Craft Beers, Microbreweries and Homebrewing

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around craft beers, microbreweries, and homebrewing, exploring various breweries, beer styles, and the history of American brewing. Participants share personal experiences with different breweries and beers, as well as their thoughts on brewing techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express their enjoyment of specific microbreweries and their offerings, such as Stone Brewing Co. and Oak Pond Brewery.
  • There are mentions of favorite beers, including Wheat State Golden and various ales and lagers, with some participants suggesting tasting tours.
  • Questions arise regarding the types of yeast used in American brewing, with some participants noting that ales typically use top-fermenting yeasts while lagers use bottom-fermenting yeasts.
  • Historical context is provided about American brewing, including the influence of various immigrant groups and the evolution of craft breweries since the 1980s.
  • Some participants express surprise at the variety of beers available in America compared to the past, highlighting a shift from mainstream brands to craft options.
  • There is a humorous exchange about the naming of a stout and its implications, alongside a discussion about the historical presence of beer in America since the arrival of the pilgrims.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants share a variety of personal preferences and experiences with craft beers and breweries, but there is no consensus on specific brewing techniques or the overall quality of American beers compared to international brands. The discussion remains open-ended with multiple viewpoints presented.

Contextual Notes

Some claims regarding yeast types and brewing history depend on specific styles and definitions, and there are unresolved questions about the availability of certain beers in different regions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to beer enthusiasts, those exploring craft brewing, and individuals curious about the history and diversity of American beers.

  • #391
The winning beer of mine in the local homebrewing competition just had 10 bbls brewed yesterday by the brewery. If you near Kalamazoo, MI, it will be on tap in about 6 weeks.
 
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  • #392
Insanity said:
The winning beer of mine in the local homebrewing competition just had 10 bbls brewed yesterday by the brewery. If you near Kalamazoo, MI, it will be on tap in about 6 weeks.
Wow. What an honor. :approve:
 
  • #393
Dudes and Brews - http://screen.yahoo.com/dudes-and-brews-jessie-cantrell-investigates-man-s-fascination-with-all-things-beer-30266952.html with new manologist Jessie Cantrell. :biggrin:
 
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  • #394
Astronuc said:
Dudes and Brews - http://screen.yahoo.com/dudes-and-brews-jessie-cantrell-investigates-man-s-fascination-with-all-things-beer-30266952.html with new manologist Jessie Cantrell. :biggrin:
I could see you working there.

BTW I'm unemployed and work for beer. :biggrin:
 
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  • #395
Video would not load, which has been a reoccurring problem with Yahoo.

Brewed a hefeweizen a few weeks ago, may bottle this weekend.
Just brewed an oatmeal stout that I added some molasses too.
Got a cream ale planned, may do a double batch and ferment half with ale yeast, other with lager yeast.
 
  • #396
Seems I am graduating from homebrewer to professional. Local brewery and restaurant is reopening this fall and brewer friend of mine put a word in and I am currently helping getting the brewery area organize and back into operation.
 
  • #397
Congratulations Mr. Brew Master. I think I'll have a Free State Ad Astra Ale in celebration.
 
  • #398
Insanity said:
Seems I am graduating from homebrewer to professional. Local brewery and restaurant is reopening this fall and brewer friend of mine put a word in and I am currently helping getting the brewery area organize and back into operation.
Cool!

I was in Manchester and northern Lancashire two weeks ago and last week. I had some great beers and ales.

Two were Black Sheep's Best Bitter and Ale.
http://www.blacksheepbrewery.com/

Another was Thwaite's Lancaster Bomber. Unfortunately, I couldn't find their Porter on tap.
http://www.thwaites.co.uk/thwaitesbeerco/beer_brands/
 
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  • #399
Going to have some good english styles ales on tap, there is a hand pump beer engine to use for that.
 
  • #400
http://news.yahoo.com/who-knew/popular-beers-from-the-ancient-egyptians-to-the-president-of-the-united-states-beer-has-always-been-popular-30686662.html

Popular Beers: From the ancient Egyptians to the President of the United States, beer has always been popular.

President Obama has been brewing his own beer in the White House, which seems appropriate given the popularity of beer in America and, indeed, the world.
:-p :biggrin:
 
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  • #401
If one happens to pass through Grand Central Station in NY City, stop in at the Beer Table Pantry and check out the excellent selection on the shelves.

http://beertable.com/beer-table-pantry/

and they have growlers - http://beertable.com/draft/

Today's list:

Greenport Harbor Black Duck Porter
De Dolle Arabier
Lagunitas Daytime
Southern Tier Pumking
Schneider Wiesen Edel Weisse
Red Hook Winery Brooklynbrusco
Brooklyn Soda Works Apple Ginger Soda
Cask: Harviestoun Old Engine Oil


I passed through recently, but didn't have sufficient time to check out all of the stock.

I'll be back though.
 
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  • #402
This is a wee bit over the top, but Scottish brewery Brewmeister claims to have created the world's most alcoholic beer, Armageddon, using a process called freeze fermenting to reach super-high alcohol by volume levels -- 65% abv.

http://screen.yahoo.com/is-this-the-world-s-strongest-beer-30957670.html

And some think Deschute Abyss Imperial Stout (12% abv) is strong.
 
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  • #403
Yea. It's http://www.freestatebrewing.com/beer/winterfest/ time. What a yummy Pale Ale!

