Alpha Centauri 2

Community => Recreation Commons => Topic started by: Green1 on May 22, 2014, 11:32:36 PM

Title: Beer thread
Post by: Green1 on May 22, 2014, 11:32:36 PM
Here's the story.

I park the Command Chopper outside a Circle K and waltz in. I wanted to stock up on a Monster Energy drink or two and purchase an overpriced Red Baron pizza to consume because I was too lazy to make a Wally World run that day.

Low and behold, I find a beer I have never seen before. It has a weird name - Andygator by Abita. For those that do not know, Abita is a Louisiana microbrewer that puts out beers that are common here, but may be unheard of anywhere else. Abita products are not overwhelmingly awesome, but beat any Americrap any day. I did enjoy Jokamo IPA by them, but have not seen that in Baton Rouge, only New Orleans.

So, I buy a six pack and cart it back to my lair. I take a drink.....

Goodness ! I forgot to read the bottle! The thing has like 9 percent alcohol! Some wines do not have that! I was buzzing heavy off of just 3 12 oz bottles. Taste was not all that, but still better than the Americrap high volume beers like Bud Ice or similar. A few hours of drunk posting later, I crash...

Anyone else have any beers you think I should hunt down?

As of right now, Heineken is the house beer. Busch is the Americrap go to beer  if I am broke. Guinness is my go to dark brew, but I prefer Dixie Blackened Voodoo or St Pauli dark when I can find it. I also realize that just because something is "imported" or "microbrew" does not necessarily mean it will not suck.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Unorthodox on May 22, 2014, 11:58:09 PM
Utah similar brewer.  Got famous real quick for naming their brews in a tongue in cheek fashion based on the predominant religion.  Can't comment on quality, I come from a long line of angry drunks so it wouldn't be a good idea to begin with, then dad got me drunk at 5.  Never acquired the taste after that.  Most of their stuff is seasonal.

http://www.wasatchbeers.com/beers.html (http://www.wasatchbeers.com/beers.html)

old 'scandalous' commercial.

Polygamy Porter: Why Have Just One? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW7HYpKWwgs#)
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 23, 2014, 12:19:36 AM
I come from angry drunks. too, so I also cannot afford to acquire the taste.  I find that self-control rocks.  -Not meaning as judgmental; we have drinkers and non-drinkers on the boards, and it's all good.

Also?   ;lol Green.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Green1 on May 23, 2014, 12:39:37 AM
I come from angry drunks. too, so I cannot afford to acquire the taste.

Also?   ;lol Green.

No issues with that. If drinking turns you into an [jerk, sphincter] or prevents you from doing things like holding a job, I say ditch it. More folks need to learn that. Some do not learn it until it is too late.

As for my drinking habits, I do not drink everyday. I would be worthless and fill like crap. But, sometimes especially when writing I like a beer or two. It lowers inhibitions and insecurities where I can get stuff done. I also cut back in the summer because it dehydrates me because I bicycle everywhere and that plus 90 degree heat gives me dehydration cramps.

I got over the need to drink massive volumes back in my twenties. I also refuse to touch hard liquor. It is just not fun. But I love a good beer and I love cooking with beer.

Now, as far as drinking and irresponsibility I have this.

Green 1s Rules

1. Never go to a pub and drink with your last money. Always have money for a cab. If you do not have that, do not drink or get a cheap Americrap beer instead and stay home.

2. Never drink and drive or bike and drive. Not only is this stupid, but can put folks at risk. It also can put you in debt for thousands to the Piggies and their buddies the Lawyers.

3. If out in public, monitor your beer use. Always drink one glass of water to one beer. Eat something. There is a difference, sometimes subtle, of being loose or festive and being obnoxious. It can be hard to know the difference.

4. Do not mix beer and any sort of medication -legal or illegal. Most BigMed offerings have bad side effects with alcohol. Uppers will make you consume too much, depressants will make you pass out, and weed will make you stupider.

5. Being drunk is no excuse for what you say or how you act. Some in New Orleans will say it just opens a window unto your real behavior. But then again, that may be just what the cute bartender girl on Decatur Street says to get tips.

6. If you can not hold your beer, do not drink the beer. No one will think you a loser if something does not mesh with you.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Green1 on May 23, 2014, 12:47:30 AM
Utah similar brewer.  Got famous real quick for naming their brews in a tongue in cheek fashion based on the predominant religion.  Can't comment on quality, I come from a long line of angry drunks so it wouldn't be a good idea to begin with, then dad got me drunk at 5.  Never acquired the taste after that.  Most of their stuff is seasonal.

http://www.wasatchbeers.com/beers.html (http://www.wasatchbeers.com/beers.html)

old 'scandalous' commercial.

Polygamy Porter: Why Have Just One? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW7HYpKWwgs#)


Yeah, that would be rare down here. Never have seen those commercials.

