Featured Beer, week ending 4/3

Now that I am out of the beer business, I suppose my learning will have to be more active then passive. So, I'm thinking maybe I will talk about a beer I drank recently, and why I like it. Especially since my new job has a set schedule, maybe this will work? But, I am not really into the technically of enjoying beer. I enjoy the more subjective approach. My grading shows as much.

Who? Boulevard Brewery Tank 7

What? Saison, 8% abv

When? 4/3/11

Where? On The Rocks Liquor, Lawrence, KS

Hype 9 / 10: I had had this beer in 2009, and brought it home from Kansas. I had enjoyed it so much that I have been craving and talking about it so much, that I simply had to get it next time I was in town.

Taste 13 / 15: Sometimes, you will find a saison that funky, which is great, or overly yeasty, which is fine, too. This had almost a sweetness masking the other characteristics that I would have expected from any other saison. The body was right, the feel was right. I didn't remember it not being as bitter. Perhaps the batch was different from the one I had in 2009. It's hard to make a good beer that is different from what people expect the style to be. But, it was definitely good.

Memorability 14 / 15: Obviously this beer I now have a little bit of history with, so there is that going for it. And, now that I know that I can expect a little bit different of a saison, I will reach for it again next time I see it.

Environment 5 / 5: I was drinking this at my sister's house, with my brother-in-law who is very much on the verge of being a beer geek. He is already brewing his own beer, so it is exciting to bring drink with him and talk about all the things that makes beer good.

X-Factor 5 / 5: Perhaps it was the long awaitedness of this beer, or that it was really cool to find a great beer store that was new in Lawrence. Or perhaps to find it available in small bottles, which means I could drink it over a few days, unlike last time. Or that I was simply on vacation, drinking beer.

Score: 46 / 50, A-

Top 10 Beer New To Me 2010

As much as I want to go all statistical, and have numbers prove points about what beer I like better, there is a lot to be said about the simplicity of opinion. Maybe some day, but here's a Top 10 list for now.

Top 10 Beers New To Me 2010

#1 Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout.

This was pretty easy considering its limited availability. It also is a reminder of a long, hard, yet fun night volunteering at the beer festival. I have become a huge fan of maple flavor over the past year, as well as bigger and "badder" beers. This was just perfect

#2 Pretty Things 1901 KK.

My love affair with Pretty Things is no secret. But this beer really stood out for me, more than the mild ale from last year. It was different enough, yet friendly. I sent a bottle to Kansas for Thanksgiving, even. It's a beer I could share, so I did.

#3 Boulevard Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale.

This was brought back to me from a cross country drive. I wish that Boulevard was available out here. Saisons have really been a new love for me this year, and I was really hoping that a KC brewery could do it right. It was so light and delicious, and I recommend it to anyone who can buy it.

#4 Uinta Crooked Line Labyrinth Black Ale.

You have to love Utah brewers. They must have a hell of a time trying to sell it in state, but I guess that means more for us. The thing about black beers is that they can go south so quick, making them taste sweet like licorice. But this one kept the balance of color and flavor all the way through. I even have a bottle in the fridge right now!

#5 Dogfish Head Bitches Brew.

This one became famous because it was on the TV. But, you know, it was worth the hype. It is made with an African-style honey drink. The beer, named after the Miles Davis album, does indeed have a lot of soul. If I had more, I would want to age it, but I only have the one that Beth wants to drink sooner than later. I guess I will have to agree!

#6 Avery Rumkin.

Whoopsie! I didn't know I was going to get this at the restaurant, but I did. I was thinking it would be more rum than pumpkin. I am glad I got to drink this fantastic beer, being that everyone loved it at the Great American Beer Festival. Sure, it was a ridiculously high ABV at 14.5%, but it was so damned tasty.
And it sold real fast, too. This is one of those beers that makes me love drinking. It's such an experience.

#7 The Bruery Coton.

I thought it was such a big deal to have a limit release beer from the brewery that brought me the dilicious Two Turtle Doves. And the beers was heavy and syrupy, but still a fantastically strong beer that made you want to drink more. Once you get past that initial shock of drinking a strong beer, they can be so wonderful. And you are drunk and happy at the end of the glass.

#8 Great Divide Colette.

Another in the year of the Farmhouse. Another brewery from the middle of the country, and this one was good to the last drop. I had it next to Smuttynose's Farmhouse, and though I love that one so much, I thought that this was better. I think that it had the right amount of twang to make you remember it. Like a good Farmhouse should.

#9 Allagash Fluxus 2010.

Taza Chocolate was a great joy for Beth and I throughout the year. So, when we heard that one of our favorite breweries put it in a beer, we knew that we had something good. And it was. We busted this out for a party, sharing it with good friends, who we knew would enjoy something a little refined. At was dark and chocolaty, and fit what I imagined perfectly.

#10 Lagunitas Little Sumpin' Wild

And, lastly, another Farmhouse style beer. This was a nice balance of a basic Belgian wheat and a Saison, and I was fortunate enough to have this twice at the restaurant. Plus, it was really cool to have the Lagunitas VIPs in the restaurant, and talking to them about what makes the beers good.

And that's what I got for right now. I may do some other lists, but I thought that this would be a great place to start. It feels good to be constructive.

October's ranks

So, I decided to try something different this time. Inspired by WFNX, I thought that I could tell what beers I really liked if I had to choose between two different beers. And I did that match-up for every beer here vs. every other beer here. Then I took the winning percentage, and ranked them accordingly. Please tell me what you think.

