PM sent.

Had this Saturday night, it was like a little piece of heaven. Trying to get more.

https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6yMa1P_JU...0/IMG_9368.JPG

http://prairieales.com/beer/funky-gold-mosaic/

Two left.

I used to have to travel all the way to Texas to get anything from Prairie Artisan Ales, amd finding Bomb! Was difficult even in Texas. The last year though, I see Prairie all over the place in Louisiana, even Bomb!.

I don't think I've seen Funky Gold Mosaic, but I'll be looking. I love beers with funk. Reaper's posts in this thread have had me consuming every farmhouse ale in sight for over a year now.

....aaaaand I just read that it's a sour ale. Disregard, I will not be on the lookout for it.

PMd.

I'm down. Let's arrange a trade of some sort...

All bottles are now claimed. Hope you guys enjoy. I'll get them out ASAP.

Thanks so much TimBone! Ghost arrived in the mail today.

I'll be getting you a sampler of local interesting stuff I'm the future!

I hope you enjoy, man!

I ended up sending out seven bottles to people after doing the giveaway and sending some to others for various reasons.

I've refrained from posting my thoughts on this batch because I wanted to hear people's opinion without my thoughts giving them any preconceived notions.

So please, after you all try it, share thoughts! Good or bad, I wanna hear.

I just drank the Ghost tonight. It's quite a turbid beer, very muddled in color, but I'm used to that with DIPAs. It had a little simcoe "catty" smell on the nose when it was ice cold, but that calmed down and it was all citrus as it warmed a bit. I found the taste to be a little bit herbal, maybe a little bit grassy as well on my initial taste, but that citrus also popped like crazy as it warmed up. It was also quite dry for how full the general mouthfeel was, and it finished with a massive blast of what tasted, to me, like mandarin oranges. Very impressive double IPA. Not quite up there with Heady or Double Sunshine, but definitely quite tasty. I'd be happy to drink them regularly if they were available here.

I had Timbone's Ghost In The Machine last night. This is definitely a DIPA right up my alley with a really nice balance of herb and citrus hop notes. I agree with phisherman that the citrus evolved as the beer warmed in the glass. Dangerously drinkable DIPA.

Despite different hop profiles, GITM was Surly Abrasive enjoyable for me. Big fan of the label art as well.

Cheers to Timbone for the hookup.

Yeah....you guys are spot on, I think. I was worried this batch might not be as good as the one I had a year ago, but I've loved it. As United said, it's dangerously drinkable. The smell is one of my favorite things about it. And the blast of citrus is awesome. It's almost as if there is orange juice in it.

Ghost in the Machine is very good. Totally exceeded my expectations. Smooth as hell, great Galaxy hop notes (I want to say) as the beer warms. I usually don't want more than 12 ounces of any double IPA at any one time, but I wanted a 2nd bottle as soon as I was finished with the first. Probably my favorite DIPA in the South.

Thanks again, TB.

My pleasure. Glad to hear it left such an impression on you.

GITM was as advertised. Delicious and fruity. I absolutely love IPAs like this with the big juicy citrus flavor. If it is Galaxy, that isn't a surprise as one of my favorite IPAs is the Schlafly Tasmanian special release which is heavy on the Galaxy hops.

Thanks so much for sending it, Timbone. I'm a frequent poster on tigerdroppings/secrant which is full of people from LA, so they're always going on about GITM. I'd never gotten to try it before, so I'm glad to finally get the opportunity.

In other news from Parish brewing, they're changing one of their flagships to be more like Ghost. From their facebook:

Glad you enjoyed NewChief. When I saw your post about TigerDroppings a couple of weeks ago, I knew I had to get you a bottle.

Concerning Envie, I read a post on Facebook about the change the day before I headed to the brewery, and I was very interested in that as well. I've had Envie in the past, and it's a pretty good pale ale, but if they're going to be making it similar to Ghost that's awesome. They didn't have any bottles on hand at the brewery though, which I thought was odd. I thought about asking to try it from the tap, but she was already doing a special sale for me 5 hours before they officially opened the taproom, so I thought that might be pushing it.

Grabbed a 6 of this specifically because I saw you praise it here.

Didn't care for it at first, but warmed to it by the 2nd glass. Really enjoyed the 3rd.

LMAO

Finally got a chance to drink the GItM TimBone sent, and now I'm wishing I hadn't, as I have no more to drink.

