banjotom2 - Posted - 07/08/2011:  16:13:43

When I'm not doing everything else I have to do in order to keep the bills paid, I work part-time in a local, family-owned liquor store.

We have all of the usual run-of the-mill, mass production... uhmmm... stuff, products rather...

But we also have a 'craft' beer section devoted to... well, you know... craft beer.

I can't afford to try everything out there, sometimes we're offered individual bottles from broken six packs, so we, the 'tenders to the store' can speak knowledgeably on products when customers ask... and they do ask!

I have 3 favorites right now...

Right now, in my refrigerator, is one of those three... Shiner "Black Lager"...

It's as black as night, and when refrigerated properly, cold as hell!

In a brown bottle with an ominous black label...

Unlike heavier, darker beverages such as stouts... one such being the various incarnations of one of my long time favorites... Guinness... I prefer Extra Stout... and have been consuming it nearly weekly since being introduced to it by a former picking friend who now lives in Alaska... 11 years ago!

Shiner Black Lager, as dark as it is, is not anyone's idea of bitter. That bitterness will stop many from touting the benefits of Guinness in it's different forms.

Shiner Black lager, by contrast is fairly smooth, great on a hot day and not bitter. It's not a light beer... it has body... therefore you may drink less of them in the same amount of time you may guzzle, gurgle, slurp and belch the inexpensive 'run-of-the-mill', mass-produced... uhmmm.... products...

It seems like fuller bodied beers were meant for sipping and enjoying as a finer glass of wine or Scotch, Bourbon or Whiskey, Whisky, etc.

I had a former boss... a large fellow who I would guess to weigh in at close to 400 lbs. Charles was into the 'act' of drinking... he enjoyed the guzzling, gurgling slurping, and belching... the feeling of cold, bubbly fluid passing over his taste-buds and down the pipe... he wasn't into the flavor... the flavor would get in his way... "It's the act of drinking, of consuming that I like... you can keep that crap you drink (referring to my choice of Guinness extra Stout".

I'm not here to simply exercise my kidney's, liver and bladder... give me the good stuff... the heavier bodied beverages built for flavor... the finer examples of the brewer's art!

What is YOUR preference, lads and lasses... ladies and gentlemen?

Tom

banjotom2.com

Edited by - banjotom2 on 07/08/2011 16:16:01

JEA13 - Posted - 07/08/2011:  16:28:10

I love Guinness Extra stout. I think I'll run out and get some to bring home to enjoy tonight. Never heard of Shiner black lager. Maybe I should see if I can find that to try.

figmo59 - Posted - 07/08/2011:  16:34:47

YOU , sir,



ARE A MAN AFTER MY OWN HEART................





with that said i halfta tell ya that the .....best beer that i have personaly drunk was made by my friend......





he has promised to ed-u-ma-cate me and my son on how to brew it.





totaly ...awsome...





btw...he has great taste in bourbon too...

Edited by - figmo59 on 07/08/2011 16:36:38

pandjlocke - Posted - 07/08/2011:  16:35:00

Guinness is my all time favorite. A close second would be from a local micro-brewery called Mac 'n Jack's African amber ale. Smooth, creamy and ever so slightly sweet. Damn shame I quit drinking 9 1/2 years ago. I sure would like one right about now. 

BDCA - Posted - 07/08/2011:  16:37:09

When I lived in Ireland and worked as a photographer we had Guinness as a client. All subcontractors were entitled to a free pint a day, while the employees were entitled to two.  It didn't get any better than those pints at the factory on the Liffey.. Playing Irish trad, Guinness has always been my "gargle" of choice. In all my years playing in pubs in Ireland I doubt I ever bought a single pint.. We'd leave the session with the table packed full of pints we could never finish, bought by grateful patrons.

Cya!

