Author Topic: Friday Beer Thread (Read 11066 times)

hostros7 · « **on:** July 31, 2009, 02:11:36 pm »

Haven't had one here in a while. It's raining and gloomy in Houston. Best beer for such a day? I enjoy Sam Smith's imperial stout on such days and many others. Any other stout recommendations?

JackAstro · « **Reply #1 on:** July 31, 2009, 02:19:17 pm »

Office fridge is chock full of Shiner product, and what appears to be some Pacifico. So that's what's best for today.

Pipeline Porter from Kona Brewing is good for a rainy day. Love Sam Smith's Oatmeal Stout. Full Sail Stout makes me happy, too.

subnuclear · « **Reply #2 on:** July 31, 2009, 02:20:55 pm »

I'm sitting here drinking Shiner Bock and watching the Hungarian Grand Prix with my dad. It's working for me.

Guinness · « **Reply #3 on:** July 31, 2009, 02:23:26 pm »

I have Miller, the Champagne of Beers. Cheap. Really cheap. Drinkable, though. My other beer that I buy due to the cheapness is Lone Star.
What I'd like in my fridge right now is Guinness, St Arnold Lawn Mower and Rolling Rock, but I don't have any (at least, not until we go grocery shopping this weekend)

JimR · « **Reply #4 on:** July 31, 2009, 02:23:53 pm »

some day i need to tell y'all what Left Hand Imperial Stout did to me one night. problem is, i have no recollection of events after a certain point. anything i told you would be hearsay.

GreatBagwellsBeard · « **Reply #5 on:** July 31, 2009, 02:26:23 pm »

Last night at the G-Man, I enjoyed a Southern Star Buried Hatchet Stout. Holy crap, that's some good stuff. Maybe the best thing to ever come out of Conroe.

sporadic · « **Reply #6 on:** July 31, 2009, 02:42:22 pm »

Quote from: Guinness on July 31, 2009, 02:23:26 pm

I have Miller, the Champagne of Beers. Cheap. Really cheap. Drinkable, though. My other beer that I buy due to the cheapness is Lone Star.
What I'd like in my fridge right now is Guinness, St Arnold Lawn Mower and Rolling Rock, but I don't have any (at least, not until we go grocery shopping this weekend)

You should buy Lone Star due to its greatness. My fridge is packed with Lone Star (Longnecks only), Newcastle and Guinness. Willl have at least three of each later.

Guinness · « **Reply #7 on:** July 31, 2009, 02:43:41 pm »

Quote from: sporadic on July 31, 2009, 02:42:22 pm

You should buy Lone Star due to its greatness. My fridge is packed with Lone Star (Longnecks only), Newcastle and Guinness. Willl have at least three of each later.

It's not a bad beer, really, I like it. Good for yardwork. But, I also like Milwaukee's Best. Newcastle is ok, but I always thought it to be a bit thin.

sporadic · « **Reply #8 on:** July 31, 2009, 02:44:17 pm »

Quote from: GreatBagwellsBeard on July 31, 2009, 02:26:23 pm

Last night at the G-Man, I enjoyed a Southern Star Buried Hatchet Stout. Holy crap, that's some good stuff. Maybe the best thing to ever come out of Conroe.

Where do you purchase Southern Star? I live 10 miles for the Brewery and can find neither a store that carries Southern Star or the damn brewery itself....although I must admit I have not looked all that hard.

sporadic · « **Reply #9 on:** July 31, 2009, 02:47:31 pm »

Quote from: Guinness on July 31, 2009, 02:43:41 pm

It's not a bad beer, really, I like it. Good for yardwork. But, I also like Milwaukee's Best. Newcastle is ok, but I always thought it to be a bit thin.

Canned version of LS is crap. My boss says it is because the Longnecks are cold filtered and the canned version is not...don't know that to be true or not, but he is a lawyer, would be no use arguing if I had proof against his claim.

T. J. · « **Reply #10 on:** July 31, 2009, 02:51:00 pm »

Quote from: sporadic on July 31, 2009, 02:44:17 pm

Where do you purchase Southern Star? I live 10 miles for the Brewery and can find neither a store that carries Southern Star or the damn brewery itself....although I must admit I have not looked all that hard.

