Ninkasi IPA

Just tried this beer for the first time tonight. It's from a brewery up in Oregon, so I figured it would be good - at least that's what Oregon people always tell me. They take great pride in their beer. I was at BevMo today picking myself a father's day treat. I was deciding between this and my usual selection of fine Stone beers. I went with the new Oregon beer. Now, I'm usually not one to put down a brewery, but this was not my favorite. It did not have the hoppy flavor I have come to expect in an IPA. Tasted a bit like a full bodied Budweiser. I won't be buying this one again. Sorry Oregon!

Sorry for the delay

Sorry for the lack of posts. Been trying some  new brews to bring to you guys lately. My local brewery, Cismontane (check out my previous post about them) just released their double IPA. I could tell you about it, but let me just say this: 11.5% abv, 140 IBUs. Ouch and yummy all at the same time. I'm sure I'll feel this one in the morning, but it is all worth it. What a great beer, and what a great brewery!

Now, that's a protest I can get behind

Believe it or not, back in the day our favorite drink was banned. In fact, all alcohol sales were banned. All this did was create a huge black market and drive organized crime for a few years until the powers that be decided to end prohibition. A few good things did come from prohibition, however. One of them is this photo.  Taken in Newark, New Jersey in 1931, these good gentlemen are campaigning for the right to do what people have done for centuries - drink beer. Fortunately, their cause was heard, and we can now enjoy a nice, cold beverage on a warm summer day. Cheers, friends!

Bear Republic Racer 5

Bear Republic says that in this beer, "there is a trophy in every glass." I can't disagree. This is a tremendous IPA. With 75+ IBUs, it is hoppy and full of flavor. Most BevMo stores in California carry it, but I can't speak for their stores nationwide. I do know, however, that the brewery will ship direct to homes within California. This is a great IPA. My local bar has it on tap occasionally, and it is a treat when they do. If you are in CA, you owe it to yourself to try it out!

Dogfish Head

So far, this blog has been dedicated to west coast beers. Fortunately, I am a equal opportunity beer drinker. This beer from Delaware is one of the finest. I don't know where they get their name (Dogfish Head), but their IPAs are off the hook (as the kids say). I've had their 90 minute on tap a few times, and I've never been disappointed. If you ever see it, don't ask for something else. You will be glad you asked for it!

Shark Attack!

At the brew and food festival this weekend, I had the opportunity to try Shark Attack by Port Brewing. According to their website, this is an imperial red ale. It was hoppy like an IPA, but had some caramel flavor as well. Port Brewery is pretty small, so it's probably hard to find outside of Southern California, but if you ever do make it out this way, be sure to try it out. In fact, try it at the Pizza Port, home of the brewery. Their pizza is incredible, and they host a wide variety of beers on tap - their own and other local brews. It's a great weekend place to eat!

http://www.portbrewing.com/our-beers/shark-attack/

Shaq redoux

As you all probably know from my previous posts, I love Shaq. Not only is he a fantastic player, but he is a funny dude as well. He never took himself too seriously, and always made time for the simple fans like me. Now, to be fair, I don't hate Vlade. He was a good Laker. He played hard and got he most out of his potential. And, on top of that, he showed that he was a hell of a guy in ESPN's 30 for 30 about him and Drazen Petrovic. All that being said, here's why Shaq rules:




If you need a beer connection, here goes: I was probably drinking beer when the game that preceded this video took place. Enjoy!