Boatswain Chocolate Stout by Rhinelander Brewing Co of Wisconsin, was a great find at Trader Joe’s for $2! Chocolatey, malty, slight hop finish, and easy drinking at 5.4% after breakfast this gloomy rainy day.
Cuvée van de Keizer Rood
A wonderful Champagne-like beer by Het Anker/Golden Carolus… Reminded me of Deus. We tried the 2010 which was delightful, and I’d also like to try the 2011. Cheers!
Old Rasputin XIV Anniversary
I recall drinking the original Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout by North Coast Brewing a long, long time ago, as stocked at Trader Joe’s… Now, 14 years later, this Bourbon Barrel-aged Old Rasputin 14th Anniversary version is perfect for my aged palette. Na zdorovje!
Victory Brewing Helios Ale
We were hoping to open a bottle of sunshine on a dreary overcast SoCal day. It didn’t happen. It smelled promising…saison belgian yeast thing going on…the taste was antiseptic notes and the finish like the aftertaste of Chloraseptic sore throat spray…at least what I remember Chloraseptic being like many years ago. Michele described it having a somewhat metalic taste. As it warmed..yeah, we didn’t toss it right away….the beer had the faint smell of band-aid adhesive…which could be the result of brett….but overall it tasted better…not great.
The beer sounded promising …maybe a bad bottle. Will try again…what can you do?
Firestone Tap Takeover at Hamilton’s
Very impressive!! Arriving late ~10pm, we missed out on the $3.75 pints, Parabola, and some of the other 20+ Firestone Walker taps at Hamilton’s Tavern Friday night… BUT, we did enjoy glasses of the 14th and 15th Anniversary Ales, along with a taste of Velvet Merkin (the bourbon barrel aged Velvet Merlin). I liked the 15th Anniversary best, yet sad to have missed out on my favorite, Parabola. Will have to arrive earlier next time!!
Ballast Point Back Marlin
Sometimes it’s totally worth it having a messy fridge. I was digging around for some bologna and cheese for a sandwich and unearthed this bad boy in the back.
This beer is not to be confused with the another black Marlon, who was a singer, not a porter.
Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing (CMR)
Enjoyed a well rounded sampler at the Oggi’s in Carmel Mountain Ranch during a birthday happy hour gathering of “old” friends. (We all frequented the place back in the early 90′s when it was Stuft Pizza & Brewing.) We liked the McGarvey’s Scottish Ale and the Black Magic Stout the bestest… and, had a few more of those with our pizza. A fun place for pizza and beer with friends!
evil twin
double ipa. by Brewer chris at Backstreet. an awesome west coast ipa. San Diegans will dig this.
Southern Brews
While working in Houston, I ventured out to a Whole Foods store and picked up a few regional beers to enjoy at my hotel: St. Arnold Winter Stout, St. Arnold Weedwacker, Abita Christmas Ale, (ignore the stray non-regional Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout in pic – mmmmm)… Also, tasted a few more with dinner tonight at Shepard Park Draught House: Karbach Weisse Versa Wheat, St. Arnold Santo, and the very yummy Real Ale Coffee Porter! Makes life more fun!!
Arizona Brews
My personal goal while traveling is to try regional brews… On a layover in Phoenix, I ran through the airport with luggage in tow to see what I could find. I was able to try a couple from Arizona: Four Peaks Kiltlifter Scottish Ale (excellent) and San Tan Hefe (true to style). A successful business trip so far!
