How to teach an old dog a new beer

I love to teach people about beer. Normally, it is my friends. However, lately it has been my father in law. It was a little intimidating to teach the wine lover, the finer points of beer. But guess what, it's working.

I am lucky enough to have a cool father in law. Don't get me wrong, he used to scare me when I was a kid. When I explain to people what he is like, all I have to say is Red Forman. Yes, my father in law is Red Forman from That 70's Show. Looks like him, talks like him, drinks like him, and was probably in the same platoon with him.

For as long as I have know him, he has enjoyed a beer from time to time, but wine has been his drink of choice. We usually talk about sports, cars, and money. But we have been talking more and more about beer. The last few times he has come over, he has had a beer, or two with me. And you know I am not giving him cheap beer. He really liked the Flying Dog Old Scratch Lager. I think he had 2 pints during the game. Funny thing, he was done. I don't think he was prepared for the punch of a high alcohol beer.

Yesterday, we went to the baseball game. What better way to enjoy a baseball game, than with a beer. How cool is it that we have a Gordon Biersch beer stand at the stadium? So that is all I drink. So I asked him if he wanted a beer. He said sure, and told me to point the way. I asked him what kind of beer he wanted. "Whatever you are having has got to be good". So I ordered up two of my favorites, Marzens. It is my favorite style of beer, and Gordon Biersch makes a good one.

Cut to the chase, he liked it, a lot. He commented on it several times. By the 3rd inning, it was gone. Now I know the guy can drink, but I was impressed, and a little proud. That one beer was enough for him. I could have used a few more though. We played like the Bad News Bears. Honestly, it was the worst game I have every watched. I was so mad. We made a run late, but still lost.

When we got home, he told my mother in law about the beer he had at the game. He told her how much he liked it, and that he really enjoyed it. He then told her that she needs to quit drinking that piss, I mean Michelob Light. I told him if he wanted to try another beer, I had a great one upstairs in my kegerator he might like. He was all for it.

I poured him a half pint of the Avery Russian Imperial Stout. This is a big beer for most people. But he drank it like a man. He commented that it was a little thick for him, but he still enjoyed it. Next time, I am going to pour him a pint of the Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA. I doubt he will like it, but it just might grow on him.

I sent him home with my normal list of beers he should try. Stone, Rogue, Sierra Nevada, New Belgium, and Gordon Biersch. He said he was going to pick some up and give them a try. I think he is going to enjoy them. Who wouldn't?

I think I represented the Beer Snob well. I have converted yet another to our team. Not to pat myself on the back, but when you convert a Red Forman, you did a great job.

-Cheers!

The Beer Doctor

It's fun to talk about beer. I can have a conversation about beer with just about anyone. In fact, I think I have. Sometimes the conversations are fun, and interesting. Then there are other times where I leave thinking that the other person must think I am a raging alcoholic.

But the other day, I had a conversation about beer with someone I never thought I would. My doctor. Yes, my Dr. Who knows how conversations jump from one topic to the other. It is kinda like the Kevin Bacon game. You know, name an actor, and within 4 movies, you can connect them to a movie with Kevin Bacon.

I think it started with allergies, then medications for allergies on vacation, to my vacation in Munich, to the beer in Germany. See, I did it. It ends up that my Dr. likes beer. Who wouldn't? But for a doctor to talk to you about how much he drinks and the beers he really likes is a first.

He told me that he likes to drink authentic German beers at some little Bavarian restaurant down town. I have heard about that place, but never tried it. He raved about the beer, and the fact that you can get the beer in Liter size mugs. Guess where I am going to dinner?

We talked about beers we really enjoy. He really enjoys the beers of New Belgium. Fat Tire is a beer he drinks on a regular basis. But his favorite is "1554". If I wasn't impressed before, I sure was now. Of all the beers New Belgium brews, 1554 Black Lager is my favorite. We talked about a few other breweries, and some other beers we really enjoy. When he asked for a list of breweries he should try, I mentioned a few of my favorite breweries like, Dogfish Head (of course), Stone, Lost Abbey, and Rogue. Then I told him where he could get them.

How cool is my doctor? I know you are jealous. To top everything off, he told me that he is related to the Widmer Brothers. Well, his dad is. I guess one of them is his cousin. I wounder if it is beyond the Dr.-Patient relationship to offer beer as payment. It's worth a try.

-Cheers!

Running on Empty

That's it. I'm on empty. I have finished off all three of my kegs. 15 Gallons of beer in 4 months. Not bad. But now, the fun begins. I get to buy more beer!

