.

I thought the 97 was surprisingly light (not lite) for being such a dark beer.

[HudsonHawk]

If it's really a Bavarian lager, I'm all over it.  Off to Spec's now...

Damn.  Downtown Specs is the only one that has it.  Maybe a trip tomorrow.

[HudsonHawk]

I thought the 97 was surprisingly light (not lite) for being such a dark beer.

Most really dark beers *are* light because they're brewed longer and are higher in alcohol.  It's like Guiness...non beer drinkers assume Guiness is heavy like motor oil, but it's not.  It's an extremely light beer.

[JackAstro]

Most really dark beers *are* light because they're brewed longer and are higher in alcohol.  It's like Guiness...non beer drinkers assume Guiness is heavy like motor oil, but it's not.  It's an extremely light beer.

Yup. Though Guinness is actually pretty low in alcohol content, too. Well, I guess not low per se, but definitely not high.

[gleach]

Just picked up 3 cases of Shiner 98.  They didn't have any cold.  Waiting for the cool down now.  I will share it with Limey tomorrow, as he is more of an expert than I am.

[HudsonHawk]

Yup. Though Guinness is actually pretty low in alcohol content, too. Well, I guess not low per se, but definitely not high.

Guiness is higher in alcohol than most beers, that's why it's the top portion of a black and tan.

[HudsonHawk]

Just picked up 3 cases of Shiner 98.  They didn't have any cold.  Waiting for the cool down now.  I will share it with Limey tomorrow, as he is more of an expert than I am.

Where did you get it? 

And why the FUCK does Limey get some and not me?  That slimey little cocksucker is ALWAYS getting perks...I never get JACKSHIT around here.  Nobody likes me.  You're just some sleazy clique that doesn't like others' opinions, that's it.  Why can't we all just get along.  I never liked y'all anyhow.  You guys should get a life.  I'm leaving and never coming back!







OK, I'm back.  But only to remind you of what assholes you are.

[gleach]

You and your wife are welcome to come over tomorrow to share.  I got it at Spec's downtown, and they are running low.  Really, if you want to join us tomorrow, PM me.  This goes for anyone else on here that I have met previously.

[Fredia]

Where did you get it? 

And why the FUCK does Limey get some and not me?  That slimey little cocksucker is ALWAYS getting perks...I never get JACKSHIT around here.  Nobody likes me.  You're just some sleazy clique that doesn't like others' opinions, that's it.  Why can't we all just get along.  I never liked y'all anyhow.  You guys should get a life.  I'm leaving and never coming back!







OK, I'm back.  But only to remind you of what assholes you are.

well i am for one glad you are back. and i cant believe i am posting on a beer thread

[Trey]

Where did you get it? 

And why the FUCK does Limey get some and not me?  That slimey little cocksucker is ALWAYS getting perks...I never get JACKSHIT around here.  Nobody likes me.  You're just some sleazy clique that doesn't like others' opinions, that's it.  Why can't we all just get along.  I never liked y'all anyhow.  You guys should get a life.  I'm leaving and never coming back!







OK, I'm back.  But only to remind you of what assholes you are.

If you're in Austin, they've got plenty at Grapevine Market.  Or did at 6:30 today.

Oh yeah... is berry, berry guud.

[Frobie]

They had plenty at the Kroger on Montrose @ Westheimer which is not far at all from the downtown Spec's--just in case anyone comes up empty there.

It's pretty good.  Not quite as good as last year's but in the ballpark IMO.  I have a whole stack of tasting notes I need to type up for Beer Advocate, but I'll put this one on the top of the pile.

[mihoba]

You and your wife are welcome to come over tomorrow to share.  I got it at Spec's downtown, and they are running low.  Really, if you want to join us tomorrow, PM me.  This goes for anyone else on here that I have met previously.

That's the best damn offer I've had lately, sucks I have to work all weekend.

[remy]

Just got back from S. Austin Specs on Brodie.  6-packs of 98 are on sale for 4.99 today only.

[HudsonHawk]

OK, my wife bought me the last sixer at the Kroger on Kuykendahl and Louetta this morning, and I cleaned out Spec's downtown (the last two cases).  I'm enjoying my first one as I type:

Very nice.  Nice amber color producing a nice thick head.  Aroma is good, but a little hoppy.  Taste is smooth.  It's a little hoppy (bitter) for what I consider a Bavarian style beer.  The maltiness is there, but it could be a little sweeter.  The finish is nice, with a little more sweetness.  It's not as good as the 97, but hey, few are.  Overall a very fine beer, worthy of the special run status.  Got a feeling it won't last long. 

[gleach]

Hudson, check your PM.  Allison bought you a steak. Or three.