Winterfest-bottle-137x512.png
 
  • #405
Anchor Steam's Christmas Ale that is out now is pretty good.
 
  • #406
gravenewworld said:
Anchor Steam's Christmas Ale that is out now is pretty good.

Recently brewed a California Common, which is what Anchor's Steam beer is a representative of. Anchor trademarked the term 'steam beer' so no other brewery can use it, so the style is called California Common.
 
  • #407
My new favorite is Yeti from the Great Divide Brewing Company. A very nice Imperial Stout. Not cheap but well worth the money.
 
  • #410
Bois from The Bruery

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/16866/93643
Bois is the fifth anniversary ale, loosely brewed in the English-style Old Ale tradition using our house Belgian yeast strain and then blended using the solera method. A portion of each of our anniversary ales is saved in our barrels and blended in with the next year's production, providing more complexity and depth of character that comes with age. Layered with complex flavors of dark fruit,vanilla, oak, and burnt sugar, Bois is a robust ale, surely the perfect beer to mark this major milestone.
It is one of best beers I've ever had.
 
  • #411
  • #413
I'm a man who enjoys a craft beer or two (or three :P). So, I thought it would be a good idea to create a thread where people can discuss recent good brews they've tried. We have people from all over the world on this forum so I'm excited to get some new, interesting recommendations. I'll start first. Fall/winter is my favorite time of the year for many reasons, one of which is the excellent seasonal beers that come out around this time of year. The first beer I'm going to recommend you try (I'm drinking one as I type this) is called Mad Elf Ale, brewed by Troeg's Brewery in Harrisburg, PA. I live fairly close to Harrisburg, so obtaining this beer is not a problem for me; however, I also assume that Troeg's will be sold in any liquor store around the country with a decent craft beer section. This beer is very polarizing, people I've known who have tried it tend to either love it or hate it. It pours a ruby red color with basically no head at all, probably due to the fact that it contains 11% abv (so don't drink too many). However, you can hardly taste the alcohol at all (really, don't drink too many). It has a very sweet aroma with hints of chocolate, cherry, honey, a bit of stone fruit, and even some banana. It has a sweet, but not overly sweet taste. Upon my first sip I get hints of cherry, honey, malt, and caramel. This beer is excellent with strong cheese (personally I like it with Manchego) and it also goes well with rich deserts. In my opinion this beer is really well balanced, and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good winter brew. I look forward to hearing your recommendations :)
 
  • #416
CFDFEAGURU said:
My new favorite is Yeti from the Great Divide Brewing Company. A very nice Imperial Stout. Not cheap but well worth the money.
I learned to enjoy Yeti. Since I can't readily get my favorites, I do enjoy Yeti Oatmeal Imperial Stout and the regular Imperial Stout. Now if only they aged it in a Bourboun or Whisky barrel.

I recently had Smaug Stout by Fish Brewing Co., Olympia, Wa. It's decent.

Just before I die, I hope I have a bottle or glass of Deschutes Abyss. That is my all-time favorite.
 
  • #417
I need to spend some more time in Wisconsin and this is the reason why:

feerthecow.jpg
 
  • #418
Yes! I have a bottle and a 32oz growler. I will be searching for more.

Alc. 11% | IBUs 86

A deep, dark Imperial Stout, The Abyss has almost immeasurable depth and complexity. Hints of molasses, licorice and other alluring flavors make it something not just to quaff, but contemplate.

As for the great "drink it now or let it age" debate, we stand clearly on the fence. Distinct and delicious on release, the flavors meld and fuse into an entirely different pleasure after a year or more in the cellar.Malt: Pale, Black, Chocolate, Black Barley, Roasted Barley, Wheat
Hops: Millennium, Nugget, Styrian, German Northern Brewer
Other: Blackstrap Molasses, Brewer’s Licorice, Vanilla Beans, Cherry Bark
Barrel-Aging: (28%) 6 Months in Bourbon, Oregon Oak, Pinot Noir

Watch this http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/video/abyss-interview to learn about the history, ingredients, and motivation behind The Abyss.
Release date for The Abyss 2014 was November 13th at our pubs. Look for it in your market soon
I had some on tap with nitro back in ~2011, and it was about 15% ABV

It is an extraordinary stout, especially on nitro, and is hard to find.Update: I found a case + 1 bottle at a corner gas station in a nearby town. I bought the entire stock! :approve:
 

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  • #419
Runner up with a bit more kick.

Goose Island Bourbon County Stout - 13.8% ABV, 60 IBU

Brewer's Notes
Brewed in honor of the 1000th batch at our original Clybourn brewpub. A liquid as dark and dense as a black hole with thick foam the color of a bourbon barrel. The nose is an intense mix of charred oak, chocolate, vanilla, caramel and smoke. One sip has more flavor than your average case of beer.
Recipe Information
  • Style: Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels
  • Alcohol by Volume: 14.2% (for 2013 vintage)
  • International Bitterness Units: 60
  • Color: Midnight
  • Hops: Willamette
  • Malts: 2-Row, Munich, Chocolate, Caramel, Roast Barley, Debittered Black
http://www.gooseisland.com/beer/bourbon-county-stout.html
 

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  • #420
Astronuc said:
... and it was about 15% ABV
Taste is a plus but I drink beer for the effect and this one would be a good choice for that. :approve: