OT: Absolute Favorite Bottled Beer?
On the cusp of another St. Patty's Day filled with drunken debauchery...or, more accurately, workplace drudgery with no hint of inebriation, I was thinking about what is my absolute favorite beer.
I've been drinking Sam Adams almost exclusively. I went through an IPA and Rye-PA kick last fall, but I'm into mellower and crisper (word?) brews right now.
I know my vote right now would be for Sam Adams Black Lager.
March 16th, 2010 at 10:39 PM ^
BUDWEISER.
Diesel - none of that Light crap.
March 16th, 2010 at 10:42 PM ^
I think that is an underrated beer among the foam-head communities. Some people drink it because it is the "American Lager," but lots of people give it no credit because it is so mass-produced. But it is a very good hot-summer-day beer.
March 16th, 2010 at 10:40 PM ^
Favorite:
Rogue Shakespeare Stout
Honorable mentions:
Garrison Imperial IPA
Carnegie Starkporter
Probably not that easy to track down Garrison or Carnegie, but they're good.
March 16th, 2010 at 11:10 PM ^
Is the Carnegie Starkporter a Pittsburgh thing? I've never heard of it. Sounds interesting though.
March 16th, 2010 at 11:22 PM ^
It's actually Swedish. I don't know the history, but it looks like it is now distributed by Carlsberg Sweden. I think I've had both the 1997 and 2004 vintage and they were yummy. I found them at the Main St. party store in Ann Arbor 3-4 years ago.
More info:
http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/carnegie-stark-porter/4503/
March 16th, 2010 at 11:44 PM ^
Huh, didn't see that one coming. I'll be on the lookout.
March 16th, 2010 at 10:40 PM ^
Dogfish Head Chicory Stout.
March 16th, 2010 at 10:40 PM ^
I don't know about having one absolute favorite. I do know about these:
Sam Adams Cherry Wheat
Sam Adams Old Fezziwig
Yuengling
Dundee Honey Brown
March 16th, 2010 at 10:45 PM ^
I make a beer bread, and the absolute best beer to add to the dough is Dundee Honey Brown. Even thinking about it right now, I can't imagine any brew I've every had make a better beer bread.
March 16th, 2010 at 10:47 PM ^
Beer bread. I have never heard of this concept but am intrigued.
March 16th, 2010 at 10:48 PM ^
I love Dundee honey brown...great call! Sounds delicious
March 16th, 2010 at 11:16 PM ^
I will take Yuengling Black and Tan any day of the week. I lack the palate to discern expensive beers from well-made mainstream beers.
March 16th, 2010 at 10:40 PM ^
Damn. I guess I'll go with Stone Arrogant Bastard. It's a San Diego beer, and it's fantastic. A couple of these will get you going.
March 16th, 2010 at 10:50 PM ^
speaking of bastards, Founders Dirty Bastard is one fine brew in its own right
Is that a St. Louis brewery? I've never heard of it, and I see my fair share of beers out here in California. I'll definitely keep my eyes open for it now, though.
And I have to agree with "BlueinSt.Lou"... Dirty Bastard is one great beer. Haven't had it since the Brewery moved from the Brassworks out to 28th street though; hopefully the Dirty Bastard is like an old friend and stays unchanged.
March 16th, 2010 at 10:41 PM ^
of Newcastle.
Simply amazing.
March 16th, 2010 at 10:49 PM ^
Heaven in a bottle.
Close second: Dragons Milk from New Holland Brewery.
March 17th, 2010 at 12:32 AM ^
Good call on the Dragon's Milk. Just had it for the first time recently. Instant love.
...but now I am going to need to try Bourbon County Stout. I am assuming it is also aged in bourbon barrels (hopefully un-rinsed)? Regardless, thanks for the heads up.
March 16th, 2010 at 10:51 PM ^
I've never heard it called that before. Thats pretty good. I like me some Budweiser from time to time.
March 16th, 2010 at 10:53 PM ^
We call the beers either leaded or unleaded around here. I got the reference, but it was new terminology here too.
March 16th, 2010 at 11:04 PM ^
We just call it Bud Heavy
March 16th, 2010 at 10:55 PM ^
I just read 40 posts. I'm up late grading papers, but I'm going to the fridge and swapping my coffee for a beer.
I have Sam Adams Honey Porter right now...brilliant combination.
History tells us that Sam Adams was not nearly the intellect or diplomat his brother was...but the dude knows beer. Even from the grave 230 years later, the dude knows beer.
March 16th, 2010 at 10:55 PM ^
I'm thinking your students will be grateful for your decision...
