The Legend

The Legend

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

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.


18 comments:

  1. Excellent post that has really whet my appetite. I'm hoping to hit a big store with big stock this weekend & have your previous list and now this blog post for suggestions. Brilliant!

    PS: Did you know the Cubs won the World Series?

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    1. I think my previous list I gave you will be a good guide. The beers on this post are very regional minus Founders. Go pick up a Founders Breakfast Stout. You won't be disappointed.

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  2. Those beers look really good. I don't drink a lot but when I do, I usually only drink local craft amber ales as the mass produced stuff (except Guinness) tastes like grass water.

    Next time you get to Cincinnati, make it a point to stop at the Christian Moerlein Lager House next to the Reds stadium. You'll thank me.

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    1. It has been a long time since I've been to Cincy. I'm probably about due to try and hit a Buccos game there. I'll keep Christian Moerlein in mind.

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  3. That's pretty cool. I think that crowler hand numbered!
    I haven't seen these yet in P-town, but we're heading out tomorrow night for trivia at a new place and hope to find some/one!

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    1. I think the Crowler system is a little expensive so places haven't been as proactive adding them. The biggest benefit is that they probably hold up a little longer than a traditional growler.

      Maybe my Crowler was a 1/1!

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  4. In regards to Cincy, Rhinegeist is my local brewery of choice. They're also downtown. MadTree is decent but they're a bit further away. And urban Artifact is in my neighborhood but they're only good if you like sour beers lol.

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    1. Last time one of my buddies went through Ohio he picked me up some Rhinegest. I really enjoyed.

      I do like sour beers so Urban Artifact would be up my alley.

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  5. Craving that bourbon barrel issue.
    I've loved barley wines since my first. They're an automatic purchase when I come across them.
    Progress Brewing, my local brewer, uses crowlers. I love the idea, as it makes it super easy to take craft beer to a friends party, or tailgates and so on.

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    1. Crowlers are very convenient. I'm hoping that the new beer store in my area installs one. Pittsburgh is the closest area that has a machine.

      Stouts are by far my favorite style. Imperial, cream, bourbon barrel....love them all. This has been a really good year for to try some of the highest end ones.

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  6. I need to get out to the east coast sometime. There's a whole world of beer out there that's been off limits to me, as much as I'm continually blown away by what's available out here.

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    1. You live in one of the best spots in the US. I went to Portland about 4 years ago for work and was blown away. Didn't want to leave.

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  7. Maybe I need to send you some beer glasses instead of baseball cards...

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    1. You just need to come to Morgantown and we can drink out of those glasses!

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  8. Never acquired the taste of beer. I'll drink it from time to time in social settings like Super Bowl and staff parties. Wish I had though... because I always enjoy your beer posts.

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    1. Like anything else, I don't think you immediately like it. You get use to the taste first and then you start exploring different styles. Once that pallet develops, watch out....it gets expensive.

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    2. It's been almost thirty years... not sure the pallet will ever develop. But I'll keep trying. ;)

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    3. You just haven't found your gateway beer yet.

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