[ChapelTom]

Can highly recommend Brooklyn - Black Chocolate Stout, just 10.6% bit of a monster but one hell of a beer.

Nearing the 1000 beer tries mark, soooo gonna have something special for the big 4 figure moment I reckon, that said I've had all the Rochefort's and having had Achel Blond, Saison Dupont in the last 5 days as well I don't think I can try anything much better. Just wish Westvleteren was easily available! I'm not even 20 and I've tried some pretty incredible beers.

[py0alb]

(Original post by Entangled)
I need to get more into the Brewdog stuff in all honesty - it's a shame that I haven't put in the effort really (especially given that they're the big local producer and they're an hour up the road from me).

That said, I didn't enjoy their Punk IPA. The hops completely overdid it for me ('what did you expect,' I hear you cry) and it tasted like I had just devoured half a shrub garden. Definitely going to stick more with developed malt flavours than developed hop flavours - I love the darker stuff, basically. Anyone have any suggestions for brews in the sort of brown/chocolate malt range?

No!!!

I love Punk IPA. Since they changed the recipe last year the hops are absolutely perfect. What do you think of Trashy Blonde or 5am Saint? I love 5am, you might want to try that - its a little more malty but slightly less hoppy. Zeitgeist is also a fantastic example of its genre.

[robo donkey]

I love seeing other Brewdog fans, you guys just seem to get it really with what they're trying to do and I fully respect other fans of it. Punk IPA is just excellent, as is the 5AM Saint, me and a friend have also tried the Tokyo as well as one of the ones they brewed in Islay whiskey casks, tasted extremely woody, was not unpleasant though, would recommend if you ever see it, like a lot of what they do though it's not particularly cheap.

[Salgoud]

(Original post by py0alb)
No!!!

I love Punk IPA. Since they changed the recipe last year the hops are absolutely perfect. What do you think of Trashy Blonde or 5am Saint? I love 5am, you might want to try that - its a little more malty but slightly less hoppy. Zeitgeist is also a fantastic example of its genre.

I'm lucky enough to live in Edinburgh, where we're lucky enough to have a BrewDog bar, which is basically the only bar I go to nowadays. I love Punk - it's my session beer of choice - but I have to say that it was more interesting before they changed it. I see why they changed it, and I think it's a good beer still, but I wish they'd kept the old one as well and made the new punk a session punk or something. Hardcore IPA does the job for now, though.

(Original post by robo donkey)
I love seeing other Brewdog fans, you guys just seem to get it really with what they're trying to do and I fully respect other fans of it. Punk IPA is just excellent, as is the 5AM Saint, me and a friend have also tried the Tokyo as well as one of the ones they brewed in Islay whiskey casks, tasted extremely woody, was not unpleasant though, would recommend if you ever see it, like a lot of what they do though it's not particularly cheap.

BrewDog has a massive following. Their marketing is really rather impressive, actually, as they've managed to create an almost cult-like feel - similar, if not as extreme, to that of Apple - around their beer. I'm proud to count myself amongst them, because fact is that their beers are (for the most part) amazingly good. They really care about good quality beer, and they aren't scared to try something new. Their bars are absolutely outstanding too as they don't compromise on their values; they only sell good, craft, beer, whether their own or by other breweries. My local BrewDog bar virtually always have at least one Mikkeller and/or Nøgne expression on draft as well, which just happens to be two of my very favourite breweries.

Could it be Paradox you tried? I know they've done Jura (not tried), Arran (amazing), and Smokehead (delicious) version of that - with Smokehead being Islay. Also, as I live in Scotland, I have to be a douche and tell you that Scotland produces whisky, while whiskey is primarily Irish and American. Sorry.


EDIT: If someone is looking for an interesting beer to try, I'd recommend Mikkeller Black Hole - White Wine Edition. Very distinct, very delicious: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/13307/63182/ It may be a bit tricky to get your hands on, though!

[Mancbrummy]

Is anyone drinking Innis & Gunn? Beer aged in whiskey barrels MMMMMMMMM

Just released a rum version too.

[py0alb]

(Original post by Salgoud)
I'm lucky enough to live in Edinburgh, where we're lucky enough to have a BrewDog bar, which is basically the only bar I go to nowadays. I love Punk - it's my session beer of choice - but I have to say that it was more interesting before they changed it. I see why they changed it, and I think it's a good beer still, but I wish they'd kept the old one as well and made the new punk a session punk or something. Hardcore IPA does the job for now, though.

