Beer - More than just Hops, Malt, Yeast and Water

[Kevin]

My new favorite place for Belgian style beers is Cafe Alsace in New York City on the Upper East Side, 87th and 2nd. Not far from the museums if you ever visit. They have hundreds, all served in very specific glasses and are one of the few places with a beer sommelier if you can believe that.

One of the things, though, that I miss severely in the US is the lack of availability of Leffe Amber. It's always blonde here. Such a rich beer, why don't they import the amber version?

- Kevin

[rrandom]

I had Ridgeway Brewery's "Bad Elf" last night. Extremely tasty English winter ale.

[KRS-One]

I'm not big on beer, champagne, wine, or anything along those lines....if I had to choose a favorite it'd be either Samuel Adams Black Lager or Red Stripe.

I guess that hardly compares to the exotic brands you crowd are talking about.

[bedir than average]

KRS, I'm surprised that you like such divergent brews. THey aren't your normal beers.

[Navin Johnson]

Sierra Nevada is one of my faves, and it has many variations, Porter, Stout, Wheat, Bigfoot Barley Malt, but the Pale Ale is most popular and is found on tap at many taverns. Also the seasonals are great too. Summer Brew in the Summer, and Celebration Ale in the winter (6.8% ALC-perfect for those cold nights)

The brewery is located in Chico, CA, been there many times, my bro went to university there.

[KRS-One]

Originally Posted by bedir than average

KRS, I'm surprised that you like such divergent brews. THey aren't your normal beers.

Quite honestly, I haven't tasted that many

I've had Samuel Adams, Red Stripe, Miller Lite, Budweiser, Heineken, and I believe one or two others...

I really don't like beer much...or at all

[Bucky]

Sam Adams is just like Miller Lite. Miller Lite is one part Sam Adams, five parts bottled water. Together, they make a six pack of Miller Lite.

[DCFan]

Originally Posted by Matt

Great place, been there a bunch of times! Highly recommended!! Although kinda crowded and the service is not so hot (takes forever to get drinks sometimes it seems)

I've lived in the DC area most of my life and although I've heard of it, I've never set foot in the joint.

[Amberelise]

Piece probably has one of the better beer selections here in Chicago for anyone interested. Doesn't sound nearly as great as that place in NYC, though.

[bedir than average]

Tonight I'm not being finnicky, just a Boston Lager. I got four in that sampler pack, so I might as well drink them.

[Zen653]

I'm a fan of Sam Adams beer. That's my usual beverage of choice for Celtics and Red Sox games. Just nurse one bottle of it, sometimes two.

At DCFan's suggestion, I tried Yuengling while I was down in the Washington area. That's another fine beer. Nice and refreshing.

Sometimes I go with Chimay, the Trappist brewery out of Belgium. I particularly like the Chimay Red, which is both sweet and hearty, with a malty aftertaste.

[rrandom]

This weekend is the Winter Beer Festival here in Portland. I will be trying a huge variety of local and international winter brews. I have tried quite a few of these already, but this is going to be a great time for sure.

I am particularly excited about trying my current local micro's submission: Walking Man Brewery's "Ho Ho Homo Erectus". It is a send-off from their fantastic "Homo Erectus" Imperial IPA, but has been transformed into an imperial double IPA aged in rum barrels.

Fortunately, the event is taking place right on the light rail line so I won't have to worry about driving home.

[bedir than average]

Now why didn't you post this so I could have taken the weekend off? Not enough warning random.

[rrandom]

Sorry Dave, my bad. How about if I down a couple of pints in your honor?

[bedir than average]

THat'll be good enough. I expect a report...