My first choice was an easy one. Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA. How can I not have a Sam Calagione brewed beer on tap? That would violate a "Good Burp Beer Rule", (Must have Dogfish Head beer available at all times). I can order it this weekend, and be drinking by Tuesday. Gotta love it!

That still leaves two more taps to fill. I'm not really sure on the two yet. But I am planning on having a party. In actualality, I am having a part in a mere three weeks. I am supplying the beer, and I have a reputation to uphold. I want to have quality beer on tap, but I really don't want all of them to drink my Dogfish Head. I would like for them to try it, and like it. Then go out and but themselves some Dogfish on their own dime. But I am worried they will try it, like it, and keep on drinking it. Or worse, try it and not like it, then waste it. That would be a travesty. A completer beer foul. So I need to find a beer that a novice beer drinker will enjoy, as well as myself.

Therefore, I think my second choice is going to be New Belgium Straight Arrow Ale. It is quality ale. A session ale if you will. I know I can go through it if need be. And I think the party goers will enjoy it as well. I think it is going to be the safe choice. What do you think?

The third choice is going to be the hard one. I really wish I could get another Dogfish Head Beer on tap, but I can't. So I need to find a different style of beer that I will enjoy, and a guy looking for a good beer will appreciate. Something like a Flying Dog Old Scratch Lager (like I had the last time around), or a New Belgium Fat Tire, or possibly a Four Peaks Kilt Lifter again. I might be able to pick up a seasonal brew like the Sierra Nevada Summer Lager, or the latest Sam Adams offering. I really don't know. It is such a hard decision.

I think I need to make a trip to the BevMo, and the Total Wine and see what it available. 5 Gallons of beer is a great thing to have. However, it can be a burden if you make the wrong decision. I wish I had a better choice of kegs to choose from, but I don't. So I am forced to make a decision from what is available.

I will keep you posted.

-Cheers!

Beer snob?

I was talking to a blogger friend about being a "Beer Snob". For the most part, I agreed with everything he was saying. Yes, I would consider myself a "Beer Snob". And most people who read my blog are fellow "Beer Snobs". But is that a bad thing? Come to think of it, it might be construed as an insult.

Guys, take a minute and think back to high school. How cool was it to score a 6 pack of Bud light back then? But that isn't where I am going with this story. Every school had one. Every guy knew one. That girl. That super hot chick that every kid in school thought was "Hot".

You know who I am talking about. What was her name? Jennifer? Or was it Lisa? What about Heather? Or was it Bambi? Yes, Bambi. That was it wasn't it. Remember how she dated the Quarterback, or the rich kid, or the guy you just didn't like? And do you remember what you called her?

Snob!

But was she really? To be honest, you didn't know her that well. She might have been the nicest person in the world. Sure, she might have been a little self absorbed, but was she really a snob? Is it possible that she was just far more advanced than we were? (D's in High school? I would say yes!) Or was it that she just had a better idea of what she wanted than we did?

Fast forward to that last time you stood in the beer section, looking at all those different beers. To the left, we have the math club members (Bud, Miller, Coors, etc,). In the middle, we have those people we all knew and were friends with (Heineken, Becks, Stella, New Castle, Smithwicks, etc.) Those were the people who thought they were cooler than they really were. Just like these beers. For the most part, they are like the Big 3, but think they are better. But we all know they are owned by the Evil Empire.

Then there is the right. The special. They are where you spend most of your time, and where you wished you would have spent most of your time in high school. You have the Dogfish Head, Stone, New Belgium, Flying Dog, Sierra Nevada, Left Hand, Laguintas, Deschutes, and so on. That group that is special indeed. That group that is so different, that you have grown to love, and appreciate.

Why is that? Because they are "Snobby"? No, because it is just a better place to be. Does that make us "Beer Snobs"? I don't think so. It just means that we know what is good, and what isn't. At this time in our lives, we know what qualifies as good, quality beer instead of that watered down, flavorless, piss water that they call light beer.

It might have taken us a good 10 or 20 years to realize what Bambi knew all those years ago in High School. But it is our time to shine. We have arrived. And there is nothing wrong with being a so called "Beer Snob". Come to think about it. Snob was just the name that we gave to that "Hot" girl who wouldn't give us the time of day. And now, "Beer Snob" is the name that all those Bud, Miller, and Coors, drinkers give to us because we are on a higher level that they are.

So celebrate being a "Beer Snob". We are a special kind of people. And be willing to share, or point and laugh when some band geek buys a sixer of Bud Light. We have earned our stripes. We have done our time. And at that 20 year High School reunion, buy Bambi a real beer.