I love the opaqueness of the beer, and the citrus qualities are really up front - I really dig that in a DIPA. The smell is fantastic - very orange juice. Crazy smooth - I can't believe this is 8.5%. I picked up a hint of vegetal flavors on first taste, but those seem to have been overpowered by the citrus as it warms, which I appreciate - many Toppling Goliath beers have become overly vegetal to me, and I'm not a fan of that flavor in the slightest (though, this does remind me of King Sue). The citrus flavors are great in this - I could drink this regularly (and wish I could).

Thanks for the share TimBone - incredibly generous of you! Looking forward to hearing what you think of Abrasive (going out Monday).

http://www.foodandwine.com/slideshow...ries-50-states

Nanobrewery, I haven't heard that term before. However, i'm sort of falling in love with these small places. You generally get served by someone who has had their hand in making the beer, and the food is awesome.

Spiteful in Chicago is one of my favorites up here. There's no food or even a taproom, but their beers typically range from good to great. They had 2 beers win gold medals at the Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beers this year. One of which being nearly impossible to find due to the small quantity and the delivery truck chasers. I've had a few stinkers from them but not many. And occasionally you'll see a "don't drink batch # such-and-such of such-and-such IPA because it may be contaminated. Direct message us for refund." on their Facebook page so you know its some real quaint shit.

A beer tour guide once told me that it takes 3 times to decide if you like something. Wether you give it three sips, or three glasses by the third try if you focus you will know if you like it or not.

Well, I've buried another two six packs of it, so it's safe to say I'm enjoying it.

LMAO

Anyone tried that Dogfish Head Higher Math yet? A couple reviews for it are hilarious.

"This is like being at the back end of a human centipede."

At 17% abv, I'm a little frightened. Fortunately my shop sold me a single bottle so I didn't have to commit to a 4 pack.

LMAO

Looks like I'm going to get a chance to grab some Bourbon County Stout. I'm not a huge fan of stouts, but I enjoy BBQ when I'm in the mood.

Worth it?

Absolutely great this year.

Grabbed a 4pk of Sam Adams Rebel Raw which seems to be their take on Stone's Enjoy By. It's a 10% DIPA with instructions to drink within 35 days.

I wasn't a fan. Very malt forward and I didn't get a big hop profile that I prefer in IPAs. It doesn't really hang with other DIPAs that are available, but has a competitive price point at 13.99 per 4 pack. Will pass on it again.

Grab me a few! :)

I was limited to two bottles, so I guess I'm saving these for something special.

Might crack my bottle of BBQ tonight and save the BCS for Christmas and NYE.

Or should I let a bottle sit?

Throw it at your TV for all I care. :harumph:


Really though, BCS can be kind of boozy if you open it early, but still delicious.... I've always waited 9-12 months, since 1) I think it's significanly better, less boozy and smoother, 2) that's about the extent of my patience, and 3) it's about time to buy another one anyway.

I'd recommend opening no more than one soon and then forgetting about the other one in the basement until this time next year. If nothing else, you'll know if the wait is worth it to you in the future.

I tend to drink BBQ early or as one of the first beers of the following summer, at the latest... I don't really see the benefit of aging that one as much, since it's a quad, but that's coming from someone who doesn't get away from stouts very often.

I always lurk in this thread and you guys have some good looking stuff.

Just curious but what's your average number of beers you drink in a week? Talking about the good beers you are buying, not some night where you slam a 12 pack of miller high life.

I probably average 5-6 on the weekend. I don't usually drink during the week unless it's a special bar/brewery/sporting/concert event. I.e. a Surly Darkness tapping here last Thursday.

Not a bad idea, I'd like a new TV. LMAO

The BBQ will be opened no later than 1/1/16. I bought it to enjoy over the holidays.

Just didn't know about BCS. 1st time getting my hands on some. Figure I'll crack a bottle in the next few weeks, then maybe let a bottle sit until next fall.

GTFO.


Maybe 2 or 3 for an entire work week, will usually open a 22oz bottle on Friday night (last night it was a 22oz bottle of Southern Tier Warlock followed by two 12oz Prairie Bombs, which is a lot for me). Maybe one or three over the weekend.

I brew my own, too, which sometimes increases consumption a little, but not much, since it'll last several months... 5 gallons is a lot of beer.

I buy beer regularly and also brew around 150gal per year. I have 4 taps available at home with 3 being home brew and 1 tap a craft brewery usually.

What I am trying to say is I drink a lot of beer.

Dude, I love Miller High Life. So much so that I can no longer drink it from double fisting Fireball and Miller High Life on a boat at the lake for my 26 birthday.

Bad decisions were made that day.

Depends.

