Fun with Framboise

You have to hand it to the Belgians for breaking all of the "rules" of beer. They love to through in spices, fruit, whatever makes them happy at the moment. Lindemans Framboise is the poster child for Belgian fruit beers. It is a deliciously tart raspberry lambic that will make you pucker after your first sip.

Now you can enjoy this brew just as it is....or try something a little different. I happen to love it over ice cream. The tart, fruity, fizzy beer perfectly compliments smooth, sweet vanilla ice cream. Forget the root beer float, go for a real beer float.

First Up - Full Sail Limited Edition Lager

As the bottle says: "Well looky here. A crisp new Pilsner style all ready to rock your tastebuds' world." I must pause to say that I love beer folks because there is room for cheeky labels, this group doesn't take itself too seriously.

A part of Full Sail's, LTD Series this is recipe number: 03. A few breweries have gone to this kind of test brew/seasonal system including Breckenridge. I tend to like it and know what to look for on the shelf at my favorite retailer to find the next special thing from these breweries.

Admittedly, Pilsner Lagers are not my favorite style of beer. Most of the time I find them boring and many times skunky. I must make an exception for this beer. It starts like a traditional Pilsner but finishes with a light floral hoppy finish giving it a very refreshing quality. Thank you Sterling Hops, I am glad your brightness is a part of this brew.

Birthday Gift-o-Beer

I love good friends that know exactly what I want for my birthday, enter Mel. I met her working at Rock Bottom and she put up with living with me during college. She too enjoys a good beer. We met to go out to lunch today and she brought me a belated birthday gift.

First the perfect card:
Then the bag-0-beer:

From left to right we have: Dupont Foret, Dolle Brouwers Oerbier, Paulaner Oktoberfest, Lindemans Framboise Lambic, Avery Karma Ale, St Bernaardus Abt 12 (Abbey Ale), Kona Longboard, Full Sail Limited Edition Lager

I have tried a few (including my favorite, Foret) but have not tried some of the others. Check back for my thoughts on each!

I am a Craft Brewer Video

I love this video, it really embodies the craft beer culture! It features over 35 of the finest craft breweries and was produced by Greg Koch of Stone. http://iamacraftbrewer.com/

I Am A Craft Brewer from I Am A Craft Brewer on Vimeo.

Beer roulette at Yard House

Yard House, a sight for sore eyes. I love walking in and seeing the 100+ taps and a great focus to beer. Let's not kid ourselves, this is not what I would define as a true beer geek bar, it really is main stream as far as beer bars go. But, you can get a yummy meal - trust me, you must try the mac & cheese and a choice of more beer than usual.

After a little convincing my husband and I grabbed some dinner there on Thursday and decided it was time to pick something new. For him, a Dogfish Head 90 minute IPA and for me a Firestone Double Barrel Ale. Dogfish Head is known for their inventive and sometimes off the beaten path brews, with 90 minute being one of their more commonly known beers. It is a big beer - in alcohol and flavor. It is a heavily hopped but not overbearing IPA and should be savored in a goblet as it goes down. Now Firestone I wasn't as familiar with, I had to do a little research to find out what these guys are all about. Turns out they love pale ales and brew three of them in a smaller setting. I can see why Yard House mistakenly classified this as an Amber/Red as it was very well balanced with a crisp hoppy finish. Overall, I am sure you will be finding that both of us will be enjoying each of these brews again, the beer gods were on our side this time!

A place to call home, with a beer of course...

Among friends and family I am frequently asked what my favorite beer is...a question not easily answered. My response usually starts with: "today I am really digging..." and so it goes depending on the latest beer I have tried, my mood, the weather, etc. So those who know me even better ask what I have been drinking lately and if there is anything that they should try. Now you know why the blog is here - a way to share my discoveries in beer with those that also appreciate a good pint.