But, I heard Utah is lame like Mississippi used to be. They make the beer makers put alcohol volume at 2 percent or something like that because the Mormons are afraid some folks may want a brew instead of going to worship. At least Mississippi repealed that limit in the 1990s.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: vv221 on May 23, 2014, 02:56:03 AM
Hey, Green1, I think I crossed every one of your rules at least once ;)

1. I walk. A lot. Cabs are too expensive anyway.

2. Fell asleep. Crashed the car, nearly killed myself. Never done it again. (fortunately, nobody else has been involved)

3. Anyway, when I'm too drunk I tend to spend the late evening in parks with friends as drunk as me. No "sane" people here to be disturbed.

4. When everyone is stoned, you don't look any stupider than your friends. (I'm speaking about weed here, I'm not the medication type)

5. Hmm… Not sure I crossed this one. At least, I can't remember anyone telling me the day after I've been an [jerk, sphincter] while drunk.

6. I always think I'm going to control myself at the beginning of the party, and forget everything after some time… Fortunately, I don't have many occasion of getting that drunk.

Well, a good point to tip the balance: I never (absolutely never) go angry when drunk.

-----

When I see what you Americans have to drink (from my Canada experience), I'm happy to live in France!
Here, Heineken is something like the worst beer you can find ;)
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Unorthodox on May 23, 2014, 04:33:55 AM

But, I heard Utah is lame like Mississippi used to be. They make the beer makers put alcohol volume at 2 percent or something like that because the Mormons are afraid some folks may want a brew instead of going to worship. At least Mississippi repealed that limit in the 1990s.

They didn't want to look foolish for the Olympics, and let that genie out of the bottle. 

We have some weird rules about getting a particular license (of which there are several flavors for serving alcohol), and there's the zion curtain in a restaurant (the bartender can't be SEEN by patrons, so we don't give kiddies any ideas, so there's usually a glass wall around the mixing area), but the beer is beer now (if you have the right license to sell the stronger beer, that is). 
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Green1 on May 23, 2014, 04:40:39 AM

But, I heard Utah is lame like Mississippi used to be. They make the beer makers put alcohol volume at 2 percent or something like that because the Mormons are afraid some folks may want a brew instead of going to worship. At least Mississippi repealed that limit in the 1990s.

They didn't want to look foolish for the Olympics, and let that genie out of the bottle. 

We have some weird rules about getting a particular license (of which there are several flavors for serving alcohol), and there's the zion curtain in a restaurant (the bartender can't be SEEN by patrons, so we don't give kiddies any ideas, so there's usually a glass wall around the mixing area), but the beer is beer now. 

The bartender MUST NOT BE SEEN?!?

I thought the Southern Baptists were bad. Mormons sound worse. I had to even stop and re-edit this post because I was preparing to post something that may offend someone's religion when I heard that.

Even in Baton Rouge we deal with issues. But we are close enough to New Orleans they have to tone it down because there would be open revolt.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 23, 2014, 04:42:14 AM
I'm a Southern Baptist.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Green1 on May 23, 2014, 04:45:25 AM
@vv221

I hear you on the Hienies. But, unfortunately it is the best of many evils. It is easily obtainable and sold on every corner. In Louisiana it is Abita, Bud products and Bud wannabees like Coors/Miller/etc, or Heineken.

Anything else is a pub crawl or a trip to New Orleans (pubs only - the stores all sell the above) or Whole Foods.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Green1 on May 23, 2014, 04:47:50 AM
I'm a Southern Baptist.

You probably consider me a cult member then. I am a member of the Unitarian Universalists (I have the chalice pin!) and a member of several atheist and agnostic organizations.

At least when I went to Baptist Academy decades ago, I was told it was a cult. I found out the opposite was true.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Unorthodox on May 23, 2014, 04:48:53 AM

The bartender MUST NOT BE SEEN?!?

Only with a restaurant license. 

Get a bar license and it's no problem. 

But not a tavern license, or you can't serve the strong beer...
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Green1 on May 23, 2014, 04:49:37 AM

The bartender MUST NOT BE SEEN?!?

Only with a restaurant license. 

Get a bar license and it's no problem. 

Still....
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 23, 2014, 04:52:15 AM
I'm a Southern Baptist.

You probably consider me a cult member then. I am a member of the Unitarian Universalists (I have the chalice pin!) and a member of several atheist and agnostic organizations.

At least when I went to Baptist Academy decades ago, I was told it was a cult. I found out the opposite was true.
Mylochka's a Unitarian now.

I probably consider nothing of the sort.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Unorthodox on May 23, 2014, 04:54:32 AM
Yeah, it's silly, and a lot of folks know that.  The Zion curtain was down for a few years, then got put back on the books by some crusaders...go figure. 

Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Unorthodox on May 23, 2014, 04:55:29 AM
yeah, if anyone's the cultist, it's me. 
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Green1 on May 23, 2014, 05:03:17 AM
I'm a Southern Baptist.

You probably consider me a cult member then. I am a member of the Unitarian Universalists (I have the chalice pin!) and a member of several atheist and agnostic organizations.

At least when I went to Baptist Academy decades ago, I was told it was a cult. I found out the opposite was true.
Mylochka's a Unitarian now.

I probably consider nothing of the sort.

You are missing out on coffee, dude. Didnt you know the flaming chalice is a cup of coffee?

