Beer appreciation thread

[GeekyPenguin]

I had some Cape Cod Summertime last month and I loved it so much I was devising ways to smuggle it off-Cape and back home in my suitcase. I think it's my new favorite summer beer...too bad it requires a plane + ferry trip to get it.

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by GeekyPenguin

I had some Cape Cod Summertime last month and I loved it so much I was devising ways to smuggle it off-Cape and back home in my suitcase. I think it's my new favorite summer beer...too bad it requires a plane + ferry trip to get it.

I was having some problems with the Offshore Ale Company beers on Martha's Vineyard. You can find a couple of them around here sometimes, but the better brews are impossible to find off the island.

I still haven't tried the Grant's Lazy Days. I've been very much in a Belgian white mood this summer, and I don't know why.

ETA: On a happy note for Bostonians, especially those around Brookline; Vinny T's has cloed, and it's being replaced by Roadhouse (owned by the same people who own the barbeque restaurant in Brookline Village). While the food should be good, it's extra-good news for beer lovers, as the restaurant will have over 40 beers on tap, along with a number of bottled selections. From what I've heard, it's going to specialize in American craft brews.

It's just down the street from Publick House (a great beer bar/restaurant), so Boston area beer-lovers should be very excited. I just wished they had moved in when I lived in the area (about a 10 minute walk away).

As if that wasn't enough, the owners of Publick House have opened up another store, also in the area, where they are selling many of the Publick House brews for off-restaurant consumption.

Here's a story on the new place: http://www.wickedlocal.com/brookline...n-in-Brookline

[KSigkid]

(Hate to triple post, but here goes...)

I just tried Berkshire Brewing Company Oktoberfest Lager - fantastic stuff, probably one of the best beers I've ever tried. It's a bit heartier than the other Oktoberfests that I've tried (Harpoon, Sam Adams, etc.). The hops aren't overly strong, but definitely there. There's enough of a balance that anyone, from a novice beer drinker to someone with a more refined taste, should enjoy it.

Just a fantastic brew; if you get a chance to try it, you definitely should.

[violetpretty]

When I was in Pittsburgh this summer, I went to Penn Brewery and had their Weizen. Soooooo good. If you like German food too, great place to hit up. It's on the North Shore. That's all I got for something the general public may not know about.

Other faves include:
Rolling Rock
Sam Adams Summer Ale, Hefeweizen, Winter Lager, Cream Stout
Yuengling Lager
Molson Canadian (probably just because I drink it when I am at the beach)

[ISUKappa]

Originally Posted by KSigkid

(Hate to triple post, but here goes...)

I just tried Berkshire Brewing Company Oktoberfest Lager - fantastic stuff, probably one of the best beers I've ever tried. It's a bit heartier than the other Oktoberfests that I've tried (Harpoon, Sam Adams, etc.). The hops aren't overly strong, but definitely there. There's enough of a balance that anyone, from a novice beer drinker to someone with a more refined taste, should enjoy it.

Just a fantastic brew; if you get a chance to try it, you definitely should.

Is this regional or can you find it nationally? The husband has been drinking the Sam Adams Oktoberfest, but I know he would love to try something else. I'll have to tell him about it.

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by ISUKappa

Is this regional or can you find it nationally? The husband has been drinking the Sam Adams Oktoberfest, but I know he would love to try something else. I'll have to tell him about it.

Edited: Actually, it doesn't look like you can get it nationwide. (http://www.berkshirebrewingcompany.com/products.html). It appears that they only have New England distribution. But, if you do happen to see it, definitely give it a try. It's absolutely worth it, especially the Oktoberfest.

If your husband sees Thomas Hooker Oktoberfest, he should give that a try as well. As good as the Sam Adams is, Hooker makes a fantastic Oktoberfest as well. In fact, if you see any of the Hooker Ales, you should try them (especially the double bock, the pale ale and the Oktoberfest). One of the few perks of living in CT is having easy access to those ales.

Originally Posted by ZetaGirl22

Well being from Maryland, there are a lot of local Maryland brews I like, some of which I believe can be bought nationwide.

Pretty much everything brewed by Clipper City Brewing Co.- I especially like the Heavy Seas line of beers. My favorite is Small Craft Warning. They call it an "Uber Pils" http://www.ccbeer.com

I also like Flying Dog. I believe they are headquartered out of Co, but they have a brewery here in Frederick. One of my good friends apprenticed here. He's the head brewer at one of our local microbrews now My favorite Flying Dog is Old Scratch, an Amber Lagerhttp://www.flyingdogales.com

And if its cheap Im looking for, I cant go wrong with the PBR. Please no one blast me for that. PBR rocks!

Flying Dog is good stuff - there was a place in Boston, Sunset, that had it on tap. I haven't had it in a while, simply because I can't find it that often in Connecticut.

As for PBR - anyone with a true appreciation of good beer will tell you that PBR is the best of the cheap American brews. It completely blows Bud, Coors, and the rest of that junk out of the water.

[PeppyGPhiB]

I'm really into wheat beers lately. One I found this summer that I really love is Leinenkugal Sunset Wheat. It has hints of blueberry in it.

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by PeppyGPhiB

I'm really into wheat beers lately. One I found this summer that I really love is Leinenkugal Sunset Wheat. It has hints of blueberry in it.

That's funny, I've been the same way. I had always liked wheat beers, but this summer I found myself drinking more of them (in proportion to other beers).

Leinenkugel is a solid brew.

[RaggedyAnn]

Originally Posted by PeppyGPhiB

I'm really into wheat beers lately. One I found this summer that I really love is Leinenkugal Sunset Wheat. It has hints of blueberry in it.

If you ever get to try Wild Blue, that is an excellent blueberry beer.
Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale is an interesting treat. I think it may have to make a Thanksgiving appearance.

[piphiangel314]

Originally Posted by PeppyGPhiB

I'm really into wheat beers lately. One I found this summer that I really love is Leinenkugal Sunset Wheat. It has hints of blueberry in it.

This is the beer I've recently taken a liking to as well. I always told my friends it tasted like a blueberry muffin, but they never believed me until I made them try it.

I also really like Shock Top and Blue Moon...