Friday beer thread

[das]

I had the Sierra Nevada Tumber autum brown ale last night.  Very good and reminiscant of my favorite beer (which I can't get here on the east coast), Fat Tire.  It's nice and rich with a roasted nutty taste and a delightful rich, slightly bitter finish.  Not bad for a brewery that tends to cater to more commercial tastes.

[Limey]

I had the Sierra Nevada Tumber autum brown ale last night.  Very good and reminiscant of my favorite beer (which I can't get here on the east coast), Fat Tire.  It's nice and rich with a roasted nutty taste and a delightful rich, slightly bitter finish.  Not bad for a brewery that tends to cater to more commercial tastes.

YTIFY

[HudsonHawk]

I'm not a fan of Fat Tire.  I think it's one of the most annoyingly over-rated beers out there.  It's the Kurt Cobain of the brewing world.  That said, I had a New Belgium 1554 the other night.  It was pretty good.  Kind of like someone dipped their chocolate bar in a Guiness.

And speaking of beer....it's nearly Oktoberfest time.  As I've mentioned before, marzens are probably my favorite style of beer.  And I love the whole concept of "hurry up and finish that keg...it's time to start brewing again."

And speaking of fall...I'm sitting on my patio right now, 10:45 am, September 3rd, in Midland, Texas, drinking a beer, smoking a cigar...and I'm wearing a jacket.  Which is nice.

[JimR]

on September 26, 2010, i will be 65 years old (cue the old man jokes). on September 26, 2010, i will be sitting in an Oktoberfest beer tent(or three) in Munchen drinking Deutsch fest bier in a liter mug. life will be excellent.

[HudsonHawk]

on September 26, 2010, i will be 65 years old (cue the old man jokes). on September 26, 2010, i will be sitting in an Oktoberfest beer tent(or three) in Munchen drinking Deutsch fest bier in a liter mug. life will be excellent.

I am truly jeaulous.  Oktoberfest in Munich is on my bucket list.  My wife has been, I have not.  That kills me.

[Trey]

on September 26, 2010, i will be 65 years old (cue the old man jokes). on September 26, 2010, i will be sitting in an Oktoberfest beer tent(or three) in Munchen drinking Deutsch fest bier in a liter mug. life will be excellent.

I will be in Munchen on Monday and Tuesday for work.  Of course, Oktoberfest does not start for another two weeks.  Damned my luck.

I've said it before, but the Real Ale Oktoberfest that is out right now is one of the best traditional Marzens I've had.

[Ron Brand]

I'm happy for HH and for Jim. Good times.

My favorite beer is Paulaner's Munchner Marzen but I haven't seen it in these parts in many years.

[JimR]

I am truly jeaulous.  Oktoberfest in Munich is on my bucket list.  My wife has been, I have not.  That kills me.

this will be my second time. there is nothing that compares for a guy who loves good beer.

[HudsonHawk]

I've said it before, but the Real Ale Oktoberfest that is out right now is one of the best traditional Marzens I've had.

I have become a big fan of things Real Ale.  Their Firemans #4 has been my staple all summer long.  They even have it on draught at The Hemingway.  I've yet to try the Oktoberfest (things are a bit slow making it out this way), but it's at the top of my list.

[JimR]

I'm happy for HH and for Jim. Good times.

My favorite beer is Paulaner's Munchner Marzen but I haven't seen it in these parts in many years.

Paulaner Oktoberfest is at Spec's.

[HudsonHawk]

I'm happy for HH and for Jim. Good times.

My favorite beer is Paulaner's Munchner Marzen but I haven't seen it in these parts in many years.

The Paulaner is very good, but my favorite marzen is Hacker-Pschorr.  That may be my favorite (mass produced) beer in the world.

[JimR]

I will be in Munchen on Monday and Tuesday for work.  Of course, Oktoberfest does not start for another two weeks.  Damned my luck.

I've said it before, but the Real Ale Oktoberfest that is out right now is one of the best traditional Marzens I've had.

it is good, but get the Ayinger when it arrives at Spec's.

[HudsonHawk]

this will be my second time. there is nothing that compares for a guy who loves good beer.

