Drowning our Sorrows-Vol. 2
by BatesHorn on Feb 1, 2011 5:28 PM CST
in Pop Culture
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PrintBeer, among man's oldest forms of intoxicants, is both complicated and simple. At its core, it's nothing more than roasted grains soaked in hot water, bittered with hops to offset the sweetness of the sugars washed off aforementioned grains, then fermented and carbonated by yeast. Yet to try and encapsulate the entire world of beer is a task as challenging as reading the collected works of Joyce and Milton, albeit immensely more satisfying and worthwhile.
It represents one of man's highest achievements. Proof, indeed, as Benjamin Franklin is widely quoted, that God loves us and wants us to be happy.
Beers can be roughly divided into ales and lagers, determined mostly by the type of yeast used to ferment the beer and at what temperature the yeast works. Ales warmer, lagers colder. Ales tend to be more strongly flavored. Lagers form a smoother, more subtle beer.
Enough with the learnin. On to the drankin.
I'll just throw out some thoughts on things I've drunk recently and see if we can get some discussion going about the nectar of the gods. I'm not going to discuss Shiner products till the very end of the posts, so just skip right down HJ.
Lagers
Let's start with what beer snobs call American Adjunct Lagers (aka Pale lagers), the catchall name for your Budweiser, Miller Light, High Life, Coors Light, etc. Like vintage porn on the web, they'll get the job done, but with much better stuff out there, unless you've really got an Ginger Lynn jones-ing, the question is "why?" With the rise of canned micro-brews, the remaining argument for mass produced lager is even weaker, as you can enjoy a tasty brew safely while telling those troglodytes from Oklahoma to fuck off at the next RRS.
Having said that, I got completely shit faced on Miller Light not two weeks ago, and when served ice cold on a hot day or with spicy foods, these beers can shine. If you don't mind being labeled a hipster, Pabst Blue Ribbon is probably the best of the widely available pale American lagers. It's damning with faint praise, but put your skinny jeans on, groom your ironic mustache, and crack a PBR instead of a Bud next time. A good alternative in this category is Yuengling Lager; it's pretty tasty and family owned, which is nice.
Vasherized and "Friend" pregame before Florida Atlantic
If you drink any ultra light beer, stop right now. Seriously, don't ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, do that again. Hit the gym and at least have the balls to step up to Miller Light.
A special shout out to Lonestar which isn't really a good beer, but it was the beer of my Texas youth and holds a special place in my heart, kinda like Chasey Lain.
In the craft perspective: Huge props to the Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold. Smooth but with enough hop to make a beer geek happy; lager at it's finest. Also, the Scrimshaw Pilsner by North Coast Brewery and TX based Saint Arnold Brewery Summer Pils are great pints. The Brooklyn Brewery Lager and Maryland's Raven Special Lager are also superb. Raven can be hard to find, but Brooklyn is widely available, so drink up, butter cup. New Belgium's Blue Paddle Pilsner is yummers (as the vacant blond across from my office likes to say) and definitely available in Austin. Not in DC sadly.
From Europe, as mass German beers go, I favor the Paulaner Original Lager, and in the real heat of the summer, Warsteiner Premium. Czech? When you can get it fresh, Pilsner Urquell is one of the finest beers on earth, light, golden with a hop bite on the back end. Unfortunately, it travels poorly, as does it's compatriot Budvar. Stella? Meh.
I don't drink Canadian beers. Sue me. Eh.
Not happening.
Pacifico, Bohemia, Negro Modelo, and Dos Equis Amber are my Mexican beers of choice. For all the garbage cerveza that our brothers to the south produce, they keep alive the tradition of Vienna Lager, a darker style mostly extinct in Europe, surviving only in kissing cousin form as Marzen or Oktoberfest seasonal brews.
A number of good US vienna style lagers exist, however. I outgrew Sam Adams products many years ago, but if you're a beer snob and staring at a truly depressing beer list, the Boston Lager is still very drinkable. Abita Amber is also particularly good when wandering the streets of the quarter or working on your sun burn at Jazz fest.
Ales
Lagers have become the predominant brew for the masses due to the smoothing qualities of the lagering process, which entails allowing the beer to rest for a long cold fermentation. It reduces the number of things a brewery can do flavor-wise and requires cold storage space, explaining why so many home brewers and micro breweries tend to favor ales. Ales can be brewed, fermented, and cask conditioned or force carbonated in a month, allowing cash strapped breweries to respond to orders and fickle consumer tastes far more readily. Imperial Stouts are what's in? Fire up the mashtun. Now it's Black IPA's? No problem. OTOH, you're stuck with fermenting tanks full of cherry lager for months, whether you can sell it or not. All but the most well off microbreweries carry one year around lager, and a selection of rotating ales.
Before I go further, our West Coast Barkers will just have to make do if I don't mention the tiny micro IPA brewed near your house and only sold in three stores and one strip joint in Portland.
Clipper Cooper prefers the Ninkasi Tricerahops Double IPA
Despite all the mythology surrounding India Pale Ales, mostly false, IPA's remain the royalty of ale brewing. I favor the Bell's Two Hearted Ale, Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale, and New Amsterdam Ranger IPA. My favorite right now is probably the Dogfish 60 minute IPA, which can be drunk in quantity despite the massive hop flavor. All of these varieties are significantly more hoppy than their English counterparts, which do not use the new varieties of American hops.
Traditional Pale Ale? Bass is a solid drink, but a better alternative, is Sierra Nevada's Pale Ale. The Great Lakes Burning River and Stone Pale Ale also shine. If you can find it, I recommend Geary's Pale Ale from Maine.
For bitters, a form of English beer not actually bitter and intended to be drunk in quantity, Fuller's makes a nice pint. Goose Island's Honker Ale also manages to be tasty and poundable. Redhook ESB is good and readily available, but dangerous when drunk in quantity, as I found out over the holidays.
SoCal's Stone Brewery, progenitor of the potent Arrogant Bastard Ale, brews a revelatory red ale called Levitation. Possessing a citrus-y hop nose and deep red color, it manages a full flavor on an absurdly light 4.4% alcohol. A truly amazing brew. Feeling Irish with St. Paddies Day looming? Make sure you down a few pints of Harpoon's seasonal Celtic Ale.
Amber lager, in many ways, is the classic gateway beer, a craft brew to the untrained palate in a way that will not pucker the mouth like hoppy IPA's. Similar to Greg Robinson's 2004 defense, craft amber ale introduces competence without dominating. Try the New Amsterdam Fat Tire and Troeg's Nugget Nectar.