I can't choose, so we'll go with a top 5
1. Bell's Oberon
2. Founders Centennial IPA
3. Bell's Two Hearted Ale
4. Rogue Dead Guy Ale
5. New Belgium Tripel
March 16th, 2010 at 11:09 PM ^
Founders Red's Rye PA is probably my favorite. I've also always had a thing for Hoegaarden too.
Favorite cheaper bottled beer is probably Yuengling. I went on a rafting trip down the New Gorge River in West Virginia last summer and that's basically all we drank. It was awesome.
March 16th, 2010 at 11:13 PM ^
Hoegaarden is definitely #1a for me. Can't believe I forgot about it.
March 16th, 2010 at 11:16 PM ^
I don't know if you have ever had Franziskaner.....but if you like Hoegaarden I'd strongly suggest that as well.
March 16th, 2010 at 11:25 PM ^
Yeah, I've had Franziskaner a few times at the Heidelberg. I assume you are referring to the Hefe, and it is definitely a good one.
March 16th, 2010 at 11:01 PM ^
a) Dead Elephant (Railway City - St. Thomas)
b) Coffee Porter (Mill Street - Toronto)
c) Grasshopper (Big Rock - Calgary)
March 16th, 2010 at 11:10 PM ^
Good god yes
March 16th, 2010 at 11:26 PM ^
If it weren't $18 for a 6-pack, it would be a staple in my fridge. Definitely the best buzz of any beer.
...but it's also 10% alcohol, so it's like the equivalent of a 12 pack.
March 16th, 2010 at 11:09 PM ^
Westmalle Tripel. It's a Belgian Trappist, so if you're not into that style, I understand. But for the style, I honestly don't think there is a better beer on Earth. Just great stuff.
March 17th, 2010 at 12:26 AM ^
oh heaven yes, Belgian tripel beers. Love an American IPA but it's nice for some contrast once in a while. Can't say I have a favorite but love...
Chimay Tripel (White), Tripel Karmeliet, St. Bernardus, Samiclaus, Unibroue La Terrible (actually Canadian), Duvel, Saison Dupont, Delerium Tremens...
Even their mainstream beers such as Leffe and Hoegaarden are awesome. Hop Leaf is the best place for Belgians on tap in Chicago... but guess who's going to Belgium this summer? Woot!
I'm actually a big fan of their Foret Saison (unfiltered organic.) You are one lucky bastard, have fun in Belgium!
Westmalle Tripel is like the beer of the Gods. Actually, any Trappist that I have ever had the pleasure of drinking has been far superior to anything out there. Trappist Westvleteren 8 (dubbel) and Trappistes Rochefort 10 (quadrupel) are just out of this world. I have the fortune of living about 1 mile from a wine shop that carries these beers.
I am thirsty.
March 16th, 2010 at 11:09 PM ^
My absolute favorite at the moment... Followed closely by whatever else I can find...
March 16th, 2010 at 11:12 PM ^
Staying local and current, I'll plug the Goose Island Night Stalker as a pretty phenomenal 22. Should age well even with the upfront hop kick diminishing.
March 16th, 2010 at 11:13 PM ^
I can't see drinking it every day, but it is one very cool ale to for a big game or poker night... or grading homework...
March 16th, 2010 at 11:14 PM ^
I almost forgot about Jolly Pumpkin's Bam Noire.....they sell it in 22 Oz. bottles at Hopcat in Grand Rapids and I enjoyed one for New Years Eve last year.....probably the most enjoyable bottle of brew I've ever had. If you're still going to school in Ann Arbor, make a trip out to Jolly Pumpkin.
March 16th, 2010 at 11:30 PM ^
They've got a spot on Main Street now. And Bam Noire is my favorite of theirs, by far. Good call
March 16th, 2010 at 11:18 PM ^
~60 replies and no one has answered zima. Shame on you mgoboard.
March 16th, 2010 at 11:28 PM ^
I've had quite a bit of Shiner's 101 Czech style pilsner. It might actually be a better pilsner than Urquell, which is insanely tough to do.
March 16th, 2010 at 11:33 PM ^
It's not my absolute favorite per se ... but for whatever reason, a bottle of Stroh's is hard to beat (and hard to find). If a bar serves Stroh's out of the bottle, you can bet where my money is going.
amen brother. (formerly) Detroit made.
March 16th, 2010 at 11:36 PM ^
Really expensive but damn...so good.
March 16th, 2010 at 11:43 PM ^
Not sure if anyone has any reason to visit Minnesota, but if you can get a hold of any of the following you'll never leave the state:
Surly Bender
Surly Furious
Schell's Stout
Finnegan's Irish Red
Summit IPA
All Minnesota local, all better than anything you can find in Wisconsin.