Hey JP -

It's taken me a while to get caught up. I'm stilll NOT, of course, but don't want to let your note slide any farther

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So why does the Newcastle at my local Thai restaurant always taste better than the same beer at (I think) the same temp from my frige at home?

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Excellent question. The first thing I'd ask is whether or not the restaurant is serving you draught beer while you are drinking a bottle at home. I have found that small, malty beers (like Newkie Broon and Dos Equis) often suffer terribly from the filtration and/or pasteurization process inherent in bottling. The bottles also may be handled better/worse depending upon the supply chain. It's still a long trip across the pond.

Yes, I love Costco. Quality merchandise at a fair price. Good employer, too.

I should think that Peter would be able to suggest some additional local beers in your area. My recollection is that Old Dominion makes some lovely beers. You really should pick up a bottle of Lindemann's Framboise, though. It will change your life.

I've not had the Sam Adams Black Lager. As the company grew more successful, I think it sort of abandoned its roots and the quality has suffered a bit due to increased scale. IMO. I know that they are a very large "contract brewer" now; most of their beer is produced at factories owned by others. I will freely admit that the original Lager remains an engaging beer; there is something about the Hallertau Mittelfreuh hop signature that is uniquely, pleasantly spicy and the balance is just right. I never cared for the Ale, though, and it seems like they've gone the way of Pete's Wicked by supplementing a fine signature beer with "flavors of the month" that leverage their brand reccognition. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

If you like the black lager, there is a very good chance you would enjoy New Belgium 1554 (from Fort Collins, CO).

Yeah, I gotta try that She-May stuff some time.

I guess nobody drinks any Mexican brews? I'm not a real beer drinker but my wife loves a good Pacifico on these hot evenings.

Well, purely in the interest of correcting the record...

My personal favorite Mexican beers are draught Dos Equis (which is actually a tremendously good Vienna-style lager) and Bohemia (which is a pretty decent Czech-style Pils).

Negra Modelo is a fine beer. Even without a lime.

Hi Tom, and thanks for the thorough reply.

I should have specified that both Newcastles were indeed bottled. I have had experiences with draught beer being markedly superior to bottles, as in the Sam Adams Octoberfest I had last fall at a rib joint that was so great that I bought a case of it at Costco. The bottles just don't compare.

I'm wondering if you are onto something with the whole supply chain issue. Maybe the restaurant just gets fresher bottles.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. My wife likes to give me grief that I like both dark beers and near beers. I'll admit to being eclectic.

My favorite fruity malt beverage was actually Woody's Ice, imported from England. Only ever saw it in a boutique market in Georgia years ago. Had a great blueberry flavor. Now there's an ever-expanding selection of "alcopops", with lots of the big companies rushing to get into that market.

Oh, and what's the shelf life of beer?

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Yes, we know about that one. It's good.

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I don't know how else to ask this except to just ask at the risk of seeming like a TARD lol so here goes.

do you (or anyone) feel drinking the chimey gives an almost opiate sorta ... HIGH? That may not be the most accurate discription but its the best I can do. I VERY much enjoyed it. I felt quite happy, like high happy not drunk happy. (I know I'm laughing at me too LMAO)

I really enjoy Chimey, but other than the normal buzz I get (I'm a cheap date - 3 beer max) I've not experienced anything else.

-jr

Dude, by 3 beers, I'm hanging from chandeliers and gibbering.

So then you look something like nickbuol's avatar, I'm guessing?!

Cheeky monkey!

It's true. Peter and I have seen it in person.