For Brown Ale's, I favor Newcastle on draft (not in bottles), Bell's Best Brown, and New Hampshire's Smuttynose Old Dog Brown. The Dogfish India Brown Ale is damn fine, but its high alcohol content can be daunting.
Porter's? Stouts? Not my typical cup of tea. Guinness is good. And if you are trying to maintain your girlish waistline, like magnus, Guinness is also low calorie and low alcohol content, despite it's robust appearance. The truth is: Guinness is shockingly mild compared to the vast bulk of stouts, so you may find that if Guiness is all you know in the dark beer department, trying something new could be a bit eye opening.
I enjoyed Bell's Double Cream Stout recently and have sessioned Yuengling's Porter on occasion. Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout, Anchorsteam's (maker of Anchorsteam Beer) Porter, and the Rogue Chocolate Stout are all excellent beers. The darkly roasted malt used in Porters and Stouts covers a lot of brewing errors, so there's a good chance you've got a tiny local microbrew wherever you live that's making tasty porters and stouts.
I won't get into Belgian beers, because there are thousands of beers. If your new to craft brews, Chimay is solid. Find a Belgian restaurant and start trying things. Word of warning: Belgians add sugar during the fermentation process, boosting alcohol content while maintaining a smooth brew. As anyone that has made the mistake of ordering a third Delerium Tremens will tell you: Belgian beers will put you flat on your ass, so careful if your driving (Let's not pull an Augie, o.k.?)
Take a moment to remember Celis Brewing. Pierre Celis reinvented Wit beers, creating Hoegaarden, got screwed by InBev, took his show to Austin and for a glorious time in the mid nineties, brewed some of the finest beers in the World at Celis Brewery. Then he got screwed by Miller, and is now retired. Celis reportedly still exists, being contract brewed in Michigan, but I've never had it. In its day the Celis White, Pale Bock, and Grand Cru were as close to the mythical ambrosia as your likely to find.
We are not worthy
On Shiner Bock
Like most reading this, I've drunk oceans of Shiner Bock. It helped me out with a lovely A Chi O right before I left for my year abroad. I still have the empty bottle of Shiner I was drinking during 4th and 5.
The problem is, Shiner Bock is really not a very good beer. If sold PBR cheap, then it's o.k., but when sold as a microbrew, which it frequently is outside of Texas, it's outrageous. Plus it gives some of the WORST hangover's on earth.
In the end, I hope you enjoy beer, be it Coors Light or a $20 a four pack Belgian. Whatever your poison, tell me what you're drinking and maybe give a good story to go with it.
PROST!!!
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Despite all the mythology surrounding India Pale Ales, mostly false, IPA’s remain the royalty of ale brewing.
What mythology are we speaking of?
I favor the Bell’s Two Hearted Ale, Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale
You have good taste. Celebration Ale is the single best thing about winter. Two Hearted is awesome but isn’t sold in Texas, among many other places. My Two Hearted substitutes are the Green Flash West Coast IPA and Stone IPA. Both of these San Diego brewed-beers are made with Centennial Hops, which is the greatest of all hop varieties and the only hop used in Two Hearted.
I’m a big stout fan. Stone’s Russian Imperial Stout and North Coast’s Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout are the gold standards.
Belgium never ceases to amaze me with the vast variety of awesome beers that come from their puny little country. St. Bernardus Abt 12 is most delicious widely available Belgian Style Quadruple, which is the King of all beer styles.
I’ve got a Unibroue La Terrible in the fridge right now that I’m pondering cracking open. It’s a Belgian Strong Dark Ale, though brewed in Quebec. It’s pure boosh.
by bigdukesix on Feb 1, 2011 5:47 PM CST reply actions
I’ll always read about beer, but what I gleaned here is that you’ve got more beer budget than taste buds and that I learned more German than you at UT.
I’ll just add that 25-cent Lone Star longnecks, most swilled at the One Knite (Red River at 8th) while listening to the Vaughn bros, made me the man I am today. We’re lucky to live in a state that knows and loves beer. Rahr in FW is putting out some promising brews, and I especially like the new Shiner Dortmunder. Prost!
by OldTimeHorn on Feb 1, 2011 5:57 PM CST reply actions
Ah, yes, the preferred combo of my teens and 20’s, a shot of Cuervo Gold with a Lone Star chaser. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that maturity is not good for anything.
And I deeply mourn the loss of Celis, though my recollection may be influenced by the magic of the time and place.
Finally, I highly recommend any of the great German dopplebocks, especially this time of year. Darker, stronger versions of German bock biers, most end in the suffix “-ator”, in tribute or immitation of the original, Paulaner Salvator. Say what you want about the krauts, they damn sure know how to make bier.
by Yellow Dog on Feb 1, 2011 6:04 PM CST reply actions
Apparently, I’ve been reading too much French philosophy.
I’m excited by the fact that more microbreweries are turning their eyes towards craft lagers, because it’s long been left to the Macro’s and it’s high time American craft brewers tried their hand at German beers.
There’s a lot a lore that IPA’s were brewed to handle the long voyage to India, thus all the hops, but it’s mostly just old wives tales. Brown Ales also frequently made the journey, and they are not typically hoppy. IPA’s are just a really hoppy pale ale.
by Bateshorn on Feb 1, 2011 6:07 PM CST reply actions
Ranger Creek Brewery (and soon a distillery as well) just opened north of San Antonio. They make a great oatmeal pale ale (yes, oatmeal), and a mesquite smoked porter.
by Magnificent Bastard on Feb 1, 2011 6:08 PM CST reply actions
BTW, give some love to TX 82® HB 660. It’s a bill aiming to allow micro-breweries in Texas to sell beer to distributors. So, you’d be able to pick up some Uncle Billy’s at HEB.
by Magnificent Bastard on Feb 1, 2011 6:14 PM CST reply actions
I think alcohol is the preservative anyway, not hops. But obviously there was some confusion from whoever that invented the American IPA.
by bigdukesix on Feb 1, 2011 6:17 PM CST reply actions
I thought the celebration was terrible this year. last years was awesome. the bottom fell out of this one. my absolute fav is sierras hemisphere series. that shit is nectar. anything bell’s is good also. good read. would read again
by mattdubya on Feb 1, 2011 6:17 PM CST reply actions
Have you tried the 2011 Glissade? I thought last year was amazing, but I’m still a bit on the fence about this year.
re: IPA’s, it’s definitely the alcohol that acts as a preservative. Anybody who home brews will tell you that low alcohol, light colored beers are by far the most delicate.
by bateshorn on Feb 1, 2011 6:22 PM CST reply actions
I recently discovered the Trader Joe’s brand of brews. The IPA and amber ale are pretty tasty, and they’re half the price of most craft beers here in DC. I recommend them if there’s a trader joe’s in your neck of the woods.
Bateshorn- thoughts on Real Ale? The full moon rye ale is one the things I miss most about Texas.
by HoyaHorn on Feb 1, 2011 6:24 PM CST reply actions
Boulevard Brewing Co. is fantastic. Their Unfiltered Wheat Beer is one of the best tasting beers I have ever had. Try it out sometime, they are hard to find since they are a Kansas City brewery but you can find it at Whole Foods in Austin.
by JamaalCharles on Feb 1, 2011 6:25 PM CST reply actions
Hops are in fact a preservative as well.
I love ruination. I just bought some Sam Adams 48 latitude IPA. I wish i hadn’t. Not a huge fan of it or most other Sam Adams. My friend brings me sarnac back from NY every once in a while.
That same friend and I used to get excited whenever we’d find New Castle on tap. That is an absolutely amazing beer on tap. That is also the starter kit that my wife (gf at the time) got me for my very first brew.
Going to drink some of my own ESB now.
by ut_bkc on Feb 1, 2011 6:38 PM CST reply actions
The explosion in microbrews gives me hope that there is some intrinsic value in American culture, and it’s not just a bunch of worthless shit spreading like a bacterial plague across the planet.
Beer Wars is a cool movie to check out that chronicles the massive battles that the adjunct brewers are waging against the little guys – it’s not pretty. Women set back beer decades due to their bullshit temperance movement and only since the 90s have the craft brewers started to recover. Support your local craft brewer!
by Mad Clapper on Feb 1, 2011 6:38 PM CST reply actions
This is a subject after my own heart – I’ll get some thoughts up in a bit, but definitely want to give some love to (512) – if you’re in Austin drink ANY of their beers, you’ll be better off for it.
by what it do on Feb 1, 2011 6:44 PM CST reply actions
If you like Dogfish 60 then you’re really doing yourself a disservice by not moving up to Dogfish 90. It’s a 12 oz bottle of heaven.
by Mr. Orange on Feb 1, 2011 6:51 PM CST reply actions
Best beer I ever had was a Seattle artisanal sour beer he called Red Currant, in the tradition of Belgian beers. And contrary to first impressions, the sour ingredient is actually lactic acid (ala buttermilk), not acetic acid (vinagar).
Discovery Channel had a program on Sunday night called How Beer Saved the World or somesuch, in which it credited the discovery and cultivation of beer with the motivation and advent of agriculture and its accoutrement inventions (plow, irrigation, wheel/wagon) and civilization (settlements, writing, mathematics, pyramid building), art and religion (transcendental inebriation), nutrition (predates bread making), health (pasteurized water), medicine (germ theory), industrialization and elimination of child labor (beer bottle making first production line), and on and on.
I was so enthralled and tickled by the perceptive perspective that I went and ordered probably the closest book dealing with at least part of the subject, Uncorking the Past: The Quest for Wine, Beer and Other Alcoholic Beverages, for my further reading enjoyment.
by exuLt on Feb 1, 2011 6:54 PM CST reply actions
Hoya- I assume you mean Hill Country brewing outfit and not the movement in the brewing world. I dig their stuff, although the Rio Blanco is the only thing I’ve drunk in any real quantity. Very tasty pale.
ut-bkc- I get all sorts of horny for the Ruination. Sarnac is a good brew and not too expensive in the DC area (the Harris Teeter chain carries it). I like them because they do mix packs which satisfies my need to change varieties every three beers (I’ve had as many as 7 different singles floating in the back of my fridge after I’ve moved on to a new variety and abandoned a half drunk six pack).
Mad Clapper- It’s funny that chick couldn’t sell her beer and Four Loko became a media sensation. From what I understand, the Macro’s are consistently losing market share as microbreweries are growing like hot cakes.
by bateshorn on Feb 1, 2011 6:56 PM CST reply actions
I think my favorite beer of all time is a Okinawan (Japan) beer called Orion. I know it is available on the west coast, Nevada, and Oklahoma, oddly enough. But not Texas. It’s a crisp wheat beer.
I’ve tried my fair share of IPAs to know I don’t like them, but a good red or brown ale like the dutch Torburg is good.
So I’m a lager guy, it is what it is. I’m down for a Carlsberg or Kronenburg anytime.
by Nero on Feb 1, 2011 7:09 PM CST reply actions
Bates – as an FYI, dcist reported recently that New Belgium would soon be available in the DC Metro area (Happy times!)
by wanderinghorn on Feb 1, 2011 7:16 PM CST reply actions
Heineken? Fuck that shit! Pabst Blue Ribbon!
by Frank Booth on Feb 1, 2011 7:23 PM CST reply actions
Two best beers for my money are bell’s hopslam and flying dog’s raging bitch.
by Eljinca on Feb 1, 2011 7:26 PM CST reply actions
Nero - I also love Orion. Drink it frequently here in SF.
Lots of good Japanese beers — Coedo and Hitachino stand out. Echigo for the lightest, most delicate beer. Yebisu, if you can have it on tap in Japan, is one of the world’s best lagers.
by mashtun on Feb 1, 2011 7:57 PM CST reply actions
Watney’s Cream Stout is my all time favorite, but you can’t get it in the states anymore. Does anyone know why?
by burnt orange dog on Feb 1, 2011 7:58 PM CST reply actions
When I was in grad school way back when, I got to be good friends with a guy from Austin, not knowing I’d live here some day. He was super laid back, and one of his hobbies was homebrewing. He’d brew anything as a challenge.
Well, one of his most interesting batches had a strong weed content, if you know what I mean. Funny tasting, and it made you hungry after you drank it.
by parlin on Feb 1, 2011 8:01 PM CST reply actions
This article is full of win. Thanks for posting.