Plus, you can still be a UU and be Christian. There are a few that are. It matters not what you worship or not. Unlike most Christian movements (except Catholic), faith means nothing. They want works. A bonus is they will not be beating you upside the head with it. Nor will you have to do like most Christians have to do which is agree with everything (while ignoring what you do not like) because there are only like 7 rules. All of them, I think everyone can agree on.

It is a place worth exploring, though. I do not think your faith in Jesus would be in jeopardy. On the contrary, Jesus was out and about and hung with lots of folks of many beliefs.

Go with her sometime. But make sure to hang for coffee.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 23, 2014, 05:05:13 AM
Wow.  I love your late-night rampages, but you get an assumption wrong about twice a sentence sometimes.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Green1 on May 23, 2014, 05:11:13 AM
Wow.  I love your late-night rampages, but you get an assumption wrong about twice a sentence sometimes.

I was taught speed reading as a kid. It is a blessing and a curse. I did go back and see you are not one of the Southern Baptists that wage war against some of my IRL associates. Those folks would make for horrible moderators.

I was preparing the laser cannons.

Uno strikes me as like a Pagan of some sort. Living in friggin Utah??? I feel bad for him. But, someone has to carry out the resistance.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 23, 2014, 05:15:47 AM
I'm an agnostic raised Southern Baptist, and part of the reason I don't go to church no more is that Reagan drove me out.

We've got an actual Wiccan around - not quite Uno's bag, though, I think.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Green1 on May 23, 2014, 05:26:00 AM
I'm an agnostic raised Southern Baptist, and part of the reason I don't go to church no more is that Reagan drove me out.

We've got an actual Wiccan around - not quite Uno's bag, though, I think.

Not that I am a fan of wicca. I had my share of wicca in New Orleans. I am still convinced it was a fad and everybody used to say they were to dress in black and wear pentagrams. Plus, all the crazy chicks did it.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 23, 2014, 05:38:19 AM
Hah.  You should try the Renfair circuit if you want posers of that sort...
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Green1 on May 23, 2014, 05:43:16 AM
Hah.  You should try the Renfair circuit if you want posers of that sort...

The role playing convention circuit circa late 90s to mid 00s was enough for me. At least the occasional normal nerd was there. I could imagine the BS at renfair. I am sorry you had to experience that. Never liked those guys, but I only dealt with them on the periphery.

Ironically, the convention circuit lately is all older minis war gamers, at least in the South. LARPers, pnp role players, etc are no more. The last bastion is the big shindig CCP/White Wolf puts on at the Crown plaza in NOLA, but that is not my crowd.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Green1 on May 25, 2014, 02:54:48 AM
I used to know a HVAC tech that told me that even drinking one or two beers a night was bad if you worked in heat. I always worked in air conditioning, so I just shrugged and never thought about it again. Know what? He is right.

Well, now I do work in heat. I help operate an oven the size of a small house that puts out literally almost a million loaves of bread a week. Ironically, while it was not what I came to Baton Rouge originally for, it pays really, really good and I for the first time in years have awesome insurance.

But, the HVAC tech was right. You can not even drink a beer or two the night before. It dehydrates you. Tonight I am literally having to slam bottles of PowerAde. Otherwise, I get cramped badly.

That's what I do not understand about this LSU Tiger infested land. You hear folks say they want a cold beer (usually Americrap) and it quenches their thirst. Even for things like yard work. I must be a wuss. That would be the last thing I want if I was out mowing the lawn in 90 degree heat.

Either that or I believe a good beer must be enjoyed when you do not have to worry about the sun or heat the next day.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 25, 2014, 03:04:56 AM
They always told me that in the Renfair days about soda, but that's something it's okay to partake of while you work, and I solved the problem by drinking more when thirsty.  Kept a wineskin full of Mountain Dew slung over one shoulder.

Hah.  You should try the Renfair circuit if you want posers of that sort...

The role playing convention circuit circa late 90s to mid 00s was enough for me. At least the occasional normal nerd was there. I could imagine the BS at renfair. I am sorry you had to experience that. Never liked those guys, but I only dealt with them on the periphery.

Ironically, the convention circuit lately is all older minis war gamers, at least in the South. LARPers, pnp role players, etc are no more. The last bastion is the big shindig CCP/White Wolf puts on at the Crown plaza in NOLA, but that is not my crowd.
Renfair jerks don't think real highly of LARPers and SCAdians, either, there being some overlap.

If you knew rennies in N'orleans, we probably have some RL acquaintances in common.  I worked the Loozianna Renfair outside Hammond most of the first season.  Small world.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Green1 on May 25, 2014, 03:17:32 AM
I would mention some names. Not sure if they did the Hammond scene, though.

Rainmaker and her husband at the time, Mike. He was a magician. She did fortune telling with some kind of Celtic sticks...

Kael and Ashe. I think they attended some of those and loved to dress up. They live in KY now.

Those are the ones I know you may know.

