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You are here: Home / Food & Recipes / Beer Blogging / Beer Blogging

Beer Blogging

by Michael D.|  November 2, 200711:17 am| 108 Comments

This post is in: Beer Blogging

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If you want a good case of beer on the cheap, try J.W. Dundee’s Craft Pack. In Atlanta, it’s less than $10. Probably elsewhere it’s more expensive, but the Hefeweisen is great. Also, the Pale Bock tastes like it should sell for $5 a bottle on its own. It’s the best tasting cheap beer you can buy (with the exception of the Honey Brown – yuck.) Also, try Fire Station 5. Great product and inexpensive**, and they also have a variety pack.

If you want advice on either choosing a good beer, or making your own (beer or wine) let me know. I know my shit!

** When I say inexpensive, I’m talking from a Canadian point of view, where beer is mostly at least $20 a dozen. For example, Budweiser in New Brunswick is $21.99.

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108Comments

  1. 1.

    Bombadil

    November 2, 2007 at 11:20 am

    I plan on brewing my first batch for holiday gifts this weekend (actually, I’m behind — I should have two going by now). Starting off with a Scotch ale.

  2. 2.

    Nikki

    November 2, 2007 at 11:21 am

    Dayyum! One clever line and you get frontpaged??!

    Ok, it WAS an extremely clever line.

    …Budweiser in New Brunswick is $21.99.

    Anyone who pays more than 75 cents for a can of Bud gets what they deserve.

    Thanks for the head’s up on the beer and welcome aboard!

  3. 3.

    Dreggas

    November 2, 2007 at 11:23 am

    You know, it’s funny. Growing up in NY Molson and Moosehead (my two favorite canadian brews) were usually 5.99 to 6.99 a 12 pack. Here in california that’s the price for a 6 pack. To think Canadians pay more for their beer than I do is kinda funny.

  4. 4.

    Lee

    November 2, 2007 at 11:26 am

    Budweiser in New Brunswick is $21.99

    That is inhuman to make people pay that much for swill.

  5. 5.

    cleek

    November 2, 2007 at 11:26 am

    JW Dundee’s Honey Brown – Genesee’s high-brow cousin, the pride of Rochester, NY. i’ve always hated that stuff. never tried any of the other varieties, though, i’m a little wary. for my upstate NY fix, i usually hit the Saranc or the Brooklyns (which are made at the same brewery as Saranac).

    i’ve been lovin on some Abita Restoration Pale Ale lately. yum-o.

  6. 6.

    Tom Hilton

    November 2, 2007 at 11:29 am

    Many years ago, when I was penurious and lived in the Mission, the local Walgreens had a permanent special on Schaeffer’s–$2.99/12 pack. (Schaeffer’s, by the way, had the world’s most honest beer slogan: “The one beer to have when you’re having more than one.” Translation: “It’s foul swill, but it’s a cheap way to get pounded.”) We would buy a 12-pack of Schaeffer’s and a quart of Sheaf Stout; put a couple ounces of the Sheaf in a glass and fill it up with Schaeffer’s, and you have a pretty decent dark beer really cheap.

  7. 7.

    Mr. M'Choakumchild

    November 2, 2007 at 11:32 am

    Those Canadian dollars are real money, too.

  8. 8.

    Krista

    November 2, 2007 at 11:36 am

    When I say inexpensive, I’m talking from a Canadian point of view, where beer is mostly at least $20 a dozen. For example, Budweiser in New Brunswick is $21.99.

    And I still don’t understand why it’s so damn popular there. Every time I go to visit the folks, I’m astonished at how many people at the liquor store are buying Budweiser and Coors Light. Growing up, it was Alpine, which isn’t much better. There just doesn’t seem to be the same appreciation for good beer there that there is here in Nova Scotia.

  9. 9.

    ImJohnGalt

    November 2, 2007 at 11:43 am

    Dude, the CAD was worth $1.07 USD today. When I moved back from the US (NYC) 6 years ago, it was (!) worth $0.65. Thank you George Bush for making online purchases in the US worth it, even with shipping and customs brokerage.

    For the record, a case of 24 shitty American PBR is $26.40 here in Toronto.

  10. 10.

    ImJohnGalt

    November 2, 2007 at 11:45 am

    nd I still don’t understand why it’s so damn popular there.

    Krista, when I was in Killarney, Ireland a few years ago with a good mate of mine, we met two hilarious Irish guys and ended up drinking with them all night. When it was our shout, we asked them what they wanted (we were drinking Guinness, obviously). They asked for 2 Buds. I went up and ordered then, making clear to the Publican that the Buds were *not* being ordered by the two Canadians.

  11. 11.

    Poopyman

    November 2, 2007 at 11:45 am

    $10 a case? Dayum! That’s cheaper than water. And living in Atlanta, that could be real handy reeeeeal soon.

    You’d better stock up.

  12. 12.

