Because it’s been an interesting week, I headed out to the local gourmet shop with part of this week’s check. It was Vendor Day, and that always means fun free samples.
Unfortunately, their beer distributors weren’t out this afternoon, so I was stuck with a belly full of barbeque sauce and bizarre cheeses. I did, however, take the opportunity to pick up some weekend provisions.
[ul]Unibroue’s Quelque’chose - I fell in love with this one about three years ago, but my tastes have changed, so I figured it would be fun to see how things have grown. It’s a cherry fruit beer with some spice to it.[/ul][ul]Ommegang by Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, New York - American trappist-style double, again with some spice. It’s got a nice clove-y flavor to it.[/ul][ul]Three Philosophers, also by Brewery Ommegang - this one’s their quadruple, with a nice cherry lambic touch and a ridiculous alcohol content. I think it’s around 9.3%.[/ul][ul]Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine-style Ale - another big alcohol content at 9.6%, with some tasty maltiness once it’s breathed a little bit.[/ul][ul]Southern Tier Porter from the Southern Tier Brewing Company in Lakewood, New York - a pretty by-the-books porter, not that there’s anything wrong with that, although for big flavor I don’t think it stands up next to Sierra Nevada’s Porter.[/ul]
On tap in the garage. I took this picture about an hour ago. That glass has since been consumed and I’ve got another about half full.
And my husband took this one a week or so ago when I decided to have my own Oktoberfest after seeing the folks spilling out of Fort Mason in SF and felt a little jealous.
I’ve had 2 or 3 wines (one glass of each), but the beer just tasted better today. I have some chocolate port (Desiree) in the fridge I might dive into a little later though.
You bastard. I’m incredibly jealous. (And yes, I know you’re a she, but ‘you bitch’ just sounds so much meaner.)
I was considering going with a faux icewine (Warm Lake Estate Glace Noir) from the winery I worked at during the harvest, but it’s fall… dessert wine isn’t really a fall thing, but porters and Trappists are. (Why? Because I said so.)
silenus, I almost picked up the Ruination today. How is it? What are the distinguishing characteristics?
It’s like Sierra Nevada on steroids. Not quite to the level of Arrogant Bastard, but definitely a bump in hops. All Cascade, to my palate. If you like their regular IPA, you’ll love Ruination. Quite tasty. Bottle-conditioned, too. Golden, hoppy goodness.
Tonight, I’ve had the whole range! Grabbed a cheepo Natural Ice out in the shop, wandered over to a neighbor and was given a Corona, came home and cracked a homebrew Austrian Amber Lager, then had a German Pilsner (homebrew) with a steak.
I can brew a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale clone that will knock your socks, underware and hairplugs out!
Where do you get your stuff? Do you use kits? I’m strictly a kit-man and a pretty lazy brewer, but am always looking for a good source. I have been using Austin Homebrew Supply for a while now, but would like something on the west coast. Any suggestions?
You’re already late! We’ve been ‘educating’ (spouting) in another thread over in MPSIMS.
Tonight it’s Phillips’ “double IPA” out of Vic, B.C. 8.5 and amber and lovely.
I like the Cooperstown stuff. It’s really pretty fair Belgian style, as is Unibroue’s stuff out of Quebec. Bigfoot! Ace-- I like your style. Panache there.