[JackAstro]

Guiness is higher in alcohol than most beers, that's why it's the top portion of a black and tan.

This says otherwise, but it's the internets, so who knows?

[JimR]

OK, my wife bought me the last sixer at the Kroger on Kuykendahl and Louetta this morning, and I cleaned out Spec's downtown (the last two cases).  I'm enjoying my first one as I type:

Very nice.  Nice amber color producing a nice thick head.  Aroma is good, but a little hoppy.  Taste is smooth.  It's a little hoppy (bitter) for what I consider a Bavarian style beer.  The maltiness is there, but it could be a little sweeter.  The finish is nice, with a little more sweetness.  It's not as good as the 97, but hey, few are.  Overall a very fine beer, worthy of the special run status.  Got a feeling it won't last long. 

our Resident Beer Snob approves! man, i wish i had tasted 97 if it is better than 98. i really love this beer. my wife, who was an Army wife in Germany for three years, says it compares favorably with German beers she had while there.

[HudsonHawk]

This says otherwise, but it's the internets, so who knows?

So you're denying that the Guiness floats on the Bass in a Black and Tan? 

[JackAstro]

So you're denying that the Guiness floats on the Bass in a Black and Tan? 

I also refuse to acknowledge that the world is round, having read otherwise on the internet. No, I'm just saying that I've read and heard that Guinness has a fairly pedestrian alcohol content, but I have no way of knowing for sure. I suppose I could e-mail Guinness? Doesn't much matter, though. As for the floating of Guinness on Bass, that can't be strictly because of alcohol content, since there are any number of highly alcoholic beers that will not float on Bass, Harp, etc. Try it with a Guinness Extra Stout, for instance.

[davek]

So you're denying that the Guiness floats on the Bass in a Black and Tan? 

Much ado about nothing...

The Guinness floats more because of specific gravity than anything to do with alcohol content...

The specific gravity effect tend to be accentuated by the fact that Guiness is usually served warmer that the ale or lager... The cooler temperatures of the ales and lagers serve to raise their specific gravity slightly...

Guninness also tends to be more viscous than a Bass Ale or a Harp Lager giving life to the idea that it is a heavier beer...


http://www.ivo.se/guinness/bnt.html

[HudsonHawk]

The Guinness floats more because of specific gravity than anything to do with alcohol content...

Well actually it floats because of density, not specific gravity, per se.  Specific gravity is often used because it is unitless, and it essentially equatest to density, but it's a different principle.  And the difference in specific gravity is due mainly to do with differences in alcohol content.  As any homebrewer will tell you, changes in specific gravity are used to measure the amount of alcohol conversion in beer.

[das]

Well actually it floats because of density, not specific gravity, per se.  Specific gravity is often used because it is unitless, and it essentially equatest to density, but it's a different principle.  And the difference in specific gravity is due mainly to do with differences in alcohol content.  As any homebrewer will tell you, changes in specific gravity are used to measure the amount of alcohol conversion in beer.

I can almost die now.  The 2nd to last untouched topic of discussionin has been raised in the TZ.  Specific gravity.  You guys are a hoot.  If anyone brings up Polar Stratospheric Ozone Depletion, I'm gonna croak.  Hmmm, my left arm feels all tingly...

[Astroholic]

Polar Stratospheric Ozone Depletion

Is that still happening?  Quick call AL.

[das]

Is that still happening?  Quick call AL.

Actually, no. Chlorine, methane and boric acid resevoirs over the poles are all shrinking and are projected to be gone within 10 years.  Ozone hole is shrinking.  We can all go back to using freon and Aqua Net.

Al is an unmitigated buffoon.

The Astros, sans PENCE!!!, look horrr-eee-bull.  Even on 400kbps MLB.TV.

[Astroholic]

Actually, no. Chlorine, methane and boric acid resevoirs over the poles are all shrinking and are projected to be gone within 10 years.  Ozone hole is shrinking.  We can all go back to using freon and Aqua Net.

Al is an unmitigated buffoon.

The Astros, sans PENCE!!!, look horrr-eee-bull.  Even on 400kbps MLB.TV.

I knew it.  I am thinking that the global warming scam will go the same way in 10 yrs.  Enough political talk. 

I am really enjoying every Pence!!! at bat.  Hope he continues to make adjustments.  Berkman is really pissing me off, not that that matters.

[HudsonHawk]

I can almost die now.  The 2nd to last untouched topic of discussionin has been raised in the TZ.  Specific gravity.  You guys are a hoot.  If anyone brings up Polar Stratospheric Ozone Depletion, I'm gonna croak.  Hmmm, my left arm feels all tingly...

I could swear we've covered PSOD multiple times in the past....or was that VORP?

