New Belgium Hoptober Golden Ale
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Posted on Oct 06, 2009 03:42 pm
Quincysan
http://www.unitedmusicians.info
Contributor Since: Nov 11, 2007
Drink it. I'm not even kidding.
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TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Oct 06, 2009 04:19 pm I'm not much of a hoppy ale kind of fan. I'm not sure when it happened, but at some point, Americans decided that the more hops a beer had in it, the better it was supposed to taste. But I find the opposite. I love hops when they're in balance with the other flavors in a beer, but jeezuz that crap like Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, any of the India Pale Ales, and all of the Boulevard beers that are local here in Kansas City are just off the charts as far as hop content. I just can't drink 'em. Might as well squeeze a bunch of dandelions in the mash because that's what it tastes like to me. :-D
Once in a while I can handle a Rogue Dead Guy Ale, but only if its really, really, cold and in a frosty mug. Once it warms up, those hops come through way too much for me to enjoy.
I have found several of the New Belguim beers that I like. Fat Tire was the first I liked, although its a little too malty and even a little too hoppy for me any more. I really like their Blue Paddle, which is a Pilsner Lager I believe. The 1553 or whatever the Black Ale is is like a hoppier version of Fat Tire, so you can guess how much I like it. Their Sunshine Wheat is probably my favorite one of their beers. I have a friend that lives near Boulder, CO, where their brewery is. Next time I go visit him I want to tour that brewery.
Now show me a good lager and I'll take it down! It's coming to the time of year when you can start to find some good pumpkin spice beers and octoberfest beers, which seem to primarily be lagers since they're in the German tradition (the Octoberfest beers, not the pumpkin ones). Love me some bottom-fermented yeast in a tasty lager.
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Oct 06, 2009 04:52 pm Bottom fermented yeast, sounds yummy when you put it like that :)
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Oct 06, 2009 05:28 pm ...well lets's see.... where to begin?.. lol
Oct 06, 2009 07:46 pm a lot of people like heavy hops. i think it's great
Oct 06, 2009 07:47 pm I haven't met a New Belgium beer I haven't liked...
Oct 06, 2009 07:57 pm I don't mind most hoppy beers. There are a few that I've tried and I thought they had way too much hops. I do like Fat Tire and the 1553 Black Ale.
blah on the pumpkin beers, I don't care for those at all. I do enjoy a tasty Sam Adams Octoberfest though.
One of my new favorite breweries is Widmer Brothers. Drifter pale ale and Widmer Hefeweizen are excellent. I'm not a big fan of a many Wheat beers but I really like that Widmer Hefeweizen.
I'll have to give that Hoptober Golden Ale a try. I always like to try me some new beer.
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Oct 06, 2009 08:13 pm Those hefeweisen beers aren't for the feint at heart! I went to a micro brew fest last year and some of those craft beer versions of hefeweisens were damn right undrinkable. If done right, I could see how they could be good but damn, some of those tasted like a hobo's toe jam.
Redneck, if you get a chance, try Schlafly's pumpkin ale. It's a crisp and clean spiced beer but it's not overdone. Very clean and tasty and not overloaded with sugar and spices.
And I know that a lot of people like heavy hops, its the latest fad in craft beers, microbrews, and major breweries. I just would rather drink the water wrung from the bartender's wash rag than have an IPA.
Oct 06, 2009 08:16 pm Yeah Tad, wheat beers aren't for everybody. SOme I really, reallylike, and some give me a damn headache.
Oct 06, 2009 08:17 pm when it comes to october beers, there's only one i really like. pumpkinhead ale on draft. there might be two beers that have that name or variations of it. i mean the one with the grinning pumpkin on the label. the sam adams octoberfest i do not like.
sierra is my favorite IPA for a long time now. i'll try this hoptober asap. i think i saw it recently.
Dematrixhttp://www.reverbnation.com/2ndgMember
Since: Nov 27, 2007
Oct 06, 2009 08:39 pm Sapporo beer i like. tried it the other day. so nice.
anyone had it?