Not real names, everybody in New Orleans those days had two names. Of course, knowing those names doxes me for those in the know. Not that I care. I think I did a lot of good things for gaming in NOLA in the day and had an okay rep.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 25, 2014, 03:33:42 AM
Hmmm.  I didn't learn what everyone I knew went by.  I was there for a month 13 years ago.  Photographs would be more likely to work, if our paths intersected.  -Even if not in Hammond, if they traveled southern fairs, I could easily have know them at least seen them around more than once.

I thought it was interesting that practically no one I met at fairs across the continent went by real names except locals.  Interesting as in stupid.

Sad thing - that was my whole life for eight years, and I was super-good at it, and the only evidence I was ever there on the 'net is me occasionally mentioning it on Civ forums.  I haven't posted the good pic of me in my working clothes in a while...
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Green1 on May 25, 2014, 03:38:26 AM
I do have pictures, but I do not think posting their pics on forum board is cool.

And you are right, Even in the gaming scene, once you leave, there is no evidence. That is, unless you are one of the event illuminate. A lot of coming and going.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 25, 2014, 03:44:20 AM
I agree that it wouldn't be cool, plus I don't care that much - Kael was the only "name" that sounded faintly familiar, and I honestly would tend to remember people who made much of an impression on me back then.

However, it is cool if I'm foolish enough to post a pic of myself.  Let's see if I can find the one I have in mind...

Here's Charisma Carpenter not wearing much to look at while you wait...
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 25, 2014, 03:49:28 AM
:D

I also found a bunch of pr0n I'd forgotten about...



It bugs me that there's a lot of renfair stuff on the net.  There is, and it's almost all locals and playtrons, and nothing for pros.  I was there, and I was good, and I mattered.  But I'm not in the pics various fairs I did have posted on their websites, and I no longer have reason to promote myself.

A video does exist, however, and I may digitalize someday.  I was good.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Green1 on May 25, 2014, 03:56:47 AM
You look like the "pirate" they used to pay to hang out at the Old Absinthe House on Pirate's Alley in New Orleans.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 25, 2014, 04:06:01 AM
Pay how much?

(And BTW?  I told everyone the avatar is a good likeness.)
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Dio on May 25, 2014, 04:09:16 AM
Pay how much?

(And BTW?  I told everyone the avatar is a good likeness.)

A pittance and far less than they should for someone with such talent(s) :).
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Green1 on May 25, 2014, 04:21:25 AM
Pay how much?

(And BTW?  I told everyone the avatar is a good likeness.)

Going rate for that stuff is about 9 an hour. Not enough to live off of in New Orleans. But, you do get shift drinks. Most private bars and restaurants in NOLA allow you x number of drinks gratis per shift while you work.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 25, 2014, 04:24:26 AM
Intercourse THAT cacophony.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Green1 on May 25, 2014, 04:29:13 AM
Intercourse THAT cacophony.

That place the "pirate" works at seems like they are not jerks and that pirate has been there 9 years. But if you take a place like Tricou House, they want you to dress up all 1800s Southern and treat you like [poop] and fire no reasons. Oh yeah - YOU buy the costume.

Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 25, 2014, 04:35:18 AM
Intercourse THAT cacophony.
-even HARDER.

You might can pay me crap, you might can treat me like crap, but you absolutely can't do both.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Vishniac on May 29, 2014, 06:45:37 PM
Anyone else have any beers you think I should hunt down?
I do!

I am a somehow good beer specialist and, though my memory is not all that good to remember every and any beer I drink, I can be of good help.
More about it later but the thread didn't seem to bring you any help on beers, much more on religious matters... :D

First question: do you have a beer-shop in your town and, if yes, has it a website?
So I could point you to what I'm talking about.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Geo on May 29, 2014, 08:28:21 PM
West Vlieteren? ;)
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Green1 on May 30, 2014, 02:54:03 AM
Anyone else have any beers you think I should hunt down?
I do!

I am a somehow good beer specialist and, though my memory is not all that good to remember every and any beer I drink, I can be of good help.
More about it later but the thread didn't seem to bring you any help on beers, much more on religious matters... :D

First question: do you have a beer-shop in your town and, if yes, has it a website?
So I could point you to what I'm talking about.

This is Baton Rouge. It is a college town (LSU) but also a state capitol. If I go to New Orleans, there are a lot of places. Up here, the closest place I would come to getting anything odd is Whole Foods on Perkins Rowe - Baton Rouge's "sanitized family friendly" attempt at the French Quarter. I will have to check for a website.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Green1 on May 30, 2014, 02:57:14 AM
I may also want to check the bars on 3rd street going into Spanish Towne. They want to make it like the CBD or Magazine st in New Orleans. Maybe they have Magazine St or Uptowns's selection.

As you can tell, I am homesick... all this talk of New Orleans. But all the work is in this city.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Rusty Edge on May 30, 2014, 04:39:13 PM
I tried to reply to this once before, but I lost the post/window.
My great grandfather was an angry wife-beating drunk. This caused a couple of generations of Methodist prohibitionists. It also warped my views on alcohol. I learned/assumed drinking was synonymous with drunkenness.

I eventually learned that too much blame was placed on the alcohol, and not enough on the person, and that I myself am a happy drunk.

