Hop head - and proud of it.

[Fugly]

I fell in love with beer a long time ago. For a long time I was your typical Bud/Miller/ macro brew fanatic. I never appreciated the good stuff.

One day, by chance, I bought a six-pack of Stone (stonebrew.com) IPA.

Ever since then (about a year now) I've been Hop crazy.

I can't get enough.

The hoppier the better.

I've tried literally hundreds of IPA's and strong pale ales and found one that I think overpowers them all.

Victory Brewing Company's 'Hop Wallop'.

I feel myself getting burned out on the hops but, before that happens I'm determined to duplicate this awesome IPA and brew a batch of my own.

I've discovered that they use German Malt and American Hops.

A lot of brewers use a concoction of exotic hops but the American variety are the strongest and most bitter, which is what I like.

A funny side note is that there is a variety of hops called 'Fuggles' which produce a flowery, bright beer. Shipyard Brewing Company's IPA uses Fuggles and the beer is light and flavorful and almost tastes like flowers. It's really good but, for my tastes, the bitter American hops are best.

Does anyone else pay so much attention to beer as I have been lately? What are your favorites? Have you tried brewing it yourself? What have you made that you really like?

This is a new forum and it's all about beer. Tell us all your likes and dislikes and what you've found that we all should try.

[Dwaine Scum]

I started drinking Stella a lot , like months before the surgery. I doubt i can drink any now. I was going to brew my own Absinthe Aquvit. I just never did it. I would like to try your brew when you make it. go easy on the yeast, I hate thick beer

[JEFE]

Yeah man, thick is no good. What I'm going for is a super-high alcohol content, super bitter, super hoppy pale ale.

Think of a cool, refreshing glass of water or iced tea that totally fucks you up while tasting great all at the same time.

That's my goal.

Fuglybrau is what I should call it.

[JEFE]

It'll be a lot better than Steel Reserve, that I can assure you. :)

[Lomotil]

Finally! A beer forum!

Why the fuck didn't I think of this?!?

A: Probably because of the beer.

Seriously, though, I haven't tried many IPA's (*for the typical Budweiser party drinker, this stands for "India Pale Ale" - thought I'd throw that out for all the piss-ant newbies out there), and I generally prefer a darker ale, even stout.

For a while, Guinness was my favorite, but I found something that blew it out of the water (which surprised me)... "Old Rasputin - Russian Imperial Stout." Fucking great. Like Guinness, but smoother, heartier, and just damn good. And I thought Guinness was a meal in itself.

There's a local microbrewery here in the city, roughly 10 minutes away from where I live, and they put out some pretty good stuff. I think it's called "The Yellow Dog Brewing Co." I could be wrong. Or drunk.

Maybe someday we can have a 'ship someone a local beer' rally. Just a drunken thought.

[Lomotil]

And for the record, a Hurricane in a 40oz bottle tastes worlds better than the aluminum-clad 24oz can.

Also, I've noticed that some of the beer industry is trying to merge the 'energy drink' crowd with the drunks. Sparks is an example, but most recently, I happened upon a 9.9% drink in a 23.5oz can called 'Joose' (or something to that effect) - it claimed to be loaded with ginseng, guarana, taurine (caffeine, essentially), and a shitload of ethanol.

I tried it, and I won't lie, after a couple, I finally got around to (drunkenly) replace my second toilet with a water-saving "dual flush" Caroma brand toilet that has been sitting in my living room for the past month.

Imagine my surprise the next morning when the damn thing didn't leak. :)

[ucicare]

I fell in love with beer a long time ago. For a long time I was your typical Bud/Miller/ macro brew fanatic. I never appreciated the good stuff.

One day, by chance, I bought a six-pack of Stone (stonebrew.com) IPA.

Ever since then (about a year now) I've been Hop crazy.

I can't get enough.

The hoppier the better.

I've tried literally hundreds of IPA's and strong pale ales and found one that I think overpowers them all.

Victory Brewing Company's 'Hop Wallop'.

I feel myself getting burned out on the hops but, before that happens I'm determined to duplicate this awesome IPA and brew a batch of my own.