#1	Founders KBS.	100.0%
#2	Boulevard Tank 7	94.9%
	Great Divide Yeti '09.	94.9%
	Pretty Things Babayaga.	94.9%
#5	Pretty Things 1901 KK.	89.7%
#6	Grand Teton Sheep Eater.	84.6%
#7	Troegs Flying Mouflan.	82.1%
#8	Pretty Things Baby Tree	79.5%
#9	Troegs Dead Reckoning.	76.9%
#10	Lagunitas Little Sumpin' Wild.	74.4%
#11	Watch City Brune.	69.2%
#12	Cape Ann Honey Ale.	66.7%
	Smuttynose Gravitation.	66.7%
	Troegs Javahead Stout.	66.7%
#15	Ballast Point Big Eye IPA.	61.5%
	Great Divide 16th Anniversary.	61.5%
	Ommegang Cup O' Kindness.	61.5%
#18	Wachusetts Larry.	59.0%
#19	Lefthand Twin Sisters.	56.4%
#20	Breckenridge Avalanche.	53.8%
#21	Dogfish Head Punkin'.	48.7%
#22	Boulevard Pale Ale.	46.2%
#23	Andrew's Homebrew"Hoptober".	41.0%
	Evolution Craft Lot #3.	41.0%
	Ommegang Zuur.	41.0%
#26	Breckenridge 471 IPA.	35.9%
	Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin.	35.9%
#28	Pretty Things Hedgerow Bitter.	33.3%
#29	Anchor Liberty Ale.	30.8%
#30	Allagash Curiuex.	28.2%
#31	Kern River Just Outstanding IPA.	25.6%
#32	Hooker Liberator.	23.1%
#33	People's Pint IPA.	20.5%
#34	Odell Levity.	12.8%
	Watch City Clocktober.	12.8%
#36	8th street Ale.	7.7%
	Rogue Yellow Snow.	7.7%
#38	New Belgian Tripel.	5.1%
#39	Southern Tier 2xipa.	5.1%
#40	Southern Tier Choklat.	2.6%

September grades and ranks

September was a good month for beer. Nice variety, nice changes throughout the month. Not to mention my birthday and the Oskar Blues beer dinner.

I don't know why I obsess over having all these listed. Sure, it;s my thing, but to what end? Will something great become of this? I hope so, yet, my approach is far from scientific. It's me giving some witty comment about the beer I just drank. Nothing more, nothing less.

There is also the debate if I grade to easily. I hardly ever have things in the C-range. But I am fairly confident in my ability to pick a good beer to drink. Plus, with free samples at work, it makes my choice all the easier.

The new Twitter layout takes away the time stamp (at least with a cut and paste into excel) so that aspect is lost a little. I know when I had them and you would to if you follow me on the Twitter.


[A+]

#1 The Bruery Coton. Had to have it before it was gone. I love my syrup-like-heavy beers to be chock full of alcohol. It is what I want!(A, A+)

One of the best beers that I have ever had. The more I had it, the more I loved it. Sure, it's high in alcohol, but if you just take the time to sip it slowly, you'll be happy like me.

#2 Allagash Fluxus '10. I know i just tweeted this, but you still have to know how awesome this year's batch is. Taza chocolate and love.(A, A+)

Allagash does it again. And I still have a bottle at home. Taza chocolate and Allagash brewing, how can you possibly go wrong?

[A]

#3 Dogfish Head Bitches Brew. Now, if this isn't the sweetest thing you have ever drank? I would be tempted to age it a year, see how it holds. (A, A)

I am tempted to find another bottle of this and age it. I mean, I don't even know if the way we age at home is effective, but it is a dark place in our most lived in room (living room). But, I don't even go for super sweet beers, but you put enough punch behind it, you gotta give it a try.

#4 Uinta Crooked Line Labyrinth Black Ale. Big beer, big ABV. 13.2%, syrupy, but lighter body than you'd expect. Very drinkable. Great.(A, A)

I want to bring some bottles of this into the restaurant to sell. Or maybe more. Once we empty out the storage, I will be bringing in my stuff. This will be awesome!

#5 St. Bernardus Abt 12. My birthday, my choice of beer. It was strong enough to go with steak, but sweet enough to go with dessert. Heart.(A, A)

My birthday beer. I heart this beer a lot, and it holds a special place for me. I don't know why I even tried it in the first place. Maybe it is the happy monk on the bottle? But, it's my second favorite Belgian, behind the Delirium.

#6 Founders Devil Dancer. Like a whiskey having a love child with an IPA. A super bitter triple, but just enough balance to make it good.(A-, A)

What about Founders isn't great? I think that Devil Dancer was my first introduction to them, way back in probably 2007-8ish, and that first drink has stuck with me since then. Of course I have since become obsessed with the breakfast stouts, too, but this one will stick with you.

#7 Great Divide 16th Anniversary. It's a wonderful beer, a DIPA that's wood aged. It does teeter on the edge of almost too much. Not for the faint.(A-, A)

I am suck a sucker for anniversary beers. I'm all "ooh, let's try that!" every time I see one. But, Great Divide does a great job on almost everything, so it made it worth it.

[A-]

#8 Mayflower Golden Cask. It was like drinking air. I've had it normal before and thought it was fine, but tonight was ridiculously good.(A-, A-)

This is not rated so high because of the beer itself, but the presentation style, from a cask. Seriously, the is the best thing that I have ever had on cask. It was so pure, so light, and so delicious. It's hard to go back to stronger beers on cask after this one.

#9 Lost abbey lost and found. smoky complex flavor. almost distracting because you dont know what you are tasting.(A-, A-)

A great beer from Lost Abbey. And I know that I ranked it pretty high, but this is not the best that Lost Abbey can do.

#10 Duck-Rabbit Porter. Oh my, how did I get my hands on this little bottle? Strictly flavor, this is better than Sinebrychoff. So far away.(A-, A-)

Reason #10 why my job is awesome. There is an underground beer trade that goes on (legally). Beth's gonna kill me when it comes our turn to bring in the goodies.

#11 Oskar Blues Aged Ten Fidy (Stranahan's whiskey barrels). I love tasting regular and then twisted back to back. It was a perfect pairing.(A-, A-)

I had a huge obsession with aging last year. I still really appreciate it, but I started to realize that I am not all that crazy about whiskey or bourbon. That doesn't mean that the beers are good, but if you throw it too far over the age, then you lose a great beer.