    ConservativelyLiberal

    November 2, 2007 at 11:46 am

    Eh, I prefer bud. Small b bud…

    It ain’t cheap either. My house smells like a skunk lives in it, and a damn good smelling one at that!

    I make up the lost calories with the munchies, Doritoes and Pepsi will do just fine.

    Beer is fine, but only after mowing the lawn or the like. Then it tastes REAL good, and it better be a Corona with a slice of lime shoved in the bottle.

  13. 13.

    Poopyman

    November 2, 2007 at 11:48 am

    Krista, when I was in Killarney, Ireland a few years ago with a good mate of mine, we met two hilarious Irish guys and ended up drinking with them all night. When it was our shout, we asked them what they wanted (we were drinking Guinness, obviously). They asked for 2 Buds. I went up and ordered then, making clear to the Publican that the Buds were not being ordered by the two Canadians.

    It’s weird seeing Bud on the “Imported” list. And more expensive than the Guinness. [At least back when I was over there.]

  14. 14.

    Krista

    November 2, 2007 at 11:52 am

    I’ll drink Bud if it’s the only thing that’s around, but it’s not my first preference. For a regular drinking beer, being Nova Scotian, I’m all about Alexander Keith’s. If I’m going to sip and savour a beer, I enjoy Rickard’s Red, Boddington’s and Sleeman’s Honey Brown. Rickard’s just came out with a white beer, similar to Hoegaarden, and it’s really quite nice with a little squeeze of orange in it.

  15. 15.

    RodeoBob

    November 2, 2007 at 11:53 am

    Fire Station 5? Seriously? Sorry, but I live in Portland, land of the good Microbrew, and having tried FS5, I was rather underwhelmed.

    New Belgium Beers might be a bit pricey north of the border, but worth every cent.

  16. 16.

    Krista

    November 2, 2007 at 11:54 am

    Eh, I prefer bud. Small b bud…

    Well yes, but when you have an RCMP officer living next door (one who also has a retired drug-sniffing dog as a pet), small b-bud is not really an option.

  17. 17.

    Andrew

    November 2, 2007 at 11:59 am

    Anyone who pays for a can of Bud gets what they deserve.

    Fixed.

  18. 18.

    BARRASSO

    November 2, 2007 at 12:00 pm

    Here in Pocatello ID, we have a great local brewery that sells regionally called Portneuf Valley Brewery. They have the single most delicious specialty beer I’ve ever had, Irish Creme Mocha Flavor, it tastes like a flavored coffee mixed with Guiness. I quizzed the brewmasteress on the secret, no dice, and now that run is out and I can’t get anymore, how would one brew that flavor themselves O expert?

  19. 19.

    Tsulagi

    November 2, 2007 at 12:03 pm

    The only value in Budweiser is its use as a slug killer. Or fish. Pour Bud in the mouth of a hooked fish and it’ll be knocked out every time. Fish have pride.

  20. 20.

    Bombadil

    November 2, 2007 at 12:03 pm

    I would encourage everyone to find the microbrewery closest to where you live and try their stuff. If you can find a place that has it on draft, even better. And if it’s cask-conditioned, well, you’ve struck gold.

    Life’s too short to drink crappy beer.

  21. 21.

    Bombadil

    November 2, 2007 at 12:06 pm

    I quizzed the brewmasteress on the secret

    The correct term for a woman who brews (and one I’m sure she’s proud to call herself) is “brewster”.

  22. 22.

    IanY77

    November 2, 2007 at 12:07 pm

    Krista:

    2 things: 1. The Bud we get is not the same as the Bud the Americans get. Different recipe. Canadian Bud is still fairly bland and generic, but that’s precisely the appeal to some. Alpine is the one that gets me. I was working at the Rolling Stones show in Moncton where they were charging $10 per can in the VIP area. I mean, I understand that it’s NB and all, but still, they did have Moosehead as an option. Yeesh.

    2. I just moved out of NS, and let me tell you, the cops up there are filthy. If your neighbour isn’t selling/using steroids, pot or blow, I’ll be shocked. The stories I’ve heard from friends on the HRMPD and RCMP would curl your hair.

  23. 23.

    Tim F.

    November 2, 2007 at 12:12 pm

    how would one brew that flavor themselves O expert?

    It probably comes from a mix of specially toasted malts. Semi-complete malting can give a chocolate nose, more complete can taste like coffee. Or they just added the flavors.

  24. 24.

    Tim F.

    November 2, 2007 at 12:12 pm

    er, semi-complete toasting.

  25. 25.

    Dreggas

    November 2, 2007 at 12:13 pm

    Forget nearly all american beers save

    Sierra Nevada
    Sam Adams
    pretty much any micro-brew

    Give me a good imported beer from pretty much anywhere else, mostly german or canadian though since they seem to be the ones who really REALLY get beer.

  26. 26.

