Craft Beers, Microbreweries and Homebrewing

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The discussion highlights a strong appreciation for craft beers and microbreweries across the U.S., with specific mentions of popular locations like Rock Bottom Tavern, Stone Brewing Co., and Oak Pond Brewery. Participants share their favorite brews, including unique ales and lagers, and discuss the brewing process, particularly the use of top and bottom-fermenting yeasts. The conversation also touches on the evolution of American brewing since the 1980s, noting the rise of craft breweries and their growing international recognition. Overall, the thread reflects a vibrant community of beer enthusiasts eager to explore and celebrate diverse brewing styles.
  • #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:
 
  • #421
dlgoff said:
Taste is a plus but I drink beer for the effect and this one would be a good choice for that. :approve:
The first time I have The Abyss, it was on tap with nitro. I had three - in a brandy snifter. I didn't want to stop. It had quite an effect. Fortunately, I didn't have to drive.

This is another good one - for effect!
Astronuc said:
Bois from The Bruery
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/16866/93643
It is one of best beers I've ever had.
 
  • #422
Beer giants cultivate their crafty side
Big Brewers Acquire Small Brands, Create Niche Products to Adjust to Changing Tastes
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/beer-giants-cultivate-crafty-side-224300335.html More on another favorite - http://www.fullsailbrewing.com/news/full-sail-brewing-releases-2014-vintage-bourbon-aged-imperial-stout.cfm
http://www.fullsailbrewing.com/multimedia/the-art-and-science-of-bourbon-barrel-aged-beer.cfm

Full Sail alternates between barrel aged Porter and Imperial Stout.

Top Sail Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Porter - Available February 2012
Brewed in January 2011, our Imperial Porter was carefully aged for a year in Kentucky Bourbon casks from Maker's Mark, Jim Beam and Austin Nichols. This aging amplifies our robust porter and brings out hints of chocolate, figs, vanilla and oak. Deep black in color, with a roasty malt flavor and a rich malt and vanilla sweetness that’s smooth and amazingly drinkable. A wonderful addition to any beer cellar. Limited availability in 22oz. bottles and draft. Available February 2012 Until it’s gone! ABV 9.5% IBUs: 40

Full Sail Imperial Stout - Available March to April
A hearty brew that is black as night. Strong roasted malt character and a full body. Chocolate and caramel nuances blend with the hops for a smooth Imperial Stout. A hearty cellar beer. Half the batch will be cellared and aged in bourbon casks until February 2013 when it will be released as Black Gold Bourbon Imperial Stout. Available in 22oz. bottles & limited draft. ABV 7.2% IBUs: 65
 
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  • #423
Astronuc said:
... another favorite - http://www.fullsailbrewing.com/news/full-sail-brewing-releases-2014-vintage-bourbon-aged-imperial-stout.cfm
What a proud happy looking team.

http://www.fullsailbrewing.com/client/FS-Bourbon-Stout-Brewers-650x325.jpg
 
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  • #424
Full Sail is employee owned.

A short article on the founder and CEO, Irene Firmat.

http://www.craftbeer.com/craft-beer-muses/women-shaping-business-beer (Firmat is the second profile).
An explanation of that beer on Nitro.
http://www.craftbeer.com/craft-beer-muses/good-beer-gas-nitro-beers-explained
When people talk of nitro, it’s a reference to the type of gas used in the carbonation process. It means the difference between the creamier nitrogen beers (N2) and their lively, prickly CO2 counterparts. A typical nitrogenated beer contains about 70 percent nitrogen and 30 percent carbon dioxide.

Nitrogen is largely insoluble in liquid, which is what contributes to the thick mouth feel. This effect is helped by a special piece of tap equipment known as a restrictor plate that forces the beer through tiny holes before it lands in the glass. That process causes the “rising” effect that is topped with the head. And it’s really only the bubbles on the sides of the glass that fall. Inside they are actually rising, as typically seen with a poured carbonated beverage.
I had Deschutes Abyss on Nitro, and it was pretty good.

I've tried a Milk Stout, but it just tasted weird.
 
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  • #425
I just got a home brew kit for xmas. I'll have to set it up soon!
 
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  • #426
Greg Bernhardt said:
I just got a home brew kit for xmas. I'll have to set it up soon!
My girlfriend gave me one last year. Lots of work.

If it doesn't work out, may I suggest http://www.greatdanepub.com/
 
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  • #427
dlgoff said:
My girlfriend gave me one last year. Lots of work.

If it doesn't work out, may I suggest http://www.greatdanepub.com/

Lots of work? I totally disagree.

But then, I didn't get a "kit". I went from zero to 27 gallon capacity in just a few months.
Economies of scale.

(hic!)

:redface:

ps. And aside from the flotsam and jetsam, it was a lot less messier than making spaghetti.
pps. First batch: April 8th, 1990.
ppps. Last batch: November 8th, 1993.
pppps. OMG. The notes:
Batch #20, Brewed 3/12/91, all grain
3/26/91, a handwritten note, which was not mine; "smells RANK upon bottling" (obviously my (hic!) mentor*)
6/4/91, a handwritten note, obviously mine; "POISON!"​

*The little scheister works for Widmer Brothers Brewing Company, and drives a Ferrari. I kind of hate him. Though, he was the first friend I made when I got out of the Navy back in 1983. I'd joined in 1977, just a year before Jimmy Carter fixed the law, so he was 5 years ahead of the curve. And it took him at least 5 years to catch me up on all the brews, and breweries, I'd missed.
 
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  • #428
The best poison is the one you make yourself. Make sure to share it with your friends.
 
  • #429
Greg Bernhardt said:
I just got a home brew kit for xmas. I'll have to set it up soon!
I bought a homebrew kit in November with a gift certificate I got last Christmas. It'll be ready to drink in a couple of days!
 
  • #431
DarthMatter said:
The best poison is the one you make yourself. Make sure to share it with your friends.

:oldsurprised: The best rule when it comes to homebrew is the Fox Mulder rule "Trust No One" especially if you see or hear the word poison. :bugeye::oldlaugh:
 
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  • #433
For any beer-loving PF'ers that might travel to or from Canada next summer, you will likely be using Route 201. If so, stop in Skowhegan and take Route 2 East. Just before you get out of town, take the Oak Pond Road South to the Oak Pond Brewery for a tour. There are always 6 beers, ales, and stouts on tap, and you can sample them all (designated driver is a necessity!). The owners run the place and they are nice people to meet and talk to.

http://www.oakpondbrewery.com/default.asp
 
  • #434
DarthMatter said:
The best poison is the one you make yourself. Make sure to share it with your friends.
My friend was a bit of a beer snob, and turned his nose up at using malt extract. So I spent the small fortune($100?) for the extra equipment for full grain brewing. I'd made 18 batches using the extract method up until then, and most were palatable, if not exceptional. I then tried the full grain method, twice. Both were pretty bad. So I went back to using extract.

Going through my notes, which are phenomenally extensive, it appears that I was learning from each batch, as many say;"Better than the last batch".
The best batch, #12, was actually a mixture of two batches, and included 12 different ingredients.
2 types of malt extract
4 types of cracked malt( My method for the first 18 batches was actually a combination of all grain and extract )
4 types of hops
2 types of yeast

Batches 22 through 35 appear to have been when I got tired of experimenting, and went into economy/production/I know what I like mode.
No more cracked malt, and I went from 6 types of hops to 1, ditto with the yeast.

ps. This is why I've avoided this thread. I knew if I got started, I'd never shut up.
Going through this thread, I've had probably 90% of the beers listed.
I had to bite my tongue the day I saw Astro had mentioned Stone Brewery, as I had just gotten back from my sister's son's wedding, and we stopped there one day for dinner. My sister lives conveniently just a couple of miles from the brewery. The family favorite is Arrogant Bastard Ale. The label says; "You're not worthy", to which we reply; "Yes we are"!