Celis Grand Cru was the shit. A real panty dropper.
by Jesus Shuttlesworth on Feb 1, 2011 8:01 PM CST reply actions
Really liked the Sapporo on draft while stationed in Nippon. Also, the two weeks I spent in port in Portsmith England and the vast quantity of Pope’s Ale I poured down my gullet absolutely ruined me on American Lagers that were the mainstream of the times (‘78-’83) for me.
by dasmithjones on Feb 1, 2011 8:12 PM CST reply actions
Sorry, drinking Bordeaux at the moment. Cold night and a steak calls for some red.
by mashtun on Feb 1, 2011 8:41 PM CST reply actions
Love IPAs, including the so called hop bombs. My current favorite is Pliny the Elder followed by Racer 5.
When I was living in Austin I was a big fan of Live Oak Pils which always seem to run fairly hoppy for a Czech style Pils. Its a great bear so long as the keg is new and the line clean.
by Niteboat on Feb 1, 2011 8:46 PM CST reply actions
Beers that I’ve had recently and rated highly:
Ballast Point Sextant Stout – a great dry stout, nice coffee flavoring
Mikkeller Single Hopped Warrior IPA – nice hoppiness without overpowering
Rogue Double Mocha Porter – a great winter brew.
by Arriviste on Feb 1, 2011 8:46 PM CST reply actions
I always pictured Magnus differently.
One of my favorite’s was Alaskan Pale Ale and I enjoyed going to Portland back in the day and sampling the various local fare.
by Davey O'Brien on Feb 1, 2011 8:55 PM CST reply actions
I drink lots of Belgian and German beer, but I have to admit that I disagree that Shiner Bock is not good beer. I think it is very good, but its not a bock beer in the German sense of the word. Actually, Shiner has made some very good beer, their Kolsch was great and I think their Black beer was very good. They missed on a few to, their smoke beer did not capture the rauch beir of the Bamberg, Germany area and I was not a fan of the peach and pecan flavored beer.
As I have occasion to travel to Michigan, I can confirm that Celis is still brewed by the Michigan Brewing Company. The Raspberry, Grand Cru, etc. are as great as you remember. A little secret, they have them from time to time at the Whip Inn in Austin. Also, St. Bernardus from Belguin currently makes a Wit beer that carries the name of Pierre Celis on the label. Give it a try if you can find it.
Someone mentioned St. Bernardus Abt 12 as being a great Quadruple, and it is, but if you want an even better 10% beer, try a St. Bernardus Christmas Ale. Afflingham also makes one called Noel, but I like St. Bernardus’ offering better.
As for Belgian Triples, I like Karmaleit the best, with St. Bernardus coming in second.
St. Bernardus also makes Pater and Prior beer which come in at around 6% for those afriad of the high alcohol content of the Triples and Quadruples.
Other great breweries from Belgium are Afflingham, Maredesous, and Brugge de Zot. Chimay, while very good, isnt better than any of these, and is always more expensive.
As for German beer, I think they make the best wheat beers in the world with Franziskaner, Ayinger, Erdinger, and Paulner my favorites.
I am also a fan of Spaten Octoberfest. As mentioned above, double bocks are very good, try Celebrator, Salvator and Optimator.
German pils beers are also great. Bittburger is a good example, as is Pilsner Urquell from Czech.
I would go on, but I just got a call that my neighbor has a couple of St. Bernardus that he needs help with.
by Big Horn on Feb 1, 2011 8:57 PM CST reply actions
Great article. Austin is killing it now with the craft brews. Fireman’s 4 has become a staple but the following are also pretty awesome Austin/Hill Country beers:
- Jester King Wytchmaker Rye IPA
- Jester King Black Metal Imperial Stout. Gives Old Rasputin a run…
- (512) Cascabel Cream Stout
- Thirsty Planey Bucket IPA (best Texas IPA, although Stash and (512) both give it a run)
- Real Ale Devil’s Backbone
I could go on…..
And I’d be remiss to not mention Southern Star whose Bombshell Blonde in a can kills Fireman’s imo. Conroe, Texas woot!
More good beer coming — Circle Brewing Envy Amber Ale is pretty damn good, but we’ll see if those guys can keep it up.
Austin will hopefully rival Colorado and Oregon sooner than later.
by A-Tex Devil on Feb 1, 2011 8:58 PM CST reply actions
Austin Beerworks is another up and comer in the canned market, one of the guys is also a frequent poster on Shaggy.
by Mad Clapper on Feb 1, 2011 9:28 PM CST reply actions
Stone’s Sublimely Self Righteous. Love me some SSR.
by Ron McKelvey on Feb 1, 2011 9:54 PM CST reply actions
No love for Victory Brewing Company out of Pennsylvania? Prima Pils, Hop Devil, Hop Wallop, Golden Monkey – all are great beers, and most are available regularly at Central Market.
by BrickHorn on Feb 1, 2011 10:09 PM CST reply actions
I’m proud to say my 30th birthday party is going to be at the Ginger Man. When the jukebox plays my songs, and the cigs are burnin’ down, and I throw a dart at the menu and discover another favorite beer – well there’s no better place. It is my happy place.
And for those that don’t know, the bar is named after a great book by J.P. Donleavy. It would be rated “R” by today’s standards, and it was written in the 50s or so. Not just raunchy but self-depricatingly hilarious.
by Nero on Feb 1, 2011 10:48 PM CST reply actions
This bateshorn post and Chooky’s Brisket Pictorial are gilded maps to gastronomic nirvana.
My preferred Mexican lager is Carta Blanca. It got recommended by a friend who introduced home brews when I lived in El Paso and it just stuck. When I’m eating quality texmex, I want a beer that riles my buds but doesn’t get in the way. Most Mexican beer accomplishes that.
But IPA’s are where it’s at. They seem to have the most going on, and if I’m going to have a beer, the complexity and higher ABV qualifies the act as a passtime. Over the years, I’ve gravitated not to specific beers, but certain breweries that consistently put out fine products. My top rec of wide distribution crafters is Deschutes Brewery in Bend, OR. Their standards are a staple while the seasonal ales are above and beyond (Jubelale, Hop Henge, Hop Trip, Red Chair NWPale Ale). Another favorite is SF based Speakeasy BrewCo.. The Big Daddy IPA is best served by the pitcher. The Double Daddy is the smoothest of 9 beer ever bottled. I’d include a Nina Hartley reference, but I don’t think the brewery existed until after she could tie them in a bow.