[Astroholic]

I could swear we've covered PSOD multiple times in the past....or was that VORP?

Its all snake science anyways, right?

[HudsonHawk]

Its all snake science anyways, right?

Ozone Depletion is just weatherman fantacrap.

[das]

Its all snake science anyways, right?

With apologies to Ridley C. Scott:  You would not beleive the things these eyes have seen.  I've seen boric acid raining out of boron clouds over the Antarctic at sunset...

Really.  That was my dissertation way back when.  We (the collective "we") did some really ugly things to the atmosphere and it took the alarmist sirens of the mid-80's to get the world to up, listen and modify their behavior.  The result is a stratosphere that is falling back to equillibrium.  The global warming/cooling cycle is so much larger and more complex than simple human effect and to couch it as such is scientifically infantile and socially irresponsible.

On the flip side, continuing to run Biggio out there while socially responsible, is not so much from a W/L perspective...

[Astroholic]

On the flip side, continuing to run Biggio out there while socially responsible, is not so much from a W/L perspective...

Sweet.

[Bench]

The global warming/cooling cycle is so much larger and more complex than simple human effect and to couch it as such is scientifically infantile and socially irresponsible.

Please, go on.

[Astroholic]

Please, go on.

No please don't.

[Galvatraz]

Well actually it floats because of density, not specific gravity, per se.  Specific gravity is often used because it is unitless, and it essentially equatest to density, but it's a different principle.  And the difference in specific gravity is due mainly to do with differences in alcohol content.  As any homebrewer will tell you, changes in specific gravity are used to measure the amount of alcohol conversion in beer.

I've been to several events hosted by Guinness and they claim it is the lower density that makes it float. From what I understood the lower density is due to Guinness being Nitrogenated rather than Carbonated.

[mihoba]

The global warming/cooling cycle is so much larger and more complex than simple human effect and to couch it as such is scientifically infantile and socially irresponsible.

I've been debating folks who've watched "An Inconvenient Truth" about Gore's scare tactics... trying to explain that (in simple terms) the single most important factor in global warming/cooling is the sun's output.

I especially like when Al made his dramatic statement "We humans release 70 million tons of CO2 in the atmosphere every day." He conveniently forgot to mention that 7 million tons, 10%, is from people breathing.

[Bench]

I've been debating folks who've watched "An Inconvenient Truth" about Gore's scare tactics... trying to explain that (in simple terms) the single most important factor in global warming/cooling is the sun's output.

I especially like when Al made his dramatic statement "We humans release 70 million tons of CO2 in the atmosphere every day." He conveniently forgot to mention that 7 million tons, 10%, is from people breathing.

But he went up so high on that elevator. It was breathtaking.

[Astroholic]

I've been debating folks who've watched "An Inconvenient Truth" about Gore's scare tactics... trying to explain that (in simple terms) the single most important factor in global warming/cooling is the sun's output.

I especially like when Al made his dramatic statement "We humans release 70 million tons of CO2 in the atmosphere every day." He conveniently forgot to mention that 7 million tons, 10%, is from people breathing.

And of that 10%, 9% is coming from the big man himself.

[MRaup]

And of that 10%, 9% is coming from the big man himself.

Prince Fielder?

[Astroholic]

Prince Fielder?

Nope Al himself, but good one.

[MusicMan]

Nope Al himself, but good one.

I sometimes think Al is stuck in the mode of John Lovitz as Michael Dukakis...

"I can't believe I [lost] to this guy!!"

[Astroholic]

I sometimes think Al is stuck in the mode of John Lovitz as Michael Dukakis...

"I can't believe I [lost] to this guy!!"

I can.

[Bench]

I sometimes think Al is stuck in the mode of John Lovitz as Michael Dukakis...

"I can't believe I [lost] to this guy!!"

Winning an election will do that to a guy.

[Astroholic]

Winning an election will do that to a guy.

Your are saying that Al won the election? 

[Bench]

Your are saying that Al won the election? 

Yeah. You know, more votes than the other guy, abandoned recounts, blah blah blah.

[Limey]

I especially like when Al made his dramatic statement "We humans release 70 million tons of CO2 in the atmosphere every day." He conveniently forgot to mention that 7 million tons, 10%, is from people breathing.

One of his points on carbon emissions was that it is growing exponentially as the World's population grows exponentially. The fact that 10% is breathing just means that there's a baseline element that we have to deal with.

So we either change behaviours elsewhere...or all stop breathing.  I don't think he really needed to waste time exploring option b.

[Spack McGrimm]

Nipping this shit in the bud right now.  The 2000 election was 7 years ago.  No one cares what any of you think went right or wrong in Florida, DC, or your mom's box.

Move on.