#12 Great Divide Hercules Double IPA. A DIPAs that I fell in love with long ago. A lot spicier than I remember, but it accented the meal.(A-, A-)

Another one of those hallmark beers in my life, especially when I was the king of double IPAs.

#13 Smuttynose Farmhouse. Was Lord Hobo sitting on this one for a while? I didn't know it was still around. Regardless, had to have it.(A-, A-)

I raised an eyebrow seeing this still on tap in the late summer. It still tasted fine, obviously, but freshness is a peculiar thing that I have learned about at work.

#14 Pretty Things Hedgerow Bitter. Out of a bottle, out at a bar. See, sometimes it will happen. Lots of bitter, but flavor, too.(A-, A-)

Though I love the idea of selling bottles at the bar, it is hard for me to buy one myself. This was a nice change, being I wasn't thrilled at the draft choice, but the bottles were nice. Look around.

#15 Oskar Blues Dale's Pale Ale. You know I love, and you should too. THe beer that changed my thoughts about canned beer. Always A- (A-, A-)

I bet you are all tired of me drinking this beer (and all the Smuttynoses). But, I still love them.

#16 Southern Tier Backburner. My favorite ST product. A fiery combo of hops with strong ABV. Drinks smooth, burps are rough.(A-, A-)

I talked to the Southern Tier rep the other day. I think that I want to do a dinner/event with them. Their beer is good enough, darnit!

#17 Oskar Blues Ten Fidy. Classic dark, roasty flavor, plus the strong alcohol is exactly what you want from such a strong beer. Glassware!(A-, A-)

As I was saying about aging beers, this was an example of surpassing the original. Not that this beer is bad, but with a dark beer like this, you have some room to play.

#18 Troegs Javahead Stout. Surprisingly good. Ordered it for CC on a whim. Tasted great, though I want heavier stouts. Make it a float!(B+, A-)

Biggest surprise for me of the month. I really didn't think that I liked Troegs, but I had ordered this just to have something different from them, and I was amazed. And though I was trying to make a float, I want to see more beer frappes. Really.

#19 Sinebrychoff Porter. Much better in draft than in bottle, but still the porter in which I judge all other porters. Smoky and coy.(A-, B+)

I am so sad that this one fell from previous ranks. Sure, it could be that the bottle was sitting around for a while, but this was not as dreamy as I remembered it. So many things could influence this.

[B+]

#20 Oskar Blues Old Chub. I liked this one a lot, a very tasty, malt scotch ale. Also tart. I was starting to get hammered at this point.(B+, B+)

It was great to try more of the Oskar Blues line up. This was the best of the new to me.

#21 Harpoon Glacier Harvest '10: The body and the hop that I want my IPA to be, but a little overly herbal, even for a wet hop beer.(B+, B+)

Free bottle from work. You cannot complain with that. I respect harpoon doing the fancier stuff, and I want to try more, but the market is so flooded with their average beers, it is hard to turn around your thought process.

#22 Smuttynose Old Brown Dog. Had it for my pre-meal last night, way to get the palate ready for some dark meat. Where is the Really OBD? Smuttynose Old Brown Dog. Old stand by is more like it. Any time you eat meat, you want something that will pair well, yet subtle. Mmm.(B+, B+)

Two tweets here, if you were wondering. You know I love it.

#23 Oskar blues Gubna. We're talking a strong and powerful beer that'll knock you down. It's full of taste and an experience to drink.(B+, B+)

Again with the new Oskar Blues beers (to me). There is a point though with strong, flavorful beer, that it becomes impractical in large quantities. Just sayin'.

#24 Smuttynose Shoals Pale Ale. Well, that is everything in the mixer. I forget that I love the simplicity of the beer and how soft it is.(B+, B+)

My forgotten Smutty. I should drink it more often.

#25 Dogfish Head Punkin Ale. Wish it wasn't 95 degrees the first day I drink this, but we got to grill outside, make some tandoori (apparently).(B+, B)

I know Beth loves it, but I am not as excited about it this year as I have been. Still fine, but I am no pumpkin-expert.

#26 Mayflower Autumn Wheat. A dark wheat? Really should pour it into a glass next time. Dry on first sip, fragile to pair with. Salt kills.(B+, B)

Salt does kill the flavor of a lot of beer. It sucks that some of our best food is so salty. Down a Harpoon IPA, sure, but with the more delicate beers, you lose a lot of the grace intended.

#27 Smuttynose Star Island Single. Learning to like this beer. Or at least have it be a nice session beer. If one is a session.(B, B+)

[B]

#28 Oskar Blues Gordon. First time having it. Thought itwas paired well with herbs and spices (less than 11). Nice red ale.(B, B)

Intense. Fun to drink, but not practical.

#29 Harpoon Munich Dark. I really need to believe that Harpoon can do stuff beyond the IPA. This stands out as a reason to choose them again.(B, B)

A nice surprise out of Harpoon. We have a friend that loves this beer, with is worthy, especially for a session beer. Those are hard to find for me these days, because I hardly dedicate one beer to the evening.

#30 Oskar Blues Mama's Yella Pils. Not something that I drink all that often, but it was refreshing, compared to all the other heavy beers.(B, B)

I am not a Pilsner guy, but I find this only to be in the middle of good. Nothing more.

#31 Anchor Liberty Ale. Great beer, but better in beer-cheese bread. Wanted some of that, too. Will enjoy until wifey makes the yums.(B, B-)

Another beer that I know I like, but find myself being less attracted to. Some of my tastes are changing... or at least asking for something different. I am always looking for an A-range beer, but that leaves some really good beers behind. And completely unrelated, I always thing of that Southwest Airlines commercial about going to Philly... "We got the Liberty Bell, we got cheesesteak." And I say to myself, "I got the liberty ale..."

