I am so cool!

Just when I thought I couldn't be any more popular, it happened. I am.

A kegerator will make you a very popular person. Not just in high school, but anytime. I figured my friends would think it was cool and want to come over to drink the "Free Beer". But I had no idea that my friend list would grow to include my friend's friends, and my even wife's friends.

Of the 3 beers I have on tap, I figured the Samuel Adams Boston Lager would be the most popular. Quite the contrary. It has been the least popular by far. I'm not sure if they don't like it, or just like the others more.

The most popular beer has been the Four Peaks Kilt Lifter. I bet the keg is nearly empty now. All it took was one Saturday night. Guys lined up for it all night long. It was a surprise as well as a let down. I am happy I got the Miller Lite drinkers to drink a good beer. But I am bummed out that they have nearly finished off my keg.

So the keezer is fully functional and pouring liquid gold for everyone, pint after pint. Or in my case, liter after liter. (I guess the metric system isn't all bad now that I think about it). So if you get the time, feel free to stop by for a beer. Everyone else is.

-Cheers!

I ordered my kegs!

I just got home from the BevMo. It was a kind of a big deal. I ordered my kegs. Not exactly the selection I wanted, but they will do just fine.

I decided to order 3 different 5 gallon (or so) kegs.

1. Samuel Adams Boston Lager. I needed a session beer. A beer that friends and family will enjoy and not make that hops face.

2. Flying Dog Old Scratch Lager. I love this beer. I am so happy that they actually had it available in something other than a 15.50 gallon keg. This is a great beer that I will enjoy while it lasts. And it is a beer that I will give to those whom I feel are worthy of a quality beer.

3. Four Peaks Kilt Lifter. A local favorite. Brewed here in my home town, it has quite a following. It really is a great brew. I'm sure it will last longer than the others, but that is what I want. It is the beer that I will drink on special occasions.

Taps 4 and 5 are reserved for home brew. I was supposed to brew this weekend, but plans changed. So I will have to wait a while before I can tap the final two spots. I wonder if I can wait that long.

I also made another trip to the beer store. I got the CO2 tank filled. As soon as I am done typing, I am going to hook it up. I wish I had the kegs to get everything set up. But I have to wait until Friday night. I have to go back to the beer store tomorrow. It;'s kind of a funny story. I will tell you about it tomorrow.

I will post the pictures tomorrow. So until then.

-Cheers!

Kegerator is still in the works

Well, my plan didn't work out exactly how I thought it would. In fact, I am still working on it right now. I just came inside to write this post and let you guys know where it stands. Here is the status thus far.

I started this morning by opening my new saw. O so sweet! I love it. Powertools rule.

Anyways, on to the fun stuff, cutting the wood. I measured all the pieces to make sure they were the right side. I cut the four pieces in a few minutes. No big deal.

Next came the screwing (that's what she said!). This is the most difficult part. The pieces have to align up as close as possible, and as flat as possible. I laid the pieces out on top of the freezer first, but that wasn't working. So I set everything up on the garage floor and started drilling.

I drilled pilot holes first to help with the 2 1/2" screws make it all the way in. Then I simply screwed 2 in each corner. Then to help keep everything a little more secure, I screwed some brackets on the inside.

Because I am a bit of a perfectionist, I started sanding. I don't know why. It is going to be completely covered inside the bar. But I can't help it. So I sanded, and sanded. Then I used wood filler to fill in all the cracks and screw holes. I even sanded down the high spots so the frame would fit more flush to the freezer.

Now, I am painting. I am using a semi gloss kitchen paint. It resists moisture and mold. So it is perfect for what I am doing. I have a couple coats on there right now. I am going to let it dry over night.

Tomorrow, I will add a couple more coats in the morning and let it dry until the afternoon. Then I will screw the hinges back on and the hard part is done. Then all I have left it the plumbing.

I will post pics tomorrow.

This is so much fun. It is going to be even more fun to put it in my room and drink beer from it.

Beerfest part 3. The people

Part of the fun at beerfest is the people watching. It brings out all kinds of different people. Some good, some bad, and some I can't explain. So I think you might enjoy seeing some of the Fascinating people I met this weekend at "The Big Pour" beer festival.

These guys were here to party. It takes a big man (or Scotsman) to wear a kilt. I would totally wear one. In fact, I will buy one the minute I arrive in Scotland in the year 2012. I'm just saying.

I promised you some pictures of chicks with big racks didn't I. These were big, and fake. But she was old and worn out. I'm sure the guy she was with was 15 years younger than she was. But I told you I would. I am a man of my word. It is all about you, my blogging friends.

OK, one more. I thought this one was funny. Quite the opposite don't you think. But either way, it was a picture I had to get. Like I said, it is all about you guys. I will do whatever I can to make you guys happy.

This guy knows how to drink....or does he? Who would be sitting on the ground at a beer festival? And after one hour of beer? I know one guy. But more on this guy later.

