Beer Dude: Stone14th Anniversary

Beer Dude: Stone14th Anniversary: "What a great beer weekend here in San Diego, CA. We celebrated Stone's14th Anniversary at Cal State San Marcos. The beer was great and the w..."

Stone14th Anniversary

What a great beer weekend here in San Diego, CA. We celebrated Stone's14th Anniversary at Cal State San Marcos. The beer was great and the weather was too. I had an awesome opportunity to speak with many dedicated beer drinkers about one of my favorite subjects...beer! People were talking about Humulus Lager from The Bruery, Orange County, CA. Holey...This beer is up there with Pliny and Racer 5! No joke! When will it be bottled and distributed? Where and when can I get it?

I was also glad to see my first love at the party. There's nothing like a first love and  Sierra Nevada was in the house...emotional pause...the nostalgia is kicking in...Have you ever had a bad Sierra Nevada? Hell I named my two Boxers Sierra and Nevada. I've been buying this beer as long as I have been able to find a way to get it. No worries though, I'm much older now and my parents figured it out years ago so their cool with it.

Stone's Russian Imperial stout was there too. I wish I could get a couple of bottles of that one. That was great!!!! The last five years blended into one beer. Beauty in a glass. That would go great after a steak dinner. Forget dessert.

Mikkeller was there too. WOW!!! See the entry in my blog about Beer Geek Breakfast and you will know that I appreciate what they do. The beer is so smooth and well crafted. Some of the future plans for Beer Geek sound great. I'll look forward to getting some of these bottles. Definitely more to come from Mikkeller.

Then there was Lagunitas, I don't want to be redundant when I say have you ever had a bad.... But Lagunitas is awesome. I could go on about their beers, see  the write up of their Russian Imperial Stout. Maximus, Hairy Eyeball, and Brown Shugga are some of my other favorites and they make so many good beers.

AleSmith ...I had to bring unknowing people I met along the way to your booth because people shouldn't leave the party never  having tasted the craftmanship of your beers. I get growlers to share with friends regularly. Anything I could write about your beer would come short of the justice you have earned. Your GABF gold medals speak for themselves. Aside from the fact that your Speedway Stout is one of my most favorite beers on the planet.

At the end of the day, my girl and I had a great time. I understand the deal with the 10 tastes as the Police were able to demonstrate for us what happens when you drink too much and forget your manners. I hope everything worked out okay for everyone. There were many beers that I still wanted to taste. I tasted the cheese and thought that was cool, but what do you think about mustards? Maybe its my German heritage, but that sounded good to me. I'm looking forward to the next gathering. Cheers!

Beer Dude: Lost Abbey Inferno Ale

Beer Dude: Lost Abbey Inferno Ale: "Where do I begin with this beer made by Lost Abbey in San Marcos, CA. I'll start with the pour, which reminded me of a Duvel in the way the ..."

Lost Abbey Inferno Ale

Where do I begin with this beer made by Lost Abbey in San Marcos, CA. I'll start with the pour, which reminded me of a Duvel in the way the head formed so dense and meringue like. What followed was to me, a crisp and clean smell of citrus. The smooth citrus with the sweetness of the Belgian yeast was a fantastic combination that I highly recommend. The beer went down so well when paired with Cedar Plank Salmon and Salad. At the time I was disappointed that I only chilled one 22 oz bottle. At 8.5% Alcohol by Volume, this beer did its job and I would gladly recommend it.

Beer Dude: Lagunitas Russian Imperial Stout

Beer Dude: Lagunitas Russian Imperial Stout: "This is an impressive Russian Imperial Stout! Honestly, have you ever had a bad beer by Lagunitas? I don't think I have. This beer begins wi..."

Lagunitas Russian Imperial Stout

This is an impressive Russian Imperial Stout! Honestly, have you ever had a bad beer by Lagunitas? I don't think I have. This beer begins with a deep dark pour with an espresso colored head. The first taste is of smooth milk chocolate finishing nicely with espresso. This 22 oz beer went down so well it was hard to believe that it was gone. With the IBU at 72.45 and OG of 1.082 there is no wonder how the wild eyed charlatan from Voldvostogniaky was able to down four bottles of this stuff. At 8.2% alcohol by volume, I don't think he was feeling too much.You will understand my reference once you read the vignette on the side of the bottle.

Oatmeal Stout brewed with Coffee

Mikkeller Beer Geek Breakfast

The name of the beer says a lot. Beer Geek Breakfast is a coffee infused oatmeal stout that might substitute for breakfast if you have the day off or if you like to go to work with a bit of a buzz on. It is 7.5% alcohol by volume and comes in a 17 oz bottle. It 's a hearty, full bodied beer from Nogne O, Grimstad, Norway. My first thought when I tasted this beer was that it was a hell of a lot better than the Wells Banana Bread Beer. That said, I found Beer Geek to be very drinkable and was surprised to find that I had drank the entire bottle while cooking dinner.This beer is lighter and less complex than other Oatmeal stouts thus lending to its drink ability. I look forward to having more of this beer in my closet. It seems best suited with a steak dinner or dessert like chocolate cake. Suit yourself, this is a great beer and it never hurts to have a few of these around. After all, life is too short to drink bad beer.