I always hated beer and the way it smelled. Until I went to Germany. They have a point about beer, fresher is better. No different than bread, really. The Miller here is Milwaukee and the Michelob in St. Louis are much better than their national reputation.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 30, 2014, 04:51:14 PM
I've got a similar story about family history -no wife-beating, but one grampa didn't keep his pants on and the other was verbally abusive in front of the kids, both weekend drunks as was common with poor working men from the Great Depression- that caused both my parents to take a very firm stance.

I tried alcohol enough to satisfy myself that it isn't for me - and I'd go liquor if I was going to drink.  Never acquired a taste for beer, and the hard stuff saves so much time; a few sips makes me tipsy, but strangely, I've never managed to get well and truly hammered, though I tried.  Weird capacity I have, being a lightweight but able to hold it, too...
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Rusty Edge on May 30, 2014, 04:57:19 PM
As for beers themselves, ( since I usually don't have more than one drink, I'm more interested in taste than price ) -

beermenus.com has a search engine which allows you to learn who has a particular beer in your vicinity

A favorite dark beer is Unibroue  Maudite

I'm more of a lager style guy.

A sentimental favorite is Yuengling Lager

My local favorite is Spotted Cow

My European favorite is Spaaten

I enjoy most everything by Sam Adams.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Vishniac on June 01, 2014, 09:05:57 PM
I eventually learned that too much blame was placed on the alcohol, and not enough on the person, and that I myself am a happy drunk.

I always hated beer and the way it smelled. Until I went to Germany. They have a point about beer, fresher is better. No different than bread, really. The Miller here is Milwaukee and the Michelob in St. Louis are much better than their national reputation.
I tried alcohol enough to satisfy myself that it isn't for me - and I'd go liquor if I was going to drink.  Never acquired a taste for beer, and the hard stuff saves so much time; a few sips makes me tipsy, but strangely, I've never managed to get well and truly hammered, though I tried.  Weird capacity I have, being a lightweight but able to hold it, too...
Wow wow wow, guys!
You fully disappoint me here by talking about beer and getting drunk and the ravages of alcohol and what again in the same post! As if you were all teenagers drinking to get high...

First some general considerations:
- there are a lot of beers and they all have their own moment, just like wine (and I hope you don't drink wine to get drunk for it would be sad/a pity). There are beers you drink for thirst and beers you sip slowly but gulping down beer is a pretty poor use for it.
- there are a lot of beers but they can be regrouped in a few (several? a dozen? a few dozens?  :D) categories.

What I can say to you both about the taste of beer is the same as Rusty Edge: I didn't like beer (Swiss industrial one) until I went to Germany and a friend served me one from Münich. Day and night!! So each time someone tells me "I don't like beer", I always ask "Which ones did you taste?" and I usually can find some that he/she likes.

Beers that I don't like, or at least don't drink more than one half-liter in a day are those I call "occidental industrial beers". They are usually acid and gazeous. That would be: Tuborg (S), Carlsberg (D), Kanterbrau (F), Cardinal (CH), Heineken (NL) and all their relatives. Heineken is the worst of all beers as far as I can tell and only its huge marketing allows people to drink it (but again, when you see what people eat, what most people drink is not a symbol of quality).

I don't drink much either the Fosters (AUS), Millers (USA) or American 'Budweiser' (renamed Anheuser Busch because they are losing all their trials against the Czech Budweiser  :P ). They are not so acid/gaseous but they taste like water. I guess they find their useness as barbecue beers on a sunny afternoon.  8)

In Europe, people caricaturize American beers as disgusting but I knew for long that it's false, just as the upper-mentioned beers don't stain the reputation of their origin countries. I know a few big US breweries with excellent beers but when I got really amazed was when I went to Miami in 2013. The first restaurant I went to get a steak had a list of...easily 20 beers of all kinds (stout, porter, amber,...) from many states. Made me a happy man!  ;b;

To be continued...
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Dio on June 02, 2014, 01:49:24 AM
I am unable to comment on this subject since the legal drinking age is 21  ::).
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Green1 on June 02, 2014, 04:13:11 AM
At one time in the US, it was 18. But, there was a temperance group called Mothers Against Drunk Driving that started a national movement to bump up the age to 21. Two states - Nevada and Louisiana held out and were the last to change the age to 21. They folded under enormous pressure.

A side effect of this was that these guys were big "police power" advocates. Laws were changed to make roadblocks common to catch drunks, people driving illegally, illegal immigrants, pot heads, you name in in spite of 4th amendment protections against unreasonable search an seizure. The term "for the public safety" superseded that protection.

Imagine if you were a kid almost 18 at the time and then it bumped to 21! Not to mention, you could still be given a machine gun and shipped off to the USA's current war. Old enough to get shot at, but not for a brew...
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Buster's Uncle on June 02, 2014, 04:24:26 AM
In NC, they bumped it up to 19 in 1984, then 21 by sometime in 1986.  I knew a guy in the dorm only slightly younger than me who got roaring drunk on his 21st birthday repeatedly shouting "Third" [censored] "time I've been legal!"
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Green1 on June 02, 2014, 05:10:31 AM
In NC, they bumped it up to 19 in 1984, then 21 by sometime in 1986.  I knew a guy in the dorm only slightly younger than me who got roaring drunk on his 21st birthday repeatedly shouting "Third" [censored] "time I've been legal!"