Funny facade on the building. I wasn't sure if the architect had ADHD, or was trying to make it look like a bunch of separate buildings.
Stone.Brewery.2010.November.jpg

November, 2010
 
  • #435
A new place I found:

If you ever are in Pittsburgh, PA (Braddock neighborhood) and want to not only see a live action steel mill (Edgar Thompson Works) and have a great craft beer: Try the Brew Gentlemen Beer Company.

The Stone Brewery produces some excellent craft beers. Double Bastard Ale: One is all you need.
 
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  • #436
CFDFEAGURU said:
A new place I found:

If you ever are in Pittsburgh, PA (Braddock neighborhood) and what to not only see a live action steel mill (Edgar Thompson Works) and have a great craft beer: Try the Brew Gentlemen Beer Company.
Some friends have recently moved to Connecticut, and I've threatened to visit soon. Thanks!
The Stone Brewery produces some excellent craft beers. Double Bastard Ale: One is all you need.

I was going to say, that I've never heard of the Double Bastard. But after reading the flyer:

...Instead, you slackjawed gaping gobemouche, slink away to that pedestrian product that lures agog the great unwashed with the shiny happy imagery of its silly broadcast propaganda.

I recognized one of the few French words I know, and decided that I'd simply forgotten the incident of drinking some, but definitely remembered a bottle of beer calling me a "bug mouth". :oldeek: :biggrin:

Cheers! :)
 
  • #437
Home-brewing is a great deal of work. The result can be a beer or ale as good as any of the best in the world. So many years ago, I made a batch from a kit, and a few months later made a batch using malted barley. Both very good.
 
  • #439
Astronuc said:
I thought paying $20 to $45 for a 22 oz bottle of beer was a bit excessive.

https://www.yahoo.com/food/6-of-the-most-expensive-beers-in-the-world-108857207793.html

Yikes!
Never had one of those.

One thing that caught my eye:

Boston brewer Samuel Adams has been producing its Utopia edition every two years since 2002. The aged, uncarbonated beer resembles a fine sherry or cognac more than it does a bottle of suds. So much so, it’s recommended that you serve this brew at room temperature. Each batch is aged in brandy, bourbon and Scotch casks for up to 18 years...

Can someone check my math: 2002 + 18 = 2020.
Neutrino beer? Twin paradox beer?

I did check the Sam Adams webpage, and verified that they do indeed age this beer for that long. Perhaps they started selling it in 2002.
THE TOOLS
Truly the epitome of brewing's two thousand year evolution, Utopias® is a blend of batches, some having been aged up to 19 years in our Boston Brewery, in a variety of barrels.

Fun article. I never thought I'd gasp and laugh at an article about beer.

3. Schorschbräu’s Schorschbock 57
Dubbed “the strongest beer in the world,” Schorschbräu’s Schorschbock 57 is a mind-boggling 110-proof bock. Anything higher would breach Germany’s 500-year-old Beer Purity Law.
...

5. BrewDog’s The End of History
Leave it to the Scots to come up with one of the strongest—and weirdest—brews out there. BrewDog’s potent 55% ABV blond Belgian ale is infused with nettles and juniper berries, but don’t expect a light and fruity taste. This beer has been described as having tastes of mushrooms, soy sauce, beef, leather and tobacco.

"The End of History" is the weirdest thing I've heard of since Beard Beer.

Drats! I was just at their brewery last summer, and forgot to ask for some.

Rogue.brewery.2014.07.03.jpg

July 3, 2014​
 
  • #440
Are These the 12 Best New Breweries in America?
https://www.yahoo.com/food/the-12-best-new-breweries-in-america-110568738651.html

The answer is no, not necessarily.