#32 Lagunitas Pils. Hard call, after a long, fun night out. I don't think that it was all that impressive. It was refreshing, but average.(B, B-)

Again with the Pilsners. Maybe I just want everything to taste like it is from Germany, direct.

#33 Sam Adams Sample B American Rye Ale. Not to bad, though a little alkaline-y. I think that with a little more body it would be great.(B, B-)

The last of a free sample I got from long ago. Meh. Drinkable.

[B-]

#34 Newport Storm Regenschauer Oktoberfest. Sucked at first sip. Got better, but really, no fancy flavors to remind me of anything.(B-, C+)

Please direct me to a great Newport beer. I want to like them.

[C+]

#35 Wachusetts Ryde. Look what I found in the back of the fridge just before dawn. It wants to be flavorful, really. Just like woody H2O.(B-, C)

A running gag for the last few months. You won't see another review any time soon.

August grades and ranks

I don't know where all this tweeting is going. I am addicted to tweeting my beers, and giving them ranks, which is all fine and good, but doing this blog post, it was hard. It's a little time consuming, and I drink a lot of the same beers as I do different ones. It's probably a 50/50 split. Do you really care from month to month what I think of Smuttynose Brown Dog? And are ranks really fun when I feel that I hardly ever give anything below a B-? Sure, I drink a lot of fine beer, and I do tend to be choosy about what I buy, but I am looking at 8 "A" beers this months. And they all deserve it, but I feel like I am approaching "Everyone gets a trophy" territory.

So, I feel that collecting the beers that I drink, it's a start. But these are just poorly written tweets with some afterthought. Not all that deep. That's why I want something more visually stunning. I think that drinking as many different beers as you can is a good thing, and I want to share this passion with other people. But how can I get other people involved. Collecting beer cards for everything that you drink? Four Square style badges? Head-to-head matchups to truly pick a best beer? I am something that is visually enjoyable and yet clear and concise information. All websites for beer are different. I think that there should be a standard in which the information is presented, and the same information presented for each and every beer. Like, Harpoon IPA vs. Smuttynose IPA vs. Ipswich IPA. Help me compare these three and choose. And I want a website that is not tainted with personal opinions. This is my blog, and my space in which to do so, but I want something else, too. There are books that I love that do just this, but why not have a complete library of information? My dreams are always larger then the effort I have to exert.

All that said, doing this still feels right.

Grades are 1st impression and today's thought. They are ranked on average, then person opinion.


[A]

#1 Russian River Pliny the Elder. Motherfucker I am lucky have had this beer. Brought by a co-worker. So much hops, but so well balanced. A Sunday, August 29, 2010 10:10:53 PM via web (A, A)

How lucky am I to have had this beer in Boston? It is as great as everyone makes it, though I think this is by far better than the Younger. This is just my personal taste. Though, I love that my job has a culture of sharing good beer. Can't wait for my turn to bring back my local favorites.

#2 Great Divide Yeti '09. I've stared at these bottles for a month now, finally got to crack one open. Split this and dessert with wife. A Sunday, August 22, 2010 7:36:52 PM via web (A, A)

Another perk of where I work. This is a favorite beer of mine, but to have it aged, made it a little thicker, but just as good.

#3 Allagash Curieux. THe most lovely kick in the ass that you can have. Sure it's powerful, but enough sweetness makes you beg for more. A Sunday, August 29, 2010 10:09:38 PM via web (A, A)

Allagash is up there in the breweries that can do no wrong. I typically don't do the strong barrel-aged stuff, but this is too good to ever pass up.

#4 Dogfish Palo Santo Marron. Stupid strong but a sweetness that keeps you drinking. just a touch of tart that get yous attention A Monday, August 16, 2010 6:10:25 PM via txt (A, A)

Sometimes Dogfish is just a little to extreme, but when they walk the line, they do it just as well as anyone else. They have some of the best pallets out there.

#5 Avery Majaraja. Absolutely fantastic IPA. has all the hops and bitterness that you would want. also a body that makes it a good drink. A- Monday, August 16, 2010 6:06:16 PM via txt (A-, A)

The first time I had this was a shared bottle at Beck&Tony's. It was good then and has stuck with me every time I see it. I don't know why I never got into Avery when I actually lived out there, but I am learning to respect it more and more.

#6 Pretty Things St. Botolph's Town. Heavier than I remember. Almost stouty, but still went delicious with a pork sammy and fresh corn. A Tuesday, August 17, 2010 8:28:23 PM via web (A, A-)

A great dark ale, what can I say? The darker the beer, the more body I want, and Pretty Things seems to think the way I do.

#7 Ommegang Hennepin. Great Farmhouse, never fails to disappoint. It stays fresh and flavorful with each sip. Never backs down. A Friday, August 20, 2010 11:57:33 PM via web (A, A-)

This beer is almost always available, and I don't know why I don't pick it up more often.

#8 Stone 14th Anniversary. Imperial IPA. Stone tastes like Stone, though it wasn't that heavy "arrogant" taste that is most common. A- 8:27 PM Aug 2nd via web (A, A-)

Stone and that Stone taste. Some times works better than others, and this is one of those. I have a soft spot for any anniversary beers.

[A-]

#9 Smuttynose Farmhouse Saison. This was my first saison love. Still is. Better balance than Great Divide. Malty, yet still refreshing! A- Friday, August 13, 2010 7:13:30 PM via web (A-, A-)

Is there a movement for an American saison? Less funk? I dunno, but this stands out different than Dupont, and the others like that.

#10 Pretty Things Baby Tree. It's been a while since I had this. Forgot how badk and heavy it can be, especially mid summer. Still awesome! A- 12:00 AM Aug 5th via web (A-, A-)

This is a beer that you should only have every once in a while. It could distort your opinion of other beers if you drink it too much.

