Whatcha drinking?

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Rumpy
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Rumpy »

Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter. I'm rather impressed it made it all the way up here. It's great beer.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Kraken »

Ever since beer tastings stopped happening, I've been in a rut, alternating between the same dozen or so beers that I know are excellent. Every now and then I still take a flier on a new local brew, but mostly it's the same old same old great beers. I sure do miss tastings, though, and it'll be years before it's fine to pack hundreds of inebriated people shoulder-to-shoulder again.

Unless you're in Florida.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Jeff V »

Haven't been to a mass tasting event like that in years. Binny's used to have pop up tastings (often vendor specific) just about every weekend and seasonal events where there might be 20-30 beers (and more people showing up just for that), but not so busy that you couldn't talk to the vendors.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Kraken »

My packy does (did) spring and fall beer tastings and wine tastings every year for probably 20 years (in addition to small tastings nearly every weekend). The grand tastings would have 15-20 tables and well over 100 beers or wines, plus free finger food at the beer tastings, with the wine tastings being catered. Because admission was free, they drew huge crowds of generally good-natured people with a pleasant buzz on.

Those tastings were my twice-yearly chance to try new breweries and beer styles. The fall beer tasting was usually the weekend before Halloween and the wine tasting was the weekend before Tgiving. I was bummed when they had to cancel the spring tastings, and the fall tastings were never even scheduled...and I'm 99% certain that next year's will be a washout, too.

I'm not someone who likes crowds, but I do miss those tastings.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Jeff V »

If nothing else it's a chance to try things usually above my budget. I'll get all excited then find out the beer was $20 per bottle or more, and leave the store without anything but maybe a slight buzz.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Alefroth »

Jeff V wrote: Thu Oct 01, 2020 10:48 am but maybe a slight buzz.
Are the samples in quart jars?
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Jeff V »

Alefroth wrote: Thu Oct 01, 2020 2:44 pm
Jeff V wrote: Thu Oct 01, 2020 10:48 am but maybe a slight buzz.
Are the samples in quart jars?
That'd be nice, but 20-30 shot glasses worth amounts to the same, especially when some are double-digit ABVs.

Also, the main reason you engage the vendors in meaningful conversation is so as you work your way down their line, their pour gets a little heavier.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Jeff V »

Pan's Bread Dopplebock by Soundgrowler Brewing, Tinley Park, IL. Still looking for an awesome fall dopplebock to replace my long-lamented Autumnal Fire. This isn't it. At 7.8% ABV, the booze is there, but the flavor is lacking. Think a more potent Sam Adams.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Jeff V »

Farking Wheaton wOOtstout by Stone Drew Curtis/Wil Wheaton/Greg Koch. Escondido, CA. Ensign Crusher really has to work on a better name for his brewery, and while he's at it, maybe hire a proficient brewmeister. A dark chocolate stout that has a high bitterness (like you get from 80% cacao); but the finish...not sure what they were going after. Smokiness, maybe? Smoke in a beer shouldn't come from an ashtray, because that's the after taste. The 11.5% ABV is somewhat redeeming, but they need to get the ash out before I can call this a session beer.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Jeff V »

Station 1 IPA by Oswego Brewing Co., Oswego, IL. Azacca hops don't really fit the normal piney/citrusy/fruity profiles of other hops -- it seems to embody the bitter cleanly and without diversion. Not face-puckering bitter (only 58 IBU), but a nice hit that dissolves quickly. 7.1% ABV is reasonable for a reasonably-priced pounder.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Jeff V »

Double Bad Polaroid "Double hoppy ale" by Werk Force Brewing Co., Plainfield, IL. First I've heard this terminology, but it's certainly more flavorful than your average red ale. But at 7.4% ABV, it falls short of the "Imperial Red" bar, a classification I have seen before. Bought this on the recommendation of the beermonkey at Flight, they had it listed in their menu but since they aren't serving in glassware now (only disposable plastic), the 5oz samples aren't available. It was a good recommendation, might look for it again come spring.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Jeff V »

