I'll wax philosophical then.

I picked up some Firestone Walker Pale Ale and it may be the most finely balanced pale ale I've had. It's a keeper.

I've been enjoying the Firestone Walker Union Jack IPA. Well, not right now, of course. . .it's 6 in the morning. . .but in the evenings! It's mighty tasty and pretty potent.

I ended up eschewing the Bud for yesterday's big game and went with an Italian negroamaro blend followed by an excellent Aussie shiraz/cab. And then a nice, nice cigar in the garage while I fiddled with my bike.

Picked up a couple bottles of Maker's Mark Mint Julep for $10/L. Tastes just like Juicy Fruit. Oddly good with just ice, but I could see using it in a mix - prolly with just more bourbon, ice and mint.

oh my god, if you guys ever get a chance to try St Peters Winter Ale, OMG, freaking awesome.

I really like the Porter from there. The IPA, not so much. Cool bottles. I'll try to find the Winter ale.

being seasonal it might be harder to find. I was at a buddies house the other evening and he had picked some up out of state...hope I can find some locally..

I find IPAs to be out-of-balance by definition. Beyond an acquired taste, IMO.

Wouldn't you rather revel in the malty goodness of a doppelbock? or the chewy, roasted flavors of a thick stout? or the ashen cream of a draft porter? or the dried fruit of a Belgian dubbel?

I just don't get the hop overload. It's like Pine-Sol.

Mmm. Pine-sol....

My palate is ruined. No IPA is too strong for me. That being said, I really do enjoy the balanced and maltier side of the spectrum, as well.


My beer is days away from being ready to bottle. Just teeny bubbles coming to the surface occasionally, now.

I bottled my beer today. I got 7 full 15.2oz bottles out of my batch, so not quite one gallon.

I took the bottling opportunity to sample the ounce or so remaining of my primed beer. It smells like a porter and tastes like a porter. I didn't detect any off flavors at all, so I think I'm going to have something quite enjoyable in a few weeks.

Maybe I'll cook up some IPA this weekend and get that fermenter filled again.

You kinda inspired me. Not enough to actually get off my ass and make a beer, but in spirit... I'm there.

It's a hobby that saves you money, you love your creations (whether they deserve it or not), with all your beer knowledge you can scoff at the pedestrian drinkers you meet.

We should all be making beer!