    Andrew

    November 2, 2007 at 12:16 pm

    Forget nearly all american beers save

    Sierra Nevada
    Sam Adams
    pretty much any micro-brew

    Wow, way to limit yourself to only about 10,000 different beers, there.

  27. 27.

    Krista

    November 2, 2007 at 12:17 pm

    I was working at the Rolling Stones show in Moncton where they were charging $10 per can in the VIP area.

    Ha! I was at that show! And yeah, the beer was pricey. But what do you expect from a concert — everything will be more expensive.

  28. 28.

    Kit Smith

    November 2, 2007 at 12:18 pm

    ImJohnGalt: When I was over in Ireland, one of my friends was getting pretty hammered and forgot to order a good beer for her round and came back with Budweisers. I don’t know what it is, but I tried it and it was the best damn Budweiser I’d ever tasted in my life. I would definitely argue it’s not the same swill they have over here.

  29. 29.

    Breschau

    November 2, 2007 at 12:19 pm

    Having recently moved to Delaware, I’ve become a big fan of Dogfish Head, especially their 90 Minute IPA. Mmmm.

    But I’m still happy that Yuengling decided to expand their distributing area about 10 years ago. When I left Penn State, you couldn’t find it anywhere south of Philadelphia. Now, it’s everywhere – even their Black & Tan and Porter. I’m happy to have a decent beer that costs the same as Bud.

  30. 30.

    UnkyT

    November 2, 2007 at 12:22 pm

    If you want advice on either choosing a good beer, or making your own (beer or wine) let me know. I know my shit!

    Preaching to the choir I would say.

  31. 31.

    STEVEinSC

    November 2, 2007 at 12:23 pm

    It really is amazing what relentless advertising can do. Bud is really as insipid a beer as can be found, except all other major American brands. Some of us are old enough to remember an Esquire mag article about our beers. They were taken to Germany and passed around at Oktoberfest. The Germans were split between “it’s a hoax” or “staggering disbelief.”

    A plug for a great micro brewery, though. St George Brewing Company of Hampton, Virginia. The soccer-playing crowd has a good admixture or Britons who aver that St. George in its several products, is as close to English beer as they have ever tasted. Found in the better class stores, naturally.

  32. 32.

    cleek

    November 2, 2007 at 12:24 pm

    $10 a case? Dayum! That’s cheaper than water

    we used to pay $6.99 a case for Golden Anniversary (another product of the brewery that makes Genesee and JW Dundees) in college. that was 15 years ago, though. now it’s up to a whole $9.99/case.

    it is pure, golden, asswater.

  33. 33.

    cleek

    November 2, 2007 at 12:26 pm

    Yuengling

    anyone else think that stuff is too sweet ? i can barely drink it.

  34. 34.

    Rick

    November 2, 2007 at 12:29 pm

    I live on the MA/ N.H. boader. I can get a 30 pack of Bud for $14.99 in N.H., it’s $22 plus deposit in MA. The Redhook brewery is less than 10 miles from my house, they make a couple good brews.

  35. 35.

    Charlie

    November 2, 2007 at 12:29 pm

    Sweetwater 420, an Atlanta beer. It’s right up there with Sierra Nevada

  36. 36.

    Bombadil

    November 2, 2007 at 12:30 pm

    Having recently moved to Delaware, I’ve become a big fan of Dogfish Head, especially their 90 Minute IPA. Mmmm.

    My first experience with Dogfish Head was not a good one. I found Raisin D’Etre to be cloying. Put me off trying anything else for a while. The buzz about them got louder, though, so I went a tried a few of their other offerings, and now I’m a convert. I stay away from the really heavily hopped ones (the 90-minute is too dry for me, and I haven’t even tried the 120-minute one), but they know their stuff.

  37. 37.

    Focus On Your Own Damn Family!

    November 2, 2007 at 12:30 pm

    New Belgium’s Fat Tire, 1556, or even their Abbey (which is good with Thai food)

    Also Phantom Canyon’s porter and IPA.

    Yum.

  38. 38.

    chopper

    November 2, 2007 at 12:32 pm

    ah, beer blogging is back.

    you know, while moving to brooklyn was a chore, i do enjoy living down the way from like the best brewery in the universe.

  39. 39.

    STEVEinSC

    November 2, 2007 at 12:32 pm

    I first tried it years ago, attracted by the fact that it was one of the declining number of small breweries and its supposed pedigree–very old brewery, German tradition. It has somehow become a beer they are pushing in some places and unless they’ve changed the formula, is probably as bad as it used to be.
    Better beers used to be Narragansett porter and Ballentine India Pale Ale, both of which I suppose have ceased to exist.

  40. 40.

    chopper

    November 2, 2007 at 12:33 pm

    (the 90-minute is too dry for me, and I haven’t even tried the 120-minute one),

    its an acquired taste, but once you acquire it you can’t shake it.

  41. 41.