Hopservation 692 Hazy DIPA by Black Lung Brewing Co., Waukegan, IL. First time I recall having HBC-692 hops, the result is a urine colored, bright and citrusy beer (also has citra hops). 7.4% ABV is weak for a DIPA, but this would be an enjoyable summer beer.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by AWS260 »

Kraken wrote: Tue Jul 09, 2019 11:11 pm Radiant Pig, the brewer behind personal favorite Save the Robots, has another hit with Own the Night. If you like NEIPAs these are both top-notch, and $11 per 4 puts them at the bottom of the premium price range. They are well worth <$3 per pint. Radiant Pig calls NY NY home but brews in Boston (Dorchester, to be exact).

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I am not big on NEIPAs, but I tried this one for the first time last night and really liked it. It's definitely a NEIPA, but not too much of a "juice bomb."
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Jaymann »

Why is he holding a spray can?

Edit: looked like he was sniffing it.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Sudy »

I've found alcohol to have a negative impact on my digestive system the last couple of years, so as much as I miss sampling interesting ales, I do it rarely anymore.

While I've been on night shift again this past year however, I've begun trying every new energy drink I see as I actually use them for their intended purpose. Most are truly detestable. A few aren't bad. Moster Mule comes to mind (Monster's take on a non-alcoholic Moscow mule). Rockstar Black Cherry is also almost enjoyable. Strangely enough, I think I've developed an appreciation for the original Red Bull. Most of the non-carbonated "juiced" ones are drinkable, but they're so smooth that I'm tempted to down them in a couple of gulps.

Rockstar X-Thermo Cotton Candy on the other hand is...



Now, perhaps I'm the idiot, because I don't particularly like cotton candy, so why would I try this? But, I'm always in it for the novelty and will give anything a go once. And for what it's worth, it really does taste like cotton candy. But who the hell would want to drink cotton candy?! Also, it's sugar free, which is kind of contradictory.

Edit: Apparently they also have a marshmallow flavour... I think I'm just going to go ahead and skip that one. I think new and interesting flavours are sorely needed in this market, but marshmallow? Why not smoked rhubarb or sea salt and honeydew or something?

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Re: Whatcha drinking?

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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Jeff V »

Well, at the moment I'm drinking a "hazy IPA" that claims 0 IBU. Foggy Rhetoric from Werk Force Brewing Co., Plainfield, IL resembles yeast-infected urine. Some bitterness would help, it's got an indeterminate citrus flavor, like something from a lesser citrus fruit that's all acidic bite but no character or flavor. It can also be described as "dank," an adjective I prefer not associating with beer. 7.5% ABV is alright, but I'll pass if given the opportunity for another.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Alefroth »

Who can produce the first negative IBU beer? I'll be glad when beer trends stop trying to hit every extreme and brewers start making good, balanced, beers again.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Z-Corn »

Alefroth wrote: Thu Oct 22, 2020 6:20 pm Who can produce the first negative IBU beer?
They do make it!

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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Alefroth »

:shock:

Oh my.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Z-Corn »

First time I saw it was decades ago in Jamaica and they sold it as an energy drink...almost a meal replacement.

It tastes just like a pre-hopped wort right from the kettle.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Jeff V »

There is a version of that sold in Asian stores. Never been tempted to try it.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Jeff V »

Steal Your Face (mask) West Coast IPA by Werk Force Brewing and The Grateful String Bard. OK, maybe Untappd is not a good information resource since this most certainly hoppy and bitter beer is also listed has having no IBU That is certainly not correct, but this nicely clear IPA is nevertheless smooth to drink. 7.2% isn't bad for something not a DIPA, and the 5 different hops used seem to temper any single notes for a nice harmony.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by pr0ner »

Alefroth wrote: Thu Oct 22, 2020 6:20 pm Who can produce the first negative IBU beer? I'll be glad when beer trends stop trying to hit every extreme and brewers start making good, balanced, beers again.
Any 0 IBU IPA I've ever tried has ranged from very good to outstanding.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Alefroth »

Z-Corn wrote: Fri Oct 23, 2020 10:58 am First time I saw it was decades ago in Jamaica and they sold it as an energy drink...almost a meal replacement.