My favorite Brew Co. bar none is Double Mountain in Hood River. No bottles. Regional tap and keg only. It was founded by a couple brew masters who left Full Sail and set up shop a block away from the Full Sail brewery. They have a gift.
by triplehorn on Feb 1, 2011 10:52 PM CST reply actions
Paulaner is great.
If anyone sees Boddington Ale, get it. Its English or some shit but its damn good.
Newcastle, Sierra Nevada, and Guinness are all solid. agreed
and the west coast comment about the nearby microbrewery was gold.
i go apeshit for Stone Brewery and all their arrogant bastard beers, merchandise, chicks, whatever. my parents live RIGHT BY that place. haha
great stuff.
by PVogel on Feb 1, 2011 10:55 PM CST reply actions
Amber ales have always been my favorite, especially Full Sail.
On a related note, when I was an undergrad (89-93), the Crown & Anchor was a great place to go to try new beers on tap in Austin. Last year I stopped by on a bit of a nostalgia trip. Oh my, things change. I had to make do with a Fuller’s ESB.
by mookiepatookis on Feb 1, 2011 10:56 PM CST reply actions
@ Big Horn…
Shiner is Bohunk steam-brewed beer same as, if anybody remembers, Stroh’s from the 70s (Detroit beer). Anybody who doesn’t appreciate what Spoetzel has doen for us the last hundred years, well, you just ain’t Texan.
by OldTimeHorn on Feb 2, 2011 1:10 AM CST reply actions
For those talking Stone, they currently have a limited edition Cali-Belgian IPA that’s similar to their Stone IPA, but a little crisper and fruiter. So far I’ve only been able to find it at the Whole Foods in Plano (fuck I hate Plano), but it’s worth the time to try and find some. Definitely another really good one by Stone.
by LHF1024 on Feb 2, 2011 1:36 AM CST reply actions
@A-Tex Devil – is the thirsty planet IPA really that good? The (512) is my favorite Austin IPA. The (512) bruin is probably my favorite Austin beer, fwiw.
In fact, here are some faves, by style:
IPA – Pliny the Edler, 60min (or 90..), Celebration
Brown – (512) Bruin
Red – nothing comes to mind, but I had a great Red IPA the other day from somewhere in Boulder.
Pale – Sierra Nevada, Dale’s Pale Ale (my go to sixer)
Winter Warmer – Jubelale (Deschutes)
College style boozing – 6 pack of lonestar tall boys, $5.29. Available at the chevron across the street from dirty’s.
by what it do on Feb 2, 2011 1:45 AM CST reply actions
@LHF1024 – the cali-belique is pretty tasty, and interesting twist on the trad IPA style. The base Stone IPA is delicious, and the yeast tweak really plays with the finish. Did anyone try the St. Arnold yeast concoctions available a while ago?
Forgot to put it up above., any allagash is a must get, if you see it around (Zax’s has some on draft occasionally), and the Allagash FOUR is one of the best I’ve ever had.
by what it do on Feb 2, 2011 1:50 AM CST reply actions
Dogfish Head is currently my favorite brewing co. It’s extremely unfortunate that I can’t drink until I’m off medication. I have to eschew alcohol for 6 mo. to a year. I’m hoping that when that period ends I can get a nice cold bottle of the “ancient” beer series they just put out. I hear the oriental variety is very solid. I’m also jones-ing for a good barleywine.
by Gate_of_Horn on Feb 2, 2011 1:55 AM CST reply actions
If you are ever in SEC Conference Country, pick up a Sweetwater of any breed. They are an excellent beer brewed in Atlanta. 420 is my personal fav.
by jinx on Feb 2, 2011 7:35 AM CST reply actions
Great article and great posts. A couple more of my favorites:
Victory Prima Pils
Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale
Magic Hat #9
For those in/around or coming to NYC, a trip to the Brooklyn Brewery is a must. Good people, good place, good beer. Fun rathskeller feel with board games, music, and revelry.
Those that aren’t fans of Shiner, your tune will change when you live in a place where you can’t get it. Something soothing about seeing the ram on tap that let’s you know you’re home.
by Dude on Feb 2, 2011 8:01 AM CST reply actions
From a lifetime Austinite currently residing in New Orleans, I will say that I nostalgically miss picking up a suitcase of Lone Star for like 10 bucks. No, it’s not the greatest beer in the world, but in the pantheon of cheap shit (Busch, Keystone, etc.) Lone Star is my beer of choice.
My current favorite out of Austin (although it’s been there for a few years) remains Real Ale’s Fireman’s 4. I always make sure to have a few pints of that when I make it back.
Surprisingly enough, the New Orleans area is getting it’s share of small microbrews. Of course, Abita has been here for years and is starting to ship to more places around the country, but if you ever get a chance to try beers from the Bayou Teche or LA 51 breweries, give them a shot. They have several different varieties, all of which are delicious.
Two other beers that I drink in mass quantities whenever I can find them:
Rogue Chipotle Ale—tastes like a bowl of chips and salsa. Seriously.
Warsteiner Dunkel—a nice, tasty German beer.
Oh, and I’m sorry that you get bad hangovers from it, but I’ll remain steadfast in the assertion that Shiner is, and always will be, delicious.
by Ryan on Feb 2, 2011 8:56 AM CST reply actions
My quest for the perfect ale is over. Magic Hat #9. Out of VT, sold on the east coast, not sure it makes its way to Austin, but I have a six barrel of it in my kegerator here in VA. Truly outstanding.
by Andy on Feb 2, 2011 9:22 AM CST reply actions
Some fantastic suggestions here.
I’ve never had either Pliny, but my friends who have get this far away look in their eyes and ask for a moment to gather themselves when discussing it, so my hunt continues.
My problem with Shiner is the price. If it’s cheap, it’s perfectly good, like Yuengling, but when I’m asked to pay 8.99 a six pack, that’s just absurd.
If any of ya’ll make it to Maine, head to Barharbor and stop by the Barharbor Brewing Company. They only sell bombers and in Central ME exclusively, but the Cadillac Mountain Stout and Thunderhole Ale are worth a major detour. Plus, it’s Barharbor.