    UnkyT

    November 2, 2007 at 12:33 pm

    Since we are tossing out favs, I’ll add a few

    Snake River Brewery (Jackson, WY) IPA
    Fat Tire
    Wasatch Full Suspension

    and echo the Sam Adams and Sierra Nevada

  42. 42.

    Bombadil

    November 2, 2007 at 12:35 pm

    Rick, head over to Portsmouth, NH, to the Portsmouth Brewery, and pull up a stool at the bar. Order whatever you want off the menu and ask your barmaid to recommend a beer to go with it. If she hesitates, have her ask the chef.

    You won’t be disappointed.

  43. 43.

    F. Frederson

    November 2, 2007 at 12:35 pm

    For all the homebrewers out there: stock up on hops if you can still find them cheap. My local supply store just doubled the prices to about USD3.40/oz. The 2007 hop crop was a disaster and there are serious shortages out there. Malt is going up, too, though not nearly as much.

  44. 44.

    Bombadil

    November 2, 2007 at 12:36 pm

    you know, while moving to brooklyn was a chore, i do enjoy living down the way from like the best brewery in the universe.

    Ah, Brooklyn Brown Ale. Quite possibly my favorite bottled beer.

  45. 45.

    STEVEinSC

    November 2, 2007 at 12:38 pm

    Sorry, omitted the reference–Yuengling

  46. 46.

    cleek

    November 2, 2007 at 12:40 pm

    if you’re ever in central NC, try to get yourself some Red Oak Amber. it’s unfiltered and unpasteurized and never bottled so you won’t find it in stores. but you can find it in bars and restaurants.

  47. 47.

    Stooleo

    November 2, 2007 at 12:40 pm

    If you want advice on either choosing a good beer, or making your own (beer or wine) let me know. I know my shit!

    So do you have an opinion on plate wort chillers? Is the “Therminator” worth the 200 bucks? Also I had an amazing beer the other day Boulder Brewing Co. “Ice Hop”. Its a little spendy but worth it.

  48. 48.

    Dreggas

    November 2, 2007 at 12:45 pm

    Andrew Says:

    Forget nearly all american beers save

    Sierra Nevada
    Sam Adams
    pretty much any micro-brew

    Wow, way to limit yourself to only about 10,000 different beers, there.

    I have found few american beers I really like. Like I said micro-brews are good and I definitely like Sam Adams and Sierra Nevada, add Saranac lake to that now that I think about it but again Saranac Lake is a small brewery last I checked.

    give me a good german beer or a good canadian beer and I am happy.

  49. 49.

    ConservativelyLiberal

    November 2, 2007 at 12:46 pm

    Krista Says:

    Eh, I prefer bud. Small b bud…

    Well yes, but when you have an RCMP officer living next door (one who also has a retired drug-sniffing dog as a pet), small b-bud is not really an option.

    Bummer! Buy a descented skunk for a pet (my wife wants one) and tell the officer that it is your pet that still has some residual odor lingering around.

    That or injure yourself badly, get pain medications prescribed for life, move to Oregon and then sign up for an Oregon Medical Marijuana certificate.

    That works too. I would rather not be in the position, but it is nice to know that here I am somewhat safe, except from the long arm of the Bush government saying otherwise.

    I hope that changes for everyone soon.

  50. 50.

    Third Eye Open

    November 2, 2007 at 1:01 pm

    New Belgium Brewery’s ‘Fat Tire’ is hands down the best reasonably priced domestic micro-brew. I will argue anyone on this point!

  51. 51.

    Dr Richard Blackmoor

    November 2, 2007 at 1:07 pm

    In Eastern Pennsylvania I recommend Lion’s Head Pilsner for $12 a case.
    In PA we have lots of micro brews but most are close to $30 a case.
    Then their is Yuengling Lager for $18 a case. It is no secret in PA but perhaps people in other states haven’t tried it.
    Victory Brewing also makes some excellent brews from Downingtown PA….I prefer their FestBeer.It recently won a gold medal at some big beer contest.
    My absolute favorite, though it is expensive is Ommegang’s Abbey from Belgium-Cooperstown NY.
    Beer is the best beverage on Earth.

  52. 52.

    RSA

    November 2, 2007 at 1:11 pm

    Budweiser in New Brunswick is $21.99

    Many years ago, when I was living outside Munich, some of my American friends would go to great lengths to get cases of Budweiser from one of the nearby military installations. Jesus. Beer capital of the world, pretty much, and they wanted something that tastes like the runoff from the urinals outside the average beer tent.

    Oh, and

    STEVEinSC Says: . . .

    Sorry you didn’t make it onto the Democratic ballot.

  53. 53.

    Punchy

    November 2, 2007 at 1:12 pm

    I know my shit!

    followed by….

    I’m talking from a Canadian point of view

    …does not compute. You guys know La-badd’s and Mold-son. Being that yer in Drylanta, now, however, I will you some credence to knowing good ‘Merkin beer. Like Rhinelander.