It tastes just like a pre-hopped wort right from the kettle.
It isn't even carbonated?

I thought it might be like barley soda with hops.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Alefroth »

pr0ner wrote: Fri Oct 23, 2020 3:30 pm
Alefroth wrote: Thu Oct 22, 2020 6:20 pm Who can produce the first negative IBU beer? I'll be glad when beer trends stop trying to hit every extreme and brewers start making good, balanced, beers again.
Any 0 IBU IPA I've ever tried has ranged from very good to outstanding.
I'd try one if I ever saw one. Are they usually hazy?
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Z-Corn »

Alefroth wrote: Fri Oct 23, 2020 5:00 pm
Z-Corn wrote: Fri Oct 23, 2020 10:58 am First time I saw it was decades ago in Jamaica and they sold it as an energy drink...almost a meal replacement.

It tastes just like a pre-hopped wort right from the kettle.
It isn't even carbonated?

I thought it might be like barley soda with hops.
Yeah, it's carbonated but, like an unfermented wort, the OG is high so it's thick in the mouth and the carbonation is slight. There is no hop flavor or aroma at all.

I like it OK but one is enough for a while. I'd rather drink a killer ginger beer while I was in Jamaica.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by pr0ner »

Alefroth wrote: Fri Oct 23, 2020 5:00 pm
pr0ner wrote: Fri Oct 23, 2020 3:30 pm
Alefroth wrote: Thu Oct 22, 2020 6:20 pm Who can produce the first negative IBU beer? I'll be glad when beer trends stop trying to hit every extreme and brewers start making good, balanced, beers again.
Any 0 IBU IPA I've ever tried has ranged from very good to outstanding.
I'd try one if I ever saw one. Are they usually hazy?
All the ones I've ever had are, yes.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Jeff V »

Dragged Through The Garden Plant Based IPA by Alarmist Brewing , Chicago. OK, this is just nonsense. How can you have a vegan IPA without distilling a couple of Indians? Isn't that what the "I" stands for?

Setting aside the implication that other beers are meat-based, it's a pretty decent beer. Bright and grape-fruity, hazy, but a lot heavier than it should be, could use some livelier strain of yeast. 7.0% is okay I guess for a spleen-free beverage since every knows hire ABV requires healthy amounts of sweetbreads.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Jeff V »

Sailor's Kush DIPA by Half Acre Brewing, Chicago. Fruity as can be while drinking, it finishes with an abrupt bitterness that is delicious. Hazy as hell, it's really delicious even if the 8% ABV is just average for its ilk.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Kraken »

AWS260 wrote: Thu Oct 08, 2020 8:39 am
Kraken wrote: Tue Jul 09, 2019 11:11 pm Radiant Pig, the brewer behind personal favorite Save the Robots, has another hit with Own the Night. If you like NEIPAs these are both top-notch, and $11 per 4 puts them at the bottom of the premium price range. They are well worth <$3 per pint. Radiant Pig calls NY NY home but brews in Boston (Dorchester, to be exact).

Image
I am not big on NEIPAs, but I tried this one for the first time last night and really liked it. It's definitely a NEIPA, but not too much of a "juice bomb."
This same brewery has a DIPA that I enjoyed very much last night. Unfortunately, their distribution is spotty and I haven't seen it again. Do try Save the Robots if you see that one, too.

