Beer Thread

[danielb927]

I had a nice beer at black dog on Monday, Winter Skål (Capital Brewery). It was nice and flavorful but not too bitter for my tastes. Not sure if anyone else has had it but I'd be curious to hear some of the other opinions. Still trying to figure out where I am on the beer snob scale since I do still enjoy a cold domestic light pretty well.

 

[Illinell]

I had a nice beer at black dog on Monday, Winter Skål (Capital Brewery). It was nice and flavorful but not too bitter for my tastes. Not sure if anyone else has had it but I'd be curious to hear some of the other opinions. Still trying to figure out where I am on the beer snob scale since I do still enjoy a cold domestic light pretty well.

Don't sweat the beer snob stuff. It's all about drinking what you like. Haven't had the beer in question but will look out for it.

I myself will be drinking Arctic Panzer Wolf and Christmas Ale tonight. Absolutely cannot wait.

 

[illynifan34]

I had a nice beer at black dog on Monday, Winter Skål (Capital Brewery). It was nice and flavorful but not too bitter for my tastes. Not sure if anyone else has had it but I'd be curious to hear some of the other opinions. Still trying to figure out where I am on the beer snob scale since I do still enjoy a cold domestic light pretty well.

Just don't be afraid to try everything.

 

[AzIlliniFan]

Just don't be afraid to try everything.

That's my motto! Developed out of necessity in the Navy when pulling into strange ports-o-call where I had no choice but to sample something new and strange. I've got no qualms about being adventurous when it comes to drinking, eating, or women.

 

[Illinell]

That's my motto! Developed out of necessity in the Navy when pulling into strange ports-o-call where I had no choice but to sample something new and strange. I've got no qualms about being adventurous when it comes to drinking, eating, or women.

Ha! I picked my taste for good beer while living in Germany.

Better branch of service, and probably better beer

 

[fish48]

Got some Sam Adams Winter Lager for the IL vs Zags game! Can't wait!

 

[IlliniSteve]

Boulevard's Nutcracker Ale is one of my favorites for the Holidays.

 

[ILLbuschman]

Just got 1/4 barrel of Live Oak pils for a party this past weekend. LO is local to Austin where I live. Probably the best American pilsner I've had. No other flavors or aromas - just the wonderful, distinct flavor of Pilsner out of a keg.

I've been on a years long Pale Ale (and IPA) kick living in the hot climate of Texas, but have gotten in to Pils recently because of the increasingly aromatic, heavy nature of American PA's.

 

[AzIlliniFan]

Just got 1/4 barrel of Live Oak pils for a party this past weekend. LO is local to Austin where I live. Probably the best American pilsner I've had. No other flavors or aromas - just the wonderful, distinct flavor of Pilsner out of a keg.

I've been on a years long Pale Ale (and IPA) kick living in the hot climate of Texas, but have gotten in to Pils recently because of the increasingly aromatic, heavy nature of American PA's.

Is that the one that has the tree limb pulls in the bars? If so I have had a few of their beers there in Austin. The Pilz and Primus were my favorites. Pretty good stuff. My daughter's favorite hangout is the Whip In off of the 35 near Oltorf. I'd recommend it for some of the harder to find brews. I spend an evening there every trip out there and will be back there in about a week and a half. I was there just before Thanksgiving and they told me they were brewing their own beer and it would be on tap by the time I got back.

 

[ILLbuschman]

Yep,that's Live Oak. I generally don't care for hefeweizen, but their's is exceptional. They are easily the best brewery in the region. All their beers are distinctive, and all are crafted in the German tradition: basic, and they taste like beer.

I know the Whip, but rarely go there because I'm just not around there much. Heard it's great, but didn't know they were brewing because it was just a liquor store a couple years ago. I used to pick up six packs after softball games.

Another nice place to try is the Draught House, located on 42nd and Medical Parkway. Some lovely in house brews and a great overall selection.

 

[AzIlliniFan]

I only know it in its present incarnation since both my daughters moved to Austin last year. It's a restaurant, liquor store, has a bar inside and a big outdoor patio where bands play on occasion. Where they have room to brew is beyond me! Must be pretty small scale at this point. I'll mention the Draught House and see if we can check it out. The only other place I've been in Austin that has a good selection of brews is the Flying Saucer in the Hyde Park/Triangle area. Went to the Black Star Co-Op once and remember it being decent beer but didn't care for the atmosphere much.