My wife brought me back one of the big liter mugs from the Hofbrau haus.  Every once in a while I'll fill it and pretend.  I know it's not the same though.  Perhaps if I get Mrs. Hawk to dress up and serve it to me...

[Trey]

it is good, but get the Ayinger when it arrives at Spec's.

+1

(Isn't that how the kids are saying "I agree" these days?)

[HudsonHawk]

+1

(Isn't that how the kids are saying "I agree" these days?)

I see that all the time.  I have no clue what that means, but I've gathered it's good.

[JimR]

My wife brought me back one of the big liter mugs from the Hofbrau haus.  Every once in a while I'll fill it and pretend.  I know it's not the same though.  Perhaps if I get Mrs. Hawk to dress up and serve it to me...

you should see all the glasses i brought back. drop by some time.

[HudsonHawk]

you should see all the glasses i brought back. drop by some time.

I'll try not to cry.

[Ebby Calvin]

I've said it before, but the Real Ale Oktoberfest that is out right now is one of the best traditional Marzens I've had.

I've had the Real Ale, St. Arnold's and Shiner Oktoberfests in the fridge for the past week, sampling each of them at separate intervals.  I came to the same conclusion:

Real Ale > St. Arnold's > Shiner

I can't say that for many of their other varietals (I'd swap Real Ale and St. Arnold's overall), but either way it's a great time of year for beer.
I'm jealous of your jacket weather, HH.

[Ty in Tampa]

I see that all the time.  I have no clue what that means, but I've gathered it's good.

It means "add me to the list", you know, like a third wheel. "Jack and Nancy +1"

[VirtualBob]

I will be in Munchen on Monday and Tuesday for work.  Of course, Oktoberfest does not start for another two weeks.  Damned my luck.

I've said it before, but the Real Ale Oktoberfest that is out right now is one of the best traditional Marzens I've had.

I've been to Oktoberfest several times, but it is way too "touristisch" these days.  If you are in country now, though, there are bound to be some local village fests within easy reach that would be wonderful.  This time of year you can't avoid them in Bavaria, and they are plenty easy to find elsewhere as well.  Even found one in Berlin last week, though the Prussians don't really get the idea of unwinding ... didn't even use liter mugs.

I do agree that Real Ale does a good job on their Oktoberfest style.  Shiner's is better (or at least it was ... they seem to tinker with both the mix and the name from time to time ... that awful Mesquite smoke beer was based on their Mӓrzen I think).

[VirtualBob]

The Paulaner is very good, but my favorite marzen is Hacker-Pschorr.  That may be my favorite (mass produced) beer in the world.

Das kann man leicht trinken!

Better still, though is Einbecker Urbock ... and better than that, Einbecker Mai-Urbock.  Mmmm

[subnuclear]

Do you guys get Leinenkugel's in Texas?  I can't remember ever seeing it there, but its the same sort of cost/quality ratio of Shiner, but from Wisconsin, and they make an excellent Oktoberfest.

[Ron Brand]

Paulaner Oktoberfest is at Spec's.

Did they just change the label and put it in a smaller bottle? What I used to drink was labeled as Munchner Marzen and came in those larger bottles, not the smaller Oktoberfest ones.

[JimR]

Thanks for dumping cold water on my fun, Bob

[HudsonHawk]

Thanks for dumping cold water on my fun, Bob

No shit.  I'd gladly go sit in boring ol' Bavaria with you and drink beer.  We could even fire up a puro or two.

[Limey]

you should see all the glasses i brought back. drop by some time.

Das Booooooooooooooooot!


I may be a little late to the party on this one, but I'm digging the Shiner Ocktoberfest.  Got some a while back but only had my first one this week.

[VirtualBob]

Thanks for dumping cold water on my fun, Bob

Go ahead and pretend it was cold beer (better yet, kaltes Bier).  It can still be fun, but it is way too crowded and artificial for me.  Since it goes on for quite a while, there may still be some village competition in the area.  Might be worth looking.

[VirtualBob]

No shit.  I'd gladly go sit in boring ol' Bavaria with you and drink beer.  We could even fire up a puro or two.

1.  Bavaria is not boring
2.  I'm not in Bavaria (rather Berlin)
3.  Berlin is not boring either
4.  I have an important conference call in 15 minutes that suggests I should put off the malt-and-hops experience for a while ... thus the very temporary boredom.