The explosion of brewing in Austin is so exciting. I’m due to head back to take my kids to see their Grandma in March and I’m going to do some serious tasting.
by Bateshorn on Feb 2, 2011 9:53 AM CST reply actions
Your exclusion of Deschutes shall not go unnoticed. It’s too bad. Tote bags are pretty handy for carrying beer around…
by Vasherized on Feb 2, 2011 9:57 AM CST reply actions
@what it do
Yeah, I like Buckethead better, but I do like (512) as well – an awful lot. Stash is really good too, can’t go wrong with any of those. The new (512) Cascabel Cream Stout may be their best yet. I wish (512) would make some bombers so I could purchase some for a rainy day. Will have to do with growlers for now
I can’t say enough about the Jester King beers I mentioned above. Go to Draughthouse, Whip In or Blackstar — they all have them. Red’s Porch (which is just a stellar place when the weather is good) has the Wytchmaker as well.
Ditto on the Dogfish head comments. If there was ever a reason to go visit Delaware other than no sales tax, that would be it….
Is there any place in Austin to get any Three Floyds beer or track down Pliney the Elder? I haven’t been able to find them anywhere. Whipin has Deschutes Black Butte Porter on tap right now. Good, good stuff. I am going back to BlackStar soon, I hope. They have Stone Lukcy Basartd (spelled correctly) on tap, which I’ve never seen in Texas.
by A-Tex Devil on Feb 2, 2011 9:57 AM CST reply actions
My preferred Mexican lager is Carta Blanca
triplehorn, you’re a man after Trips Right’s heart.
by Vasherized on Feb 2, 2011 10:00 AM CST reply actions
I never liked Guiness before, but on vacation in Dublin felt I needed to drink some. I loved it! It turns out that the Guiness they export to the US has 50% more hops to deal with the temperature variations in transit. Know what would be great? A North American Guiness brewery that could make it the same as the Irish brewery (maybe export the water from Ireland?).
Here’s a great beer to try in Canada-
by TaylorTRoom on Feb 2, 2011 10:10 AM CST reply actions
The Guinness Draught in the US, in my mind, is not that much different than Ireland. Most places just don’t have the good nitrogen taps that they have in Ireland. But served extra cold with the right nitrogen tap, and poured correctly, I didn’t notice a ton of difference between Dublin and a good US Irish pub with all the right tools (including knowledgeable barman).
The hoppier version you are thinking of is Guiness Extra Stout, which you rarely get on tap in the US (or even in Ireland for that matter — I was there earlier in the month and could only find Draught on tap). You can find that in bottles in the US. But it’s a different beer than the Draught (at least according to my virtual tour guide at the Guinness brewery).
Guinness makes a 3rd beer — Guiness Foreign Stout — that is even heavier on the hops, and has almost a 7% ABV if I recall. Can’t get it in the states, but we tried some at the Guinness brewery and a couple of those will knock you off your feet.
by Scott Craig on Feb 2, 2011 10:39 AM CST reply actions
Magic Hat #9 getting a lot of love here. Only had one other apricot beer, the one from Pyramid, and I like #9 much more.
Tried the Ranger IPA from New Belgium and Breckenridge Vanilla Porter this weekend and enjoyed both. I’m a big fan of IPAs, and the Ranger didn’t disappoint at all.
North Coast Old Stock Ale. 10 or 11% abv. Strong but drinkable. Had it for the first time recently and was impressed.
by Bobby Time on Feb 2, 2011 10:46 AM CST reply actions
"Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." -Benjamin Franklin
That’s all I have to say about that…
by Tyler Event on Feb 2, 2011 10:52 AM CST reply actions
I was just about to post something about Bell’s Hopslam before I saw Elijinca’s comment. Absolutely agree. I am extremely sad that I have never seen it again since the first, wonderful experience of drinking it two years ago. Any ideas on where I might find it?
by hongabear on Feb 2, 2011 10:53 AM CST reply actions
If you live in DC, the Liquor Store 2 blocks from my office has a case of it.
by Bateshorn on Feb 2, 2011 10:55 AM CST reply actions
Since I have long crossed the backside of 30 (and 40 and 50), I have moved to porters and stouts. Shiner Bock is my basting beer of choice (great for marinating large chunks of beef, pork, and chicken). As for drinking, I try to never drink the same six-pack twice. Just too many craft brews to have fun with, such as Real Ale (Blanco) Coffee Porter, Kona Brewing’s Pipeline Porter, Wasatch Brewing’s Polygamy Porter (why have just one? Bring some home to the wives…), and Shmaltz Brewing’s Messiah Bold (He’brew – The Chosen Beer). Whenever I am out somewhere, I always try local brews, usually dark, although a Buttface Amber occasionally does the trick. As my UT geology prof said, beer is lunch.
by SaltWaterCroc on Feb 2, 2011 10:57 AM CST reply actions
bates -
also in DC, spent a few hours driving a month ago and was able to procure 2 cases of hopslam for myself.
amazing beer.
by eljinca on Feb 2, 2011 11:03 AM CST reply actions
I did the St Arnold’s tour recently. They have a really nice set up there. I hadn’t had their porter before and enjoyed it. I might have to pick up some bottles of it now. Their IPA out of the tap is also amazing.
I didn’t realize that BJ’s uses St Arnold to brew their beer recipes. I really like BJ’s Grand Cru.
I also didn’t realize there were so many microbrews popping up around Austin. More reason to move back.
I had Star__ something on tap (one word). I don’t know what style it was. Seemed IPAish. It had a very hoppy flavor and smell, but it didn’t hit you in the face with bitterness. I wish I could remember the name so that I could get some here.
by ut-06 on Feb 2, 2011 11:23 AM CST reply actions
Niiiiiiiiiiiice.
I should find the photo of me drinking a Ballenas of Pacifico in Sayulita two years ago.
by Bateshorn on Feb 2, 2011 11:56 AM CST reply actions
@ a porter event over on Bleecker street, I just had:
Bayerischer Banhof Balticus – A German (really) porter, very yeasty & citrusy, interesting.
Netherworlds Old Growler – allegedly based on an English 1750’s formula, nuttier than you’d think.
Both worth grabbing if you cross path….
by Arriviste on Feb 2, 2011 1:08 PM CST reply actions
Celis is still around. Celis White is my go-to beer lately, available at your finer beer establishments such as the Whip-In and Spec’s. (512) Wit is getting to be almost as ubiquitous around town as Fireman’s, and it’s fantastic. They don’t bottle, though, so you have to get it from a beer pub.
The guys out at Real Ale are flippin geniuses. Devil’s Backbone is like a couple of Belgians having sex in your mouth, in a good way. Devil’s Share (barrel-aged DB) is like the post-coitus glow.
