As I’ve mentioned, I’m no beer expert, but I’m learning more and more every single day. Between sampling as many beers as possible and getting started with home brewing, there are lots of terms coming in and out. So I’ve decided to put together a beer glossary, mostly to help me keep track of the [...]
Love beer, brewing, and breweries
Welcome to my opinionated beer blog! I'm no expert, but I sure am a hell of a fan: microbrews/craftbrews, breweries, home brewing, and the enjoyment of great beers and great times. I hope this site finds you well and introduces you to some great new beers and brewery experiences. Enjoy! [more]
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Putting together a glossary of beer terms
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First home brew: Bottling Day
My first experience bottling my first home brew was a good one! We’ve been saving up beer bottles for the last few months, so I wasn’t worried that we’d run out of space. Plus, since it was my first home brew, we bought some more beer from the store, anyway, and by the time we [...]
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Widmer Hefeweizen by Widmer Brothers Brewing
The Widmer Hefeweizen sure is tasty! It’s got that beautiful rich, cloudy, yellow color and texture that you want out of a good hefeweizen. The head is nice and frothy, the aroma’s very refreshing, and the aftertaste is great, lingering for just the right amount of time, with a great balance of sweet versus wheat.
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Newcastle Brown Ale by Newcastle Federation Breweries LTD
The one and only! Indeed, they’re not lying about with slogan! Newcastle Brown Ale is an old favorite of mine, and it always hits the spot!
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What is Dry Hopping?
During the brewing of my first batch of home brew, I heard the term dry hopping. I didn’t remember what this really meant, so I looked into it a bit.
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First home brew: A simple dark ale from malt extract
Last Saturday night I was finally able to brew a batch of beer! I’ve been looking forward to this for quite a long time. For the last few weeks, I’ve been reading up, researching, and asking loads of questions to prepare myself for this first batch. It also helped that my brewing buddies had brewed [...]
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Dark Starr Stout by Starr Hill
Dark Starr Stout was much better than their IPA, but again, I’m not much of an IPA fan. Thankfully, the stout was rich enough to wash away the lingering pang of my tired over-hopped throat.
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Northern Lights IPA by Starr Hill
I had an opportunity to drink a couple of brews from Starr Hill Brewery, including the Northern Lights IPA (India Pale Ale) and the Dark Starr Stout (see this post on the stout).
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Summerfest by Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Seasonal brews are so iffy, so I generally approach them carefully. Sierra Nevada’s Summerfest beer had a very salty smell, almost beach-like, not so much sandy skin-display beaches, but more of just the beach or coast in general. And of course, this beer smells of pacific hops.
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Bison Brewery Sampling: Chocolate Stout, IPA, Barley wine
I went up to Bruisin’ Ales for a sampling of a few Bison Brews, including their Chocolate Stout, IPA, and Barley wine.
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Budweiser American Ale by Anheuser-Busch
I tend to enjoy this American Ale each time I have it. It’s got a great head, a nice deep amber color, and a wonderful aroma. It’s very well-balanced, in my opinion, and the aftertaste is real mellow. It’s a good day beer, and it’s a great one to drink considering the price and the [...]
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Asheville vs Portland: Vote for your Favorite Beer Town!
The race is still neck on neck between Asheville, NC and Portland, Oregon for best beer town! Beer expert Charlie Papazian’s poll covers about 35 towns, with Asheville and Portland both currently at 31%.
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Bison Brewing Beer Tasting at Bruisin’ Ales
Bruisin’ Ales is having a tasting to celebrate the return of Bison Brewing! Bison was off the market for about a year or so, but they’re back, in partnership with Mendocino Brewing Company!
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Heinzelmännchen First Friday Beer & Food Pairing
The Heinz is having a food & beer pairing on Friday, May 1, 2009. Join Dieter Kuhn and the rest of the Heinz Brew Team at the Brewery (google map) for a pairing of samples of Heinz beers and Chef Ross Lorenz’s cuisine from Restaurant 533 in Sylva.
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Blackberry Witbier by Sam Adams
A friend recommended I try Sam Adams’ Blackberry Witbier, a wheat beer with blackberry tones. I’m a bit cautious on Sam Adams’ newer varieties, but the recommendation came from a trusted source.