I've discovered that they use German Malt and American Hops.

A lot of brewers use a concoction of exotic hops but the American variety are the strongest and most bitter, which is what I like.

A funny side note is that there is a variety of hops called 'Fuggles' which produce a flowery, bright beer. Shipyard Brewing Company's IPA uses Fuggles and the beer is light and flavorful and almost tastes like flowers. It's really good but, for my tastes, the bitter American hops are best.

Does anyone else pay so much attention to beer as I have been lately? What are your favorites? Have you tried brewing it yourself? What have you made that you really like?

This is a new forum and it's all about beer. Tell us all your likes and dislikes and what you've found that we all should try.


I tried a bottle of Iron City beer this week, which is brewed in Pittsburg (I think.) It was OK, about a 7 on a 10 point scale. I also tried some Blue Moon Draught recently. It was OK as well, I would give it a 7.

I haven't had the perfect 10 yet. The closest I ever came to a 10 was back when I was a kid. There was a store on the corner that sold draught beer. They would fill up an empty gallon milk jug for $3.00. The legal age was 19 back then, so nobody really checked ID's. I don't know what the actual brand was, but the beer had a wonderful flavor and would kick your a** in a hurry. I suspect it was so good just because it was fresh and was cold draught. Maybe it was just because I was 17.

[Dwaine Scum]

Blue moon is a wheat, it has a wonderful taste, but it will fill you up fast.

Fuglybrau's motto: "man this shit will fuck you up!"

[Lomotil]

Ever pushing the envelope, I found a new gem in the 'Negro' section of my local beer aisle... "Schlitz High Gravity V.S.L" What the hell that stands for is beyond me, but it caught my eye as blazingly advertising an 8.5% alcohol content.

So, I bought two, and I'll give a full account on one of them when I try it on a fresh palette. :)

[phatboy]

We got a local 'pub' and I will try their stuff from time to time, the last two I remember, one was called 'dog fish head pale' (which tasted strangely what I would think a pail full of dead dog and fish heads would taste like) and one referred to as 'smiddix' its dark but good. I later learned that it stood for smith and something, but I was drunk and forgot.

We need to plan a fugly trip to Canada, if you want to get some good beer. Some of the best beer, with a crazy high alcohol content, I have ever drank was in Ontario. Their Coors lite is even good. Weird.

[MAJ Havoc]

I got turned on to Bohemia and Fat Tire when I was at Fort Bliss, TX. Then, after a couple of weeks in New Orlean, Abita Amber was my beer of choice. I still like Amber Boch draft but I can't handle the really thick, black beers.

I think phatboy likes them thick and black, don'tcha phatty?

[phatboy]

I think phatboy likes them thick and black, don'tcha phatty?

Actually Im into the lighter ones. Sorry. :biggrin:

I was suprised that I liked the smidex. I dont think I will ever drink another guiness again unless Im in europe. I had to google it, but its actually Smithwicks.

I dont like the beers I have to chew to get down.

[phatboy]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smithwick%27s

Hmmm..... I might have to check it out. Who's up for a road trip?

[homer]

If you do get up to Canada give Alexander Keith's I.P.A a try, it has been brewed in Nova Scotia for about 200yrs.Its about all I drink and is available pretty well across country now.

[phatboy]

I am trying to get up there again within a year. I will have to give it a try.

Im not sure where taj and kingfisher are on the IPA list, I think they are brewed by AB in the states.

[JEFE]

As far as Impreial Stouts go, Oskar blues Brewery makes one called Ted Fiddy. It's black as night. I swear to God, I drank one from a glass and the damn thing is permanently stained.

The funny thing about Oskar Blues is that they only sell their beers in cans. It's funny to get such an awesome beer in a can and not a bottle.

If you can find the Ten Fiddy and you like stouts, it's definitely worth the price.


Finally! A beer forum!

Why the fuck didn't I think of this?!?

A: Probably because of the beer.

Seriously, though, I haven't tried many IPA's (*for the typical Budweiser party drinker, this stands for "India Pale Ale" - thought I'd throw that out for all the piss-ant newbies out there), and I generally prefer a darker ale, even stout.