#11 CBC Three Rings. Nice Belgian that doesn't to hard to be all "Hey, look at me!" It drinks smooth and quick. Tastes good, pairs well. B+ Wednesday, August 25, 2010 10:07:39 PM via

I live so close to CBC, but I don't know how I have forgotten about if for so long. I think that Halloween bust from last year tainted my opinion. But the beer can be damned good.

#12 Oskar Blues Dale's Pale Ale. Everything that I want a Pale to be. And also a finely crafted beer. Sad the case is now gone. A- 8:01 PM Aug 12th via web (A-, A-)

BA is wrong. This beer is way better than a B.

[B+]

#13 21st Amendment Black IPA. A solid IPA that balances the sweetness with a nice hoppy taste. Clown Shoes should pay heed to the can. B+ 8:06 PM Aug 9th via web (B+, B+)

Black beers. It is an interesting movement to have more of them. Kinda hip right now, I guess. But to do it well, you don't need it to be a gimmick.

#14 Ipswich Ale. I love this simple, no frills drink. Easy to swallow, no balance issues. It give me the exact drink I want. B+ 2:29 AM Aug 12th via web (B+, B)

If you read fantasy fiction, where the characters go drink a skin of ale, this is what I would want mine to be.

#15 Mayflower Summer Rye. It's not one of those Ryes that thinks it's being clever. It tastes like a wheat with the spice, not vice versa. B+ Monday, August 16, 2010 8:31:20 PM via web (B+, B)

Trying to get into Mayflower seasonals. This is fine, as well as the fall seasonal I just had. They are better than most, but I almost pass them over for something else. Bad me.

#16 Smuttynose Shoals Pale Ale. I just needed something to take the edge off of changing a flat tire at 2am. It is drinkablely delicious. B+ 2:03 AM Aug 9th. I probably drink Smutty at least once a month. Their sampler is one of the few that is all good. B Tuesday, August 31, 2010 via web (B+, B)

We are getting into my session beers. Everyone has to have them.

#17 Rogue St. Rogue Red. Cask. I probably drank this too fast to give it a straight review. But, It was super hoppy, nice body. Like me. B+ 6:12 PM Aug 13th via web (B+, B)

Good cask. Casks are so much better on day 1 then day 4 or 5.

#18 Southampton Tripel. Enjoyable, good showing to be an Abbey. They produce some fine quality beers out there. Keep reaching! B+ Friday, August 20, 2010 11:59:07 PM via web (B+, B)

Why doesn't the restaurant pour more Southampton? They are good!

#19 Epic Armageddon IPA. New Zealand beer. Herbal taste to balance out the hoppiness, tasted better a little warmed up. Tasty little number. B+ Saturday, August 14, 2010 8:46:42 PM via web (B+, B)

A New Zealand beer. Enjoyable, but I don't know if it defines the flavor of a country. Will try more Epic down the road.

#20 Sam Adams Latitude 48. Great tasting IPA with a good balance, that doesn't kick you down. CC had it for a beer dinner and I got one. B+ 9:43 PM Aug 10th via web (B+, B)

My favorite Sam's.

#21 Great Divide Tripel. home taste. nice belgian taste and strong in ABV But not the greatest. does not take me away to belgium. b+ 9:10 PM Aug 3rd via txt (B+, B)

GD misses the mark by a hair on this, but that's fine due to all the other awesome beers they make.

#22 Smuttynose Star Island Single. My first full bottle. I wanted something light and easy to drink, and that was exactly what I got. B+ 1:53 AM Aug 2nd via web (B+, B)

I am glad that I stopped being afraid to try this, as the "other" beer that was always in the sampler. It's good.

#23 Sierra Nevada Torpedo. It's a good IPA with the heavy grapefruit taste. Good body to it, too. It doesn't have enough to be great. B+ 10:53 PM Aug 6th via web (B+, B)

I wish that I was more into SN. I know how important they are to the craft beer movement, and I really want to try more from them, but it's the Bigfoot for me..., given I have never had the Celebration.


[B]

#24 Arcadia Sky High Rye. Cask. Enjoyable, but actually lost appeal on the way down. The rye levels were fine, but had no finish to note. B Sunday, August 22, 2010 7:35:42 PM via web (B, B)

Ryes.. hip like black beers. Also, the freshness of the cask may have had a lot to do with my opinion of it. I don't like the layers of flavor approach. I want a solid flavor that you have to work to dissect.

#25 Long Trail Double Bag. Don't know if I have ever had it. Didn't know what to expect? Alt? Well, okay, but not all that great. B Sunday, August 22, 2010 3:43:52 AM via web (B, B)

I first had Long Trail on our honeymoon. We were all "ooh, what's this". The are still respectable, but I always want the beer to be more.

#26 Sierra Nevada Kellerweis. I'll just keep saying this until my musical family can escape from the Nazis. I love it's distinct taste. B Thursday, August 26, 2010 12:29:55 AM via web (B, B-)

This has dropped since last time I had it. It's taste is different, but it's only surprising once.

#27 Murphy's Irish Stout. The only thing to drink at The Glenview. My favorite "Keno and Salisbury" place. I know to let it warm up first. B 10:16 PM Aug 7th via web (B, B-)

My guilty pleasure.

#28 Long Trail Ale. A simple beer that's tasty. Not much body or flavor, but a solid drink to help was away the sins of the day. B Friday, August 20, 2010. Long Trail Ale. Fast drinkin', easy goin' ale, with little suprises, but little disappointments. Just happy to have good beer in me. B 10:13 PM Aug 10th 4:08:40 AM via web (B, B-)

Again with the Long Trail... perhaps what I had sat around a little to long. It's like Mayflower and the better than most problem.

[B-]

#29 Sam Adams Lager. At least most crap on tap places have this. But the pizza was so damn good in Providence. More MORs needed. B- Sunday, August 29, 2010 12:57:30 AM via web (B-, B-)

Thank goodness this is available almost everywhere. It has saved me from a lot of crap beer.