There are a number of great breweries, like Stone Brewing, Port Brewing Co. (Older Viscosity, an excellent bourbon barrel-aged version of their Imperial Stout Old Viscosity), Lost Abbey (their Angel's Share is really good, but expensive), http://www.gooseisland.com/allBeers.html (especially their http://www.gooseisland.com/showBeer.html?name=bourbon-county-stout Stout), Deschutes Brewery (especially The Abyss), Full Sail Brewing Co (especially their Imperial Porter or Stout, Bourbon Barrel Aged), North Coast Brewing Co (Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout) and Eel River Brewing (especially Raven's Eye Stout) are great to name a few.

I'm partial to Stouts and Porters, especially if they are aged in Bourbon, Rum or Whisky barrels - depending.
 
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  • #441
I recently acquired a bottle of Hale's Ales Barrel Aged Imperial Stout (aged in rye whisky barrels for 16 months). It is pretty good!
http://halesbrewery.com/index.php?id=633
 
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  • #442
OmCheeto said:
"The End of History" is the weirdest thing I've heard of since Beard Beer.

Drats! I was just at their brewery last summer, and forgot to ask for some.

View attachment 79092
July 3, 2014​
I was at the Rogue Brewery and Pub in Newport, OR, last week. I had a nice lunch with my son, and we enjoyed some good brews. We tried their Hazelnut Brown Nectar, and it was pretty good.
http://www.rogue.com/rogue_beer/hazelnut-brown-nectar/
 
  • #444
Not really craft beers although Anheuser-Busch Inbev and SAB Miller did buy some specialty craft beers. AB Inbev bought Goose Island Brewery.
I'm fine as long as they leave the brews that I like alone.

Top beer makers to join forces to face industry challenges
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ab-inbev-sabmiller-ok-principle-set-beer-merger-065625336.html

Brewery battle: AB InBev and the craft beer challenge
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-34383721
According to the BBC article -
AB Inbev controls about 21% of the global beer market, SAB Miller about 10%

Meanwhile - (Reuter) U.S. probes allegations AB InBev seeking to curb craft beer distribution
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/10/12/us-abinbev-doj-antitrust-exclusive-idUSKCN0S623R20151012

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-sabmiller-budweiser-20151013-story.html
The new company would control 29% of the global beer market, making it more than three times bigger than its closest rival, Heineken, according to estimates from research firm Euromonitor. In the U.S., AB InBev has 45% volume share and MillerCoors, a joint venture between SABMiller and Molson Coors Brewing Co., controls 28%.

Last year Heineken rejected on offer from SAB Miller
http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/sep/15/heineken-rejects-sab-miller-takeover
Heineken has rejected a takeover offer from SABMiller, after the founding family of the Dutch brewer insisted it should remain independent.

http://www.thestar.com/business/2015/10/13/beer-mega-merger-could-be-good-for-molson-coors.html
Molson Coors owns a 42 per cent stake in the joint venture, while SABMiller owns 58 per cent. The terms of their deal give Molson Coors the right to buy up to 50 per cent in case of a change in ownership at SABMiller. It also has first right of refusal for the remaining 50 per cent and the right to top another bidder, said Adam Fleck, an analyst at Morningstar.
 
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  • #446
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  • #447
cnn said:
The San Francisco-based company announced Wednesday it’s ceasing operations and liquidating the beloved busines

Liquidating, eh? I'm glad someone has kept their sense of humor about this.
 
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  • #448
Vanadium 50 said:
Liquidating, eh? I'm glad someone has kept their sense of humor about this.
PF Road Trip! :smile:
 
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  • #449
Vanadium 50 said:
Liquidating, eh? I'm glad someone has kept their sense of humor about this.
Seems an inapt word choice though: they cited supply chain issues, which would imply insufficient liquidation.
 
  • #450
'Even though the liquids market remained liquid we had issues with liquidity so we're liquidating.'
 
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