Bob

Edited by - BDCA on 07/08/2011 16:41:21

El Dobro - Posted - 07/08/2011:  16:37:28

I have a micro-brewery by me that has 8 different brews also has great food. When I go there, I tend to mix up the beers, so no special one for me. If I go to a regular bar, I tend to look for Bass Ale on tap.

figmo59 - Posted - 07/08/2011:  16:38:50

hey PADDY,



i hear ya....!

sprocter - Posted - 07/08/2011:  16:40:47

Keystone. Cheap and gets the job done.

dlc - Posted - 07/08/2011:  16:42:29

A&W in a frosty mug.

Klondike Waldo - Posted - 07/08/2011:  16:51:54

Bellhaven Scots Ale.

bubbalouie - Posted - 07/08/2011:  16:58:21

Molson Canadian. Not too shocking Eh?.

Like sprocter said " It gets the job done!".

They don't give it away here though, it's $42.00 for 24 !!.

Edited by - bubbalouie on 07/08/2011 16:59:04

R Buck - Posted - 07/08/2011:  17:00:47

Most of New Belgium's brews, and local imperial stout, and when I can get in it SC, Moose Drool.  Gosh that is good stuff.

michael6 - Posted - 07/08/2011:  17:17:34

I'll 2nd that with a scoop of vanilla ice cream !quote:

---

Originally posted by dlc

A&W in a frosty mug.

---

G Mac - Posted - 07/08/2011:  17:22:40

I have four favorite beers: Bottled, canned, draft and free.

Right after that is Mama's Little Yella Pils from Oskar Blues Brewery in Longmont, CO and then Toad Spit Stout - a beer that I brew in the cold months.

OM45GE - Posted - 07/08/2011:  17:23:28

We have a bunch of great micro breweries in our area. It would be really hard to pick just one. Currently I've got the bar fridge stocked with Ipswich Summer Ale. It's yummy and not just for breakfast any more! Got a Gin & Tonic going right now but the beer is sounding good for the cookout tomorrow.

BDCA - Posted - 07/08/2011:  17:35:25

Another Favorite....

kcjc69 - Posted - 07/08/2011:  17:35:26

Almost any Hefeweizen will do for me but I'm partial to Whitetail Wheat or Dragon's Breath. However I do like a Trout Slayer every once in a while. Big Sky brewery is right here in Missoula and they make some fantastic beers including Moose Drool. --- Come on down and fill up a Growler---

banjomule - Posted - 07/08/2011:  17:42:48

This thread has perfect timing! Tomorrow I'll be attending our local "Brewfest" where 25microbreweries from the rocky mountain region will have about 70-80 beers on tap to sample!



We are fortunate to live close to Ft. Collins where we can tour New Belgium, O'Dells, Ft. Collins Brewery and others at any time. There are also two small brew pubs right here in Laramie and several others in Ft. Collins. It's really given me an appreciation drinking in moderation and enjoying the different flavors a beer can have



Like many others here, Guinness is my standby and what I usually look for in a bar without a microbrew attached to it, but I really enjoy trying new things (stouts and porters mostly) whether they are home or microbrews.



I'd have to say my all time favorite was a batch of Buffalo Burbon Stout made by O'dells two winters ago. It is a stout thats aged in used oak whiskey barrels. That batch was aged in Buffalo Trace whiskey barrels and had a flavor that really suited me. Last winter they used Makers barrels and while it was still a great beer, I preferred the Buffalo Trace. The makers was just a bit too smooth



So many possibilities! Maybe I'll find a new favorite tomorrow!!

Edited by - banjomule on 07/08/2011 17:44:19

banjomule - Posted - 07/08/2011:  17:53:20

PS. Have you Guinness drinkers noticed a big difference in the beer from a bottle versus tap or can?

I found I much prefer Guinness on tap or from a can. I think the widget must not work that well in the bottle. To prove to my friends it wasn't all in my head we did a blind "Pepsi Challenge" and I was able to pick it out easliy. I was surprised that I found alot of the difference was in the smell.

Micki - Posted - 07/08/2011:  17:55:59

BECK'S DARK.  MICKI

paulaschumm - Posted - 07/08/2011:  18:13:26

I'll have a Riesling, please.

Paula

mullie1 - Posted - 07/08/2011:  18:30:23

quote:

---

Originally posted by OM45GE

We have a bunch of great micro breweries in our area. It would be really hard to pick just one. Currently I've got the bar fridge stocked with Ipswich Summer Ale. It's yummy and not just for breakfast any more! Got a Gin & Tonic going right now but the beer is sounding good for the cookout tomorrow.

---

I'm a big microbrew fan and agree that Ipswich Ales are fabulous. I also like Harpoon IPA, Smuttynose Pale Ale, Long Trail Belgian Wheat, Wachusett  Country Pale Ale, and Geary's Hampshire Special. There's a brewery in Gloucester that makes some good ones too. So many to choose from......

marshh - Posted - 07/08/2011:  18:47:55

Smithwicks.

They were making a Anniversary bottling run a while ago that was half "Smiddics" and half Guiness that really hit the spot.

carlb - Posted - 07/08/2011:  18:50:59

I'm partial the the Belgian style ales from the microbrews in southeast PA, NJ, and DE.
Triple Horse from River Horse Brewing Co. (Lambertville, NJ); Golden Monkey from Victory Brewing Co. (Downingtown, PA); Raisin d'Extra from Dogfish Head Craft Brewery (Lewis, DE); Merry Monks' Ale from Weyerbacher Brewing Co. (Easton, PA).

Frebazak - Posted - 07/08/2011:  19:06:30

Now your talking!!!! I have my own personal beer tap (thanx to my wonderful bride). I am a fan of the darker stuff. Stouts, Ale, Lagers. You can put Heineken in this tap, but I usually keep Newcastle Ale in it. I keep it at 39 degrees and after a long hot dusty day,... man does it hit the spot. That first mouthful is great. Lately I have been trying some other local stuff. There is one made in a local town called "Dirty Bastard" and the related "Arrogant Bastard" foundersbrewing.com/the-lineup...y-bastard. This stuff is thick as mud and....look out. It packs a wallop. I heartily recommend these brews, but make sure you have a designated driver.

I don't "swill" my beer. I like to taste it. I can't drink those beers that are made for quantity,... instead of quality. I'll have to keep my out for Shiners Black Lager.....

I'm not here to simply exercise my kidney's, liver and bladder... give me the good stuff... the heavier bodied beverages built for flavor... the finer examples of the brewer's art! I like that Tom....mind it I use it?

raybob - Posted - 07/08/2011:  19:12:25

In the summer I tend toward IPA's or other 'hoppy' beers. Last summer I discovered Sierra Nevada's relatively new IPA offering. It's called Torpedo, and it's great on a hot day. In the fridge right now, though, are some Anchor Steam's and I can hear one of them calling me.

banjotom2 - Posted - 07/08/2011:  19:30:14

quote:

---

Originally posted by R Buck

Most of New Belgium's brews, and local imperial stout, and when I can get in it SC, Moose Drool.  Gosh that is good stuff.

---

 We have Moose Drool at the store... haven't tried it yet...

Tom

banjotom2 - Posted - 07/08/2011:  19:33:33

Wow!

This topic really took off!

Better than the tabs I've been posting...

Cold beer... my significant other!

;)

Tom

Gomer - Posted - 07/08/2011:  19:34:25

Trappist Ales with the wire wired cork top

OM45GE - Posted - 07/08/2011:  19:53:06

---

I'm a big microbrew fan and agree that Ipswich Ales are fabulous. I also like Harpoon IPA, Smuttynose Pale Ale, Long Trail Belgian Wheat, Wachusett  Country Pale Ale, and Geary's Hampshire Special. There's a brewery in Gloucester that makes some good ones too. So many to choose from......

---

 All wonderful beers for sure. This is a great area for us fans of good beers. Have you tried any of Tuckerman's fine offerings?

So many beers, so little time!