  54. 54.

    Dr Richard Blackmoor

    November 2, 2007 at 1:13 pm

    I should mention that A friend of mine who has worked at both Anheuser Busch and Coors companies told me that Bud and Coors beers are made from concentrate.
    They are shipped around the country as a concentrate and then reformulated when bottled.
    Orange Juice from concentrate is bad enough but beer? Yuck!!! In europe for some reason young people actually think Bud and Coors are exotic delicacies. They have so many great beers in Europe and they drink American swill! People are strange.

  55. 55.

    Punchy

    November 2, 2007 at 1:22 pm

    For the record, a case of 24 shitty American PBR is $26.40 here in Toronto.

    Holy. Fucking. Shit. Wow.

    /picks jaw off floor

    For the record, the best micro in my mind is Anchor Steam. Fat titties times infinity.

  56. 56.

    zuzu

    November 2, 2007 at 1:24 pm

    The European Budweiser you guys are talking about was probably the Czech one.

  57. 57.

    Bombadil

    November 2, 2007 at 1:31 pm

    For the record, the best micro in my mind is Anchor Steam

    Does Anchor still qualify as a “micro”? I’d say not (any more than Sam Adams), but I’d characterize it as a “craft” beer.

  58. 58.

    ImJohnGalt

    November 2, 2007 at 1:31 pm

    Punchy – lots of taxes here.

    For the record, Molsons is now owned by Coors, so much like Celine Dion you guys own it now.

    There are a few pretty decent micro-brews up here in the great white North. Upper Canada Lager is good, as is Mill St. Coffee Porter – tastes like chocolate.

  59. 59.

    Rick

    November 2, 2007 at 1:36 pm

    Bombadil, I’ve been to the Portsmouth Brewery. They make some fine brews also. I love the redhook IPA. I might have to head up there tonight.

  60. 60.

    sevenleagueboots

    November 2, 2007 at 1:51 pm

    The fourth grade education I received at FSU had prerequisites requiring endless cases of swill known as Micky’s malt liquor, then the cheapest shit around. Another vet & I decided to brew our own: 2/3 can malt extract/3 1/2 lbs sugar & 72 hours of 80 degree temps yields just under 5 gal of brew.

    Bottle it up & wait three more days to clarify and build carbonation? Sissies. You haven’t shit ’til you’ve shit green homebrew, but at .65 cents a gal who cares? Wine is even easier, and was a big door opener at black clubs back in the day.

  61. 61.

    John Cole

    November 2, 2007 at 1:56 pm

    Rule #1- No dissing Mickey’s big mouth.

  62. 62.

    John Cole

    November 2, 2007 at 1:56 pm

    And I am not talking about Mickey Kaus.

  63. 63.

    cleek

    November 2, 2007 at 1:57 pm

    speaking of Canadian beers, i’m partial to a little Blanche de Chambly from Unibroue. it’s a bit hard to find in NC, but when i see it, i always grab it.

    Saranac Lake

    Saranac’s Black Forest was my favorite beer for a long long time. but it has to be draught; it loses a lot in bottling.

  64. 64.

    chopper

    November 2, 2007 at 2:03 pm

    Another vet & I decided to brew our own: 2/3 can malt extract/3 1/2 lbs sugar & 72 hours of 80 degree temps yields just under 5 gal of brew.

    now that is a brew that comes from circumstances.

    i mean, i used to tote 40s and fuck shit up back in the day, but brewin it? you, sir, are my new hero.

  65. 65.

    ImJohnGalt

    November 2, 2007 at 2:06 pm

    cleek, you can get the Unibroue beers at Millstone Brewery in Chapel Hill, FWIW. I was down there visiting a friend last week.

  66. 66.

    Bombadil

    November 2, 2007 at 2:06 pm

    Rule #1- No dissing Mickey’s big mouths.

    BeerAdvocate gives it a 70 (“worth a try”).

    Never heard of it, but the fact that it’s brewed by Miller Brewing Company (“Proudly dispensing swill since 1855”) will probably keep me from actively looking.

  67. 67.

    Gus

    November 2, 2007 at 2:10 pm

    Dreggas, I would say Belgians get beer at least as much as Germans and Canadians do. And seriously, I love Sierra (Sam Adams is hugely overrated), but no matter where you are (almost) your local craft brewery makes something just as good, if not better. We’re blessed in Minnesota with Summit and Surly Brewing Companies. Plus we get all those fantastic Wisconsin craft brews. My current favorite is Tyranena Bitter Woman India Pale ale. Sweet bitter goodness!

  68. 68.

    John S.

    November 2, 2007 at 2:11 pm

    Since I live in Florida, I tend to like beers that are good in hot weather – particularly with citrus in them. Two of my personal favorites:

    – Hoegaarden with fresh orange
    – Tucher with fresh orange

    On a warm summer night, nothing beats either of those.