BrewDog has a massive following. Their marketing is really rather impressive, actually, as they've managed to create an almost cult-like feel - similar, if not as extreme, to that of Apple - around their beer. I'm proud to count myself amongst them, because fact is that their beers are (for the most part) amazingly good. They really care about good quality beer, and they aren't scared to try something new. Their bars are absolutely outstanding too as they don't compromise on their values; they only sell good, craft, beer, whether their own or by other breweries. My local BrewDog bar virtually always have at least one Mikkeller and/or Nøgne expression on draft as well, which just happens to be two of my very favourite breweries.

Could it be Paradox you tried? I know they've done Jura (not tried), Arran (amazing), and Smokehead (delicious) version of that - with Smokehead being Islay. Also, as I live in Scotland, I have to be a douche and tell you that Scotland produces whisky, while whiskey is primarily Irish and American. Sorry.

I think it was logical what they did - they made Punk slightly more accessible, because they already have hardcore to satisfy the real hopheads. They have covered all the bases now in the hopped up IPAs front.

If I have one quibble with brewdog, its that they insist on remaining resolutely experimental at the expense of producing drinkable beers. I would like a few more options of session beers, like what about an interesting weizen or a gueze at a drinkable ABV? Zeitgeist also isn't nearly available enough. That's their 3rd best session beer IMO.

[py0alb]

(Original post by Mancbrummy)
Is anyone drinking Innis & Gunn? Beer aged in whiskey barrels MMMMMMMMM

Just released a rum version too.

Yeah, I love Innes and Gunn, although it gets too sweet after about 3 bottles.

They have original (bourbon barrels) blonde (not sure), rum cask, canadian whisky cask, and now I think a scotch cask as well?

I think they do the whole barrel aged beers think better than any other brewer.

[Mancbrummy]

(Original post by py0alb)
Yeah, I love Innes and Gunn, although it gets too sweet after about 3 bottles.

They have original (bourbon barrels) blonde (not sure), rum cask, canadian whisky cask, and now I think a scotch cask as well?

I think they do the whole barrel aged beers think better than any other brewer.

I agree, very sweet. It's more a treat than a way of life

[Salgoud]

(Original post by py0alb)
I think it was logical what they did - they made Punk slightly more accessible, because they already have hardcore to satisfy the real hopheads. They have covered all the bases now in the hopped up IPAs front.

If I have one quibble with brewdog, its that they insist on remaining resolutely experimental at the expense of producing drinkable beers. I would like a few more options of session beers, like what about an interesting weizen or a gueze at a drinkable ABV? Zeitgeist also isn't nearly available enough. That's their 3rd best session beer IMO.

I suppose you're right, I think my opinion may be slightly tainted by the fact that the original Punk was the first BrewDog I had, and it was the beer that got me really into strong hops. As for the experimental, I really like that about them. They don't get into a rut, they push boundaries and they try new things. They aren't about session beers, and I personally don't think the need to be - that market is very well satisfied indeed, and I'm not just talking about your Carlsbergs and that sort of crap, there are good breweries that do good session beers - Samuel Adams and Goose Island are the first two to come to mind. Plus, they do have some good standard expressions that I would consider very drinkable expressions apart from Punk - I'm thinking 77 lager, 5 A.M, Trashy blonde.. Agreed on Zeitgest though, and dito for Bitch Please (which I wish was just slightly cheaper as well).

(Original post by py0alb)
Yeah, I love Innes and Gunn, although it gets too sweet after about 3 bottles.

They have original (bourbon barrels) blonde (not sure), rum cask, canadian whisky cask, and now I think a scotch cask as well?

I think they do the whole barrel aged beers think better than any other brewer.

Used to be one of my favourite beers, but only rarely drink it now as it is indeed very sweet. The difference between original and Blonde is, if I'm not mistaken, the maturation time - if memory serves me right the Blonde spend something like half the time of Original in the barrel. I first came across Canadian and Highland cask about 3 years ago, so they've been around for a while, and Rum cask I think about a year after that. I've also come across a Triple Matured edition, a Winter Ale edition, and on their website they list Irish cask, Spiced Rum and Independence Day editions as well - never seen the latter three, though! Will have to go to a beer shop and see if I can find them.