I personally believe they should get folks around it when they are younger. That way the mystique of it is worn off and they can be responsible about it.

But then again, getting way too drunk is one thing a lot go through until they smarten up. Either that or get responsibilities where they can not.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Rusty Edge on June 02, 2014, 04:13:22 PM


I personally believe they should get folks around it when they are younger. That way the mystique of it is worn off and they can be responsible about it.

But then again, getting way too drunk is one thing a lot go through until they smarten up. Either that or get responsibilities where they can not.

I think it works best when you grow up in a family that drinks responsibly.

The drinking age was always 21 in Pennsylvania. The mountain roads there are often fatal for drunks. At 21, they're more likely to plan ahead, and stay overnight, or have a driver, or even drink in moderation. At 18 most of them are too excited/impulsive  to use common sense, or too young to have much of it.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Rusty Edge on June 13, 2014, 06:26:17 PM
Here is a chart that groups beers by type and gives examples.

http://popchartlab.com/collections/prints/products/the-very-very-many-varieties-of-beer (http://popchartlab.com/collections/prints/products/the-very-very-many-varieties-of-beer)
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Geo on June 13, 2014, 07:14:50 PM
German and especially Belgian beers are woefully underrepresented on that chart compared to Anglo "brew". :'(
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Rusty Edge on June 13, 2014, 07:29:42 PM
It was a New York chart. I'm guessing there isn't room for all of the German beers, and that most of the names would be meaningless to people who'd never been to Europe.

If you get the urge to supplement it, I suggest you devote one post to each circle of your choice.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Geo on June 13, 2014, 07:31:32 PM
I'm pretty sure your knowledge of beer is superior then mine.
I rarely drink alcohol, so...
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Rusty Edge on June 13, 2014, 09:15:51 PM
I guess we'll leave it open for now.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Green1 on June 18, 2014, 02:43:27 AM
Lately, due to being in a very proletariat area, I have merely decided to rotate between what is available. I avoid all Anhieser-Bucsh products. I am also not going to include what is in bars on 3rd Street (Baton Rouge's "wannabe CBD New Orleans type area). I dislike going out and paying too much for beer. I especially dislike going out to bars alone.

What I have available:


Hieineken, for better or worse, is the go-to house beer. It is available in 2 oz cans, 12 oz bottles, and the proper Louisiana serving size of a 1 pint bottle. For being considered a crap beer by international standards, I have found it far superior to Americrap hands down. It has an excellent aftertaste and is very refreshing.

Blue Moon (blue label). I was pleasantly surprised by this very lighty Belgium style ale. I hear from beer sites, this is very popular up in the New England states. I also hear there is another Blue Moon offering with an orange peel taste. Can not find that, though.

Rolling Rock. This was even lighter than the Blue Moon and MUCH, MUCH lighter than even Bud Light, but smoother and more polished than Bud Light. I have kind of a memory from this one. An ex-gf of mine visited her dad and step mom. He and his partner were indie programmers and he had quit his job at a bank to work for himself. hey had just sold a piece of software to a medium sized company ad celebrated with this. It, too, is very light. A bit light for my taste being New Orlenians tend to have taste buds that lean towards heavier beers.

Corona: THE Mexican beer. I think it taste better than it's competitor, Dos Equos.  however, Corona suffers from the stigma of being a "girly drink". It is frilly and requires a lime to enjoy the way it is meant to be enjoyed. A single man in NOLA or BR must keep a Corona or two in the fridge for the lady he plans to bring back and shag after a night on Frenchmen (NOLA) or 3rd Street (BR) for extra points.

Dos Equos: ha a bit of an aftertaste I do not care for, but seems a tad heavier than Corona. Awesome marketing campaign with "the most interesting guy". A tobacco shop I frequent used to rent out a cutout of that dude in the commercials to middle aged lady parties. But, cool ad campaign does not equal a go-to beer.

I will return with my thoughts on more with the various Abitas.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: JarlWolf on June 21, 2014, 02:18:12 AM
(http://bbsimg.ngfiles.com/1/23578000/ngbbs4ef0dcdf1ade4.jpg)
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Unorthodox on June 21, 2014, 02:44:59 AM
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4Ev9UyhPIdc/TzfFF_ICtZI/AAAAAAAAMGs/LUgIToLwl2U/s800/bear-attack%2520%25281%2529.jpg)
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Dio on June 21, 2014, 06:46:54 AM
 :D. I think that was a funny reply.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Green1 on June 22, 2014, 12:34:21 AM
It is always the Russian bears.

"Sometimes you get bear, sometimes bear get YOU." was said to me in a broken Russian accent as I was raped repeatedly in a video game by Ruskies slurping vodka.

But, if you change the words, it makes sense too.

"Sometimes you get beer, sometimes beer gets YOU".