Oct 06, 2009 08:43 pm Yeah, Japanese beer as I recall, decent light beer.
Dematrixhttp://www.reverbnation.com/2ndgMember
Since: Nov 27, 2007
Oct 06, 2009 08:54 pm 5.0%, yep Japanese.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Oct 06, 2009 10:57 pm **** now I have to come back to this and read it all!
But ya, its a good beer as I'm into the heavy ale or thick beers.
Sam Adams has the recipe down for a heavy hop beer that most all humans will like. Its one of the better American beer that is heavy like that.
I'm with dB though on the headache thing. I know the beer sucks if I can feel it coming on after a few.
Oct 07, 2009 12:42 am the only known beer that'll reliably give me a headache is newcastle, and it begins during the first one. i guess it has something to do with its congeners. i also get headaches with wine, but it seems variable. i just recently learned that term because of newcastle. i wondered if sulfites might not be the whole story, because why would newcastle give me a headache? also, why do you get a completely different mental experience with whiskey vs wine vs beer, etc? maybe these congeners explain some stuffs.
Dematrixhttp://www.reverbnation.com/2ndgMember
Since: Nov 27, 2007
Oct 07, 2009 02:07 am yeah, well i love Bud, but it gives me headache, just a normal one though, white spirits can give me a ******** miagrane that can last up to 5 days.
cant move, cant think, cant see, feel like yaking for every living second in that 5 day timeslot. I love it!
i think maigranes and headaches are caused by narrowing blood vessels though eh?
Maybe preservatives play a big part also.
Different preservatives effect different people.
maybe there are crappier quality preserves than others, or certain combos can trigger headaches.
who know's, it just means we will have to try every beer on the planet just so we can take notes...damn shame that.
Oct 07, 2009 04:32 am i think mostly congeners and, for wine, sulfites. hangover headaches are due largely to dehydration. and drinking coffee sometimes takes away a headache because it constricts your blood vessels, but that's all i know about constriction and headaches
Dematrixhttp://www.reverbnation.com/2ndgMember
Since: Nov 27, 2007
Oct 07, 2009 05:35 am just on beer again though, im about to crack an alcoholic ginger beer.
its beer, but with ginger (obviously)
it tastes like ginger beer but this one has a beer malty after taste. its fekin great mate.
no headaches on this one and makes you feel relaxed for some reason, maybe the ginger?
i endorse.
Oct 07, 2009 06:33 am tell me the name of this ginger beer. i am a huge fan of regular ginger beers, like reed's. andd a moscow mule in a copper mug is another favorite. i'd definitely try this thing you mention.
Dematrixhttp://www.reverbnation.com/2ndgMember
Since: Nov 27, 2007
Oct 07, 2009 10:50 am Yeah i concur, love me gingered beer types,
ok, its "Stones" Ginger Beer.
Its actually an Australian product which i dint realize until now.
www.stonesoriginal.com.au
You should be able to get it over your way. If not i guess i could send you a bottle just to rub it in, you know?
Quincysanhttp://www.unitedmusicians.infoContributor
Since: Nov 11, 2007
Oct 07, 2009 01:16 pm I've been getting mix and match 6 packs to determine the perfect October beer. Hoptober is my favorite thus far. I'm upset that I haven't had a chance to try Schafly's Pumpkin beer, I've heard it's great.
@ fortymile: I think you're referring to O'Fallons pumpkin beer. It's the best pumpkin beer I've had so far...but I hear really good things about Schafly's...looking forward to trying it.
I should have mentioned I am one of those who loves the taste of hops above all other flavors. Hoptober has enough hops; to put it lightly. IPA is typically my beer of choice, then lager. So for those who love hops, New Belgium Hoptober is really above par, IMO.
I don't like wheat beers as much. Boulevard is a little over rated in my opinion...that seasonal 57 thing they have out right now is really good though.