I bought their Pine Belt Ale at Whole Foods. You can have what's left of my 4-pack if you want it. I didn't care for it. I hear they have a new blonde that's supposed to be good though.

My favorite summer beer is St. Arnold's summer pils.

Trey · « **Reply #11 on:** July 31, 2009, 02:54:35 pm »

St. Arnold's Winter Stout is fantastic, but only available in the winter, which is annoying. Lagunitas has a Cappuccino Stout that is fucking awesome.

I've been enjoying the Red Hook ESB lately, and I find it to be a pretty decent little beer.

sporadic · « **Reply #12 on:** July 31, 2009, 02:57:52 pm »

Quote from: T. J. on July 31, 2009, 02:51:00 pm

I bought their Pine Belt Ale at Whole Foods. You can have what's left of my 4-pack if you want it. I didn't care for it. I hear they have a new blonde that's supposed to be good though.

My favorite summer beer is St. Arnold's summer pils.

Whole Foods? I don't think Brookshire Brothers has a Whole Foods section. Guess I will have to look harder for the brewery.

GreatBagwellsBeard · « **Reply #13 on:** July 31, 2009, 02:58:27 pm »

I've found Southern Star at HEB/Central Market and at Spec's. It comes in tallboy cans, so that may be throwing you off.

sporadic · « **Reply #14 on:** July 31, 2009, 03:03:28 pm »

Quote from: GreatBagwellsBeard on July 31, 2009, 02:58:27 pm

I've found Southern Star at HEB/Central Market and at Spec's. It comes in tallboy cans, so that may be throwing you off.

Stranger things have happened. I will modify my radar accordingly and hit Specs this eve.

Trey · « **Reply #15 on:** July 31, 2009, 03:04:20 pm »

Quote from: sporadic on July 31, 2009, 02:57:52 pm

Whole Foods? I don't think Brookshire Brothers has a Whole Foods section. Guess I will have to look harder for the brewery.

Well, unless the law has changed microbreweries (all breweries?) in TX are not allowed to sell you their product onsite. So, you're probably better off looking up the distributor and finding out where they distribute in your area.

Bench · « **Reply #16 on:** July 31, 2009, 04:05:39 pm »

Quote from: Trey on July 31, 2009, 03:04:20 pm

Well, unless the law has changed microbreweries (all breweries?) in TX are not allowed to sell you their product onsite. So, you're probably better off looking up the distributor and finding out where they distribute in your area.

A brewery can sell its product onsite as long as it doesn't sell it anywhere else. They call them brewpubs.

Guinness · « **Reply #17 on:** July 31, 2009, 04:08:17 pm »

Quote from: Bench on July 31, 2009, 04:05:39 pm

A brewery can sell its product onsite as long as it doesn't sell it anywhere else. They call them brewpubs.

Texas has about the dumbest alcohol laws. But probably not, didn't South Carolina have laws that meant bars could only serve spirits in airline size bottles?

subnuclear · « **Reply #18 on:** July 31, 2009, 05:15:38 pm »

Quote from: Guinness on July 31, 2009, 04:08:17 pm

Texas has about the dumbest alcohol laws. But probably not, didn't South Carolina have laws that meant bars could only serve spirits in airline size bottles?

That was to protect the drinker from weak drinks. Great law, but I understand its gone now.

Greg M · « **Reply #19 on:** July 31, 2009, 05:53:09 pm »

I opened my fridge today to see that my roommate took EVERY single beer of mine last night, other roommate's beer as well. Some were expensive Belgian beers given as presents for Rebecca getting her Masters. He better stock the garage fridge, aka "Beer Fridge", to the brink with Shiner.

Alkie · « **Reply #20 on:** July 31, 2009, 05:56:13 pm »

Quote from: Greg M on July 31, 2009, 05:53:09 pm

expensive Belgian beers

Shoot him. No court will find you guilty.

Astroholic · « **Reply #21 on:** July 31, 2009, 06:35:13 pm »

Quote from: Alkie on July 31, 2009, 05:56:13 pm

Shoot him. No court will find you guilty.

unless it a "High Life" judge.