In the summer and fall, it gets pretty out of hand (for me) - and I tend to put on a ton of weight. LMAO

I'll often go through a few four packs of Two Hearted Ale and/or The Calling plus anything that I pick up to try. Those two are my "daily drinkers".

It fluctuates for me. Usually at the beginning of the year, I give it up for a while and try to shape up a bit. Then when Summer hits, I'm usually back at it pretty hard. On big weekends I could drink two bombers a night. Then some weeks I'll only have one bomber all weekend. I'd bet it averages out to about a 12 oz beer a day, with randoming alcohol content obviously.

You do craft beer, Lew? I saw you posting in the mixed drinks thread a bunch, but never anything with beer. I just got into it myself a couple of years ago, and this thread has had a lot of influence on me. You should listen to some of the recommendations around here and give it a go. Find a style you like, and try and find the best beers for that style.

Drinking Lagunitas Brown Sugga Ale this evening. Good stuff. I really appreciate Lagunitas Brewery's ability to make a shit ton of high AVB beers that are delicious.

I do like a good beer. I have just gotten in the habit the past few years of buying bottles of hard alcohol and making tons of different drinks. It started when we got a pool and would have people over for parties. Nothing like making people cool drinks when they come over and I just prefer to make some different tasting things on a daily basis.

That said some of the stuff in this thread I really have to try as well. I like Ale's, browns and especially reds. Stouts and porters are usually good too. Tried a few sours beers a friend had early this summer and really had a good one although I don't remember the name. I do not care much for any IPAs.

Once I whittle down my stash of bottles, I think I'll hit up Total Wine with a list and see what I can find.

You are out in Mesa area right? If so I'd say avoid TW and hit up Sun Devil liquors or Tops liquors in Tempe. If you ever get near downtown King's Convenience is THE spot for craft beer in Phoenix. Mickey is a good dude and has the best taplist in town for growler fills as well and prices that will beat TW across the board.

I think it's quite possible to add the Boulevard Rye on Rye to this list.

If you like whiskey, you'll LOVE this beer.

360 calories. 12% ABV. WHEW

No, other side of town. Litchfield Park/Goodyear area. Know of anything better out here?

In that part of town TW might be your best bet. There is a really good spot in North Phoenix near me, Craft Beer Hop Stop at 7th Ave/Union Hills as well if you are in that part of town.

I'm not really familiar with shops in your part of town though. Sorry man. I have heard good things about Ground Control and Peoria Artisan Brewery is right in your neighborhood. I don't think either one has bottles to go but they are pretty close to you and worth checking out.

We have friends by 7th and Union. I'll stop by next time I am there.

Definitely right on Ground Control, cool place. Another place is the Litchfield Tap Room. Check them out online. They do growlers and cycles beers in and out all the time. It's the same owners as the Peoria Artisan Brewery. Really small place here in Litchfield but 8-12 beers brewed by them available all the time.

Drinking Twin Sisters Double IPA by Left Hand. 9.6% is pretty serious in that category.

Stupid good considering it was $1.50/22.

Couple of things:


Shag was nice enough to send me a Surly Abrasive Ale in return for the Ghost. What a wonderful beer. Thinking about Abrasive and Ghost, it's amazing how smooth and tasty they can make the Double IPA's. Halfway through the Abrasive, I double checked to make sure it was a DIPA. Thanks, Shag! I'm happy to be able to say I've tasted Abrasive Ale.

Secondly, I'm in Houston tonight, I just had a bottle of Great Divide Barrel Aged Old Ruffian Barleywine. Maaaaaaaaaan....just a solid beer. I paid for a full bottle after already drinking a flight of other beers, and didn't expect to finish all of it, but I just couldn't put it down. I'm not usually a fan of barrel aged beers, but between that and Parish Brewing Barrel Aged Grand Reserve, I've had two delicious barrel aged barleywines in just a month's time.

I want to look into more barleywines, barrel aged or not. I've always liked the style, but have given it the backseat treatment, opting for IPA's and farmhouse ales. What are the top notch barleywines out there?

I drank an Abrasive the same night I drank your Ghost; great beer night. Glad you got to try it.

Unfortunately, I not a big fan of barleywines. I'd imagine the Bourbon County barleywine is up there if you can find it, although I haven't had it this year.

If you don't already follow the Beer Advocate board, there's a guy over there who's drinking a barelywine everyday for a month for his birthday. Fairly decent BW discussion.

http://www.beeradvocate.com/communit...ry-day.359065/

Glad you enjoyed the Abrasive! It is amazing how smooth and easy drinking some of these DIPAs are - dangerous.

