Quote:
Originally Posted by Shag
IMHO, TG has gone downhill over the years (and I'll probably get flak for that, lol), though that opinion could be predicated on a few other things, mostly that I'm now surrounded by incredible IPAs in SD. I was back in IA recently, and had Psuedo Sue on tap for the first time in a while, and was extremely underwhelmed - and I used to LOVE that beer. I've had a good number of their IPAs over the last few years, and many of them have become very vegetal to me. I know they've had a tumultuous relationship with their brewmaster for a number of years now, and the owner is a known asshole. All that said, definitely worth finding - you may love it (many do).
I used to chase BCBS every year for many years, and it was my favorite beer at the time. It's still extremely tasty (I just put a '14 in my fridge to cool), but it was a different time then - big, bold, BA beers just weren't that common. Now, they're everywhere, and with quite a few world class options, BCBS isn't nearly as special anymore.
If you love VAS, you should hit Ballast for their VAS day, if you ever get the chance - they have a crazy number of variants on tap.
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Interesting about TG. I could tell they put a lot into the details of their space in Decorah, so I could seem them being real sticklers for things. And just their namesake shows they have a pretty grand vision.
That's how I think of BCS... it was the end-all/be-all for a number of years partly because it was one of a kind. I thought Schlafly's Imperial Stout was pretty damn close in certain years, but was inconsistent (and never quite had the body as BCS). Sam Adams had a very tasty imperial stout, but again, not really the whole package. And there was Great Divide Yeti, which was a favorite.
I know the vintage stuff and Chicago-only variants are still very popular there, but no idea if it's just as hyped elsewhere... it's definitely not around here, I could still find a Cafe de Olla or regular BCS in Phoenix for $17.
Don't think I've had any Victory at Sea variants, but the regular stuff is a solid daily drinker.... I know they've fallen off the beer craft enthusiast wagon, but I really need to make it out there and do a San Diego craft beer weekend.