I have much to learn in the ways of beer.
Oct 07, 2009 06:59 pm I don't remember which pumpkin beer I tried but it was way too pumpkiny. I do like a lot of flavored beers but I still like it to taste like beer. I may have to give that Schafly's a try if I see it.
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Oct 07, 2009 07:15 pm There's a brewery right down the road from me that makes a seasonal pumpkin beer and it's like you say, Redneck, it's way too pumpkin-filled. It's like a fist full of pumpkin spice and strained pumpkin pulp in every pint. Not too good, way too heavy. Schlafly does it nice and crisp, although it costs an arm and a leg for a 6-pack.
My good friend in Boulder CO brews his own beer, and he's done a pumpkin ale a couple of times. It's turned out really well. It's kind of at the edge of my personal tastes, it comes out like a Belgian Saison style pumpkin beer. Pretty sharp in flavor but complex and interesting.
I've been more of a distilled spirits kind of guy for a while (gin, Scotch and Irish whiskey, and a ****-ton of rum lately). I love a good singe malt Scotch for the smoky and peaty complexity, I love a smooth aged Irish whiskey like Bushmill's 10, and when it comes to rum I've recently fallen in love with cheap-*** Sailor Jerry. Spiced rum that's 94 proof and costs about the same as the way-too-sweet and not-strong-enough Captain Morgan. Ahoy maties!
Tonight it's Stella Artios for me, which really swept across the country in the past few years. A friend of mine went to England several years ago and came back drinking this "new" beer called Stella. Then every time I turned around I saw a new vendor, a new liquor store, a new bar that was serving it all of a sudden. I like it.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Oct 07, 2009 09:34 pm @ Deon. I have a connection in a Liquor store that brings in different beers and booze to try. And Stones was one he suggested. It was very good indeed. Just right.
And Bud???? THat **** is made with RICE and just the smell of it gives me a headache. Funny though we used to drink it all the time. That and Miller High Life. That was before they started bottling all that crap too green though.
To this day though I do believe the Miller Malt from the 70's was one of my favorite for getting stoked off beer.
Dematrixhttp://www.reverbnation.com/2ndgMember
Since: Nov 27, 2007
Oct 07, 2009 10:16 pm I like bud coz its just beer ya know?
Im not into all those frilly beers that end up tasting like bad wine after a 6 pack. But yeah, Bud it give me a headache, so i gotta give it a miss.
might go a carton of that Sapporo beer, its the best beer ive tasted in a while. @5% it'll get things going too. (hicc-hicc-up)
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Oct 08, 2009 12:32 am IF I'm going to drink slowly I like the heavy ark beer's. You know the kind you can stand a spoon up in.
Dematrixhttp://www.reverbnation.com/2ndgMember
Since: Nov 27, 2007
Oct 08, 2009 08:36 am oh yeah i know the ones, we used to have a beer here called DogBolter, mate you woulda loved that one. The ****** dont make it any more. why the hell not i'll never undersatand.
what's a dark beer you drink i can go try?
cruxTypo SzarMember
Since: Jul 04, 2002
Oct 08, 2009 09:59 am I was down in Malaysia about a month ago and tried this new thing called Guiness Foreign Extra Stout, i usually already love Guiness, but this one had an insanely rich and sweet taste. I probalby wont say its the best beer, but the taste just puts it up there with good food. I had a hang over and i was still able to drink it in the morning, really tasty
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Oct 08, 2009 12:27 pm [quote]what's a dark beer you drink i can go try?
[/quote]
Like you, I have rather pedestrian tastes in beer, I don't go for the super crazy craft beers either. As far as dark beers, there are a few that I like.
If you want to stay with pretty pedestrian beer you can try Amber Bock, which is made by the Annheiser Busch company in St. Louis, which is the same brewery where Budweiser is made. I like Bock beers, and Amber Bock is a very gentle bock. Good old Shiner Bock is a little more flavorful, made in Shiner, Texas. I went to a wedding in Dallas one year and every table at the reception was jam-packed with Shiner Bock dead soldiers.