I'm not sure what was up with these two. I think they were "working" the festival. To what degree, I can't say. But they were around all day, and were quite popular with the fellas.

I mentioned I visited the Modelo booth 2 or 4 times didn't I? I needed the free shirt. And I heard they were giving out free glass mugs to people. I tried and tried, but all I got was 2 shirts and a bunch of crappy beer. But I got this photo for you guys. Again, it is all about you.

As the day ran out, I snapped this one. This was my favorite. I don't know if he is a Bleacher Bum from Chicago, a transplant Chicago fan, or an alcoholic Cubs fan. Either way, it was a cool jersey. I should get myself one. But I hate the Cubs. Possibly a Whitesox jersey then.

This girl must have had a bad day. Actually, the story goes something like this. As people were leaving the field, I was taking pictures of the drunk idiots trying to make it up the stairs, or people wearing cool beer shirts or something. This chick flipped me off as she walked up the stairs. I didn't know why. I was trying to take a picture of the guy behind her with a cool shirt (below). Would you really think I would take a picture of such a hottie like this on purpose?

I ran into her in the parking lot as she was leaving. I asked her to flip me off again. She said that felt bad and apologized. I said it was ok and asked if I could get a picture of her doing it again, because I missed it the first time. She said ok.

This is the best shirt of the day. This is the guy that was walking up the stairs with the nice bitch above. I liked his shirt. I wanted to share it with all my fans. What I have to put up with to please you guys. But this shirt sums up what we all felt at the end of beerfest.

These guys did it right. Pedal power is the new taxi. I was really worried about the amount of cars in the parking lot as I arrived. These guys did it right. Biking it to and from the beerfest.

So that is it. There are some more pictures, but I think you get this idea. I wish I could have taken a picture of the drunk hippie in front of me at the Sam Adams baseball throw. Or the completely obliterated frat guys who would have surely thrown a punch if I took their picture. There were plenty of "enhanced" women around. But I realized, they didn't like it when strange men tried to take their picture.

I hope you enjoyed my reviews. I know I sure did. It really was a great time. I hope all of you can attend the next one.

-Cheers!

Beerfest Part 2 - The Beer!

It is called a "Beer Festival" for a reason. Beer! You were kind enough to wait for my list and reviews, so I will take the time to go over as much as I can. I believe there was a 15 beer limit. Whatever. I don't live my life by rules. At last count, I think I was ringing in at a big 29+. So lets get this party started.

With the advise of some blogging friends, I started my day with their recommendations. So I started with:

1. Reaper Ale - Pale Ale. I have had Reaper Ale before, but not their Pale Ale. It was good. I think I still prefer their Red Ale though.

2. Nimbus - Old Monkeyshine. I have heard of it, but never tried it. Weighing it a 8.2 abv, this is a fun beer. I will get this one again.

3. Redstone Meadery - Nectar. This one was a little different. The bright red mead was sweet. I think it is something my wife will enjoy. Not for me.

4. Oskar Blues - Old Chub. I love this brewery. It is the only beer I will drink that comes in a can. This was my first time drinking Old Chub Scottish style Ale. It is good stuff. I will be buying this on my next beer run.

5. Dogfish Head - 60 Minute IPA. This is just so good. You knew I was going to say that. So are you going to be surprised with my next one.

6. Dogfish Head - 90 Minute IPA. Again, an amazing beer. This is a staple of my diet. Sam is the man. What will he come up with next? Peaches?

7. Dogfish Head - Festina Peche. Uhmmmmm, it kills me to say it, but I didn't like it. I tried, I really did. But it just didn't do it for me. Sorry Sam.

8. Spanish Peaks - Black Dog Ale. It was ok. But my friend "Schlampe" loved it. He wanted me to make note that this was his favorite at the time.


9. Boston Brewing -Cider. Not sure which one it was. But it was ok. I enjoy a good English Cider like Strongbow now and then. I doubt I will buy this one. I think Jim should stick to beer.

10. Shiner - Bock. The first time I ever tried any of Shiner's brews. It was ok. A little on the weaker side. I was expecting a more flavorful beer. It reminded me of a big brewery beer.


11. Avery - I didn't get which one. I forgot to write it down. Bummer.


This brings you up to speed for the first hour. It was then time to get something to eat, and chill out for a while. Schlampe was wasted. He isn't quite a seasoned drinker yet. I am working with him. But he only drinks like this when he is with me at a beerfest, or in Europe.

12. Deschutes - Obsidian Stout. I was excited to see that they brought out Woody. The beer is always good. I think they are a step below the top tier breweries. But I still buy their beers.

13. Green Flash - West Coast IPA. This was really good. Another one recommended to me. And I am glad I tried it. I have passed it by many times on the shelf. I will buy something from Green Flash next time.

