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I gotta fix that picture of my boy

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naw man.. i like it..

that is one, fer sure, 10 gallon hat. either that, or a 20 gallon head?

i got no room to talk.. me and my 7 7/8 head.. i cant hardly find a fitted cap.

bigjohn

I'm a big fan of Sam Smith's oatmeal stout. If I see the Barney Flats I'll be sure to get some, although I don't think we get Anderson Valley up in Boston. I would definately give the Sam Smith a shot if you haven't tried it.

I haven't had it in a few years, but it does seem to be regarded as the std for oatmeal stouts. I made a couple, but they always seemed to come out oily, resinous, lacking head retention, and lacking finesse.
Best stout I ever made was a mash/extract combo using 6.6# of Mellimicks (sp?) Irish Stout extract and something like 8# of 2 row (for a 10 gal batch). It was AWESOME!

Yum, yum, yum, yum!!! If you can find some Anderson Valley Winter Solstice, buy some. It's a wonderfully malty dark amber beer with a light spicy/fruity nose. (Don't worry Adam. I saved a bottle for you -- bottom drawer in the fridge.)

Next up is a bottle of Corsendonk Chistmas Ale. I'll report back later.

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Corsendonk Christmas Ale

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dang it!! i asked the owner of the liquor store to see if he could get that, and he said the distributor in austin didnt have it. so, unless i go to dallas, i dont think i can find any. i really liked the regular corsendonk. in fact, i bought three bottles of it for me and my buddy to watch football tomorrow night.

i will be looking for your 'christmas ale' report.

bigjohn

If he hasn't passed out...

I second the yumminess of the Anderson Valley xmas brew. A very tasty beer!

(That bottle of Corsendonk looks awfully tempting sitting there in the cooler, Peter)

So he DID pass out!

i think so....

bigjohn

the beer gods must be looking out for me!!!

after speaking with the owner of the Pinkies liquor store(largest liquor store chain in texas) on friday, he could see the disapointment in my eyes when he told me that he couldnt get the beers from his austin distributor. so, after i left his store, he called the dallas distributor, and managed to get me some Chimay Blue, and the Duvel. he just called my house, and told my wife to let me know.. so, i am running over there after work to grab it. i am SO excited.

talk about some great service. i will be sure to shake that mans hand today. i just think that is pretty dang cool!! unlike peter, i WILL post a review..

bigjohn