[Bench]

... that awful Mesquite smoke beer ...

Holy shit, that stuff is awful. 

[VirtualBob]

Holy shit, that stuff is awful. 

Not quite as bad as a real German Rauchbier, but close.  Sort of like using an ashtray as a coaster, then drinking the spillage out of it.

[Ron Brand]

I love a real German Rauchbier. I know I'm in the minority.

[VirtualBob]

I love a real German Rauchbier. I know I'm in the minority.

Drink it all.  Reduces competition for the good stuff.

[JimR]

Go ahead and pretend it was cold beer (better yet, kaltes Bier).  It can still be fun, but it is way too crowded and artificial for me.  Since it goes on for quite a while, there may still be some village competition in the area.  Might be worth looking.

i'll try to have fun despite my lack of sophistication. on second thought, maybe that will help me.

[Limey]

i'll try to have fun despite my lack of sophistication. on second thought, maybe that will help me.

That, and the fact that you'll already be wearing Depenz.

[AtascAstro]

it is good, but get the Ayinger when it arrives at Spec's.

I actually look forward to this debate sparking up every year.  HP is mighty fine, but Coach has the winner here.  As much as I enjoy trying other Beers, once the Ayinger shows up it is hard to pass it on the shelf.

Need to try the Real Ale, the other two are pretty ok but not worth walking past an import for, imo.

[JimR]

the beer manager at my Spec's says Shiner's Oktoberfest is just the 96 formula with different hops.

[HudsonHawk]

i'll try to have fun despite my lack of sophistication. on second thought, maybe that will help me.

Just don't bring chuck, or anyone else who will remind you that you're just a typical gauche American, and you'll be fine.

[JimR]

Just don't bring chuck, or anyone else who will remind you that you're just a typical gauche American, and you'll be fine.

actually, i thought chuck had control of Bob's computer. that post caught me totally by surprise.

[chuck]

actually, i thought chuck had control of Bob's computer. that post caught me totally by surprise.

I've never been to Germany.

[JimR]

I've never been to Germany.

that fact saved me.

[Ebby Calvin]

I've never been to Germany.

They make Birkenstocks there.

[Limey]

I've never been to Germany.

Last time I was in Germany, there was a wall in Berlin and Soviet satellites overflying our airbase every few hours.

[chandler44]

I have become a big fan of things Real Ale.  Their Firemans #4 has been my staple all summer long.  They even have it on draught at The Hemingway.  I've yet to try the Oktoberfest (things are a bit slow making it out this way), but it's at the top of my list.

Did you try their Devil's Backbone seasonal?  I enjoyed it quite a bit.

I agree with others about the Shiner Oktoberfest.  It's not the best I've had, but it's enjoyable and is relatively easy to find (now) in my small town.  I've gone through about a case so far.

[austro]

Well, my Spec's didn't have any Shiner Oktoberfest, so I grabbed the Wdmer Bros. Okto instead. It's pretty good, too.

[Alkie]

Just don't bring chuck, or anyone else who will remind you that you're just a typical gauche American, and you'll be fine.

Well I was going to post in this thread but I see I've already been uninvited.   Filthy American swinedogs.

[Frobie]

Nice to see a full-fledged Oktoberfest discussion going. 

I poked around the big Specs today looking for new interpretations of my favorite style.  The only one I could find that I hadn't tried before was from Harpoon in Vermont.  It was quite good--a little more estery than I prefer but had decent bitterness in the finish.  Definitely worth a try.

I'm partial to Paulaner but will also be keeping an eye out for Ayinger's version, which I don't think I'd tried prior to seeing it spoken of so highly here (though I'd been a big fan of their hefe for a while). 

Prost! 

[VirtualBob]

Saw this link #2 on 10 tourist traps that are worth it. ... maybe that will help coach feel better about his upcoming trip.

[chuck]

Saw this link #2 on 10 tourist traps that are worth it. ... maybe that will help coach feel better about his upcoming trip.