#30 Harpoon IPA. The last of the party beer. The more I drink it, the more I remember how good it was to me in the past. Still simple. B- Friday, August 27, 2010 11:04:55 PM via web (B-, B-)

Can't complain, but you know it is nothing fancy.

#31
Wachusetts Ryde. Still nothing exciting, but I will drink the dwellers of our fridge after a close. Maybe a little rye taste in there. B- 3:25 AM Aug 6th via web (B-, C+)

I am sorry, but I just don't like this beer very much. It's the Rye layers that make it distracting.

July grades and ranks

My most intense beer month ever. If I buy one of those 33beers books, I would have needed two to get through this month alone. And, I know that I love what I do, but I wish that I could articulate better in person about why I like what I drink. When I talk, it's like, "This is awesome, I trust this brewery." But ask me what I like about the beer, I give more vague answers than someone who works at a beer bar should. But, seriously, I love a beer when I love a beer. I don't when I don't. When I am drinking, I live so much in the moment. It's lucky that I have gotten into the habit of tweeting what I drink, or I wouldn't know on Friday what I had Monday. But now I want to have some sort of accomplishment to go with it. I know that I am interested in the Cicerone certification, but I also want a "good job" sticker so people know that I like beer.

It's like Pokeman, I got to drink them all!

I need a medium in which I can convey the beauty and the passion that I experience in every glass. Imagine if I went to the Grand Canyon, and told you about how beautiful it was, but without photos, you wouldn't know until you went yourself.

Sorry, this got introspective. Here's the beer!

[A+]

#1 Allagash Four. It has to be my favorite that is "mass" produced by them. Simply put, I don't know anyone that does such a great quad. A+ Wednesday, July 14, 2010 12:05:56 AM via web ( A+, A+)

One of my all time favorite beers. It's big and strong. You cannot fail to have a good time while drinking such a delicious beer.

[A]

#2 Ipswich Summer Barleywine '09. Spicy and strong just like a good barleywine should be. It's a sippin' summer good time. Doesn't burn! A Sunday, July 25, 2010 6:53:00 PM via web (A, A)

Not your typical Ipswich. And it is aged, so how can you pass up an opportunity like that? I was proud to have this on tap, and tried to enjoy this as much as I could. It makes me want more of the big guns at CC.

#3 Smuttynose Gnome. Something awesome from a small batch series. Belgian influence, with brightness, and maybe a touch of brett. Mystery. A Friday, July 16, 2010 5:53:40 PM via web (A, A)

Another rare find. It doesn't even have a web page to descirbe it. But it was just a nice sippin' beer, that would be similar to sippin' your morning coffee. Not in taste, but in relaxing.

#4 Pretty Things Fieldmouse. This is better than the GD farmhouse, but still gets the same grade. A tad heavier, smoother. Love it. A Monday, July 12, 2010 8:43:07 PM via web (A, A)

Pretty Things never fails, and this is my new favorite from them. It will change in a month.

#5 Saison Dupont. A saison to measure all saisons. True farmhouse funk, but a light, crisp taste that is well balanced and easy to drink. (A, A)

It's nice to have the model for which a lot of my favorite beers comes from. If you ever want to know what a Saison is supposed to taste like, try this.

#6 Allagash Victor. I finished this before the victoria. Only because it had a slightly heavier body, being with the red grapes and all. A Wednesday, July 14, 2010 12:03:51 AM via web. I know I tweeted it once already this month, but hey, why not sing it's praises once again. If you find it, drink it. A Tuesday, July 27, 2010 11:18:57 PM via web (A, A, A)

#7 Allagash Victoria. Absolutely a great white grape beer, worth trying if anyone is near it. Still, I like the Victor better. A Wednesday, July 14, 2010 12:04:46 AM via web (A, A-)

Yay for the Allagash dinner. It was such a wonderful evening to talk to the people who make their life out of such a fine beer. I like the body of Victor just slightly more than Victoria. But both are fine and merely subject to individual taste.

#8 Lost Abbey 10 Commandments. super complex beer that has a delicate taste. even ketchup will effect it. i ordered this for me at work. A- Wednesday, July 21, 2010 8:26:14 PM via txt (A, A-)

I was fortunate enough to say, "Let's order Lost Abbey" and this is what I got. It was sad that for the Opa-Opa dinner, this was taken off for the night. The bartender saved me a glass, in the fridge, but I had to leave at the end of the shift.

#9 Great Divide Colette. I love GD & everything they do, and this farmhouse is super tart, but refreshing. Love to try it next to Smutty's. A Monday, July 12, 2010 8:41:08 PM via web (A, A-)

This is making the second round right now at CC. It is a great summer beer.

#10 Oskar Blues Dales Pale Ale. What a copper-brown ale of kings. Strong, but sessionable. Bitterness that doesn't keep you away. Citrus! A- 6:17 PM Jul 3rd via web (A, A-)

My favorite pale ale. 4 months ago, I would have not believed that canned beer was this good.

[A-]

#11 Goose Island Sofie. A treasure found at ACBF, thanks Beth! Super drinkable Belgian, low citrus-bitter, strong body, but still a Belgian. A 8:24 PM Jul 2nd via web. You would think with their big-gun distribution, you would see them more often. Regardless, fine saison-y drink. A- Wednesday, July 28, 2010 11:06:56 PM via web (A, A-, A-)

Oh the bitter debate of having a good beer supported by a macrobrewery. I say good beer is good beer. We drink Coke when local sodas are available. Is there that big a difference?

#12 Ballast Point Sculpin IPA. a hops bite that doesnt take away from the drink. no burn but all classic IPA flavors are there. for now A- Wednesday, July 21, 2010 9:01:56 PM via txt (A-, A-)

Best find of July. Fantastic IPA.