-Prost!

New plan of attack

To be honest, I have a hard time keeping up with my posts. I forget to write, or I don't feel like writing, or I really have nothing to say. But today, I made a decision. That is about to change. Here is what I plan on doing.

Beer talk will be on Tuesday. It will be called "Tales from the beer line". I am going to talk about the what conversations I might have overheard while I was standing in line, for a beer, or buying beer at the BevMo or Total Wine (where I buy most of my beer). I always seem to have a conversation with someone about beer. And I almost always end up having a story to tell.

Saturday nights will be my beer reviews. That seems to be the night that I have the most time to write about the beers I drank during the week. Not to mention, Saturday night seems to be the night I drink (I mean, taste) a large amount of beer. For example, tonight I have tasted the following:

Hacker Pschorr - Munich Gold finest Lager
Dogfish Head - Punkin Ale
New Belgium - Mothership Wit (Organic Wheat Beer brewed with spices)
Dogfish Head - Raison De' Entre
Dogfish Head - 60 Minute IPA
Stone Brewing - Pale Ale

How does this sound? If you like my plan, come back on Tuesday and you can read the latest story I overheard while I was standing in line for a beer at the baseball game. Then come back next Saturday, and you can read my full review of each one of these great beers I have been drinking this week.

I forgot to mention. I went to the premier of "Beer Wars" on Thursday night. I loved it. Tomorrow night, I am going to tell you about it. It was a great movie. I loved it. And I changed my opinion of beer after watching it.

Thanks for being a fan of "Good Burp".

-Prost!

Still going. Although a little slower

I am sorry. I had no idea it has been over a week since I last blogged. Please accept my apologies. I hope my latest beer choices will make up for lost time. I was finally able to track down a few I had been looking for, and one that I have been saving for a while. So, without further wait, here is my latest reviews.

Flying Dog - Horn Dog Barley Wine style ale.
I am drinking it right now. This is my third beer of the evening. And I will tell you a secret. I am feeling it. It rings it at a powerful 12.0 Alc/Vol. I know that because they print it on the side of the bottle. They also printed the IBU: 45 as well. Good thing. As much as I wish I could tell what the levels were from just a taste, I can't. I'm not that good. But what I can tell you is that this beer is good. I expected that slap of alcohol taste, but it didn't happen. It was surprisingly subdued. I wouldn't exactly say, absent. However, it is far from distracting. In fact, I am really enjoying it. I would say it leans more to the malt side than hops. But it is a even spread across the palate.

I really love this brewery. If I was to cheat on Dogfish Head, it would be with Flying Dog. And the more I try their brews, the more I think they might be take over the top spot on my top 5 list. More and more, I find myself recommending Flying Dog to anyone willing to try a new beer. Their beers are just so different, yet so good.

Grade: 4 Burps

New Belgium - 1554 Enlightened Black Ale
New Belgium is a brewery that keeps climbing up my top 5 list. They aren't in the "extreme" beer category of the Dogs. What they do is make good beer. Beer so good, that I have friends request it on the east coast where they can't get it. So in my attempt to review every beer they make, I started with a bottle of the 1554 Black Ale. I don't know what it is, but most of the beers I have been drinking come from the dark side. That explains so much.

I liked this one, just as I thought I would. It was very flavorful, and didn't linger on the palate. It was a heavy malt with a clean finish. Honestly, I expected the usual fruity taste of a Belgium ale, but the coffee and toffee flavors covered it up. I was surprised how mellow and smooth it was. I think this is why so many of my friends turn to New Belgium when the decide to break into the world of Micro Brews. They are a safe choice. And that is Ok. They make good beer. Strike that, they make really good beer. In fact, I think that missing keg I have yet to replace in my kegerator, might be filled with New Belgium Fat Tire. But don't tell the Dogs I said that.

Review: 3 1/2 Burps (very close to 4 burps though)

Samuel Adams - Imperial Series, Imperial Stout
I have been dying to try the newest creations from the Boston Beer Company. Samuel Adams has created 3 new brews for us under the "Imperial Series" label. The first one I was able to try was the Imperial Stout.

I really liked this one. Yes, I am a fan of Jim, but all biased aside, this really is a good brew. In fact, of the three (reviews to follow), this was my favorite. It is just a good, big, beer. That is what I like. It rings in at a quality 9.2% Alc/Vol. in a 12 oz. bottle. And it is just about perfect. I actually had another one before I decided to try one of the other 2.