JimR · « **Reply #22 on:** July 31, 2009, 07:56:03 pm »

Quote from: Greg M on July 31, 2009, 05:53:09 pm

I opened my fridge today to see that my roommate took EVERY single beer of mine last night, other roommate's beer as well. Some were expensive Belgian beers given as presents for Rebecca getting her Masters. He better stock the garage fridge, aka "Beer Fridge", to the brink with Shiner.

inexcusable. he needs to replenish the expensive beers.

Limey · « **Reply #23 on:** July 31, 2009, 09:09:54 pm »

What's in Limey's fridge?

The remnants of the "Beer Bouquet" delivered by gleach, a 12-pack of Shiner Back Lager, some Bohemia and two 4-packs of Dogfish Head IPA (90 minute).

Oh, and some coke and sprite but, really, who gives a fuck about that?

Trey · « **Reply #24 on:** July 31, 2009, 10:45:03 pm »

Quote from: Bench on July 31, 2009, 04:05:39 pm

A brewery can sell its product onsite as long as it doesn't sell it anywhere else. They call them brewpubs.

Yes, thanks for the correction.

Trey · « **Reply #25 on:** July 31, 2009, 10:47:40 pm »

Quote from: Alkie on July 31, 2009, 05:56:13 pm

Shoot him. No court will find you guilty.

He should be tortured before being shot.

A few weekends ago some friends of my wife stayed in our house while we were out of town. They drank a couple of my St. Arnold's Divine Reserves that I've been storing for well over a year. I wanted to be pissed, but I knew they didn't know any better. Which, in its own way, made me more upset since I knew they didn't enjoy them as they should. DAMMIT. I am getting angry just thinking about it.

On another note, I tried Harpoon's Leviathan Imperial IPA tonight, and it is damned good. If you like that sort of thing. Which I do.

Alkie · « **Reply #26 on:** July 31, 2009, 11:03:30 pm »

Quote from: Trey on July 31, 2009, 10:47:40 pm

They drank a couple of my St. Arnold's Divine Reserves that I've been storing for well over a year. I wanted to be pissed, but I knew they didn't know any better. Which, in its own way, made me more upset since I knew they didn't enjoy them as they should. DAMMIT. I am getting angry just thinking about it.

I just got really angry reading this. Like actually angry.

strosrays · « **Reply #27 on:** August 01, 2009, 02:36:54 am »

Quote from: JimR on July 31, 2009, 02:23:53 pm

some day i need to tell y'all what Left Hand Imperial Stout did to me one night. problem is, i have no recollection of events after a certain point. anything i told you would be hearsay.

Go with it.

AtascAstro · « **Reply #28 on:** August 03, 2009, 11:30:00 am »

Saw something new at my local HEB (Atascocita, obviously). They've created a "Make Your Own 6-pack" section at the end of one of the aisles. They had a pretty nice selection of foreign and specialty beers. It was still being set up when I went by but I saw all of the current St Arnold and Shiner products as well as several German and Japanese beers. $1.49 per beer, so its no great bargain but certainly a much cheeper way to sample than buying a sixer of something you end up hating. Looks like a great idea to me, hope it sticks.

Guinness · « **Reply #29 on:** August 03, 2009, 11:40:06 am »

Quote from: AtascAstro on August 03, 2009, 11:30:00 am

Saw something new at my local HEB (Atascocita, obviously). They've created a "Make Your Own 6-pack" section at the end of one of the aisles. They had a pretty nice selection of foreign and specialty beers. It was still being set up when I went by but I saw all of the current St Arnold and Shiner products as well as several German and Japanese beers. $1.49 per beer, so its no great bargain but certainly a much cheeper way to sample than buying a sixer of something you end up hating. Looks like a great idea to me, hope it sticks.

Must be a HEB thing because ours out here off of 99 in Katy had the same thing yesterday. Pretty good variety, oddly enough mostly Shiner (whichever one has the black label)

Andyzipp · « **Reply #30 on:** August 03, 2009, 12:28:00 pm »

I would be willing to bet that is HEB and the distributors getting creative with busted cases and left over singles.

But it's a great idea.

Trey · « **Reply #31 on:** August 03, 2009, 01:15:51 pm »

Quote from: Andyzipp on August 03, 2009, 12:28:00 pm

I would be willing to bet that is HEB and the distributors getting creative with busted cases and left over singles.