[robo donkey]

(Original post by Salgoud)

Could it be Paradox you tried? I know they've done Jura (not tried), Arran (amazing), and Smokehead (delicious) version of that - with Smokehead being Islay. Also, as I live in Scotland, I have to be a douche and tell you that Scotland produces whisky, while whiskey is primarily Irish and American. Sorry.

!

Please don't take the whisky thing personally, I just spell it all the same and all that, we all know what we're talking about really. It would be Smokehead that we had if that's the Islay one, really distinctive, not had much quite like it really.

On the topic of of casked beers, I was quite impressed with the Jeremiah Weed that's been in the bourbon casks, not a bad beer at all I'd say, looking forward to seeing with what else they might come up with in the future. Beer faces a bright future and I look forward to ... drinking it

[Salgoud]

(Original post by robo donkey)
Please don't take the whisky thing personally, I just spell it all the same and all that, we all know what we're talking about really. It would be Smokehead that we had if that's the Islay one, really distinctive, not had much quite like it really.

On the topic of of casked beers, I was quite impressed with the Jeremiah Weed that's been in the bourbon casks, not a bad beer at all I'd say, looking forward to seeing with what else they might come up with in the future. Beer faces a bright future and I look forward to ... drinking it

Not at all! I live in Scotland and do a lot of freelance whisky reviewing work, so I'm a bit anal. Plus some people (like myself) find that sort of thing interesting. Not had the Jeremiah weed but sounds intriguing, will definitely give that a try at some point this week - cheers for the tip.

(Original post by nevergohalfpace)
I'm 17 and I just hate the taste of beer. It never improves every time I drink it. On binge nights I can't even stomach it. Have to resort to just gettin one or two small bottles of Smirnoff or Glen's on a bad day (tastes horrid) but it gets the job done. I really want to enjoy beer but I just can't. IMO it tastes more vile than Vodka. Hopefully my taste buds can learn to like it, would love to be able to just chill with beers :L

I didn't like beer much until I was about 18-19 either, and I attribute my change of heart to two brews: Innis & Gunn (original), and Deuchars IPA. There's no sense forcing yourself to drink something just because beer is what a guy is expected to drink, so if that's why you're trying to get into it, I'd say just drink whatever you like, but keep trying beers when the opportunity is presented if you're intrigued. If you would genuinely like to get into beers and see what the fuss is about, however, I'd say start with easier, milder beers - that is, start British! A good, traditional British ale is hard to beat, and they are often excellent introductions into the world of beer. I'd recommend that you try a decent IPA and a good Stout (not Guinness and the like; smaller breweries are almost always better, as guinness tastes of nothing) - I won't recommend you a particular brewery as the best ones (imho) are often local. Ensure that it's not from a bottle and that it's served from a pump (which again rules out guinness and the like), as these are often much better.

If you don't fancy a trek to the pub, there are some good bottled options as well. If you think the taste of beer is overwhelming, there are plenty of beers that use additional ingredients that take the edge off. Several good examples of this can be found in Williams Brothers range (http://www.williamsbrosbrew.com/beerboard), these are good in bottled form as well, and my personal favourites are Alba and Fraoch. The traditional hoppy/malty flavours take a bit more of a back seat in these types of beer, which allows you to get used to them gradually.

Hope that helps.

[py0alb]

Just got back from Dublin.

In general, Irish beer is rubbish, probably the worst in Europe. The typical bar serves Guinness (yuk), Smithwicks (yuk), Harp (yuk) and Kilkenny (yuk). They also have a strange obsession with Heineken. If you can get a Beamish its better than Guinness but still not great. They have no concept of real ale. You're also looking at £4.50-5.50 a pint. Never buy halfs, they're almost as expensive as pints. and they don't have postmix, so mixers are extortionate. Basically you're ****ed.

HOWEVER: I did find two awesome bars that I would seriously recommend. The Bull and Castle, which has an upstairs Munich style beer hall and sells a whole range of craft beers from ireland and europe, and The Porterhouse, which sells its own range of about 12 different award winning beers and has irish music etc.

[ChapelTom]

Goose Island - Bourbon County Stout is a must try beer for anyone who sees it. Its an expensive beer, I paid £11 for a bottle but although it was by £5 the most I've ever paid for a bottle, such an incredible experience. Its a whooper, 14.5% for 330mls but it has a beautiful taste, aroma its magic stuff. It finished off a very good session.