Watch for South Austin Brewing putting out some strong Belgians later this spring. 750ml golden and dubbel Belgians with wired corks topping off the bottles.
by ponderos on Feb 2, 2011 1:08 PM CST reply actions
A frosty Red Stripe is just the thing for a late August day in Houston. Couple that with a bathtub full of liquid nitrogen and it’s almost tolerable down here.
by CrazyJoeDavola on Feb 2, 2011 1:23 PM CST reply actions
CJD-
Last summer I was brewing a Kolsch with a buddy (we fucked up the grain bill and it ended up looking like a dark red ale) and it was hot as hell. He came outside while we were boiling the wort with a couple of ice cold Corona’s (a beer I normally loathe) left over from a party. Probably one of the best beers I had all year, given the timing and temperature.
by Bateshorn on Feb 2, 2011 2:01 PM CST reply actions
Good to see Carta Blanca gettin some love. I probably first had it in El Paso eating at Lucy’s/King’s X, or Chope’s just up the Rio Grande in Anthony,NM. Probably first had it to excess across the bridge at the old Kentucky Club.
The myth about India Pale Ales being named as a result of being the stock brew on the sail to India reminded me of a beer I usually have an unrefrigerated single of shelved at any given time – Alba Scots Pine Ale. This is a type of ale that truly was used for long stints on the sea by ancient mariners on account of its high Vitamin C content derived from the evergreen. Noted in the link:
“Introduced by the Vikings, spruce and pine ales were very popular in the Scottish Highlands until the end of the 19th century. Many early explorers, including Captain Cook, used spruce ale during long sea voyages since it prevented scurvy and ill health.”
I enjoy this one at almost room temperature.
by triplehorn on Feb 2, 2011 2:16 PM CST reply actions
Trips’ patio floor ftw.
I’m in Colorado, any local suggestions while I’m here? Drinking a Hoeegarten right now at an Apres Bar in Vail. I think Clip is at the next table over.
by dick on Feb 2, 2011 4:03 PM CST reply actions
beer? beer?
from the pic i thought this was going to be down blouses.
by whut? on Feb 2, 2011 4:11 PM CST reply actions
Bateshorn – Do you think Sayulita is still safe with all the violence going on not too far away? I’d love to go back, just don’t want to get shot. Those villagers do chile rellenos better than anybody.
by Nero on Feb 2, 2011 8:20 PM CST reply actions
dick
Damn if your in Vail, you’re as close as you can be to good beer. Vail was founded by Germans, Germans know beer. I suggest you find the Alpenrose. My wife, introduced me to it years ago after a day on the slopes.
Two things I love about my wife: 1.) she rips on the slopes—no really you can’t keep up with her, don’t even try. 2.) She lived in Berchtesgaden and knows good beer.
Also since your in Colorado, check out the fine brews made by our new governor’s Wynkoop brewery Rail Yard Ale is the staple.
My vote Franziskaner.
Celis was damn good, I wondered what happened to it.
by roach on Feb 3, 2011 12:10 AM CST reply actions
Bates:
With regard to Shiner, I agree with everything you wrote, BUT I won’t drink anything else when I’m watching the Horns. It just seems right somehow.
For example with seven seconds left in the Big XII championship game last year, I was comfortably nursing my 9th or 10th Shiner with no concern at all that we would have enough time left on the clock to run a play and kick a field goal to head to the MNC
At the time I figured the hangover the next day was worth it, unfortunately that Shiner hangover lasted just about a year. I finally got over it when we beat Kansas at Kansas the other day.
by roach on Feb 3, 2011 12:17 AM CST reply actions
Nero- I felt totally safe there a couple of years ago. I don’t even think I saw a cop. You have to fly into Puerta Vallarta to get there, and I haven’t heard of any violence there, but given several cruise lines just pulled out of Mazatlan, your mileage may vary.
I went to Todos Santos, about an hour up the road from Cabo in November and had a blast. Because Baja Sur is essentially an island (the overland route from Tijuana and Ensenada is both long and arduous) there’s no connection to the drug war. Plus: La Paz is the major port of entry for shipping, so any drugs/gang shit is going to be north of Cabo and Todos Santos/Pescadero.
Triplehorn- good shit.
Roach- I too drink it when watching games, although as this year’s debacle went on, I started drinking other things because I didn’t give a shit any longer.
by Bateshorn on Feb 3, 2011 9:15 AM CST reply actions
Great job, bates!
I second your adoration of Lone Star. It got me through my youth, and it is still a great alternative when served ice cold for $1.50 at Maudie’s, or as a chaser to anything else you may be drinking.
I have recently discovered the Brooklyn Brewery, and I have to agree – great stuff. My favorite so far is the Pennant ’55. I also agree on Sam Adams – when your choices are Coors Light, Miller Lite, and Sam Adams, always go with the Sam.
Pale Ales – I just can’t get into.
A nice doppelbock I recently found – Abita Andygator.
by uthookem on Feb 3, 2011 9:22 AM CST reply actions
Oh man – forgot about 1.50 Lone Stars at Maudies. Those are perfect with some petes or tamale tacos in the early afternoon.
by what it do on Feb 3, 2011 1:09 PM CST reply actions
Lots of great stuff above. I’ve tried many of them. When I want something tasty and familiar, like…nevermind…I go for the excellent Brooklyn Brewery Lager or try to find Live Oak’s under-appreciated Big Bark.
I didn’t see anyone else mention Big Bark. Any other fans out there?
by Slugfest on Feb 3, 2011 3:51 PM CST reply actions
roach,
thanks for the tips. I assume fat tire is from Colorado cuz it’s a regular on every menu. I wish I would have known about the Alpenrose, although I enjoyed my meals that I did have. Vail’s a pretty nice people watching place.
by dick on Feb 3, 2011 4:27 PM CST reply actions
Nice brown ale out of Montana that’s worth a try: Moose Drool. And hell, even If you don’t like it you can still entertain a room by reminiscing about “the night I drank Moose Drool.”
by AKHorn on Feb 3, 2011 7:44 PM CST reply actions
dick, no problem.
Vail is— well its Vail and all that entails. Rude, beautiful people who dress in 2,000 dollar ski suits and can’t actually ski from the hotel to the lift line much less down a slope. (Of course it also produces gold medal winners—what up Lindsey?) I’m guessing your trip was f in cold. That said a midweek powder day in the back bowls may be the closest thing to heaven you’ll ever find.