I've always loved Newcastle Brown Ale from London. Don't let the name fool you, it's about as far from an ale that you can get. No idea why they call it that. I love the taste, and it has a great aftertaste.
Murphy's Irish Ale and Red Ale are two good dark beers in the Irish tradition. Guiness is a love it or hate it kind of thing. I love Guiness with a steak dinner, but I can't just sit around and drink it for an entire evening.
Although it's not dark, Tusker is a Kenyan lager that I really like. It's like Budweiser over in Kenya...it's just THE beer that everybody drinks. Tusker is a lot like the Jamaican Red Stripe lager, only with a bit more of that traditional lager flavor.
If you like Sapporo, then you might want to check out some of the other Asian beers. China and Taiwan both make some good, drinkable beers. Tsingtao and Yanjing from China and Singha from Taiwan are all pale lagers that you might like if you like Bud and Sapporo.
So it sounds like it's time to head down to your local liquor store or World Market and find some beers from around the world to try!
Quincysanhttp://www.unitedmusicians.infoContributor
Since: Nov 11, 2007
Oct 08, 2009 01:18 pm Deleted By Quincysan
Quincysanhttp://www.unitedmusicians.infoContributor
Since: Nov 11, 2007
Oct 08, 2009 01:18 pm I can vouch for Tsingtao...expensive but not bad at all. Surprisingly I felt like it was similar in taste to Mickey's malt liquor...but I have a soft spot for Mickey's so it was ok by me.
-1 for Shiner Bock. Did not enjoy more than Bud Select.
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Oct 08, 2009 01:25 pm If you get it fresh, Shiner is pretty good. It doesn't sell very fast in the KC metro, so any time I've had it around here, it's been stale and way past date. But if you buy it from someplace that actually sells a lot of it, or if you can get it on tap, its pretty good.
Oct 08, 2009 01:51 pm Shiner Bock, MN native beer, baby! I was going to suggest that too.
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Oct 08, 2009 02:57 pm Actually Shiner Bock is made in Shiner, TX.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Oct 08, 2009 04:34 pm Indeed Guiness is one of my first choice's for a dark beer. THe new one is good as well. But as you stated you cannot drink it all night long.
I know, I tried it on New Years eve several years ago. I think I gained 15 pounds before I got drunk.
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Oct 08, 2009 05:10 pm Cheap beer and Clamato FTW!
...well.... on some nights anyways :)
Dematrixhttp://www.reverbnation.com/2ndgMember
Since: Nov 27, 2007
Oct 08, 2009 07:59 pm i used to really dig guiness, gone off it a bit now though,
I will see if they still make DogBolter, its really a great Dark beer, but its not creamy like guiness and it has a real rich sweeter than stout kinda taste.
So Shiner Bock i will sus out today for this weekend.
another good one (only if having a couple thought) is
"Schofferhofer" comes in 500 ml bottles. not bad. can get a bit tangy after 2 or 3.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Oct 08, 2009 08:29 pm @ BH. Grainbelt Premium and Clamato.
But ya, any cheap beer and Clamato works good.
Oct 08, 2009 08:32 pm Oh, jeezuz, Brain Melt...ewe.
Bahaha, Shiner is in Texas...I was thinking of Schells, my bad.
Oct 09, 2009 11:06 am Here in Cleveland we have the Great Lakes Brewery. We have a Dortmunder Gold that's really good, and the Oktoberfest is also really good. Have you guys ever heard of Great Lakes?
Oct 09, 2009 07:27 pm Shiner Bock is pretty good. Although I think I prefer Michelob Amber Bock over it.
Arrogant Bastard is a great dark beer. It has a dark roasted hoppy taste.
And if yall like red beers try Maudite. It's a French Canadian ale that's like 8% abv. It has a plethora of flavors kind of like a fine wine. One of the best beers I've ever had.