[ChapelTom]

(Original post by Salgoud)
Not at all! I live in Scotland and do a lot of freelance whisky reviewing work, so I'm a bit anal. Plus some people (like myself) find that sort of thing interesting. Not had the Jeremiah weed but sounds intriguing, will definitely give that a try at some point this week - cheers for the tip.


I didn't like beer much until I was about 18-19 either, and I attribute my change of heart to two brews: Innis & Gunn (original), and Deuchars IPA (both are superb beers!!) There's no sense forcing yourself to drink something just because beer is what a guy is expected to drink, so if that's why you're trying to get into it, I'd say just drink whatever you like, but keep trying beers when the opportunity is presented if you're intrigued (First rule of trying beers, don't turn anything down! Lambic Fruit beers are an interesting intro to Belgians or indeed all beers for example!!) If you would genuinely like to get into beers and see what the fuss is about, however, I'd say start with easier, milder beers - that is, start British (- thats good advice I can only back-up, I didn't touch a non-standard foreign ale until I was 19)! A good, traditional British ale is hard to beat, and they are often excellent introductions into the world of beer. I'd recommend that you try a decent IPA and a good Stout (not Guinness and the like; smaller breweries are almost always better, as guinness tastes of nothing) - I won't recommend you a particular brewery as the best ones (imho) are often local. Ensure that it's not from a bottle and that it's served from a pump (which again rules out guinness and the like), as these are often much better.

If you don't fancy a trek to the pub, there are some good bottled options as well. If you think the taste of beer is overwhelming, there are plenty of beers that use additional ingredients that take the edge off. Several good examples of this can be found in Williams Brothers range (http://www.williamsbrosbrew.com/beerboard), (fantastic few Williams Brothers beers on a pub crawl of Edinburgh, an incredible beer city and an incredible intro to Scottish beer!) these are good in bottled form as well, and my personal favourites are Alba and Fraoch. The traditional hoppy/malty flavours take a bit more of a back seat in these types of beer, which allows you to get used to them gradually.

Hope that helps.

Mine in bold to add, top post.

[ChapelTom]

(Original post by ChapelTom)
Can highly recommend Brooklyn - Black Chocolate Stout, just 10.6% bit of a monster but one hell of a beer.

Nearing the 1000 beer tries mark, soooo gonna have something special for the big 4 figure moment I reckon, that said I've had all the Rochefort's and having had Achel Blond, Saison Dupont in the last 5 days as well I don't think I can try anything much better. Just wish Westvleteren was easily available! I'm not even 20 and I've tried some pretty incredible beers.

Beer 1000 was Derby - Dashingly Dark 2 weeks ago. I did it, my aim on my 18th birthday was try 1000 beers by my 21st birthday and I beat that by 16 months"" Yes I do keep records everyone of everything I've tried. It had to be a dark beer! Wasn't incredible but did the trick and I'll not forget the moment.

[ChapelTom]

Had St Bernardus Abt on Wednesday, wasn't a bad beer but just didn't feel like a quad. May retry cos I'd had Petrus Oud Bruin an hour previously.

[py0alb]

I had a bottle california common (aka steam beer) the other day, it was far nicer than the last one I had. I would actually buy more of this if it was commonly available.



Anyone do home brewing? I'm thinking of getting some stuff to do over the winter, not sure what level to start at: just doing basic "just add water" kits looks a bit uncreative, but I'm not sure I'm ready to buy all the kit needed to do full grain brewing.

[93jm]

i like hobgoblin

[EssexDan86]

I'm off to Bruges in October!

Has anybody been to Belgium, and if so, which Belgian beers are absolute MUSTS to try?

[py0alb]

(Original post by EssexDan86)
I'm off to Bruges in October!

Has anybody been to Belgium, and if so, which Belgian beers are absolute MUSTS to try?

There's lots of different little breweries, I would focus on trying a few of the different styles and seeing which you prefer rather than looking for particular names like Kwak or de Molen.

You've got wit (like Hoegaarden but better), lambic, fruit lambic, gueuze (which is blended lambics), saison (like a tangy blonde beer), abbaye (dubbel, trippel etc). They're probably the main styles you should try.