I love me a good BA barleywine, particularly if it's an English BW. Sucaba from Firestone Walker is my personal favorite, and probably a top 5 overall beer for me. FW Helldorado is also excellent. Mother of All Storms from Pelican is world class, and probably my #2. A local brewery called Steel Toe makes a BW called Lunker which is fantastic. And, of course, the Bourbon County variant. Unfortunately, none of these will be easily available to you (or me).

I'm sure you could find Sierra Nevada Bigfoot (regular or BA), which most people seem to like, but I'm not a huge fan of. I had a few year old Deschutes Mirror Mirror last year, which was delicious. Central Waters BA barleywine is very tasty. BA Behemoth from Three Floyds is great.

Those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head, but no idea the distro in your area.

oh yes...Lagunitas is good stuff and love me some Brown Sugga! the beer is good too. :D

my Lagunitas go to is Maximus IPA. something like 10%. tastes great and I don't need many of them.

also...apparently....having read answers to lews how much beer do you drink in a week question....either most of ya'll are wussys or.....I have a drinking problem. :rolleyes:

Picked up a bottle of Buffalo Bayou Gingerbread Stout, won't get to enjoy till the 28th though.

Lots of good info. Thanks. I've tried Sucaba once. It was good, but I got a very salty taste up front, not sure how to describe it, but it threw me off. I had 2024 Mirror Mirror last year, and I did enjoy that.

I think I need to pick up some barleywines and let them age.

Nice, thanks for the link.

Man, I'm glad you went in search of a bottle. I do hope you enjoy it. It was better when I had it on tap, but I liked the bottle as well.

2 x 12 packs of Bell's Two Hearted Ale in 12 oz. cans.

Sold at Costco. $32.99. $1.37 per beer. Deal!

Damn, that is a good deal. It's typically $20 a 12 pack around here.

Any opinions on Ruination 2.0?

I like it. Pretty forward on centennial if I recall.

I went the 1.5 miles to my local HEB. HEB might not be that great for variety on most things but their beer and wine selection is superb.

It was 12 bucks for a bottle so it better be good.

I really liked Free State's Barleywine

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/642/1888/

Finally trying my first beer from Stone.

Enjoy by 12.25.15 IPA. Excellent.

Got a ticket for a 2 oz pour of Sam Adams Utopias. LOL.

I've been at bottle shares that have ended with a bunch of us chugging Utopias from the bottle, hobo style.

Drunken chaos continued afterwards.

What you guys cracking for Christmas Eve?

Just picked up some Tank 7 and Sucks.

I stopped buying Sucks. It's NEVER fresh by the time it gets to KC and it's awful past a couple months old. Yadda yadda, I know it sounds "beer snobby", but Sucks is one of those beers that shines when it's super fresh.

That being said, I'm going to be drinking Ballast Point Victory at Sea this evening. I also have Grimm Purple Prose in the fridge.

This was produced on Nov 11th (315th day of year), so yeah.. not the freshest. I've probably never gotten to have it totally fresh as we just started getting it distributed here.

That's actually pretty good. We recently got a shipment of the quart bottles and they were five months old already. Blech. Tasted like pennies. I made the mistake and assumed it was fresh. The local store ended up pulling all of them back off of the shelf.

Stone Enjoy by 12.25.15 IPA

Two Hearted Ale

Maybe BBQ. Maybe one of my two bottles of Bourbon County Stout.

We will finally start getting Bells here in 2016, supposedly. :clap:

Let me know if you're sick of waiting, I'd be more than happy to ship you some.

Thank you. Will check it out.

I've got a quad from Adelbert's Brewery, a Great Divide Hercules Double IPA, and some Tank 7.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

When did you stop buying? They've got a second brewery in Chicago that opened last year, I believe. I've seen a huge jump in the amount of Lagunitas available in my area. Although, I will admit I've noticed some consistency issues this year with their beers. I've assumed it was the new brewery working out the kinks.

Also, I don't find your post beer snobby at all. I think we can all agree 'the fresher, the better' with IPA's.

I bought a bottle of Stone's Point's Unknown Collabo Imperial IPA yesterday. Got it home, and the date was April of this year. Had a stale taste to me.

That's a good lineup. Although, I had 12.25 on tap in Houston a couple of weeks ago, and didn't like it as much as I did with previous releases.

That Two Hearted is a smooth drinker. I tried it as soon as I saw it on a menu in KC, just based on OTWP going on about it in this thread. Very good.