But it's a great idea.

Does Spec's not already do this? Grapevine has been doing it for as long as I remember going there and CostPlus WorldMarket has been doing it forever.

JackAstro · « **Reply #32 on:** August 03, 2009, 01:20:20 pm »

Quote from: Trey on August 03, 2009, 01:15:51 pm

Does Spec's not already do this?

Yep, they do.

geezerdonk · « **Reply #33 on:** August 03, 2009, 01:45:32 pm »

Spaten is making a Dunkel now. Not as good as Shiner, but still pretty good.

Russe · « **Reply #34 on:** August 03, 2009, 03:34:03 pm »

Quote from: Guinness on July 31, 2009, 04:08:17 pm

Texas has about the dumbest alcohol laws. But probably not, didn't South Carolina have laws that meant bars could only serve spirits in airline size bottles?

Come to Pennsylvania. If you want to buy a case of beer, a six-pack, and a bottle of liquor, you have to go to three different places. Archaic and very inconvenient.

JimR · « **Reply #35 on:** August 03, 2009, 03:35:51 pm »

Quote from: geezerdonk on August 03, 2009, 01:45:32 pm

Spaten is making a Dunkel now. Not as good as Shiner, but still pretty good.

what Shiner?

the Spaten Dunkel is nothing like the Shiner doppelbock (Commemorator). it is very good, however.

hostros7 · « **Reply #36 on:** August 03, 2009, 03:37:30 pm »

Massachusetts sucks as well. You can't buy beer anywhere buy liquor stores. And they don't stay open late. There's no sadder a feeling than waking up on Sunday morning during Texans season and realizing you forgot to make a run the night before. It's like the anti-Christmas.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #37 on:** August 03, 2009, 03:41:19 pm »

Quote from: geezerdonk on August 03, 2009, 01:45:32 pm

Spaten is making a Dunkel now. Not as good as Shiner, but still pretty good.

Now???

Have you checked the date on the label? I think they started brewing in 1368 or something like that. They have a whole range (including Dunkel) and were brewing beer like that when the Spoetzl family was still on their continent.

Guinness · « **Reply #38 on:** August 03, 2009, 03:43:32 pm »

Quote from: Russe on August 03, 2009, 03:34:03 pm

Come to Pennsylvania. If you want to buy a case of beer, a six-pack, and a bottle of liquor, you have to go to three different places. Archaic and very inconvenient.

I know, I was in Philly last summer for a week. My wife and I went nuts looking for a place to buy champagne.
I say sell it all in the supermarket, 7 days a week and be done with it.

Bench · « **Reply #39 on:** August 03, 2009, 03:45:51 pm »

Quote from: hostros7 on August 03, 2009, 03:37:30 pm

Massachusetts sucks as well. You can't buy beer anywhere buy liquor stores. And they don't stay open late. There's no sadder a feeling than waking up on Sunday morning during Texans season and realizing you forgot to make a run the night before. It's like the anti-Christmas.

Since 2004 Mass. liquor stores can open at noon on Sundays.

geezerdonk · « **Reply #40 on:** August 03, 2009, 03:55:13 pm »

Quote from: JimR on August 03, 2009, 03:35:51 pm

what Shiner?

The Dunkelweizen Shiner sold last year.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #41 on:** August 03, 2009, 04:02:07 pm »

Quote from: geezerdonk on August 03, 2009, 03:55:13 pm

The Dunkelweizen Shiner sold last year.

Dunkel & Dunkelweizen are not comparable styles.

geezerdonk · « **Reply #42 on:** August 03, 2009, 04:05:13 pm »

Quote from: VirtualBob on August 03, 2009, 03:41:19 pm

Now???

In place of the word "making", I should have used the phrase "selling in the store where I buy beer".

geezerdonk · « **Reply #43 on:** August 03, 2009, 04:15:48 pm »

Quote from: VirtualBob on August 03, 2009, 04:02:07 pm

Dunkel & Dunkelweizen are not comparable styles.

Disregard then - unfortunate ignorance on my part.

gleach · « **Reply #44 on:** August 03, 2009, 04:24:11 pm »

I had a six pack of Franziskahner Weissbier this weekend. I am thinking about having another six pack tonight.

