Friday, August 29, 2008
Both Taps up and Running
Picked up a Pony Keg of Miller Lite and a Torpedo Keg of Sweetwater IPA today. Getting set for College Football season which kicks off its first full Saturday slate of games tomorrow. Figure the kegs should get me and any football watching friends through the next month or two. Miller Lite will be for the masses while I will reserve the Sweetwater for myself and a select few. I did have to slightly modify the door of the kegerator to fit both kegs (cut out one of the shelves). But everything fits and is gased up! Happy Opening Weekend!
Friday, August 22, 2008
The Atlanta Beer Snob's Guide to Tailgating UPDATED!
Ok, college football season is right around the corner and me being a responsible football fanatic could not let the season start without a slight preview as to how I do things when I tailgate and pre-game.
First:
What time to arrive for the tailgate?
Easy, as early as possible. Doesn't matter if it is a noon start or an 8pm start. Get there at 8am. My wife always complained about this until I pointed out that I only get to do this maybe 5 times a year and that she secretly enjoyed it anyways. I know 12 hours of tailgating may seem like forever but if you have planned correctly then it will go by in a hurry.
Where to tailgate?
As they say in real estate is all come down to location, location, location. If you can go and scope out your chosen spot a week before the game. Know where you are going to park, how bad is traffic going to be getting there, where are the nearest bathrooms, where are the nearest power outlets, and are there going to be plenty of other like minded fans in the area? All of these are very important in picking out a spot. For my Georgia Tech tailgates we have used pretty much the same spot for the last 5 years. Nice open green space, easy place to park, good access to bathrooms and power outlets and a good (but not overcrowded) number of other Tech folks that tailgate in the same area (many happen to have been tailgating there just as long as us). For away games pre-tailgating scouting and some inside information is a must. If you know someone who has been to games a (fill in the blank) stadium before, ask them the best places for an away fan to tailgate. Used local knowledge to our advantage for tailgating prior to the GT vs. Auburn game in 2005. Knew where we could park and found out that you could stake out your tailgate spot Friday afternoon before the game.
Food?
Yes. We split is up with our group. Menu can vary but usually involves grilling, meat, chili, more grilling, more meat ect. Breakfast can be bagels or you can cook if you really want to get into the spirit. Always bring post-game snacks as well.
Beer and other Refreshments?
Depends on your taste. We have recently moved towards higher class beer for our tailgates since we are not looking to pound a case before the game. So pick something that meets your tastes but that isn't too heavy. As for in game drinking, Bourbon or Tennessee Whiskey are the best bets.
Passing the Time Pre-Game?
Ok, there is a lot you can do to pass the 8 or so hours you may have before the game. A Semi-Athletic game helps pass the time and keeps you a bit active to ward off and alcohol induced sleepiness. Tossing the football around is ok but you can't hold a beer while doing it. Instead I prefer Beer Bocce. What is Beer Bocce you may ask? Well my definition of Beer Bocce (I'll post some instructions later) is a game that was introduced to me through my fraternity in college. Needless to say the rules are pretty loose and it involves plenty of drinking. Imagine bocce but with consequences. Other games that are acceptable: Sack Toss (I refuse to call it Cornhole), Beer Pong (Tricky on windy days), Ladder Ball , and any other game that can be played holding a beer.
Most important thing to remember about game day, pace yourself. You want to make it to the game and remember most of it!
First:
What time to arrive for the tailgate?
Easy, as early as possible. Doesn't matter if it is a noon start or an 8pm start. Get there at 8am. My wife always complained about this until I pointed out that I only get to do this maybe 5 times a year and that she secretly enjoyed it anyways. I know 12 hours of tailgating may seem like forever but if you have planned correctly then it will go by in a hurry.
Where to tailgate?
As they say in real estate is all come down to location, location, location. If you can go and scope out your chosen spot a week before the game. Know where you are going to park, how bad is traffic going to be getting there, where are the nearest bathrooms, where are the nearest power outlets, and are there going to be plenty of other like minded fans in the area? All of these are very important in picking out a spot. For my Georgia Tech tailgates we have used pretty much the same spot for the last 5 years. Nice open green space, easy place to park, good access to bathrooms and power outlets and a good (but not overcrowded) number of other Tech folks that tailgate in the same area (many happen to have been tailgating there just as long as us). For away games pre-tailgating scouting and some inside information is a must. If you know someone who has been to games a (fill in the blank) stadium before, ask them the best places for an away fan to tailgate. Used local knowledge to our advantage for tailgating prior to the GT vs. Auburn game in 2005. Knew where we could park and found out that you could stake out your tailgate spot Friday afternoon before the game.