For a while, Guinness was my favorite, but I found something that blew it out of the water (which surprised me)... "Old Rasputin - Russian Imperial Stout." Fucking great. Like Guinness, but smoother, heartier, and just damn good. And I thought Guinness was a meal in itself.

There's a local microbrewery here in the city, roughly 10 minutes away from where I live, and they put out some pretty good stuff. I think it's called "The Yellow Dog Brewing Co." I could be wrong. Or drunk.

Maybe someday we can have a 'ship someone a local beer' rally. Just a drunken thought.

[JEFE]

I got turned on to Bohemia and Fat Tire when I was at Fort Bliss, TX. Then, after a couple of weeks in New Orlean, Abita Amber was my beer of choice. I still like Amber Boch draft but I can't handle the really thick, black beers.

I think phatboy likes them thick and black, don'tcha phatty?

Fat Tire is really popular out in Colorado. We went and looked at the brewery but chose to take the tour at O'Dells instead.

Fat tire didn't impress me much but O'Dells (which is a much smaller and much more 'local' brewery) produces some incredible stuff.

The O'Dells IPA is one of my all time favorites.

I'd like too find out what kind of hops they use. I don't think they're all the American variety because it's got a definite flowery taste. While we were there they showed us 'hop pellets' which I think they use more than the actual flowers.

Colorado is famous for it's water and O'Dells actually adds salt to it to achieve the balance they need for their beer. I thought that was interesting.

[JEFE]

Another thing. If you're ever in Ft. Collins CO and you get to tour O'Dells, try the Nitro IPA. It's their regular IPA, only carbonated with nitrous-oxide.

Imagine a bitter, awesomely flavorful Guinness and you you'll be close.

[JEFE]

I am trying to get up there again within a year. I will have to give it a try.

Im not sure where taj and kingfisher are on the IPA list, I think they are brewed by AB in the states.


If AB means Anheiser Bush, don't even waste your money. It'll be pasteurized into oblivion and virtually tasteless.

I think that the big brewers have to contend with consistency and shipping over thousands of miles and what happens is that they practically kill any flavor with all the stringent sanitary requirements.

There's a subtle difference to real and natural beer that makes all the difference.

[DangerousD]

I usually drink Becks sometimes Pilsner Urquell if they have it.

[Lomotil]

As far as Impreial Stouts go, Oskar blues Brewery makes one called Ted Fiddy. It's black as night. I swear to God, I drank one from a glass and the damn thing is permanently stained.

The funny thing about Oskar Blues is that they only sell their beers in cans. It's funny to get such an awesome beer in a can and not a bottle.

If you can find the Ten Fiddy and you like stouts, it's definitely worth the price.

Have you ever tried the Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout? I'm curious as to how you would rank it against these two.

[Robman97]

Right now, my three favorites are Sam Adam's Boston Lager and Sam Adam's Hefeweizen, and A really good stout, Left Hand Milk Stout. Milk Stout has a great flavor with a hint of coffee and cream, good stuff.

[JEFE]

Have you ever tried the Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout? I'm curious as to how you would rank it against these two.

I've seen it in the store but never tried it.

Have you tried Stone's Russian Imperial Stout. I'd put Ten Fiddy above that one.

[ucicare]

I am currently restricted by my Doctor to one beer a day max.

Ok, so in Alabama the legal maximum alcohol content for beer if 6%, and the largest legal container size is 16 OZ.

I hear you guys talking about 11% brew in 40 oz bottles. How do I get a sample of that? I figure that one beer = one beer, so the Doc and wife can't complain.

Send me a PM with an address or a paypal account, and I will send some cash for someone to ship me a sample or two.

[JEFE]

For a while, Guinness was my favorite, but I found something that blew it out of the water (which surprised me)... "Old Rasputin - Russian Imperial Stout." Fucking great. Like Guinness, but smoother, heartier, and just damn good. And I thought Guinness was a meal in itself.

I'm trying this tonight, on your recommendation. It reminds me a lot of Samuel Smith's taddy porter. Not so much an Imperial Stout. Tons and tons of carmelized malt and lots of sweet sweet flavor but all in all, not a true Imperial Stout. Giant bubbles and you can almost see the sugar crystals.

