I Like Beer...

Years ago Tom T. Hall had a country music hit when he wrote "I Like Beer".  Well, guess what I like beer too.  (No surprise if you read this blog).

This week was a particularly good week for tasting beer.  It started out on Tuesday night at iTap.  (I worked late and was thirsty when I got out of the office).  When, Emily saw me walk in I asked her for a Firestone Walker Union Jack.  This is one fine IPA out of Paso Robles, California.  It has a nice orangish color to it and is it hoppy.  Four pounds of hops per barrel.  As good as it was, I finished the evening with a really big beer; Hebrew Jewbilation Ale.  It is aged over Oak and comes in at 10.5 percent by alcohol.  It is darker than most Stouts I've enjoyed and has a nice hoppiness that finishes with a taste of malt and alcohol.  After that I called it a night and got my butt home before I could get myself in trouble.

The next day was the 4th of July so we headed to Grafton and one of my favorite spots to drink fine beer, the Piasa Winery.  The owner Will, knows his stuff and I asked him what he recommended.  He gave me a taste of Dark Horse Brewing's Crooked Tree Ale and I was sold.  It was the first product I have ever had from the Jackson, Michigan brewery and based on this IPA I hope to taste a lot more.  It was hoppy but not obnoxiously so.  It pours an amber color and is unfiltered.  Big in hops as I say, but a bit on the dry side.  If you are a "hop head" you really should find this beer and try it.   Before leaving Will asked me if I was familiar with Samuel Adams small batch brews.  I said no, so he educated me.  I bought a bomber of Dark Depths Baltic IPA.  I had the chance to taste it this afternoon and it was, well, interesting.  It's hard to describe.  It has lager yeast, bills itself as an IPA but also reminded me of a Porter.  The contrasts make for an interesting combination.  It pours dark like a Black IPA, but the malts that come through at the end of it are subtle.  I'm not sure I will buy it again, but as I say the contrasts make for an "interesting" beer.

Post 4th of July Thoughts

It was a short work week and included the 4th of July holiday.  I am tardy in writing but thank you to the men and women who have served and sacrificed to make the United States what it is.   Thousands and thousands of Americans have given their lives so we may continue to live free in what I believe is still the greatest nation to ever exist.  So, belatedly, Happy 237th birthday United States of America!