Sonnett's Beer Blog

Sorry for the absence...

2009-02-19T10:21:00.000-08:00

I am sorry I haven't been posting lately. My camera is out of commission and I just borrowed one this past weekend. I know it's a lame excuse, but I love to post the beer bottle picture with the review. Please forgive me!

In beer news, the wife and I are headed to Burlington, Vermont for Magic Hat Mardi Gras next weekend. I will definitely be posting pics and a full review of the festivities when we get back.

Look for a new review or 2 in the next week before we take off! I was able to experience Bell's HopSlam this past week, and it did not disappoint.

I'm shaving my head for children's cancer research

2009-02-02T07:37:00.000-08:00

Dear family and friends,

The three of us (Stace Millburg, Adam Sonnett and Rob Patterson) are
coming together as one team, "Beauty and 2 Beasts", to help the St.
Baldrick's Foundation raise money for childhood cancer research. We
are shaving our heads, on Sunday, March 15th (time TBA) at the
Claddaugh Irish Pub at the Newport Levee. We are doing this in
solidarity with children who have cancer and typically lose their hair
during treatment.

About the Beauty and the 2 Beasts...
Last year Rob participated in this event for the first time and
inspired Adam to join him for this years event. In preparation, Adam
decided to start growing his hair in July for the March 15th event.
Stace didn't think twice when joining our team, and claimed that
shaving her head would be nothing compared to cancer. Rob and Adam
applaud her selflessness and hope that you do too!

So the question we are asking you today is:
How much would you give to see us shave our heads for childhood cancer research?

Our team goal is to raise $8,000. Every donation helps, even $1!!!

Because many of you may know more than one of our team members, we are
asking everyone (even if you only know one of us) that chooses to
donate, to do so to the team instead of an individual.

To see our team pages and to donate please visit:

Team Page: http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/team_info.php?TeamKey=2009-4042
Adam's Page: http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/shavee_info.php?ParticipantKey=2009-57971

We also are extending an invitation any and all of you to join our
team and shave your head for this great cause. If you want to join our
team, please contact any of us for more information.

Thank you in advance for your support!
The Beauty (Stace)
and the 2 Beasts (Adam and Rob)

Friday Night Flight

2009-01-16T11:31:00.000-08:00

Gonna meet up with the Hoperatives tonight in Florence for a beer tasting. We will be able try out some incredible beers from the Rogue Brewery of Oregon.

1. Imperial India Pale Ale
2. Old Crustacean Barleywine Style Ale
3. Imperial Red Ale
4. Ten Thousand Brew Ale

Very excited to try these 4.

Check out their original post here: Hoperatives: Friday Night Flight

Happy Drinking!

New Holland - Dragon's Milk

2009-01-14T10:38:00.001-08:00

New Holland Brewing brings us Dragon's Milk. An oak barreled beer, I'm not sure if it is a stout or ale or what. Not that I really care in the end, but it's hard to compare it to other brews if I don't know what type of beer it is.

"Dragon’s Milk Ale, is a crown jewel of New Holland Brewing Company. It is the unrivaled result of painstaking processes - both creative and scientific."

Not sure what to think of that other than they really want us to like this beer because it's hard to brew.

Anyways, it pours a deep dark chocolate color with a tan head. Smells of vanilla, caramel and a bit of the oak from the barrel. Tastes mostly of vanilla and alcohol, but some of the oak flavor comes through as well. I have really been into the dark/chocolate/vanilla beers this season but this beer didn't distinguish itself from the others.

I think that if it had been barreled in bourbon instead, like Jefferson's Reserve, I think I would try this one again. I was excited to try this because it was recommended by a stout loving beer friend. Sorry to disappoint, but this won't make it back to the cooler any time soon.

Who: Cathy
Where: Home
Price: $$$
Score: 3 / 5

Happy Drinking!