14. Grand Teaton - XX Bitch Ale. I like this one. I have tried the Au Naturale Organic Blonde Ale before. I am a fan. I think they make some good beer.

15. Sierra Nevada - Summerfest Lager. I like Sierra Nevada. I was hoping for one of their special releases. But I guess they were not available. O well.

16. Hacker-Pschorr - Oktoberfest. I love it. It is one of my favorites. I actually went around the tent to get another. I'm not going to count it as two, because I had three in total. But I love it.

17. Paulaner - Pilsner. I love Paulaner. Then again, I love most German beers. I was really hoping for something different than the Pilsner. But I will take it on tap when ever I can.

18. Dale Bros - Pomona Queen. This is a good lager. I really enjoyed it. I actually stuck around and talked to the guys about the brewery. During our conversation, he kept filling my glass with all of their different beers.

19. Dale Bros - Winter Haze. I really like this one as well. It is an amber lager. A little more robust than the Pomona Queen. I would search this one out if I were you.

20. Rock Art - Ridge Runner. An english barleywine. It was an enjoyable beer. There was a lot going on in there. But I know I enjoyed it because I tried their next offering.

21. Rock Art - IPA. Not on the same league as a Dogfish Head, but it was good nevertheless. A Vermont brewery that I have never had. I am glad I had the chance to try it.

22. Brooklyn Brewery - Lager. You can't go wrong with this one. I good beer all the way around. I wish it were a little easier to get out here on the west coast. And from what I was told, it soon will be. They are close to having it readily available soon. I am excited about this.

This brings it to the two plus hour mark. At this time, Schlampe needed to sit down. And he did, where ever he could. He eventually made his way into the stands to fall asleep I think. Time was running out, so I made another lap to try to score some free swag, and a few more beers.

To be honest, I was feeling really good. And to be completely honest, my palate was gone. My judgement in beers was severely lacking. All the different beers were tasting the same. Don't judge the next samples at face value. I got something out of each one.

23. Delirium - Tremens. I am not a huge fan of Belgium brews, but Delirium is a good beer. So much in fact, the term Good Burp is from Belgium. Thus my blog. Neat huh.

24. Santan Brewing - Not sure which one because I cant read my writing. I know it was ok. I kissed his ass and told him I would write something great about them. His name is Klye. He gave me a cool shirt. Thanks Kyle. I hope to make it over to your brewpub in the future.

25. Modelo - Especial. I know, I know. I did it for a shirt. And I got one!

26. Modelo - Negra Modelo. I needed another shirt for Schlampe. At least I didn't drink the Corona.

27. New Belgium - 2 Below. I really wish I could have remembered this one. I am sure it is a good beer. But my cup was in dire need of a rinse after the Modelo contamination. I will find it and buy it. I owe it them.

28. Cucapa - Chupacabra Pale Ale. I don't know what to say. It tasted like beer. I know it was ok because I finished it. I wish I had more to tell you.

29. Bear Republic - Red Rocket Ale. I have a bottle in my beer fridge. But I wanted to taste it. I think I liked it. Yeah, I am pretty sure I liked it. I remember that they were sold out of shirts. Only $5 for a shirt. No wonder. I got some coasters though.

There you have it. There were still so many more to try. I just couldn't do it. The cheap disposible plastic cups were bigger than I any cup I have ever had at a beerfest. And the people pouring the beer were not very stingy. Especially those with short lines. By the end of the day, it was a free for all. Just fill it up and walk away, no questions asked.

The beers were a plenty and a flowing. There were a few I will pass by on the beer isle. But i found many more brews that I will surely buy for now on. The different selections made for a great time. And I am happy I did it.

-Prost!

Willkommen to BEERFEST!

Tomorrow is the big day. I have waited patiently for months now. No. it's not my birthday, it's better. Tomorrow is BEERFEST! Well, to be politically correct, tomorrow is the 1st annual "Big Pour" beer festival. It feels like the night before Christmas. I am so excited. I hope I can sleep tonight.

I will be taking notes, and pictures, and buying lots of shit from every brewery I can. I hope to score some sweet stuff, like bottle openers, coasters, stickers, calendars, posters, hats, and shirts.

I just hope I can try as many different beers as humanly possible. That seems to be the most difficult part of a beer festival, trying everything. I know it will be a difficult task, but I am going to do my best.

However, I have a favor to ask of you. I have tried many different beers in my day. There is even a list of them to the right. I would love to get suggestions. I am really going to go out of my way to look for the brews from the east coast, and breweries I can't get here at home. But I need help. I need you guys, the beer loving readers of the world, to give me guidance. Help me decide what breweries I should look for. What beer can I not pass up. What is that beer that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.

So come on people. Help a brother out. Help me make this the most memorable (or one I wish I could have remembered...thus the camera) beer festivals I have ever attended. I will make you all proud.

I will post my fuzzy thoughts tomorrow night.....hopefully.

-Prost!