Beer, like the Russians, has gotten me in the past instead of me getting it. Fortunately, if you have foresight and knowledge and awareness, you can get them :D
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Unorthodox on June 22, 2014, 01:30:20 AM
hmmm, we clearly have differing tastes in video games.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Rusty Edge on June 22, 2014, 04:43:44 AM
I avoid all Anhieser-Bucsh products.

What I have available:

Rolling Rock. This was even lighter than the Blue Moon and MUCH, MUCH lighter than even Bud Light, but smoother and more polished than Bud Light. I have kind of a memory from this one. An ex-gf of mine visited her dad and step mom. He and his partner were indie programmers and he had quit his job at a bank to work for himself. hey had just sold a piece of software to a medium sized company ad celebrated with this. It, too, is very light. A bit light for my taste being New Orlenians tend to have taste buds that lean towards heavier beers.

Uh-oh. I think Rolling Rock was and still is an Anheiser Busch brand.

When I lived in PA, it was the cheapest bar beer in the town of State College, ( Penn State University ), maybe because it was brewed and bottled in the state, and it was sold in 7oz and 12 oz bottles( to be more affordable for the working man ).  Then it turned up out here. It made me scratch my head. Why haul that bargain brand stuff out here? Why place it as some kind of premium craft brew ?

Well, I guess Anheiser bought them and figured they could capitalize on the unique bottles and history and market it. Never mind that they relocated production to New Jersey, so it's not made from the actual mountain stream with the rolling rocks in it.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Vishniac on June 22, 2014, 08:31:46 AM
Lately, due to being in a very proletariat area, I have merely decided to rotate between what is available.

What I have available:

Hieineken
Blue Moon (blue label)
Rolling Rock.
Corona
Dos Equos
Hum, that's not  much!
And they all seem to be on the very light side.

I don't know much about American beers but 2 breweries exporting good ones are:
- Samuel Adams, from Boston
- Anker, from San Francisco
Good choices from either. You'll probably want to start with the Boston Lager. Anker has some creamy beers too. Delicious.
They may not be directly available but it's worth exploring your options and getting a pack further away.
Speaking of Samuel Adams, a picture when I was younger...and already appreciative!  8)

We have a beer festival once a year in my region since 1998; beers were grouped by stands of nationalities or geographical affinities: Belgium, France, Germany-Czech, Britain Islands, North America. I always started my festival at the North American stand and was never disppointed; the waitress was really knowledgeable and brought each year new specialties. The best one, and one of the best beer in my life, was this one (it was 2001 I think, and I still remember its name! ;b;): http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/saranac-adirondack-amber/545/ (http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/saranac-adirondack-amber/545/)
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Unorthodox on June 22, 2014, 04:55:25 PM
Nice pentacle.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Rusty Edge on June 22, 2014, 05:45:38 PM
Sam Adams  :win:
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Geo on June 23, 2014, 05:49:37 AM
Mmm... two revolutionaries in the same pic? ;cute
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: JarlWolf on June 23, 2014, 10:16:18 PM
Too much revolution, will attract the British.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Green1 on June 24, 2014, 05:42:21 AM
Pentacles were all the rage back in the day for gamers. A lot of folks had them.

I think at one time, about half the folks I knew were Wiccan or Wicca sympathizers. To this day, I do not but maybe 2 or 3 actually knew about circles and calling quarters and only glossed through cheesy Llewellen books and used it as an excuse to dress Renfair every day. (You could get away with that in New Orleans)

Sam Adams is good beer.

Lately I have been trying to hunt down some St. Pauli Girl dark to celebrate when I move to my new place.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Unorthodox on June 25, 2014, 05:33:01 AM
Pentacles were all the rage back in the day for gamers. A lot of folks had them.

I think at one time, about half the folks I knew were Wiccan or Wicca sympathizers. To this day, I do not but maybe 2 or 3 actually knew about circles and calling quarters and only glossed through cheesy Llewellen books and used it as an excuse to dress Renfair every day. (You could get away with that in New Orleans)


But most people's pentacles (the shape associated with the term among the ignorant) are not actual pentacles (the talisman, which can take many shapes).  It is my personal assessment that the one displayed is the latter, despite being the most common shape.  At the least, it is capable of being the latter, but this is not the place to get all technical like why. 
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Geo on June 25, 2014, 10:02:17 AM
Too much revolution, will attract the British.

But, that's been since, like, '82? ???
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Vishniac on July 05, 2014, 09:40:39 AM
Last week-end in a bar with a  good choice of beers I found (and tasted) this one:
Anker's Old Foghorn
http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/anchor-old-foghorn-ale/4728/ (http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/anchor-old-foghorn-ale/4728/)

Very enjoyable  8)
Don't say they serve it in the Alps and not in Louisiana!

(http://res.cloudinary.com/ratebeer/image/upload/w_120,c_limit,q_85,d_no%20image.jpg/beer_4728.jpg)
Title: Just a little announcement...
Post by: Geo on July 05, 2014, 12:57:20 PM
Bell's Brewery Planetary Beer Pack (http://www.space.com/26441-bells-brewery-beer-planets-series.html).