Fat Tire is from Fort Collins, and as Bates said it is a fine beer. It’s pretty ubiquitous these days though. I saw it quite a bit in Austin last time I was down there. Rail Yard is not nearly as well distributed, but its very similar. I brought a six pack of both over the first time I met my mother-in-law she still thinks I’m at least a marginally decent person because of that.
by roach on Feb 3, 2011 10:03 PM CST reply actions
dick – it sounds like your trip is over, but I’d have recommended Avery IPA (Boulder,CO). If you want to relive your last schuss, go get one. It’s part of my regular rotation.
no nonsense Imperial Pale Ales I recommend and regularly purchase:
Avery IPA
Deschutes Inversion IPA
New Belgium Ranger IPA
Speakeasy Big Daddy IPA (and Double Daddy)
Caldera IPA (in a can)
Bear Republic’s Racer 5 Double IPA
Dick’s IPA (the Lone Star beer of IPA’s by cost)
A sidenote: as much as I’ve loved Sierra Nevada Pale, their IPA is liquid dirty sock. Bates linked Clipper Cooper to the Ninkasi Tricerahops which is humorous. Ninkasi has really grown on me over the last year. I’ve had the Tricerahops on tap and like it, but what sealed the deal is their Believer Double Red Ale sold in a 22oz-er. Can’t get enough of that one.
Another thing that Bates mentioned up top that hasn’t been talked about is the craft beers in a can. Since it’s inconvenient to pack a keg into the wilderness or on a river, and a pain to pack out empty bottles, these tasty canned ales are the greatest thing since gore-tex for the outdoor beer drinker on the move.
Caldera’s got it going on: http://www.calderabrewing.com/Page.asp?NavID=5
21st Amendment’s Brew Free or Die! IPA in a can is potent: http://www.21st-amendment.com/beer/brew-free-or-die-ipa
by triplehorn on Feb 3, 2011 11:26 PM CST reply actions
the Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat can be found at the HEB at Far West. I usually buy them out of the 3 6 packs they have in the end cap when I am hankering for it. Great beer. Also, Boulevard does a summer beer call ZON that is a true Belgian White crisp citrus ale that is great when it is hot outside. Other than that, the Franziskaner HefeWeizen is my favorite wheat beer out there, but hard to find unless you are at Central Market or Whole Foods.
by KDOG_95 on Feb 3, 2011 11:32 PM CST reply actions
Great piece of writing about a subject near to my heart (and liver). Far away and long ago (Las Cruces, NM), I worked for one Lamar Liquors, Inc. We carried about 100 to 120 different brews, and like any good employee, I tried them all. Compared to what’s out there today, I missed the boat. Any of the Ommegangs (out of New York, I think) are worthy if you appreciate the Belgians. Maredsous is always good. Like any good stout drinker, I always find time and room for Guiness, but will take Murphys stout when I can. I’m in Houston, so if you’re local and want to try new things, then I suggest that you locate The Petrol Station. Total beer snobs, always on the cutting edge of what’s being brewed. And, they make a superb burger.
by Too Damned Old on Feb 4, 2011 4:59 AM CST reply actions
Another shoutout to Dogfish Head. If you are lucky enough to locate a four-pack of Burton Baton, you should give it a try. Stellar. Also a big fan of Flying Dog, their Gonzo Porter is excellent, their Double IPA (11.7 EBV) enabled me to watch the UT-Bama game after Colt was injured…..
by SleepyHorn on Feb 4, 2011 7:14 AM CST reply actions
Bates: You’re a fucking pimp. Great write up dude. I predominately drink shit because I have no curfew. No family obligations means I drink hard. However, I like a lot of the beers you talked about, it’s just if I’m out, it’s not while Jr. napping. Leave at 11 in the morning, get home…?
Bryan, whoever the fuck he is, for the win. Bellhaven is clutch especially in this current climate.
mib: Sydney Carton and I shared a twelve pack of Yeungling not long ago. Since we’re in Texas, it’s worth knifing fools over. I once drove to Alabama to buy a shit load of that stuff.
Speaking of SydCarta, we had some 23 oz Russian beers not long ago. 8 percent man beers, imo. Balvika 8, I think.
Pacifico is my all time favorite because you don’t feel like you’re drinking a woman’s beer, yet you can drink 20 of them and not die. I’ve never seen someone depressed with a Pac in front of them. The darker beers and melancholy go together like Vasherized and murses. He calls them tote bags, but we know what he means. Tote bags are burnt orange, and not designed to match your belt and shoes.
Bates: My friend, actually favorite bartender, goes to Sayulita 4 times a year. He’s always getting the waitresses to go. If you’ve ever been to the Red Lion, or Sayulita, you’d be in wonderment as to why I haven’t made that trip. He heads out in March. It might be time.
by magnusbleuveigner on Feb 4, 2011 11:22 AM CST reply actions
Oh, and Redhook while sitting on my Dad’s porch in the Emerald City is one of the simple pleasures in life.
There goes a boat. Sip.
There goes a UW coed jogger. Binoculars. Sip.
There goes a hippie in a sportwagon. Sip.
by magnusbleuveigner on Feb 4, 2011 11:26 AM CST reply actions
magnus – the dark beers going with melancholy is good for a laugh, but I get where you’re coming from. When I’m in a hot and sunny place, cold lagers are what’s appealing. La Paz, Baja was mentioned here upstream. I’ll be spending 7 nights on the beach outside of there very soon sans hops. But after skinning up 4 thousand feet on a snow covered volcano and skiing down, there is nothing better than a hearty stronger ale that acts both as an instant meal and muscle relaxer – my second favorite way to spend a day. If after doing all that I faced a bottle of 4% straw beer, I’d probably cry.
by triplehorn on Feb 4, 2011 4:11 PM CST reply actions
Late to the party but my uncle owns Wild River pizza and brewery co. out in Oregon if anyone is out in the Pacific NW. http://wildriverbrewing.com/ Their IPA is great but I’m fond of the Bohemian pils with my great-great gramps’ mug on the label.
Since I’m still in school and therfore parsimonious concerning all things including beer, my hops diet generally consists of whatever the sophist twits and strumpet floozys leave behind at my house during any chosen get-together I strategically use to stock my fridge.
As for the highly touted Magic Hat #9 on this thread, my expert palate(sarcasm) respectfully believes apricot does not even belong in cake or fried pies.
by Cal on Feb 13, 2011 9:13 PM CST reply actions
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