That link is fucked up but in looking at the site I found regarding Munich:

WHY GO?
Lovely historic city nestled against the Bavarian Alps
Buzzy atmosphere (Euro capital of publishing and tech)
Beer, of course

WHAT TO SKIP
Oktoberfest—the world's biggest amusement-park fraternity party

The July/August edition of my beloved Monocle Magazine ranked Munich as the #1 most liveable city in the world.

[JimR]

you can all go fuck yourselves. this is the absolute last time i will post something personal here.

[BudGirl]

you can all go fuck yourselves. this is the absolute last time i will post something personal here.

You don't really care what they think of your birthday plans, do you?  You shouldn't.

[JaneDoe]

you can all go fuck yourselves. this is the absolute last time i will post something personal here.

I thought your plans were divine.  I hope you have the best birthday trip ever!

[geezerdonk]

the world's biggest amusement-park fraternity party

Why would you want to skip that? I'd go in a heartbeat.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

you can all go fuck yourselves. this is the absolute last time i will post something personal here.

F'em... Bavaria is the best part of Germany, without question.  Despite the stigma as Hitler's vacation spot, Berchtesgaden is incredible. 

I admire your trips exploring Europe.  I meant to ask you questions about your trip to Normandy, as my family visited there when I was a teenager.  For me, it was simply awe-inspiring.

[Bench]

The July/August edition of my beloved Monocle Magazine ranked Munich as the #1 most liveable city in the world.

Most loveable too!  Munich is fantastic. 

[VirtualBob]

you can all go fuck yourselves. this is the absolute last time i will post something personal here.

WFW

[/ducking]

Seriously though, Jim ... enjoy it!!  Bavaria is unbeatable.

[chuck]

you can all go fuck yourselves. this is the absolute last time i will post something personal here.

What the hell are you talking about? Some website says that Oktoberfest is a frat party. Who cares? A magazine I regard highly says Munich is the best city on the planet. I'd love to go one day.

[HudsonHawk]

A magazine I regard highly says Munich is the best city on the planet.

Hustler?

[chuck]

Hustler?

I read it for the interviews.

[Savage]

it is good, but get the Ayinger when it arrives at Spec's.

Found it at Binny's today and bought them out.  My single favorite beer.  Get used to my annual thank you for pointing me towards it.

[Taras Bulba]

Somebody get this to Raup: http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/0,1518,686305,00.html

[Ebby Calvin]

Somebody get this to Raup: http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/0,1518,686305,00.html

That reminds me of the Sofa King Bueno wine I had a couple weeks ago.  Fucking Hell is a bit less...subtle.

[homer]

Deep Fried Beer

[VirtualBob]

Somebody get this to Raup: http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/0,1518,686305,00.html

This is the one that Jim really needs to see!

[Duke]

Deep Fried Beer

I'm definitely giving this a shot on Oct. 2nd at the fair.

[Frobie]

Tried Real Ale's O'fest last night.  Can't say that I'm a fan.  Makes me wonder since many here whose taste for beer I greatly respect seem to like it.  

Taste is a funny thing.  

[HudsonHawk]

Tried Real Ale's O'fest last night.  Can't say that I'm a fan.  Makes me wonder since many here whose taste for beer I greatly respect seem to like it.  

Taste is a funny thing.  

Yesterday I made my first trip to Spec's since returning to Houston.  I looked for the Real Ale O'Fest, but they did not have it.  I was able to snag some Hofbrau and a few bottles of Ayinger (both in the marzen style).  The latter is indeed spectacularly good, especially while watching the Astros win.  In not so great news, the guy in front of me snagged the last case of Shiner in cans.

[chuck]

A few days ago I bought a 12 pack of Shiner Holiday Cheer. Eleven bottles remain. I offer them to anyone who might want them. Those of you who have suffered unfortunate damage to the palate through disease or accident are particularly encouraged to act.

[das]

Same for Sam Adams Oktoberfest.  Horrible.  I thought for a moment that I'd save it for the next time I make chili but I didnt want to offend or ruin the chili by dumping a bottle in there.

[subnuclear]

A lady I work with brought in a loaf of beer bread to share today.  I was unfamiliar with the concept, but its pretty good. 

[Ty in Tampa]

Same for Sam Adams Oktoberfest. anything.  Horrible.

[MusicMan]

I actually find Sam Adams Light to be not bad.