  69. 69.

    Punchy

    November 2, 2007 at 2:11 pm

    The fourth grade education I received at FSU

    Any school that lets you major in Golf and was the prime location for about 75-80% of the early “Girls Gone Wild” videos cannot possibly be a serious uni.

    That said, Mickey’s was money. So was Falstaff and Brewski…the latter so bad that you had to chill it in the freezer for 20 minz before drinking/bonging it.

  70. 70.

    Gus

    November 2, 2007 at 2:17 pm

    Oh, and the Czechs are no pikers, either.

  71. 71.

    Janet

    November 2, 2007 at 2:17 pm

    Where in NB?

  72. 72.

    Bombadil

    November 2, 2007 at 2:19 pm

    Since I live in Florida, I tend to like beers that are good in hot weather – particularly with citrus in them. Two of my personal favorites:

    – Hoegaarden with fresh orange – Tucher with fresh orange

    On a warm summer night, nothing beats either of those.

    I’ve tried the Hoegaarden with lemon (can’t say it did much for me) but I’m going to have to give the orange a try next summer. That sounds intriguing.

    Being a New Englander, my tastes generally run the opposite to yours, I guess — I prefer beers that work when it’s colder. Sam Adams, Mercury Brewing (Ipswich Ale), Magic Hat and a few others put out some decent summer ales, but I know my time of year is coming around when the Octoberfest and Pumpkin ales start showing up on shelves.

    A good warm fire, large bowl of beef stew and a pint of stout and I’m one happy man.

  73. 73.

    Flappy McScrotum

    November 2, 2007 at 2:21 pm

    If possible, find yourself a Victory Variety pack. You will not regret it.

    Also, be very careful with the Golden Monkey. It has a very smooth taste that somehow manages to cover up the fact it’s a triple (IE: about 10% Alcohol by volume). It’s easy to drink one or two and then find yourself hammered.

  74. 74.

    John S.

    November 2, 2007 at 2:22 pm

    A good warm fire, large bowl of beef stew and a pint of stout and I’m one happy man.

    That would be a recipe for death down here – provided you could actually find a place indoors to light a good warm fire.

    And honestly, I never really thought of taste in beer as being driven by climate – until this thread.

  75. 75.

    Flappy McScrotum

    November 2, 2007 at 2:25 pm

    I’ve tried the Hoegaarden with lemon (can’t say it did much for me) but I’m going to have to give the orange a try next summer. That sounds intriguing.

    Try mixing Hoegaarden with a nice Lambic (I like framboise).

  76. 76.

    Gus

    November 2, 2007 at 2:27 pm

    Any of you Canadians remember a beer called Cincy Cream Ale (if I remember correctly)?

  77. 77.

    Punchy

    November 2, 2007 at 2:34 pm

    Flappy McScrotum Says:

    NoTD.

  78. 78.

    Andrew

    November 2, 2007 at 2:35 pm

    cleek, you can get the Unibroue beers at Millstone Brewery in Chapel Hill, FWIW. I was down there visiting a friend last week.

    I do believe you mean Milltown, which specializes in belgians, but isn’t a brewery.

    You can get Unibroue beers in at least a half dozen local stores, including The Good Beer Store.

  79. 79.

    Krista

    November 2, 2007 at 2:36 pm

    Janet Says:

    Where in NB?

    Who, me or Michael?

  80. 80.

    Andrew

    November 2, 2007 at 2:38 pm

    And seriously, I love Sierra (Sam Adams is hugely overrated), but no matter where you are (almost) your local craft brewery makes something just as good, if not better.

    I actually find Sierra to be the overrated large scale craft beer. Sam Adams is better than most beer snobs allow. Some of the SA styles are shit, like the cherry wheat, but they also have some decent ones as well, like the winter lager.

    However, I totally agree with your second point on the local breweries.

  81. 81.

    sevenleagueboots

    November 2, 2007 at 2:43 pm

    Ahh yes! Fruity drinks with citrus in ’em. Try a Strip and Go Naked. Gin, vodka, OJ, beer, triplesec,vanilla ice cream…shake w/ice. Call me in the morning.

    Not pejoritive but dismissive am I regards Florida. Taking the good with the bad, I see a criminally overdeveloped piece of geography reflecting our eat eat eat – grow grow grow national spirit. An old voice says: “I saw the best of it.”

    I confess to swinging my club evenings on both FSU greens.

  82. 82.

    ImJohnGalt

    November 2, 2007 at 2:46 pm

    Andrew, as you say, Milltown. I was drunk, so couldn’t remember the name.

    Not pejoritive but dismissive am I regards Florida.

    Colonel Boylan?

  83. 83.

    Andrew

    November 2, 2007 at 2:49 pm

    Andrew, as you say, Milltown. I was drunk

    That’s pretty easy to do what with the dozens of high alcohol beers they have.

  84. 84.