Food?
Yes. We split is up with our group. Menu can vary but usually involves grilling, meat, chili, more grilling, more meat ect. Breakfast can be bagels or you can cook if you really want to get into the spirit. Always bring post-game snacks as well.
Beer and other Refreshments?
Depends on your taste. We have recently moved towards higher class beer for our tailgates since we are not looking to pound a case before the game. So pick something that meets your tastes but that isn't too heavy. As for in game drinking, Bourbon or Tennessee Whiskey are the best bets.
Passing the Time Pre-Game?
Ok, there is a lot you can do to pass the 8 or so hours you may have before the game. A Semi-Athletic game helps pass the time and keeps you a bit active to ward off and alcohol induced sleepiness. Tossing the football around is ok but you can't hold a beer while doing it. Instead I prefer Beer Bocce. What is Beer Bocce you may ask? Well my definition of Beer Bocce (I'll post some instructions later) is a game that was introduced to me through my fraternity in college. Needless to say the rules are pretty loose and it involves plenty of drinking. Imagine bocce but with consequences. Other games that are acceptable: Sack Toss (I refuse to call it Cornhole), Beer Pong (Tricky on windy days), Ladder Ball , and any other game that can be played holding a beer.
Most important thing to remember about game day, pace yourself. You want to make it to the game and remember most of it!
Victory Hop Wallop Review
Picked up a six pack of this on my monthly beer run yesterday. Only Victory beer I really have any experience with is their HopDevil IPA. A very good beer, well balanced and very drinkable for an IPA. Figured that I would give this one a try. My first thoughts when reading over the bottle where why would Victory make a year-round IPA and then a seasonal one, they can't be that different can they? I was a bit wrong and that point. Where DHF 90 minute is a bit more of an evolution from the 60 min the Hop Wallop is more a complete reinvention from the HopDevil. Whoa, you can smell the hops as soon as you open the bottle. Pours actually a tad lighter in color than the HopDevil, mostly dark golden color with a hint of copper. Nice full head that sticks around for a bit and hangs to the side of the glass while drinking. Did I mention it reaks of hops? Floral notes, a hint of pine just hits you when you stick a nose in to get a sniff. Taste is amazing as well. Again the hops are extremely dominate, barley a notice of malt and the alcohol (8.5%) is only noticeable at the very end. Nice bitter and aggressive to start and finishes with a more mellow bite. If you are a hop head then the mouth feel is excellent, you can feel this beer hanging around in every nook and cranny in your mouth. I plan on stocking up on this stuff while available this winter so that I can make it through next spring and summer with an adequate supply. An excellent brew. 4.5 pints out of 5. This definitely pushes me to try the rest of Victory's beers.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Magic Hat in Atlanta! Stone on its Way!
Wow, I put up a review about #9 and state that I can't buy it in Georgia. Well, what to my surprise to I spy at my local beer store yesterday (while picking up some Rogue Old Crustacean and Allagash Triple Reserve) but Magic Hat Beer! Sweet! They had 3 or 4 types. #9, Hocus Pocus, Circus Boy and maybe one other, a sample pack was also hiding in the beer cooler. Didn't pick any up this trip but I am going to grab some as soon as I get back from the beach. #9 may become my high-end tailgating beer for this season!
Also found out that Stone Brewing is going to start selling beer in GA, first shipments expected middle of September! Now all I need is Bear Republic to get here and I will be a very happy drinker.
Also found out that Stone Brewing is going to start selling beer in GA, first shipments expected middle of September! Now all I need is Bear Republic to get here and I will be a very happy drinker.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Homebrew IPA Review
My homebrewed IPA has had a bit more time to rest the last few weeks. I decided last night to pop another open and give it a true review.
Pours a dark brownish copper color, very clear. Good carbonation with pour. Fizzy head to start that sticks around for a bit. Slightly floral aroma with a hint of honey. Taste has changed the most from my first try a few weeks ago. Seems to have mellowed out a bit. Hops bitterness is still up front but more manageable, honey sweetness has dulled a bit but that is a god thing. Much more complex finish now, sweet and smooth. It really doesn't taste like an IPA, more like a Pale Ale with a bit more hops than usual. Maybe like a Bass with a hint of honey and a few more hops. If all the beers I end up brewing turn out this good then I will be a happy guy. I'll give the homebrew 3.5 pints out of 5.
