All the Berkeley-style political discussions on other threads got me a hankerin' for Anchor Steam and some blotter acid. Fortunately, the liquor store only carries beer.
Anchor's Liberty Ale has always been one of my favorites. Bought a sixer tonight - excellent, none of that citrusy hop flavor so many west coast pale ales have. Bitter to be sure, but nicely done and clean, clean, clean.
I also bought a 12er of some other beer that looked to be brewed in Frisco (actually brewed in Gilroy well south of Frisco) called Coastal Fog. It's purty darn good for $9/12.

Well, I stopped by the Rare Beers store in Cambridge on my way back from dinner. They had a great selection. Lots of Belgian and Trappist beers to choose from, as well as a bunch I'd never heard of before. The guy behind the counter was a beer lover and he looked happy to see me head straight for the Belgians. After looking around for a while, I picked up a bottle of "Trappistes Rochefort 10" since it was recently mentioned and I'd never had it before. It's open right now next to me.

When I brought it to the counter, the guy said "That's a serious beer. Perfect for a cold night." When I handed him my credit card (I was light on cash tonight), he pointed to the $10 minimum credit charge sign. So I said "I guess that means I'll have to buy something else!" That got a chuckle from him.

I asked him what his favorite was and he immediately pointed to the "Westmalle Tripel", another Trappist ale. I'll probably save that for tomorrow.

Now on to the Rochefort 10 tasting notes. All I have to drink from in the hotel room are the small water glasses. It pours a dark cloudy caramel color and has a creamy/frothy head that settles to a steady . Small streams of bubbles caress the sides of the glass on their way to meet the head from below. The smell? Whoah. Strong malty notes with a hint of sweetness.

The taste? Smooth and strong, but balanced. Definitely a slow sipper. I detect some subtle caramel notes, mixing with dark chocolatey overtones around a warm malty center. Enough words, though. I've got drinking to do!

I've heard Liberty Ale is more of a barleywine.Probably packs quite a kick! I'm still enjoying my 11.3% Rochefort 10.

Wow Peter, nice finds indeed. I picked up 2 Rochefort 10's and an 8 today. I can't wait to crack open one for Thanksgiving. It sounds like you're really enjoying yours. I wish I could find Westmalle around here, but my local rare brew shop just got in a few more things to make me happy. First is the Corsendonk Christmas Ale (8 pack with the glass). I hope their not to expensive because they'd make a great gift. Second is Thomas Hardy's Ale (barleywine). Thirdly, the big one, Gouden Carolus Cuvee Van De Keizer, or Gouden Carolus Grand Cru of the Emperor. It's only brewed once a year to celebrate the birthday of Charles V and the 2004 vintage has arrived. The owner said not to worry about him running out. He received 3 cases today and he has 6 more on order. I can't wait to grab one of these for the holidays. Needless to say, I'm a very happy man right about now.

It's amazing how often you can find good beer in proximity to a happy man.

I'm drinking the Westmalle Tripel now. Wow! This stuff is amazing. Very frothy and thick head that stays for a long time, leaving a dot on my nose as I sip. It's an organgy-golden color with a bright and fruity aroma. The taste is crisp with hints of citrus, and the texture is buttery. Lovely. I'll have to find this again.

Boston has been good to me. I finished early, so I get to head back home first thing in the morning. And then I have to repack my bags for the road trip to Washington.

Tom -- I'm not going to have time to make the side trip to Puyallup. Aw shucks.

Pity. You just don't want to share that Rochefort.

Hoping everyone traveling to be with loved ones for the holiday has a safe and satisfying journey, and a happy thanksgiving. Those of you NOT traveling can drink more, so probably don't need any additional tidings from me.

My wife made pumpkin ice cream this week. It totally ruled. I think that could be the highest, best use of a vegetable.

Got the recipe for that? I think I might try it...

I made out quite well this weekend and found my new favorite bar. It's an older hotel in the downtown Saskatoon area with a lounge/bar on the main floor called "Winston's". They have 130 different types of bottled beer (mostly import) and 30 different types of beer on tap. I was able to try my first Czecvar (sp?) and I was very impressed. I think I'll be headed back there more often.

FYI, (learned at the brewery this Saturday):

In December, Deschutes is releasing (in limited quantities, dammit!) a double-strength Mirror Pond Ale, dubbed "Mirror Mirror", made in the Barleywine style and aged in oak barrels. I don't think I'll be able to get my hands on it, but perhaps I can live vicariously through you, Tom?

I made it to Yakima in about 24 hours total, stopping over near Mt. Shasta Friday night. Damn was it cold in that tent! I'm here through Saturday. ...