Frebazak - Posted - 07/08/2011:  19:58:05

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gomer

Trappist Ales with the wire wired cork top

---

I had some of that Tom....a couple of weeks ago.  Nice full bodied taste......

Edited by - Frebazak on 07/08/2011 19:59:31

dmiller - Posted - 07/08/2011:  21:38:43

Moose Drool is "good stuff"!  

I usually stick to Sam Adams Boston Lager, or Summit Extra Pale Ale.

Summit is made in St. Paul, Mn.  Both are good, but not better than home-brewed.

There was a married couple here in town, who used to hold a Father's Day party each year.  It was a combination Father's Day party, and a "home brew tasting".  One of the home brewers who showed up for it is a mountain dulcimer player, and he invited  several of us musicians to show up and pick for the party (paid only with free food and quality brew).  It became a regular thing each year since the music went so well with the concept of home brewed beer/ party/ friends getting together in the backyard/ etc.

ALL of the home brew offered there was dark/ tasty/ "liquid bread like"/ and NOTHING like that clear colored crap that flows out of St. Louis or Milwaukee.  I don't know what the alcohol content was in the various brews offered at those get togethers, but you just about needed a designated driver after smelling them, much less drinking them!    

There's micro-breweries here in town, and I've tried some of their brews.  My opinion on what I've seen (tasted) from the locals is that they are trying too hard to be "different" by adding exotic "stuff" to the recipes they have.  So far - - those innovations don't cut it.  The guys at the home brewers "festival" each year turned out better brew (strong and serious stuff) than the folks who are trying to do this as a business (these days).

By the way - - - Did you hear about the Guinness Rep that visited the Budweiser factory?

He asked about the recipe that Budweiser used for their beer (it's so "distinctive" How do you do it? )

The Budweiser guide said:  "Let me take you out back where we keep the Clydesdale horses.

I'll show you where that "beer" REALLY comes from."    

 

stanger - Posted - 07/08/2011:  22:10:52

Add me to the list of Moose Drool fans... I've been drinking it for years.
A newer fave is Kokanee Lager- made in Canada from ice run-off from the Kokanee Glacier in B.C. It tastes like Coors did when Coors was good, back in the early 60's.
regards,
stanger

Lachlan - Posted - 07/08/2011:  22:15:52

I like far too many beers to list here, but suffice it to say I truly love the beers brewed at the brewery where I work. I host a Bluegrass jam there every Sunday at noon and buy all the pickers' beer!

drydockbrewing.com

Come by and pick some!

vfrbart - Posted - 07/09/2011:  00:53:26

I have so many favorites,including my own brews ......but if I had to pick 2 ...I would go with Lagunitas Hairy Eyeball  and Hobgoblin Ale.

The latter is brewed by Wychwood brewery in Whitney,which is a hop-step-and a jump from Oxford.

kevinwholmes - Posted - 07/09/2011:  04:25:59

Ballentine Ale. Can't get it in NC, hard to find anywhere now. Ballentine Beer (extinct) used to be a heavy advertiser for the NY Yankees many years ago. Does anyone remember the days when it took a church key (can opener) to open a canned beverage?

pjxndvm - Posted - 07/09/2011:  04:55:15

Chimay...red or blue.
Trappistes Roquefort 6, 8 or10

Ommegang makes real nice beer also

Karen Kruske - Posted - 07/09/2011:  05:06:15

Make mine Badass beer made in Detroit.

banjodad - Posted - 07/09/2011:  05:12:37

Alpirsbacher Klosterbrau - Spezial at home
Budvar - Pils
Guinness - in Dublin
Paulaner - Weitzen
Moosehead - Canadian
Fat Tire - in the States

JoeDownes - Posted - 07/09/2011:  05:15:02

Jever, a northern German beer with lots of bitter 'hoppy' flavors is my number one beer.

