I was at Bell's in Kzoo a few weeks ago. Hopslam right from the source is great! Also had their Bourbon barrel aged cherry stout. It was very unique and had a nice kick to it.
Can't wait until the Winter Beer Festival in Comstock Park, MI!!!
Redneckman: You want to trade some Russian River Pliney the Elder for some Bells Hopslam ?
So far the only one that disappointed us was the Brooklyn Lager and it was not terrible. Have not tried this one, but so far Winter Ale is our Fav.
Just about everything I've ever had from Brooklyn Brewery has been fabulous. This one is right at the top. Definitely worth a try if you haven't had it.
Great from the tap at the brewery.
Wonderfully delicious coffee taste..... highly recommend.
I actually prefer the original Chimay over the blue, label is a maroon color.
I found the Blue to be a little strong for us. ***- from the wife and I out of 5 stars. So the Maroon might be more to our liking??Actually, the maroon is not really 'original' Chimay. It goes like this:
Maroon is equivalent to Belgian Dubbel - 6-8% abv
Blue is a Belgian Dark Strong Ale - 10-12% or so I think and comes off much sweeter
White label is a Belgian Golden Strong Ale
A few weeks ago I heard a local place was carrying Hopslam for $13.99 a six pack (which is about $2 below everyone else's price). When I got there the manager said they sold out in 2 hours.Luv2putt
I would like to try a beer from out your way. Only problem is I am 2.5hrs from Kzoo, and it is very difficult to find in my area. I know they have problems finding it down state because it sells quickly.
Damn, I wish I saw this last week!Anyone like to trade some bells hopslam for some Pliny ... I'm in NorCal so Pliny is easily accessible ... Brad
If you didn't like the Chimay Blue, I would suggest the Chimay White as opposed to the Red. The White is a Golden Strong, and the Red is a Dubbel. The Dubbel is much closer to the Dark Strong (Chimay Blue) than the White, which is similar to Duvel.I found the Blue to be a little strong for us. ***- from the wife and I out of 5 stars. So the Maroon might be more to our liking??
We also just tried the Budweiser Black Crown Golden Amber. For something to pick up at the local grocery for a party, when nothing fancy is around, we did not find it bad. We tend to pick up Shock Top, Blue Moon or Amber Bock when wanting something cheap or taking something to one of the local Restaurants. This Bud would be added to our choices. *** 1/2 +
I, too, am a BJCP judge and have judged in the final round at the national finals when the conference was in Chicago. It is one of my favorite memories. My favorite styles are English style barleywine and doppleboch. I am lucky to have several micro-breweries in my area as I'm sure BDawg has living in WA. I have to agree with him about the Helles. My favorite Helles is Hacker-Pschorr. My favorite "lawn mower" beer is Grain Belt. It has vastly improved since Schell's (second oldest family owned brewery in the USA) bought the brand.I'm a BJCP sanctioned Beer Judge, so I often get this question, and my immediate answer is always the same:
"My favorite beer is the one in my hand".
If I had to pick a single style as my favorite, I'd say Flanders Red. Rodenbach Grand Cru is probably my favorite beer of all time.
As far as go-to beers, I'm a big fan of American IPAs and American Pale Ales, as well as Oatmeal or American Stouts.
Generally, I don't go for the biggest, most alcoholic beers, like Russian Imperial Stouts or Barleywines, though I'll enjoy them once in a while.
During the summer time, one of my favorites is Deschute's Twilight Ale, a very hoppy Blonde Ale that's sort of a cross between a blonde ale and an American Pale Ale.
My favorite lager style is probably a Helles (such as Augusteiner Brau Helles) or a Dortmunder, though I'm pretty partial to Marzen/Oktoberfest, too.
I like to drink the phenolic beers like Weizens and Belgian Strong Ales, but I'm very sensitive to the phenolics in them and they overwhelm my palate after a full pint, so
I can never judge them in a competition.