Try that Oskar Blues or the Stone and compare. I think this is a great beer but I honestly prefer the other two over it.

And take notice of this too, whenever I drink just one of the Oskar Blues or the Stone RIS I am literally knocked out. Either one of those puts me right to sleep for some reason and I neve knew what hit me until the next morning.

It's not the alcohol content but something else I can't explain. Tell me if you get that too.

[JEFE]

Oh, the wonders I can show you. Barry, I will put together a case (or less if you choose) of some of the best beers I have ever tried, if you're up to it. You have my number. Catch me on a good month and I'll pay for it myself too. I just want to share the joy. (side note: this month is not a good one but, if you're willing to foot the bill, I'll totally assemble one for you.)

"Beer is God's way of telling us that He loves us and wants us to be happy." - Benjamin Franklin

I am currently restricted by my Doctor to one beer a day max.

Ok, so in Alabama the legal maximum alcohol content for beer if 6%, and the largest legal container size is 16 OZ.

I hear you guys talking about 11% brew in 40 oz bottles. How do I get a sample of that? I figure that one beer = one beer, so the Doc and wife can't complain.

Send me a PM with an address or a paypal account, and I will send some cash for someone to ship me a sample or two.

[JEFE]

Right now, my three favorites are Sam Adam's Boston Lager and Sam Adam's Hefeweizen, and A really good stout, Left Hand Milk Stout. Milk Stout has a great flavor with a hint of coffee and cream, good stuff.


I've never tried a milk stout. What is that exactly?

Lancaster Brewing company is near here and I tried their Hop Hog IPA and I hated it, unfortunately. Ever since then I've had an aversion to anything they make but they're the only ones I see here who make a milk stout.

[JEFE]

Again, just to confirm it, that Rasputant Stout put me to sleep after just two of them.

I don't know what it is about Stouts but they totally kick my ass.

[Lomotil]

Have you tried Stone's Russian Imperial Stout. I'd put Ten Fiddy above that one.

I'm not familiar with "Stone's" (if you'd substituted a "d" in place of the apostrophe, I might have some input,) but as far as brews go, I'm 'uneducated.'

I'm trying this tonight, on your recommendation. It reminds me a lot of Samuel Smith's taddy porter. Not so much an Imperial Stout. Tons and tons of carmelized malt and lots of sweet sweet flavor but all in all, not a true Imperial Stout. Giant bubbles and you can almost see the sugar crystals.

Try that Oskar Blues or the Stone and compare. I think this is a great beer but I honestly prefer the other two over it.

And take notice of this too, whenever I drink just one of the Oskar Blues or the Stone RIS I am literally knocked out. Either one of those puts me right to sleep for some reason and I neve knew what hit me until the next morning.

It's not the alcohol content but something else I can't explain. Tell me if you get that too.

I never felt that 'taddy porter' comparison, honestly... In fact, the one time I tried that, I scoffed.

Maybe I just happened upon a bad batch (or vice-versa.)

Then again, I've never been all too impressed with any Samuel Adams beer. To me, it always seems like 'Yankee Piss.'

Not that I've ever drank Yankee Piss from the spout, or even from a glass, for that matter, but from what I've tried, my palette always left me with a lasting impression of beer I playfully refer to as piss. At least, the ones I've tasted.

I'm going to review this thread, possibly tomorrow, after the hangover I'm so desperately working towards ensuring subdues, and hopefully I'll have a better quality beer selection to choose from when I reply.

[Lomotil]

Again, just to confirm it, that Rasputant Stout put me to sleep after just two of them.

I don't know what it is about Stouts but they totally kick my ass.

What can I say? It's like a meal in a bottle.

[Dwaine Scum]

I am currently restricted by my Doctor to one beer a day max.

Ok, so in Alabama the legal maximum alcohol content for beer if 6%, and the largest legal container size is 16 OZ.

I hear you guys talking about 11% brew in 40 oz bottles. How do I get a sample of that? I figure that one beer = one beer, so the Doc and wife can't complain.