#13 Bruery Coton. 14.5%ABV. It drinks like a holiday ale, with heavy body, sweet, sryupy tones. High whiskey-like burn. Herbal. Woah! A- Monday, July 19, 2010 8:21:59 PM via web (A-, A-)

Crazy strong. We have a log at CC. Tempted to age it for a special occasion.

#14 Lagunitas Undercover Shutdown. This is an awesome imperial ale, with a nice amber body, Spicy flavor with a whiskey-like finish. A- Thursday, July 15, 2010 7:28:26 PM via web (A-, A-)

Another happy surprise. I forget about Langunitas until I see it again.

#15 Allagash Curieux. Whiskey strong in flavor, and in taste, but it doesn't kill the enjoyment. Be prepare for the harshness. A- Wednesday, July 14, 2010 12:08:16 AM via web (A-, A-)

You have to be patient while drinking this beast.

#16 Pretty Things American Darling. High ABV for such a light beer. Almost feel like a helles or pils, but a litter heavier. Always great. A- Monday, July 05, 2010 7:41:25 PM via web (A-, A-)

Super drinkable, but don't do it too fast.

#17 Chimay Blue. An ol' standby. I haven't had a Belgian beer, from Belgium, in a while. Dark and roasty with a crisp Belgian taste. Yum. A- Tuesday, July 20, 2010 7:19:29 PM via web (A-, A-)

As classic Chimay is, there are times that I want an American Belgian-style beer. That said, I can never say anything bad about ol' blue.

#18 Mikkeller Jackie Brown. !t's a hoppy brown. Would have been sad if I wished for malty. First glass of draft in over a week @theindo! A- Sunday, July 11, 2010 2:56:34 PM via web (A-, A-)

Too bad Mikkeller runs on the expensive side. There are a lot of beers by them that I have yet to try. I haven't had a bad one yet.

#19 Allagash White. A simple stand-by well deserving to be a flagship beer for a great company. A great Belgian style beer. A- Wednesday, July 14, 2010 12:01:25 AM via web (A-, A-)

When I first had White, I thought it was the end-all, be-all of beers. Little did I know how much lay beneath the leaves of the label.

#20 Southern Tier Iniquity. They mostly hit, w/ a few misses. This beer should be tried with a sampler. Hoppy one sip, malty the next. A- Monday, July 12, 2010 8:44:33 PM via web (A-, A-)

I am trying to keep faith in the breweries that I know have had some misses, Creme Brulee anyone? But, when they stick to hops and malt, things are good.

#21 Ommegang Zuur. This is a solid example of an American doing a Belgian sour. This beer has to be sipped, not slurped. Can't drink much. A- Monday, July 12, 2010 8:39:58 PM via web (A-, A-)

How about this sour stealing my taste buds this month. After the first sip, I knew that it was good, but I never thought that I would want to drink a glass of it. Now, sure... no problem.

#22 Unibroue La Fin Du Monde. Seriously peppery, especially w/ grilled Thai burgers. Like likes like. Fancy food/beer is only in your eyes. A- Sunday, July 11, 2010 9:33:46 PM via web (A-, A-)

This was a nice gift from a friend. I never think to get them, but I know that I like them.

#23 Portsmouth Brewery Bottle Rocket IPA. nice citrus and light on the spice. easy to drink but a classic IPA after taste. A- Friday, July 30, 2010 1:52:05 PM via txt (A-, B+)

Yeah for the real local breweries. This number was quite delicious. I would like to meet the brewer some day.

#24 Allagash Tripel. How can a great beer be lowest of the night? Well, it has to be obscured by other great beers. Still, a great example. A- Wednesday, July 14, 2010 12:02:47 AM via web (A-, B+)

What's to say about a good beer that would stand out if it weren't for all the better stuff they make?

#25 Chimay Red. Not the bite nor the body of the blue, but certainly heavier than the white. Easy to drink, but watch out for the sedimen! A- Monday, July 26, 2010 9:12:11 PM via web (A-, B+)

Blue's cousin. The silver of the Chimay podium stand.

[B+]


#26 Ipswich Ale. It promise what it delivers. A solid, I want an ale (an dress like a viking) ale. Maybe I should drink it in a sheep skin. B+ 6:35 PM Jul 5th via web (B+, B+)

We are starting to get into beers that I love to have when I don't want to be wowed. Perfect session beer.

#27 Smuttynose Brown Dog. Had it with a bacon and goat cheese sandwich. Of course it goes well with bacon. Happy to drink northern beers. B+ 3:25 AM Jul 2nd via web (B+, B+)

A perfect session brown.

#28 Bear Republic Racer 5. I like body to my IPA, which this has. Good spice to mute the citrus. Too bad they gave me a 'gansett at first. B+ Saturday, July 17, 2010 7:58:20 PM via web (B+, B+)

For a more expensive session beer.

#29 Flying Dog Raging Bitch. Considering this is super hoppy, it actually is good. Totally filled with a hops pop, malt to round it out. B+ Monday, July 12, 2010 8:38:50 PM via web (B+, B+)

This was a random beer from the CC. It was better than I thought, which is good. I tend to stay away from flying dog. Maybe it's because I never read Fear and Loathing.

#30 Rogue Dead Guy. Super sessionable with a sharp edge & muted spiciness. A sweet body as it goes down. They don't all have to be fancy. B+ Monday, July 19, 2010 5:45:02 PM via web (B+, B+)

I cannot drink this without thinking about Dave's obsession. Or at least the obsession of when we first met him. I always forget that it's a maibock, too.

#31 Portsmouth Oatmeal Stout. Sweet at first but mellow with chocolate cake. wish the brewer was around to discuss with. B+ Friday, July 30, 2010 7:42:42 PM via txt (B+, B+)

I know that I had this to go with dessert. It paired well.

