The Liberal Gun Club Forum

The original English IPA as I remember is more malt than hops and the hops used are English and German. In the US we have quite a variation; Eastern, Western has different IPAs: PNW, No Cal, So Cal and some say San Diego County is even a separate area. Personally I prefer the floral, citrus IPAs over the pine, resin, herbal tasting ones. Everyone to own their taste.

One thing I wish the craft brewers would do is put a taste description on the bottle and carton. They have all the cutesy names for the beer or ale and sometimes mention the hops used but it would be easier to sell if buyers knew what the brew tasted like. I hate buying a six pack blind. I don't always have time to check Beer Advocate and some other online sites.

Fin de la Monde when I am feeling cheap, Duvel when I'm splurging.

My major complaint with local craft brewers is consistency. I sat in one recently (Hotel Emma at The Pearl - in house brewed) and tried / sampled all six or seven brews available - they ALL were terrible - and I like beer.

I see a business opportunity for craft beer tours.

Best to try a test run first...

CDFingers

SeanMoney wrote: Tue Nov 20, 2018 11:18 pm Fin de la Monde when I am feeling cheap, Duvel when I'm splurging.

Duvel is pricey but it's liquid gold, a beautiful head every time. They bought Firestone-Walker a big CA craft brewer.

Wino wrote: Wed Nov 21, 2018 9:22 am My major complaint with local craft brewers is consistency. I sat in one recently (Hotel Emma at The Pearl - in house brewed) and tried / sampled all six or seven brews available - they ALL were terrible - and I like beer.

I agree, quality control is not there with some craft beers.

CDFingers wrote: Wed Nov 21, 2018 9:42 am I see a business opportunity for craft beer tours.

Best to try a test run first...

CDFingers

That would have been a brilliant idea! 10 years ago.

Haven't finished me test run yet...

:-0

CDFingers

highdesert wrote: Wed Nov 21, 2018 9:54 am

SeanMoney wrote: Tue Nov 20, 2018 11:18 pm Fin de la Monde when I am feeling cheap, Duvel when I'm splurging.

Duvel is pricey but it's liquid gold, a beautiful head every time. They bought Firestone-Walker a big CA craft brewer.

Wino wrote: Wed Nov 21, 2018 9:22 am My major complaint with local craft brewers is consistency. I sat in one recently (Hotel Emma at The Pearl - in house brewed) and tried / sampled all six or seven brews available - they ALL were terrible - and I like beer.

I agree, quality control is not there with some craft beers.

I spent a semester in Bruges (Brugge, in Flemish), Belgium in 1976 and there was one cafe where the proprietress poured the BEST Trappist Ale I've ever tasted. It would be cool (Room temp there was around 60 or less) and she'd pop the cap and then rap the side of the bottle 3x: Rap..Rap-rap! The ale would geyser out of the bottle and she'd catch it in a goblet, leaving about an 1" in the bottle. If you asked, she'd pour the inch into a separate glass. The goblet would be clear, and the glass cloudy. The double would be light brown but the triple would be light amber. Sweet, fruity, smooth, velvety--and about 12% alcohol, Whew! If you tasted what was in the glass it would be bitter, nasty and give you an instant headache.
She also made the best warm wine (I guess it's like mulled wine) on the planet.

When I pour Trappist Ale I try to do it her way, still. I never get it quite right but it's still awesome--not getting that bottom of the bottle in is key.

Troegs Hopback and Sam Adams Scotch Ale are all I need to make it through this life.

Wino wrote: Wed Nov 21, 2018 9:22 am My major complaint with local craft brewers is consistency. I sat in one recently (Hotel Emma at The Pearl - in house brewed) and tried / sampled all six or seven brews available - they ALL were terrible - and I like beer.

Sounds pretty consistent to me. What’s your complaint?

I used to mess around with extract and partial mash brewing but I haven't done it in a while. I like porters and stouts but I go through phases. Lately I've been drinking wits. Southbound's Scattered Sun is my current favorite.

looks like I amidst some like minded folks.

Great thread. Thanks for all of the enthusiastic responses

I'm still excited, after a decade, that Alabama even has craft beer available! Only since 2009 have we been able to purchase beer with ABV over 6%, which kept pretty much all good brew away. I tend towards whatever is local and seasonal.