Flying Dog K-9 Winter Ale

2009-01-09T09:43:00.001-08:00

Beer number 2 from the holiday beer cooler. The Flying Dog k-9 Winter Ale.

My favorite part of the Flying Dog series has to be the artwork on the labels. The illustrations are fantastic and a bit scary at the same time. Who would want to mess with that dog? Not me.

Not the best brew by Flying Dog, but still pretty good in my book. Pours copper/amber color with a nice white head. Lacing was seen down the glass all through the beer. The beer is way more malty than hoppy, though you can detect a slight earthy hop, but it is very subtle. There is a fruitiness to the beer as well but I couldn't quite put my finger on the taste, not a citrus fruit for sure.

A solid winter warmer, not the best but well worth the try.

Happy Drinking!

Who: the Fam
Where: Rita's House
Price: FREE
Score: 3 / 5

Leinenkugel's Fireside Nut Brown

2009-01-06T12:44:00.001-08:00

The holidays came and went like a flash. I still can't believe it's January...

Cathy and I had plenty of opportunities to try new brews over the past month. Both sides of the family know of our craft brew love, so they always try to have something new to try -- especially Joe and Thad.

That brings us to the first beer from our holiday beer fest: Leinenkugel's Fireside Nut Brown.

A very tasty seasonal treat for sure. Maple, hazelnut and chocolate are front and center for this English Nut Brown styled beer. It was very different with the maple syrup flavor I almost forgot that I was drinking a beer and not a dessert wine or hot chocolate or something... One of those beers where you can only have 1 or 2 because it just isn't a session type of beer - unless you can handle the sugar overload!

Would be a very nice compliment to any holiday dinner. Thanks to Joe for bringing this one over to try.

Happy Drinking!

Who: the Fam
Where: Rita's House
Price: FREE
Score: 4 / 5

New Year, New Beer, New Blog...

2009-01-05T09:59:00.000-08:00

New Year:
Happy New Year to all. 2008 was a great year and I was able to connect with a great group of beer enthusiasts. I hope to continue these relationships and can't wait to meet more beer lovers and try new craft brews.

New Beer:
Dragon's Milk - New Holland Brewing
Blitzen Ale - Maumee Bay Brewing
West Coast IPA - Green Flash Brewing
Hop Head Red - Green Flash Brewing
k-9 Winter - Flying Dog
Old Man Winter - Southern Tier
Mad Elf Ale - Tröegs

New Blog:
Speaking of beer lovers, check out this great new Cincinnati Beer Blog over at: http://www.hoperatives.com/ they are Believers in Better Beer (In Cincinnati and Beyond) Great stuff so far.

Happy 2009 -- Happy Drinking!

Great Lakes 2009 Lineup

2008-12-29T11:57:00.000-08:00

2009 SEASONAL LINEUP
GLBC is excited to announce the following seasonal lineup for 2009:

Conway's Irish Ale: January - April
Blackout Stout: February - March
NEW 6 PACK - Grassroots Ale (formerly Hale Ale): April - July
NEW 4 PACK - Glockenspiel: May - June
DRAFT ONLY - Independence Ale: June - July
Oktoberfest: August - October
Nosferatu: September - October
Christmas Ale: November - December

NOTE: Holy Moses White Ale will no longer be available in 2009

Brooklyn Brewery - Black Chocolate Stout

2008-12-17T12:05:00.000-08:00

The Brooklyn Brewery brews 2 winter seasonal's and we start with their Black Chocolate Stout.

A Russian Imperial Stout, poured a very dark black/brown with a nice head on top. This was a very full bodied beer and the smell and taste of dark chocolate and coffee beans is almost overwhelming. The alcohol is at the forefront, giving you a nice warm feeling on what should be a very cold winter day. There was a super strong bitterness in the beer from the dark chocolate and coffee flavors. I feel like it is almost too much though as that is the thing I most remember.