[das]

There is nothing quite so bad as something that is not so bad.

[Andyzipp]

A few days ago I bought a 12 pack of Shiner Holiday Cheer. Eleven bottles remain. I offer them to anyone who might want them. Those of you who have suffered unfortunate damage to the palate through disease or accident are particularly encouraged to act.

Holiday Cheer from last year?  The shit that tastes of pine trees?

[MusicMan]

A few days ago I bought a 12 pack of Shiner Holiday Cheer. Eleven bottles remain. I offer them to anyone who might want them. Those of you who have suffered unfortunate damage to the palate through disease or accident are particularly encouraged to act.

I thought I had bitten into a goddamned peach.  That had to be the worst thing to ever bear the Shiner name, even allowing for a hypothetical case where Texas airmen air painting "Shiner" on bombs in Afghanistan.

[ybbodeus]

If we ever get into any really heavy combat, I'll be right behind you guys--every step of the way.

[chuck]

Holiday Cheer from last year?  The shit that tastes of pine trees?

Peach. MM has it right. It's my fault for not reading the fine print. Which reads We have added fruit and nuts to an unsuspecting and defenseless beer as if it were a motherfucking chocolate bar.

Someone should be severely castigated for this sort of offense.

[Limey]

I actually find Sam Adams Light to be not bad.

[Gordon Ramsey]  Get the fuck out!!  [Gordon Ramsey]

[JimR]

A few days ago I bought a 12 pack of Shiner Holiday Cheer. Eleven bottles remain. I offer them to anyone who might want them. Those of you who have suffered unfortunate damage to the palate through disease or accident are particularly encouraged to act.

I poured mine down the sink.

[chuck]

I poured mine down the sink.

You'll note no one has come forward to claim the eleven bottles that are now taking up space on my kitchen floor. Maybe I'll give them to Hudson tomorrow at his tailgate.

[Frobie]

The Brooklyn Brewery sells a pretty fine Oktoberfest--possibly the best domestic version I've had so far.

Never did find the Ayinger version this year.  Sad about that--but it gives me something to look forward to next October.

On to the holiday seasonals!

[JimR]

The Brooklyn Brewery sells a pretty fine Oktoberfest--possibly the best domestic version I've had so far.

Never did find the Ayinger version this year.  Sad about that--but it gives me something to look forward to next October.

On to the holiday seasonals!

Spec's had Ayinger as recently as last week.

[roadrunner]

I was able to find a 6 pack of the DR 10 on the way home today.  I'm not going to act like I know anything about beer, but this is pretty great and, Jesus, I'm already buzzing after just one.  

Apparently the Spec's in Midtown sold out in 15 minutes.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I had some beers with the Raups the other night and they introduced me to Unibroue's Maudite. I'm enjoying one right now. Picked up a 4 pack at Central Market along with a 4 pack of Unibroue's La Fin Du Monde, which they also recommended but I have not tried one of them yet--it'll be next. But I really really like the Maudite.

[hostros7]

Anyone tried the DR 10 yet?

[Alkie]

But I really really like the Maudite.

One of my favorite North American beers.

[matadorph]

Anyone tried the DR 10 yet?

Yes, it will knock you on your ass. I've had better, but I'm not a big fan of barley wines.

I highly suggest the Estate Homegrown Ale from Sierra Nevada. Holy hopballs is this shit good!

[MRaup]

Yes, it will knock you on your ass. I've had better, but I'm not a big fan of barley wines.

I highly suggest the Estate Homegrown Ale from Sierra Nevada. Holy hopballs is this shit good!

Had some at Specs a week or two ago. FANTASTIC stuff.

Also, HEB at Far West has it in their individual beer section. I'd like to take the Beer Manager at the Far West HEB out for a beer sometime, they're doing an AMAZING job of stocking the beer section with good stuff.

[VirtualBob]

I poured mine down the sink.

Better check the pipe seals.

[VirtualBob]

Yes, it will knock you on your ass. I've had better, but I'm not a big fan of barley wines.

I highly suggest the Estate Homegrown Ale from Sierra Nevada. Holy hopballs is this shit good!

If you are on the fence about barley wine, you should definitely try Kastel ... a Belgian variety that weighs in at about 11% and is very tasty.