Now, in which States of the Union does this brewery deliver? :D
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Vishniac on July 05, 2014, 02:00:02 PM
Pluto is missing
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Geo on July 05, 2014, 02:36:57 PM
Well, so is Ceres, Eris, Haumea, and Makemake...
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Vishniac on July 05, 2014, 02:46:44 PM
And Sedna.

But you know I am old-school.
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Geo on July 05, 2014, 09:12:39 PM
;cute
Title: Re: Just a little announcement...
Post by: Rusty Edge on July 05, 2014, 11:32:56 PM
Bell's Brewery Planetary Beer Pack (http://www.space.com/26441-bells-brewery-beer-planets-series.html).

Now, in which States of the Union does this brewery deliver? :D


Well, apparently this series isn't in production as yet, but 9 out of 10 beers listed on Bell's website are available at my local supermarket, according to their website. I guess that's not surprising, considering that they are located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. That means that Wisconsin is more accessible than the rest of Michigan, and they probably truck it through here to reach the rest of the country.
Title: Celestial Suds: Brewery Introducing 'Planets' Beer Series
Post by: Buster's Uncle on July 07, 2014, 06:00:51 PM
Quote
Celestial Suds: Brewery Introducing 'Planets' Beer Series
SPACE.com
by Elizabeth Howell, SPACE.com Contributor  5 hours ago


(http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/_JZKajz635RSl9q0Sq5JCw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTcyMztweW9mZj0wO3E9NzU7dz01NzU-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_US/News/SPACE.com/Celestial_Suds_Brewery_Introducing_%27Planets%27-22cbbda14e8085dfebea9ef83945739a)
Bell's Brewery is introducing a series of seven beers based on the planets of the solar system (except Earth). The first release is expected in August 2014.



In the universe of Bell's Brewery, Mars is a strong beer, Uranus a crafty potion mix and Mercury — that lightfooted messenger — a nimble brew.

Such is the thinking behind "The Planets" series of beers that Michigan-based Bell's is pioneering this August, with a limited-edition set based on the famous orchestral suite by English composer Gustav Holst.

New offerings will be released every two months through July 2015, based on seven of the planets in our solar system (Earth was excluded from Holst's piece, which was written between 1914 and 1916). They will be sold in both six-pack and draft in Bell's current distribution area, which includes 20 states as well as Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Inspiration came from a lifelong love of Holst that began when Bell's founder Larry Bell was in high school, playing percussion for the "Mars" and "Jupiter" portions of the suite. At age 18, he purchased a record of the suite directed by composer Leopold Stokowski.

"I think that vinyl is just about worn out," Bell told Space.com.


Shakespeare and Hemingway

The brewery's two most popular brands were inspired by literature that connects to his own life, Bell said.

For example, "Oberon" is based on a character in Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" that Bell played in a sixth-grade version of the play. And "Two-Hearted Ale" is based on Ernest Hemingway's short story "Big Two-Hearted River." Bell owns property on the Big Two-Hearted River, which runs through Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

So it makes sense that Bell would base some new beers on "The Planets," which also means a lot to him.

"It really seemed to fit to take something from a piece that was a big influence," he said.

Since Holst was influenced by the astrological "characters" of the planets, that was what Bell focused on when coming up with the recipes for each one.

So Venus is light and flavorful to represent an aphrodisiac, Mars a strongly alcoholic double IPA to remind one of war, and Neptune a mystical mix of flavors to represent what was (in Holst's time) considered the edge of the solar system.

"Mars was a lot of fun," Bell said.

As Bell did the research for his beer line, he discovered that Midnight Sun Brewing Co. in Alaska had its own "planets" series of beers in 2008. He called to make sure there was no conflict, and said he felt comfortable going ahead.

"We’re coming at it from different angles, and I think it’s been a few years since they did that," he said.


Space alcohol constellation

Bell described his 29-year-old brewery as a family-owned business that earns much of its sales through word of mouth.

"We're always trying new things," he said. "That's part of the brewing world, coming up with new flavors and new recipes. You know, I think we're fairly innovative in what we do."

The brewery joins a growing list of companies and individuals in recent years who have experimented with space alcohol options.

Dogfish Head Brewery and Eats restaurant in Delaware launched a "moon dust" ale in 2013 in association with ILC Dover, the contractor that created the spacesuits for NASA's Apollo program. The year before, Brit Ian Hutcheon created a wine with a hint of meteorite inside of it.

Some beer is literally space-inspired. Last year, 11-year-old Michal Bodzianowski's microbrewery experiment won a trip to the space station through a student experiments program.

An Australian brew has been put through microgravity experiments, while Japanese company Sapporo Holdings Ltd. once spoke of launching a beer from barley grains grown aboard the International Space Station.
http://news.yahoo.com/celestial-suds-brewery-introducing-planets-beer-series-114912554.html (http://news.yahoo.com/celestial-suds-brewery-introducing-planets-beer-series-114912554.html)
Title: Re: Beer thread
Post by: Green1 on July 13, 2014, 10:09:51 AM
Yes indeed, I must admit, I have been rather distracted lately.
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