Martian - Posted - 07/09/2011:  06:28:53

My buddies. I also enjoy Roscoe's, especially if my buddy bought it

Ronnie - Posted - 07/09/2011:  06:53:32

I always keep a quantity of Miller High Life in the fridge as a thirst quencher on a hot day. More serious beers and ales on special occasions.  The local Mexican restaurant serves me  Dos Equis Amber which i really enjoy.

INFP47 - Posted - 07/09/2011:  06:58:53

There are so many great American microbrews that I seldom drink any imports anymore. I couldn't name a single favorite but  I do tend to like Belgian style ales, particularly those from Ommegang.  We're headed to the Ommegang brewery next Wednesday .

lazyarcher - Posted - 07/09/2011:  07:37:36

One of my favs is a small brewery in Toronto called Mill Street. They make several beers, my fav being Stock Ale.....

Stock Ale, 5% alc./vol.

A golden export-style ale made from only malt and hops, no fillers or adjuncts. A brillant golden colour gives a “sparkling” appearance as the gas escapes from the glass. The natural sweetness of the malt is perfectly balanced by the bitterness derived from the hops. This beer represents the way blonde ales were made 100 years ago.

Tasting Notes: A golden brilliantly clear ale, light dusting of hops in the nose, light malt flavour in perfect balance with hop bitterness.

Suggested food pairing: Grilled meat, spicy south western-style dishes.

corgies - Posted - 07/09/2011:  08:19:19

My spouse drinks Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, except when he goes back home to the Res he drinks Grain Belt.

Edited by - corgies on 07/09/2011 08:21:28

pickinchik - Posted - 07/09/2011:  08:34:48

My personal favorite is my home-brew that is sitting in my garage!  If there's none of that left (which does sadly happen on occasion) I'll go with a Sam Adams beer, Corona with lime (I have a weakness here I know, LOL), or in dire situations anything available.  

Mandy

P.S. Maybe I should come up with a banjo brew, LOL

Edited by - pickinchik on 07/09/2011 08:35:20

Ken_in_IN - Posted - 07/09/2011:  09:40:33

MacAndrew's Scotch Ale, sadly not brewed anymore.

banjotom2 - Posted - 07/09/2011:  09:59:46

quote:

---

Originally posted by kevinwholmes

Ballentine Ale. Can't get it in NC, hard to find anywhere now. Ballentine Beer (extinct) used to be a heavy advertiser for the NY Yankees many years ago. Does anyone remember the days when it took a church key (can opener) to open a canned beverage?

---

 I remember those days!

In the early 1970s it became fashionable to 'collect beers cans' at my junior high school (of course it was an un-approved activity and would get any empty cans you had in your locker confiscated)...

I used to walk the woods in my area, finding 'dumps' and old cars from the 30s, 40s, and 50s in the process.

If you were a smart collector, you would over turn ALL larger cans in the dump to see if any beer can you may have been interested in, managed to wind up under such a protector from the weather.

I found a fair number of beer cans from St. Louis breweries that no longer existed even back in those days...

Like Cardinal Beer... brewed in St. Louis by Cardinal Brewing... who ever heard of that?

At the end of the first year, I had 1200 cans from all over the world as traveling aunts and uncles would bring me back cans from afar and 905 Liquor stores in St. Louis had an amazing selection of beers from all over the world. I had understanding parents and would receive full beers cans, including gallon cans, from anywhere and everywhere for xmas and birthdays when I was 14.

I had also purchased a Neuweiler's can, which was a cone top (as brake fluid is these days), that had a copyright of 1946 on it, at a flea market in the area... it was in mint condition.

Unfortunately, through the years and all of the moves and numerous break-ups with various girlfriends... the can collection dwindled and finally disappeared.

But I did, indeed have many can requiring a can opener... including one old Greisedieck Brothers can from back in the day.

An uncle of mine worked for Falstaff and one of his sons, my cousin, now works for Miller Brewing Company.

Tom

banjotom2.com

Ronnie - Posted - 07/09/2011:  10:15:52

I have a Griesedieck Bros, a Hamms'. and a Falstaff can opener somewhere in my house.