Seems Like a Decent Day to Talk About Beer

A nice friendly discussion about beer seems to be in order! 

Over the last month I've been lucky enough to try some outstanding beers.  Many of my friends are certified beer nerds so we usually go all out when we are in the same room.  

 Brothers Craft Brewing is located in Harrisonburg Virginia.  That is relatively close to a few of my friends so they are part of the Brothers Horizon Society beer club.  This gives them access to many special release beers and the ability the buy this awesome bourbon barrel stout.  For the most part Resolute is only sold on Resolute day (which happens this weekend).  You show up and are given a ticket that designates a time when you can get in line to buy the beer.  Horizon members are allowed a bigger allotment and can buy special variations like coconut, vanilla and apple brandy.

The beer is fantastic and comparable to some of the more well known bourbon stouts like Founders KBS and Goose Island's Bourbon County Stout.

 Draai Laag is out of Pittsburgh and super unique.  The founder went the extra mile studying the fermentation process and finally started mastering the technique of making unique sour beers. Of the the two I tried, The Plague was the best.  It was one of the better beers I have had this year.

 You know you are a beer nerd when you have a glass that matches the beer.  The glass was actually purchased straight from Founders because I was looking for some unique Xmas gifts for some friends and coworkers. I ended up ordering some cool glasses for myself.  When a buddy of mine saw that I had this glass he offered to bring a bottle of this beer for us to try.  The ultra cool thing is that Sweet Repute was last brewed 2013.  You know you are a beer nerd if you treat your beer like wine.  I've been known to do this too.

The beer itself was very sweet, but in a good way.  The style is considered a Wheatwine aged in bourbon and maple syrup barrels for 16 months. Very unique, and I hope Founders brews it again soon so I can get a few more bottles.

 Barleywines are one of the harder styles for beer drinkers to get into.  It is a unique flavor profile that turns a lot of people off. It took me a little while to get my pallet in order, but now I actively crave this style.

Cubano Walker is a beer made by Olde Hickory brewing in North Carolina.  My parents vacation in NC almost every year so these are relatively easy for me to accumulate.  While this beer is good and has nothing on the great stouts that Olde Hickory makes.

Have you guys seen crowlers?  Basically the same as a growler but in a can. No one is doing these in my area, but a close friend can get them in DC at his favorite beer shop.

Ocelot brewing is located near Dulles Airport right outside of DC. I've been there a couple times now and absolutely love it. For one, one of the brewers is a WVU grad and even names some of the beers after locations in Morgantown. The other is that the beer is delicious.  This particular IPA is one of my favorites.

Remember beer makes everything better.

Thanks for reading.