Pours a dark brownish copper color, very clear. Good carbonation with pour. Fizzy head to start that sticks around for a bit. Slightly floral aroma with a hint of honey. Taste has changed the most from my first try a few weeks ago. Seems to have mellowed out a bit. Hops bitterness is still up front but more manageable, honey sweetness has dulled a bit but that is a god thing. Much more complex finish now, sweet and smooth. It really doesn't taste like an IPA, more like a Pale Ale with a bit more hops than usual. Maybe like a Bass with a hint of honey and a few more hops. If all the beers I end up brewing turn out this good then I will be a happy guy. I'll give the homebrew 3.5 pints out of 5.
Monday, August 18, 2008
New Beers in the Cellar, a new Season on the Horizon...
Added a whole bunch of new Beers to the cellar fridge this weekend. Most brought back from my trip to New York. I really wish I could find Stone and Bear Republic beers here in GA. Closest for Bear is SC and Stone would be Knoxville area. Dang it. Maybe someday GA will update its beer buying law to something closer to its Wine law, allowing folks to order beer from out of state and bypass the distributors. For now it just means I have to keep an eye out for both whenever I am on the road.
My sister-in-law gave Kel and I a nice small wine fridge. It now resides out on top of the beer fridge in the garage. That puts our fridge count at 5 (Beer Fridge, Kegerator, Cellar Fridge, Wine Fridge, Food Fridge) and 4 of the 5 are dedicated to storing alcohol. Hmmm, maybe we have a slight problem, nah.
We also just reorganized our basement storage area, put in a whole bunch of new shelving and cabinets. So my brewing equipment now has a true place to live instead of underneath my garage workbench. My collectible liquor bottles and our other hooch now lives in a lockable cabinet, hopefully putting the kibosh on anymore bottle thefts.
Exciting times abound. Football season is upcoming and that also marks the arrival of cooler weather. This combined with a trip to Ann Arbor sometime in the next few months (Visit to a college buddy and avid home brewer) should lead to my first big batch of homebrew, and then the eventual kegging of said beer. Football tailgates also mark the return of "Fall", "Fall" being the codeword for the best football drink of all, the Bourbon and Coke. So in the next few weeks expect some new beer reviews plus the Atlanta Beer Snobs College Football Tailgating Guide. Should be fun.....
My sister-in-law gave Kel and I a nice small wine fridge. It now resides out on top of the beer fridge in the garage. That puts our fridge count at 5 (Beer Fridge, Kegerator, Cellar Fridge, Wine Fridge, Food Fridge) and 4 of the 5 are dedicated to storing alcohol. Hmmm, maybe we have a slight problem, nah.
We also just reorganized our basement storage area, put in a whole bunch of new shelving and cabinets. So my brewing equipment now has a true place to live instead of underneath my garage workbench. My collectible liquor bottles and our other hooch now lives in a lockable cabinet, hopefully putting the kibosh on anymore bottle thefts.
Exciting times abound. Football season is upcoming and that also marks the arrival of cooler weather. This combined with a trip to Ann Arbor sometime in the next few months (Visit to a college buddy and avid home brewer) should lead to my first big batch of homebrew, and then the eventual kegging of said beer. Football tailgates also mark the return of "Fall", "Fall" being the codeword for the best football drink of all, the Bourbon and Coke. So in the next few weeks expect some new beer reviews plus the Atlanta Beer Snobs College Football Tailgating Guide. Should be fun.....
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA Review
I really like this beer. Had for the first time on tap in Virginia. Thanks to Beer Advocate and some of their online beer store guides I found a good beer store near where I am staying this week. Since NY state does not have an abv limit I wanted to find a store that might have some of my high abv favs that I can't get in GA. I was hoping for Dogfish Head 120 Min IPA but found some other favorites, Bear Republic being one of these. Got 2 bottle of Racer 5, a bottle of Bear Republic Hop Rob Ale and then a few bottles of Stone Brewing beer. Here is the Racer 5 review:
Pours a deep orangish copper color. Hazy in clarity. Nice white head forms right away. Very good head retention for the first few minutes, it then settles down to a nice lacing on top of the beer. A good floral smell, hops are right up front. Maybe a little fruity note, apricot, maybe hint of orange? Mouth feel, slightly sweet start but the hops kick in almost right away. Oily feel going through the mouth. Good bitter hops note but not too much, alcohol (7%) is well hidden but does help balance out the hops, you do feel the hops on your teeth between sips. All in all I had forgotten how much I love this beer. May need to stack it up against the 90 min when I get home in a battle royal for my top IPA. If you are a hop and IPA fanatic then go get one of some Racer 5, a supreme example of a West Coast IPA. I have got to figure out a way to get this stuff in GA. 4/2 pints out of 5.