    Bombadil

    November 2, 2007 at 2:52 pm

    And honestly, I never really thought of taste in beer as being driven by climate – until this thread.

    I noticed it on my first trip to New Orleans. While most of the beers I tried were good “lawnmower” beers, none were what I’d want to sit down and savor. Same with Texas beers.

    But in Vermont (which has an absolute treasure trove of microbreweries), Maine, here in Massachusetts, and out west in Washington and Oregon, I feel like a wine snob must feel in Napa Valley or Burgundy.

    Sadly, that doesn’t extend to the beers from north of the border. The Canadian beers I’ve had don’t do much for me — that said, I’ve really only had the big commercial ones, like Molson (pre-Coors) and Labatts.

  85. 85.

    ImJohnGalt

    November 2, 2007 at 2:56 pm

    Andrew, it was the last stop of our evening, so we were well in our cups before getting there. Did have a lovely dinner at the bar at “Glass Half Full”, though – and a fairly decent wine selection, too.

  86. 86.

    John S.

    November 2, 2007 at 2:57 pm

    Ahh yes! Fruity drinks with citrus in ‘em.

    Er, Hoegaarden and Tucher are some of the best and most solid tasting beers around, IMHO. Just because you put fruit in them to to enhance their flavor does not make them fruity (like a Seagrams wine cooler or a Rumrunner).

  87. 87.

    Dreggas

    November 2, 2007 at 3:03 pm

    Lot’s to reply too LOL

    First off regarding Gennesee – this is one thing that makes me embarrassed to be a New Yorker. That shit was piss beer period and the only thing you had to look forward to with it was a headache. Same goes for Meister Brau and Milwaukee’s best. They were piss period.

    Regarding Mickey’s – I’m with Cole, that is damn good stuff.

  88. 88.

    Krista

    November 2, 2007 at 3:04 pm

    The Canadian beers I’ve had don’t do much for me—that said, I’ve really only had the big commercial ones, like Molson (pre-Coors) and Labatts.

    Well that’s why, then. Those beers are pretty…meh. That’s really the only word for them. They’ll do, but there are much better options available.

  89. 89.

    RodeoBob

    November 2, 2007 at 3:21 pm

    Unibroue… I’d totally forgotten about them. Yes, they should be available in Canada. La Fin Du Monde is a nice little beverge of theirs.

    Visited Belgium about a month ago, and I only wish I’d stayed longer and drank more. Hoegaarden was everywhere, along with about six varieties of Leffe’. Belgium is Disnleyland for beer-drinkers.

  90. 90.

    chopper

    November 2, 2007 at 3:25 pm

    Not pejoritive but dismissive am I regards Florida.

    Colonel Boylan?

    heh.

  91. 91.

    Gus

    November 2, 2007 at 3:25 pm

    Krista, any of those better options make it out of the country? I’m always looking for something new, and I haven’t had a lot of Canadian beers.

  92. 92.

    gypsy howell

    November 2, 2007 at 3:45 pm

    In Eastern Pennsylvania I recommend Lion’s Head Pilsner for $12 a case.

    I’ll second that.
    PA-only sales though- you can’t get it across the state line even in DE.

  93. 93.

    Nylund

    November 2, 2007 at 4:04 pm

    I’m an American living in Toronto and I have this game where I ask Torontonians to name “a fancy beer”. Thats all I ask. No other hints or leads. So far almost everyone has answered Heineken. That makes me laugh.

    My thoughts on Canadian beer. Their cheap beer (Labatt Blue, Molson Canadian, etc.) is worse than cheep American beer. I’d take a Bud over a Canadian any day. Their common not-pure-crap beers like Keith’s, Moosehead, Steam Whistle, etc. are all decent, but there is a common strange aftertaste. Its sort of a bitter fruity taste. I won’t say its better or worse than their counterparts in the US, but it is different and I find that it accumulates and by my third beer, that after taste really starts getting to me.

    I’ve also noticed that a lot of people in Canada drink Coors Light. And, at least, out in the bush, Carling and Lakeport are popular.

    In short, despite their being a bunch of quality Canadian beers, most people drink pretty crappy beer. I think thats because it is so expensive. Its almost $2 a bottle for crap beer in Canada whereas in NYC, I could go to the beer distributor directly and get a crap beer like PBR for less than 50 cents a can.

    Most bars here will charge $5-6 (CAD) for a bottle of Bud! That’s insane. And with the dollars the way they are, its even more in US dollars.

  94. 94.

    Cinderella Ferret

    November 2, 2007 at 4:15 pm

    Belgium is Disnleyland for beer-drinkers.

    Amen. Belgians are beer brewing gods. No disrespect to Germans and Czechs, but if you pray at the altar of beer, Belgium is mecca. I spent a few years in Germany (compliments of my Uncle) and Belgium was my favorite beer drinking destination.

  95. 95.