Limey · « **Reply #45 on:** August 03, 2009, 04:30:59 pm »

Quote from: gleach on August 03, 2009, 04:24:11 pm

I had a six pack of Franziskahner Weissbier this weekend. I am thinking about having another six pack tonight.

Have you broken out the homebrew yet?

AtascAstro · « **Reply #46 on:** August 03, 2009, 04:31:56 pm »

Quote from: Trey on August 03, 2009, 01:15:51 pm

Does Spec's not already do this? Grapevine has been doing it for as long as I remember going there and CostPlus WorldMarket has been doing it forever.

Not my Spec's unfortunately, would love to see a similar promotion with their selection.

The Craft beer laws are stupid and should be changed but otherwise I think that the beer/wine/liquor sales rules in Texas are pretty good for the maximium distribution of variety. Beer and wine are very convenient but the higher margin liquor is held back for specialty stores. If wal-mart could sell liquor, Spec's would sell less and that might mean the end of their neighborhood stores.

gleach · « **Reply #47 on:** August 03, 2009, 04:58:47 pm »

Quote from: Limey on August 03, 2009, 04:30:59 pm

Have you broken out the homebrew yet?

Yes, I have. First batch was really good. Second batch was okay. I'm still drinking it, but I wouldn't pass too much out to my friends that actually drink beer for taste. If you just want to get drunk, it's pretty good for that.

Limey · « **Reply #48 on:** August 03, 2009, 05:26:25 pm »

Quote from: gleach on August 03, 2009, 04:58:47 pm

Yes, I have. First batch was really good. Second batch was okay. I'm still drinking it, but I wouldn't pass too much out to my friends that actually drink beer for taste. If you just want to get drunk, it's pretty good for that.

Drunk is good.

BizidyDizidy · « **Reply #49 on:** August 03, 2009, 07:54:54 pm »

Better than the alternative at least

drew corleone · « **Reply #50 on:** August 03, 2009, 08:14:05 pm »

Quote from: JackAstro on July 31, 2009, 02:19:17 pm

Office fridge is chock full of Shiner product, and what appears to be some Pacifico. So that's what's best for today.

That's pretty damn good for any day.

AtascAstro · « **Reply #51 on:** August 04, 2009, 10:05:57 am »

Made a diaper run to the old HEB last night and stopped by the make-your-own six-pack stand. I was delighted to find the Spaten Dunkel on the rack. I added a couple to a sixer with an assortment of Brown and Pale Ales. The Spaten will be first on the list this evening.

AtascAstro · « **Reply #52 on:** August 06, 2009, 09:04:23 am »

Tried and liked the Spaten Dunkel, but now all I really want is to try the Dunkel from my favorite Brewery, Ayinger. Has anyone seen it available here? I've got a feeling Coach is going to tell me how awesome it was at the brewery </jealous>

Hey, Marzen season is right around the corner, Huzzah for the German beer calendar!

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #53 on:** August 06, 2009, 09:13:07 am »

Quote from: AtascAstro on August 06, 2009, 09:04:23 am

Hey, Marzen season is right around the corner, Huzzah for the German beer calendar!

And my favo(u)rite Marzen/Oktoberfest in the entire world....Hacker-Pschorr. Biergarten in a bottle!!!

JimR · « **Reply #54 on:** August 06, 2009, 09:14:59 am »

Quote from: HudsonHawk on August 06, 2009, 09:13:07 am

And my favo(u)rite Marzen/Oktoberfest in the entire world....Hacker-Pschorr. Biergarten in a bottle!!!

very, very good, but i like Ayinger better.

MRaup · « **Reply #55 on:** August 06, 2009, 10:09:38 am »

Quote from: JimR on August 06, 2009, 09:14:59 am

very, very good, but i like Ayinger better.

Paulaner, Ayinger, Spaten. All make seriously sexy Oktos.

Oh, and if you haven't tried it, when it comes out, pick up a 6er of the Widmer Brothers Okto. Shockingly good for an American impression of Marzen.

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #56 on:** August 06, 2009, 10:19:17 am »

Quote from: MRaup on August 06, 2009, 10:09:38 am

Paulaner, Ayinger, Spaten. All make seriously sexy Oktos.