Pours a deep orangish copper color. Hazy in clarity. Nice white head forms right away. Very good head retention for the first few minutes, it then settles down to a nice lacing on top of the beer. A good floral smell, hops are right up front. Maybe a little fruity note, apricot, maybe hint of orange? Mouth feel, slightly sweet start but the hops kick in almost right away. Oily feel going through the mouth. Good bitter hops note but not too much, alcohol (7%) is well hidden but does help balance out the hops, you do feel the hops on your teeth between sips. All in all I had forgotten how much I love this beer. May need to stack it up against the 90 min when I get home in a battle royal for my top IPA. If you are a hop and IPA fanatic then go get one of some Racer 5, a supreme example of a West Coast IPA. I have got to figure out a way to get this stuff in GA. 4/2 pints out of 5.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Magic Hat #9 Review
Ok, picked up a sixer of this brew which is not available in GA. I have had it before at the Capital Ale House in VA. It markets itself as not quite a Pale Ale. I would say they are pretty close with that description. Pours a light copper color. Pretty good head that settles out quickly. You can pick up a bit of fruitiness in the smell. Almost hefe like but a tad sweeter? (After having a few I noticed the bottle said it was brewed with essence of apricot) Good mouth feel. A sweet note, but not a maltyone. Very odd but pleasant. A short hop note up front but no bitterness to be had (darn!) Lingers in the mouth a while, a slight oily feel once done. There is something about this beer I can't really put my finger on. It isn't a pale ale but shouldn't really be called a fruit beer either. Maybe an SPA, Sweet Pale Ale? It is a refreshing drinking beer and a tad mysterious as it says on the bottle. If I could get it in GA it would be a semi-regular feature for when I was in a mood for a darker ale but not on a hop bender. If you like Pale Ales but are not a Hop Head (or if you are and want to try something interesting) and you find this on tap, give it a shoot. I'll give it 3 pint out of 5.
Monday, August 4, 2008
IPA is done plus a few Beer Reviews
Gave one of my homebrew IPAs a shoot last night. It is ok, decent hop taste but with a strange hop bitterness, could be the fact that it was a hop extract and not fresh hops used in the brewing. I can taste the honey that I added, actually gives the beer a pretty nice balance with the bitterness that I am not sure would be there otherwise. Pretty smooth, very fizzy carbonation. I am going to let the rest age for a few more weeks and see if anything changes.
Tried three new brews while out on my Carolina swing this week:
First was an XPA (extra pale ale) but I don't remember who brewed it. Was not impressed, very dull taste, just not much there.
Second was the Highland Kashmir IPA, yes I saw this on the menu and remembered my Gaelic Ale experience so I had to order it. Wow, an impressive IPA. This may replace the Dogfish 60 minute as my favorite regular IPA. Very floral smell, great feel in the mouth. Big hops kick. Darker in color than most IPA (almost Bass colored). Going to have to get a 6er of this stuff to give a more in depth review.
Last was Foothills Brewing IPA. Eh, it was pretty good. Probably suffered from having come right after the very impressive Highland offering. Not very hoppy, color was much lighter than the Kashmir. A good beer but nothing stood out about it.
Tried three new brews while out on my Carolina swing this week:
First was an XPA (extra pale ale) but I don't remember who brewed it. Was not impressed, very dull taste, just not much there.
Second was the Highland Kashmir IPA, yes I saw this on the menu and remembered my Gaelic Ale experience so I had to order it. Wow, an impressive IPA. This may replace the Dogfish 60 minute as my favorite regular IPA. Very floral smell, great feel in the mouth. Big hops kick. Darker in color than most IPA (almost Bass colored). Going to have to get a 6er of this stuff to give a more in depth review.
Last was Foothills Brewing IPA. Eh, it was pretty good. Probably suffered from having come right after the very impressive Highland offering. Not very hoppy, color was much lighter than the Kashmir. A good beer but nothing stood out about it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