#32 Smuttynose IPA. so much tastier than it's Harpoon counterpart. Probably got to do with the hops. White men can't jump, but they hop. B+ Friday, July 09, 2010 3:55:34 AM via web (B+, B+)

#33 Smuttynose Shoals Pale Ale. smooth and delicious. I don't need anything with bite this late at night. It's out of sight, alright? B+ Saturday, July 10, 2010 4:04:41 AM via web (B+, B+)

Both from a sampler pack. The IPA i have always liked, but I am getting into the other Smutty's. I would almost always keep a Smutty's or Ipswich in the fridge at all times if I could afford it.

#34 Southampton IPA. I really like Southampton. They give the body that I want to the respective beer. The IPA wasn't too hoppy. B Monday, July 05, 2010 7:38:22 PM via web (B, B+)

Just a reminder to myself, I need some Southampton for the CC.

#35 Lagunitas IPA. Really wanted a pils for brunch, but this was light enough. Solid effort that doesn't push the hops in your face. B+ Sunday, July 18, 2010 1:21:42 PM via web (B+, B)

It's their flagship, but they make other stuff better.

#36 Southampton Altbier. A little more of a showcase beer. Drinkability of an lager, body of a ale. I would like the explore German ones. B+ Monday, July 05, 2010 7:39:57 PM via web (B+, B)

Another month, this would have been higher. It's delicious, but not fancy.

#37 Sam Adams "Belgian Style IPA". A perk of the job, for it is a sample. Super dry drink, with more IPA than Belgian. Hope to see it soon. B+ Saturday, July 17, 2010 10:28:23 PM via web (B+, B)

It was exciting to have a free sample of the beer, but the beer never seems to kick it up a notch. At least what you can find in the small bottles.

[B]

#38 Avery Karma. They are a total hit and miss brewery. This ale doesn't seem to want to step it up in any flavor, but it is trying. B Monday, July 12, 2010 8:37:41 PM via web (B, B)

This is a swing and a foul ball for Avery. I know they can do better, and I know they can do worse.

#39 Grittys Lobster Claw Brown Ale. tasty outside light brown session beer. malty taste but no body. what you want at a lobster shack. b Saturday, July 31, 2010 6:41:13 PM via txt (B, B)

There is the Red Claw Ale and the Best Brown Ale, but I cannot find a lobster claw ale. I do not know if they took some liberty with the name at the lobster shack, but still, it was a fine brown served in a plastic cup.

#40 Long Trail Ale. Haven't had this for a while, but first drank it on our honeymoon. Less body, touch more acidity than Ipswich. Go local! B Monday, July 05, 2010 7:36:22 PM via web (B, B)

Don't let the fact that it is so low fool you. I had some awesome beer this month. But I had 39 better than this.

#41 Ipswich IPA. Disappointing for Ipswich, but a sensible beer with a good style. Nothing defining, for they do their ales better. B Sunday, July 25, 2010 8:41:34 PM via web (B, B-)

The only disappointment from Ipswich. Still better than most.

[B-]

#42 Harpoon IPA. Wow, I am just not excited about this beer tonight. Thought it would be good after work, but I am swilling just to swill, B- Wednesday, July 07, 2010 2:45:41 AM via web (B-, C+)

This is what I drink when I don't care what I drink. Though my gag is saying 7 buck Harpoon IPA when I am making fun of a places beer selection.

[C+]

#43 Wachusetts Ryde. Mildly disappointing. I feel like that Rye was added as an afterthought to what could have been a decent ale. B- Sunday, July 18, 2010 5:28:33 PM via web (B-, C)

I have had about three bottles of this, but it just was disappointing each time. I don't know if I had a bad batch (as I didn't buy it) but it just never impressed me. Sad.


Rye can be hit or miss, but this just misses. I feel like they brewed and then added rye. Maybe they were trying to create layers of flavor, but I just found the separation distracting.

Beer for the apocalypse [Beth, the dramatic one]

Let's pretend your city flooded, you were driving around in it, finally found a safe place to stash your car, carried your groceries across a few blocks through 2 feet of water, and then you/your spouse got into a car accident an hour later. What would you drink?

If you were Ben, you'd go to work and your wife wouldn't let you drive your car to work because a few of your lights were out and your bumper was living on a prayer.

If you were me, you'd have a good college friend and her girlfriend over and have some beers.

Earlier this week we had a small party for Ben's friends in honor of his new job in beer! That's right, he quit Starbucks and is now an assistant manager at the kickass fair-priced, super-cool-but-not-full-of-themselves beer bar, Cambridge Common. I'm always worried we won't have enough to drink, so now we have an entire beer shelf with about 36+ beers on it leftover. Oops!

My choices to forget worrying about Ben:

Ipswich IPA: fruity, grapefruity and piney, not-too-heavy, lovely for a hot day. B+
Oskar Blues Dale's Pale Ale: I think this is my new favorite beer. Makes great brats, too. A Hoppy bite, but drinkable--even if the ABV's in my 6-7.5% ABV "trouble zone" (it doesn't TASTE as alcoholic as a higher ABV beer, but it's definitely more powerful than anything under 6%. I'm mostly likely to overindulge at beers in this range).
Smuttynose Star Island Single: Not my favorite Smuttynose beer, but still enjoyable. B/B+ A bit astringent--I prefer it with the right food.

I tried a sip of Wachusett Ryde, which I just wasn't in the mood for and I drain-poured. A friend brought a six pack and left five. I'll try again with food and re-examine. I wanted something lighter. It's still too hot in Boston.

And yes, I totally prefer beer with food. Dale's Pale is great with or without, though. Perhaps I need lists of beers I like by themselves. Smuttynose Brown Dog? Great on its own. I turned a few people onto that at our BBQ. And Southampton makes some great drinkin' beers. Yes, we got a lot of variety 12 packs!

What about you? What do you like to drink when you fear the four horsemen may be knocking in your neighborhood?