Oct 10, 2009 01:52 am y'all are killin' me softly! (been more or less sober for 7 months now).....these days two Sam Adams Light's is all i have with a meal....and that's my beer fix for the month....i really really really really really wish they made a non-alcoholic lager that tasted ok (yeah i'll settle for OK) but the green bottle stuff, i just can't get into.
but that sam adams light....ugh it's heaven in a bottle....VERY versatile (neutral?) flavor-wise...goes with everything....even cereal.
and Tad...we're very much on the same page in our tastes both in beer and in spirits....i fell in love with sailor jerry a few years ago and have NEVER had captain since...
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Oct 10, 2009 08:26 pm WYD, I have seen an NA near beer up here at a fancy liquor establishment. If I remember were it was I'll go have me a look and see what it was called. It was good and not too heavy.
Oct 11, 2009 09:57 am Sneck Lifter from Jennings brewery is a great dark bitter , drool :)
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Oct 12, 2009 08:59 pm The best near beer I have tried is Beck's. It is expensive though... at least around here.
For real beer I prefer the micro brewed stuff myself... lots of small breweries around here make much better beer than the large corporation stuff.
Oct 16, 2009 11:08 am Tried some Titanic Stout mmmm rich and smokey, goes down well ;)
Oct 19, 2009 11:51 pm i gotta say that i don't understand how people can drink beer with food. it ruins both the beer and the food for me somehow.
HuePinnipedal Czar (: 3= Member
Since: Apr 11, 2004
Oct 20, 2009 12:38 pm Yeah same here, fortymile... I feel the same, with most beers in combination with most foods . Some are an undeniable match, though....
Like a Stout-Pecker, with cuban pork. (Guiness Stout, 'on top' of Woodpecker Cider... I know it sounds weird, but it really is badass!)
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Oct 20, 2009 03:07 pm I have friends that can't drink alcoholic beverages with food. I love it, myself. A stout beer or a cabernet wine with a steak dinner, a lager beer with pizza, a red wine with a marinara pasta dish, a fruity white wine with seafood, or even a beer with salty snacks like Chex mix. Of course, alcoholic beverages are pretty much all I drink around dinner time anyways so I'm just used to it with dinner.
Oct 20, 2009 10:48 pm try some XX amber with real mexican food, and you'll see the light!....
i was on that boat for some time, much like wine, ya gotta pair the right beer with what yer eating...
sam adams light with brats n kraut is is truly a nice pairing.
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Oct 21, 2009 09:43 am Oooh yeah, XX Amber is a great, smooth Mexican beer. It's actually more of a Belgian beer than a Mexican one, although their company spiel says it's a Vienna style beer....I don't know what that would be. But I've been a fan of the Amber for a while now. My wife almost destroyed a 12-pack single-handedly on a few occasions, although she doesn't drink all that often.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Oct 21, 2009 11:19 pm Yep, the beer MUST match the food or vice verse. There are many that go good with pizza though for sure.
HuePinnipedal Czar (: 3= Member
Since: Apr 11, 2004
Oct 22, 2009 07:13 pm I know, Noize... the whole 'pizza, and beer' thing has been a staple for many people around here... ironically, pizza was never a food I really liked with beer. It was always something that 'happens'.(need to feed and water many people quickly... pick up the phone, and take a short drive. Done.) Maybe a cab', or merlot... but no beer 'n 'za, por moi. heh Or an ice-cold Coke.
Oct 23, 2009 12:12 am Guinness and chocolate
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Oct 23, 2009 08:16 pm Hue, you hit my week spot!!!!!!!
With Pizza I honestly will take that ice cold Coke over a beer any day! Coke is my drink of choice with any meal. Actually with any liquor as well. Save for clear booze, then its just on the rocks.
Oct 24, 2009 06:29 am Going to Ireland soon so I'll drink plenty of Guinness for you to help with the beer quest, mmmmmmmmm.
Oct 24, 2009 10:18 pm dig that man!