Send me a PM with an address or a paypal account, and I will send some cash for someone to ship me a sample or two.
call me today, Ill ship you a case of 211 in effect!!! First time i ever drank a forty and went "gawddam!!! Im fucked up like a football bat!!!"

[phatboy]

"gawddam!!! Im fucked up like a football bat!!!"

I havent heard that in a long time.

I usually say, "like a soup sandwich"

I might enjoy some hops this evening.......its been about a week..... :)

[JEFE]

I'm not familiar with "Stone's"

http://www.stonebrew.com

Then again, I've never been all too impressed with any Samuel Adams beer.

Sam SMITH's. Different guy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Smith_Brewery

[ucicare]

Oh, the wonders I can show you. Barry, I will put together a case (or less if you choose) of some of the best beers I have ever tried, if you're up to it. You have my number. Catch me on a good month and I'll pay for it myself too. I just want to share the joy. (side note: this month is not a good one but, if you're willing to foot the bill, I'll totally assemble one for you.)

"Beer is God's way of telling us that He loves us and wants us to be happy." - Benjamin Franklin

I sent you my address by PM. Give me a paypal account or address and I'll send you the money.

[MAJ Havoc]

I hope you intend to share.

[ucicare]

I went to the local 7-11 Saturday night, and bought a mixed 6 pack of there "specialty" beers. I didn't get the names of all of them, but I do remember Becks, 2 Italian beers, Rolling Rock, Rocking Rock pale, and one other wheat brew. I got a Sam Adams Dark to go, to make it an even 7.

The Sam Adams was horrible. It was absolutely horrible. It was well within date, but was Skunky as a real Skunk. I poured it out and threw the empty bottle at a "Obama for President" sign.

Both of the Italian beers were horrible. Stenchingly horrible.

The Rolling Rock was drinkable, but not really good.

The Becks was OK, but not good either.

The wheat brew was disgusting. I mean really disgusting.

I bought 7 beers and drank a total of 20 oz maybe.

I guess I'll stick with KeyStone High Gravity. At least if I got to drink nasty beer it will be cheap and potent.

[phatboy]

You need to listen to the 'pros' bitch.

1st, find a good location that has a plethora of draft beer options, there has to be an irish type pub there somewhere. I ask for a beer you have to chew. then work your way back.

Can beer is nasty, and if its not draft it is usually a little weeker.

The dark beers are pretty tasty, fresh, and you may need to sample a few before you get greedy, and the hangover is a little different, more of an odd feeling instead of the headache and tiredness.

[Dwaine Scum]

I think in AL, there is a alcohol limit on the brewing process (did you say 5%?) so he wont get full bodied lagers, or stouts (except for guiness, as it isnt a high sugar alcohol content) But if bazza called me, I was going to send him a care package. everything from steel reserve, magic hat, Greenshields, Carolina lionshead, and a Stella or two. get him a pleathoera. Only good canned beers are Guinness, or anything with a Nitrogen popper in it.


I am close to the Carolina Ale house (home of carolina Lionshead brewery, and greenshields) I will go get a few cases and send some samples out. Oh Griendshields makes a rootbeer that is AMAZING

[ucicare]

I think in AL, there is a alcohol limit on the brewing process (did you say 5%?) so he wont get full bodied lagers, or stouts (except for guiness, as it isnt a high sugar alcohol content) But if bazza called me, I was going to send him a care package. everything from steel reserve, magic hat, Greenshields, Carolina lionshead, and a Stella or two. get him a pleathoera. Only good canned beers are Guinness, or anything with a Nitrogen popper in it.


I am close to the Carolina Ale house (home of carolina Lionshead brewery, and greenshields) I will go get a few cases and send some samples out. Oh Griendshields makes a rootbeer that is AMAZING


Check your PM's

[ucicare]

Dwaine, I'll swap you a set of gold filled human teeth for a sampler of brews.

I will even share with the Major.I saw him last week, and he looked sad. His wife had his credit cards and was busy at the mall, while he was hauling in new appliances all alone. I thought he might need some cheer.