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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Jeff V »

Hippy Hop Pale Ale by Werk Force Brewing, Plainfield, IL. Looks like grapefruit juice, tastes like grapefruit juice. 5.8% ABV...also as intoxicating as grapefruit juice. I just hope it doesn't mess with my meds like grapefruit juice...I need to visit the vampire tomorrow.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Formix »

Stone Brewing Xocoveza. I get it every year and it’s always good, but this year they did a really good job. The balance of spicy and chocolate is well done and the cinnamon finish is fantastic.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Scuzz »

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/imag ... A&usqp=CAU



This is a really good DIPA from Barrelhouse in Paso Robles. I have no idea how available it is but I got it at a local BevMo.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Jeff V »

Lupulin Astronaut IPA by Sun King Brewing, Indianapolis, IN. A few years ago, I was in Indy and several people I talked to seem to hold Sun King in high esteem. I've had a bunch of their offerings now, and a common theme has emerged. All of them are light on flavor, comparatively speaking, it's like flavored water when compared to pure fruit juice. Where the Hoppity Hop I had yesterday was all in on the grapefruit experience, this beer is more suggestive to flavored water. It's clear, urine-colored and has a light body as well. The flavor has a hint of grapefruit, and that hint dissipates rapidly after a sip. At 6.6% ABV, this makes a good palate cleanser between courses of more robust beer.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Jeff V »

Everybody Love Everybody West Coast IPA by Obscurity Brewing, Elburn, IL. Elburn is 2 towns north of me, so this is a pretty local beer. Not a bad effort, unremarkable for its ilk, and at 7.2% it seems identical to Sam Adams Rebel IPA. If manage to get gainfully employed again and find myself with a few bucks in my pocket, I'll have to check this place out (as well as a couple in Oswego, 4-5 in Plainfield, and a bunch in Naperville).
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Jeff V »

Riding Double Shotgun Mango DIPA/Dirt Beer by Urban Brew Labs, Chicago and Will County Brewing Co., Shorewood, IL. Bought this in the can the other day, saw today Flight had it on tap. This review is for the can. That I did not follow up with an opportunity to have it on tap pretty much says it all. The DDH seems to give beer a notes of dirt, which I find objectionable. Still, I have a soft spot for mango beers and in DIPA form I was expecting a richer flavor than I got. I was surprised to find it clocks in at 9%, the beer had a very light gravity to it, which is something I don't expect (or want) in a DIPA.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Jeff V »

Enjoy By 10/31/20 by Stone Brewing Co., Escondido, CA. I've never found this line of Stone beers to be anything besides "alright" and this one changes nothing. It's just that nothing else really interested me at Flight today...because of Covid they've gone to plasticware, and I miss the 5 oz sampler size for those I don't want to invest in 12 oz (like some of the massive stouts).

Speaking of Stone, a few weeks ago I picked up a six pack of their excellent Fear, Movie, Lions and was surprised to find the label was upside down. That made me recall the golden days of beer can collecting (is that even still a thing?) where such anomalies would have been worth a small fortune in the late 70's. But visiting Stone's website today, that one (and a few others) are pictured upside down so I guess it's intentional for some reason.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Jeff V »

Enjoy By 10/31/20 by Stone Brewing Co., Escondido, CA. I've never found this line of Stone beers to be anything besides "alright" and this one changes nothing. It's just that nothing else really interested me at Flight today...because of Covid they've gone to plasticware, and I miss the 5 oz sampler size for those I don't want to invest in 12 oz (like some of the massive stouts).

Speaking of Stone, a few weeks ago I picked up a six pack of their excellent Fear, Movie, Lions and was surprised to find the label was upside down. That made me recall the golden days of beer can collecting (is that even still a thing?) where such anomalies would have been worth a small fortune in the late 70's. But visiting Stone's website today, that one (and a few others) are pictured upside down so I guess it's intentional for some reason.
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Re: Whatcha drinking?

Post by Jeff V »

So while at Flight today, I asked the boss if he had any big dopplebocks...I really miss Autumnal Fire this time of year. He laughed and pointed to a batch of small bottles....200 ml of a 30% ABV dopplebock! I wondered what sort of wizardry created such a thing; I remember the Dogfishheadguy talking about how incredible difficult it was to brew a beer above 20% because the booze kills off the yeast. The strongest I ever had was 23% Eggenbacher Urbach 23 out of Austria back in the '80's. For this 30% (German) beer, it cost $36 for that tiny bottle. He said he had one that is a whopping 56% but sells for $300 per bottle.

Methinks I know what I'll be celebrating with if an interview I have next week pans out...
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