Oh, and if you haven't tried it, when it comes out, pick up a 6er of the Widmer Brothers Okto. Shockingly good for an American impression of Marzen.

I'd put them in my personal order of Hacker-Pschorr > Ayinger > Paulaner > Hofbrau > Spaten. Never tried Widmer Bros. but will give it a shot.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #57 on:** August 06, 2009, 10:21:44 am »

Quote from: HudsonHawk on August 06, 2009, 09:13:07 am

And my favo(u)rite Marzen/Oktoberfest in the entire world....Hacker-Pschorr. Biergarten in a bottle!!!

Much better on tap in the tent. It certainly is a strong choice, though. My problem with rating them is that by the time I am done with the comparison I can seldom remember why I had all those notes scribbled down ... much less read them.

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #58 on:** August 06, 2009, 10:29:04 am »

Quote from: VirtualBob on August 06, 2009, 10:21:44 am

Much better on tap in the tent. It certainly is a strong choice, though.

That's probably true for any beer. I can't recall a beer that's better out of the bottle than the tap. Hacker-Pschorr, unlike most other German beers, does not brew a recipe strictly for export. The beer you get here in the US is exactly the same as the beer you get in Germany.

Quote

My problem with rating them is that by the time I am done with the comparison I can seldom remember why I had all those notes scribbled down ... much less read them.

I've never been one to take notes and such on beers. I just try to remember what I like and don't like. It's like cigars...I read all the ratings and tasting notes and things like "slightly peppery on the tongue with a long creamy finish with notes of leather and nutmeg with a hint of sunflower oil". An old Cuban gentleman once told me "that's the problem with you Americans...you try to break down the flavors rather than relaxing and enjoying your cigar". I try to do the same with my beer.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #59 on:** August 06, 2009, 10:37:16 am »

Quote from: HudsonHawk on August 06, 2009, 10:29:04 am

... Hacker-Pschorr, unlike most other German beers, does not brew a recipe strictly for export. The beer you get here in the US is exactly the same as the beer you get in Germany.

True ... one of the things I like about H-P.

Quote from: HudsonHawk on August 06, 2009, 10:29:04 am

I've never been one to take notes and such on beers. I just try to remember what I like and don't like. It's like cigars...I read all the ratings and tasting notes and things like "slightly peppery on the tongue with a long creamy finish with notes of leather and nutmeg with a hint of sunflower oil". An old Cuban gentleman once told me "that's the problem with you Americans...you try to break down the flavors rather than relaxing and enjoying your cigar". I try to do the same with my beer.

I was kidding about the notes, but not about the memory problems inherent with a lengthy comparison session. It has happened (though not recently) that I have not been able to remember which tent I was actually in at a given time.

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #60 on:** August 06, 2009, 10:46:23 am »

Quote from: VirtualBob on August 06, 2009, 10:37:16 am

I was kidding about the notes, but not about the memory problems inherent with a lengthy comparison session. It has happened (though not recently) that I have not been able to remember which tent I was actually in at a given time.

I know some people who actually *do* take notes and shit. I don't get it. And I'd say if you can't remember being there, chances are you enjoyed it immensely.

JimR · « **Reply #61 on:** August 06, 2009, 10:50:30 am »

Quote from: HudsonHawk on August 06, 2009, 10:46:23 am

I know some people who actually *do* take notes and shit. I don't get it. And I'd say if you can't remember being there, chances are you enjoyed it immensely.

i cannot imagine anyone in the tents taking notes. that was wild and SO fun. at around 3 PM, we sat at a table (Paulaner or H-P, do not remember) with 21-25 year old Australian guys who had been there since 10 AM. i should use my photos of them/us as my avatar.

AtascAstro · « **Reply #62 on:** August 06, 2009, 02:02:24 pm »

Quote from: JimR on August 06, 2009, 10:50:30 am

i cannot imagine anyone in the tents taking notes. that was wild and SO fun. at around 3 PM, we sat at a table (Paulaner or H-P, do not remember) with 21-25 year old Australian guys who had been there since 10 AM. i should use my photos of them/us as my avatar.

Paging JackAstro to the white courtesy phone...

Author Topic: Friday Beer Thread (Read 11066 times)

Guinness

Guinness

Guinness

strosrays

Guinness

Andyzipp

Guinness