    ImJohnGalt

    November 2, 2007 at 4:26 pm

    Hey Nylund, would you rather have an American Bud or a Canadian Bud? They’re quite different.

    But I hear ya on the crap Canadian beer, and agree that if you go to your local Shoeless Joe’s sports bar everyone’ll be drinking the piss, but there are a few decent beer restos in the city (I’m thinking Beer Bistro and Biermarkt, *not* for the environment, but for their beer menus).

  96. 96.

    Punchy

    November 2, 2007 at 4:32 pm

    Some of the SA styles are shit, like the cherry wheat,

    /face turns red with rage…puts down Cherry Wheat and grabs gun and scope…

  97. 97.

    Bombadil

    November 2, 2007 at 5:07 pm

    Well that’s why, then. Those beers are pretty…meh. That’s really the only word for them. They’ll do, but there are much better options available.

    Well? What are they?

    Jeez, Krista, don’t leave me hanging!

  98. 98.

    Krista

    November 2, 2007 at 6:21 pm

    Hoegaarden was everywhere, along with about six varieties of Leffe’.

    Same as in France. Why bother making beer when the right-next-door Belgians have mastered it?

    Gus: I really don’t know what gets exported, unfortunately. But for you and Bombadil, here are my recommendations:

    Sleeman’s has some really great beers. Their Honey Brown is a fave of mine. Pumphouse is a new brewery out of New Brunswick and has won a lot of awards, but they’re still only within the Maritimes. They have a blueberry ale which is crazy good. Alexander Keith’s is always a good time. I’ve heard amazing things about Unibroue, but have never actually had one. Molson makes Rickard’s Red, which is a red ale, and the only decent beer to come out of Molson, in my opinion. Rickard’s also recently came out with a white beer, which is similar to Hoegaarden, but better, in my opinion. And if you’re ever in Toronto or Halifax, get thee to the Granite Brewery. Their beers are phenomenal.

    Sorry for leaving you hanging. :) I was just having some supper (venison steak — goes great with a nice bitter ale)

  99. 99.

    Cain

    November 2, 2007 at 7:11 pm

    know what it is, but I tried it and it was the best damn Budweiser I’d ever tasted in my life. I would definitely argue it’s not the same swill they have over here.

    It could be two things:

    1) It could be the original budweiser from Germany
    2) In Ireland, Budweiser is brewed by Guinness.

    I should know, I worked for Guinness for 3 months at St. James Gate. Best. Summer. Ever.

    Whatever you do, please don’t go up to a bartender in Ireland and ask for a “light beer”. They won’t know what the hell you’re talking about.

    cain

  100. 100.

    Cain

    November 2, 2007 at 7:13 pm

    Rick, head over to Portsmouth, NH, to the Portsmouth Brewery, and pull up a stool at the bar. Order whatever you want off the menu and ask your barmaid to recommend a beer to go with it. If she hesitates, have her ask the chef.

    You won’t be disappointed.

    I feel that way when I go into Rogue Brewery in Downtown Portland. There are some freaking awesome microbrews there.

    cain

  101. 101.

    Cain

    November 2, 2007 at 7:15 pm

    Dreggas,

    Tried dogfish beers? Excellent stuff!

    cain

  102. 102.

    brendancalling

    November 2, 2007 at 7:18 pm

    for quality and price, you cannot beat Yards.
    Of course you have to live in pHiladelphia or nearby.

    for super cheap? Pocono Lager. better than Yuengling.

  103. 103.

    Andrew

    November 2, 2007 at 7:30 pm

    /face turns red with rage…puts down Cherry Wheat and grabs gun and scope…

    I’m not worried. I’ll leave some manischewitz, wine coolers, and cough syrup lying around to distract you. I mean, you seem to like the flavor of horrible, horrible fruity girly drinks.

    :)

  104. 104.

    John S.

    November 2, 2007 at 8:53 pm

    Rickard’s also recently came out with a white beer, which is similar to Hoegaarden, but better, in my opinion.

    What’s it called, and can I stick an orange in it?

  105. 105.

    Krista

    November 2, 2007 at 11:08 pm

    It’s called Rickard’s White, and yes, you are strongly encouraged to stick an orange in it. I had it for the first time this summer, sitting on an outdoor patio, while eating sweet potato fries, and it was like the heavens opened up and the angels sang.

  106. 106.

    Michael D.

    November 3, 2007 at 2:05 am

    I love ANYTHING with the name Rickard’s on it. I have not tried the white – didn’t even know they made a white, But I bet it is amazing.

  107. 107.

    groobles

    November 3, 2007 at 9:31 pm

    ** When I say inexpensive, I’m talking from a Canadian point of view, where beer is mostly at least $20 a dozen. For example, Budweiser in New Brunswick is $21.99.

    hmmmm … well here in tokyo where a case of asahi super dry will run you about fifty bucks US, the $20 case in canada sounds pretty good. ask me about the $90 pitcher of margaritas!

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