It pours a beautiful dark color which I loved. An ever so slight hint of alcohol as you might expect from a brew of this caliber. The slight aftertaste and drinkablility (I hate that word, but it fits) is the only thing I could find to describe as faults. It wasn't as "thick" as I expected. Aside from that, it is a damn good beer. If you can find it, buy it.

Review: 4 Burps

Samuel Adams - Imperial Series, Double Bock
The next in the Samuel Adams Imperial Series, Double Bock. This might get a little old, but yes, it was good. Nearly as good as the Imperial Stout. However, I think it is just a notch below. Coming in at a 9.2 Alc/Vol, it is a quality beer. If it wasn't for that, this could be a good session beer. It has a great flavor, and an enjoyable aroma. This is a brew I would share with friends. It has the usual flavors of malt and coffee. But the alcohol was just a little stronger than the Stout. I think I am going to age a bottle or two and to see what happens.

Review: 3 1/2 Burps

Samuel Adams - Imperial Series, Imperial White
This is the third offering from the Imperial Series. And it is the third on my list. Normally, I am not a big fan of this style of beer. I did like it, but not as much as I wanted. This one rings in at a powerful 10.3% Alc/Vol. And you can tell. There was that alcohol aftertaste. But it wasn't as distracting as some other beers at this level. I might be biased, but I don't enjoy the citrus aftertaste. I am a malt and hops kind of guy, Thus, the unfair bias towards Witbiers. So if you are a fan, then try it. But if you are a hophead, or a true Ale kind of guy, go for the other two.

Review: 3 Burps

There you have it. I do have a few more, but I this is a long post, and I have to save something for the next review.

-Cheers!

A new Beer a day, keeps the bordom away

I have a hard time making a decision. I still need to replace the empty Flying Dog keg in my kegerator. But I just can't bring myself to make up my mind. I feel guilty for not replacing it with another keg from Flying Dog. So I am just going to take my time and try as many different beers as I can before I make the final decision. It will give me the chance to try some of the beers I keep finding.

Here is what I have gone through the past week.

1. Port Brewing - Old Viscosity Ale.
This is a hearty ale "aged in oak barrels". Man, is it good. It has a great malt and coffee taste. The oak barrel aging gives it a very smooth flavor. It as a hint of caramel, and a smooth aftertaste. I think I am going to be a big fan of barrel aging. I am drinking it right now as type. However, as much as I like it, I don't think I would enjoy it on a daily basis. My favorite beer depends on the day. And I don't think it would be a good idea to get an entire keg of this. Besides, I don't think it is even available.

2. Breckenridge Brewery -471 ESB (Extra Special Bitter)
I have a soft spot in my heart for ESB (Fuller's). Hard to believe, but this was my first beer from Breckenridge Brewery. And I really did enjoy it. There was a stronger taste of hops than I would have expected from a traditional ESB. But it balanced out well with the malt, to form a truly even taste. I did sense a bit of an alcohol, but nothing distracting. I did enjoy it enough to buy another two bottles. One to drink, and one to age. And I think I am going to buy a bottle of Breckenridge's other 471 series batches. The 471 IPA. How can it not be good?

3. Flying Dog - Snake Dog IPA
Is it possible for me to say anything but good about Flying Dog? No, it isn't. This is a great beer from a cool brewery. I LOVED it! And I will buy more. Hops is the new Black, and I am on board. A good IPA is something everyone tries to create. But to do it well, that takes a special brewery. And Flying Dog is the brewery who can do it. They just get it. I don't know how, but I think they should bottle it, and sell it. I know I would buy it!

4. New Belgium Brewery - Mighty Arrow Pale Ale
I first tried this at Beerfest. And I did like it. But I found it on tap at a sports bar last week, and I think I enjoyed it more the second time around. In fact, I veered from my traditional "around the world" routine, and had nothing but Mighty Arrow for the evening. I enjoyed it so much, that I went out and bought a six-pack of it for home. One of them is going to be traded to a friend of mine on the east coast. So that leaves me 5, I mean 3, for the next week.
New Belgium is a cool brewery. I mean, who wouldn't want a custom bicycle to ride to work? If I could, I would work for them. Aside from making great beer, they are a brewery on the cutting edge of Green. I love this brewery. I love their beer, and everything they stand for. And if there is anyone out there who knows how I can get one of those bicycles, please, let me know.

This about covers last week. I made a trip to the beer stores this weekend. I have a great sampling of beers to review this week. Don't get me wrong. A kegerator is a great thing. But nothing compares to a new beer every day.

-Prost!