 

[ILLbuschman]

Never been to Black Star; I've heard mixed reviews. Flying Saucer has a good selection, but they have a policy of cutting anyone off after six beers, no matter the type of beer, duration, or person. I am 6'3 and 250. My waitress tried to cut me off after five, and I was still so lucid I was able to show her the mistake she made on her ticket. I was not driving. Still cut off after six. The whole thing was childish, draconian, and a bit embarrassing.

Here's a link to the draught house, only a few blocks from the Saucer:

http://draughthouse.com/

Also a list of top regional beers, many of which will be available at Central Market, Spec's, or Whole Foods:

http://beeradvocate.com/lists/top-southwest

 

[-josh-]

[YOUTUBE]GJW19nlzb3Q[/YOUTUBE]

 

[bdutts]

Just put a bottle of my Pliny the Elder clone in the fridge. Friday night will be tasting night.

 

[AzIlliniFan]

Never been to Black Star; I've heard mixed reviews. Flying Saucer has a good selection, but they have a policy of cutting anyone off after six beers, no matter the type of beer, duration, or person. I am 6'3 and 250. My waitress tried to cut me off after five, and I was still so lucid I was able to show her the mistake she made on her ticket. I was not driving. Still cut off after six. The whole thing was childish, draconian, and a bit embarrassing.

Here's a link to the draught house, only a few blocks from the Saucer:

http://draughthouse.com/

Also a list of top regional beers, many of which will be available at Central Market, Spec's, or Whole Foods:

http://beeradvocate.com/lists/top-southwest

I had brought a bottle of the Black Metal Imperial Russian Stout here with me and had it a couple nights ago. It was superb! Going to pick up a few bottles to take back to Phoenix with me.

Thanks for the links!

 

[Illinell]

Just put a bottle of my Pliny the Elder clone in the fridge. Friday night will be tasting night.

NICE!!!

I have a shipment coming in from CA in a couple of weeks. It is my favorite beer ever.

 

[bdutts]

NICE!!!

I have a shipment coming in from CA in a couple of weeks. It is my favorite beer ever.

Who did you buy the PtE from? Not that I need it, especially if my clone turns out to be good. Just curious is all.

 

[Illinell]

Who did you buy the PtE from? Not that I need it, especially if my clone turns out to be good. Just curious is all.

I made friends with the owner of an awesome beverage spot out in Northern California when I was working there (former consultant). I used to stop by as often as possible to pick up some beers.

Eventually I gave him one of my Dark Lords (just as a gesture), and in return he offered to send me some PtE. The community aspect is one of the things I like about beer the most.

Regarding your clone, my friends that have cloned it have had great success. Best of luck.

 

[bdutts]

I made friends with the owner of an awesome beverage spot out in Northern California when I was working there (former consultant). I used to stop by as often as possible to pick up some beers.

Eventually I gave him one of my Dark Lords (just as a gesture), and in return he offered to send me some PtE. The community aspect is one of the things I like about beer the most.

Regarding your clone, my friends that have cloned it have had great success. Best of luck.

Always good to have connections, no? Thanks, I'm sure the PtE clone, while maybe not spot on, will be very good nonetheless. The recipe I'm using was the original one Vinny from Russian River Brewing used to brew it. I think it's been tweaked some since then.

 

[illynifan34]

Anyone a Beer of the Month Club member? Which one and how do you like it?

 

[Illinell]

Anyone a Beer of the Month Club member? Which one and how do you like it?

Nope. I am a beers of the day club member though and that treats me very well.

 

[bdutts]

Tried my Pliny the Elder clone last night. It's really good at cellar temps. Will be better in 3-6 weeks. Overall, I'm quite pleased with it.

 

[fish48]

Anyone a Beer of the Month Club member? Which one and how do you like it?

I thought about joining one, but all I would want is 3 or 4 bottles a month. Most places send you a 12 pack!! I would be 300 pounds if I were to drink that much craft beer on top of my regularly scheduled beers a month.

 

[IlliniRunIn07]

I thought about joining one, but all I would want is 3 or 4 bottles a month. Most places send you a 12 pack!! I would be 300 pounds if I were to drink that much craft beer on top of my regularly scheduled beers a month.

Haha why can't you just incorporate the 12 pack into your regularly scheduled beers every month?

 

[fish48]

Haha why can't you just incorporate the 12 pack into your regularly scheduled beers every month?

Because I like to be in a routine. I don't want a beer club that sends me that many beers. I wouldn't mind a 6 pack sampler every month. I haven't searched that hard, but maybe there are some good ones out there that will send a 6 pack sampler.