If you are into dark chocolate and coffee then this beer will be for you. It is a beer that is probably only for cold winter days/nights though. I can't imagine having this on a hot summer night. I know that a lot of folks really enjoy this brew and have it as one of the top winter seasonals. I don't think I would vote it to my top 3 but I was glad I gave it a try, and will probably come back to it again.

Happy Drinking!

Who: Joe
Where: BORZONE!
Price: $$$$
Score: 3 / 5

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale

2008-12-15T09:36:00.001-08:00

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale is one of my holiday and winter staples. It is one of those beers that you will have a good chance of seeing in our refridgerator over the next few months. It helps that Cathy enjoy's it, so it is easier to have around than not.

The beer has a reddish brown hazy color with a nice thick head at the top. Sugary lacing follows all the way down to the bottom of the glass. Smells very hoppy, spicy (Christmas spice) and fruity. Tastes very hoppy with a nice slight caramel malt to balance it out. It is a medium bodied beer which helps the session. It is not so bitter that it is overwhelming but hops are the main culprit in the beer. Very good showing for a winter brew.

It is too bad that this beer is only a seasonal brew, because it is probably one of the best beers brewed in the country. I think it is Sierra's best beer for sure. Please give this one a go.

Happy Drinking!

Who: Cathy / Joe
Where: Home / BORZONE!
Price: $$
Score: 5 / 5

Visit Great Lakes Brewing for Prohibition Celebration

2008-12-05T12:22:00.000-08:00

December 5, 1933: The 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is ratified, thus repealing the 18th Amendment and bringing an end to the era of national Prohibition of alcohol in America...and Great Lakes Brewing Company is celebrating the 75th Anniversary of this momentous occasion in history!

Visit GLBC December 5 and 6, 2008 for:

* Prohibition Menu Specials All Made With Alcohol!!!!

- Spicy Tomato Bisque with Burning River Pale Ale: $6.00
- Mixed Greens Salad with Edmund Fitzgerald Porter Scallion Dressing: $7.00
- Flank Steak with Eliot Ness Amber Lager Demi Glace, Veggie Valley Mashed Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables: $16.00
- Apple Tart with Bourbon Sauce: $5.00

* Drink Specials
* Keep The Glass Special: GLBC Pilsner Glasses
* Prohibition Pils On Tap
* Prohibition Propaganda and Decorations
* Big Band Music
* Flapper and Depression-Era Costumes!

* Guests are encouraged to dress up like it's 1933!

Original Calendar Event

The Session #22: Repeal of Prohibition

2008-12-05T06:34:00.001-08:00

The 21st installment of The Session is hosted by 21st-Amendment Brewery. The topic chosen is "What does the repeal of Prohibition mean to you? How will you celebrate your right to drink beer?"

Like the rest of the beer blogging world, I wouldn't be able to do what I do today and every week without the 21st Amendment: It means that I can drink, brew, write about and love beer.

I first started drinking beer at the University of Dayton because that is what we did there. We were/are a beer school. Not much liquor on campus, all "Beast" (Milwaukee's Best Light). That is a terrible beer to start on but like all college kids, you drink what is handed to you...Because it's free.

Thankfully, my beer drinking has changed since then, I no longer drink as much cheap beer as I can just to get drunk. Now it is all about the experience from start to finish. The color, the pour, the head, the smell, the taste, the lacing and best of all the company. From coast-to-coast friends and family get together and share life greatest moments with a beer. Without the 21st how different would some of our lives would be?

College? Would have been way different. Maybe I would have gotten better grades?

Sporting Events? Watching football games might be better at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati because of the "Jerk Line". But I couldn't imagine not having a beer and some peanuts at the ball yard every summer.

BBQ's? Nothing goes better with hot summer nights around the BBQ than an ice cold beer.

How will we celebrate?
I have seen a few parties to celebrate like at the 21st Amendment - Repealabration and Magic Hat Brewery - Celebrate the Legality of Beer, but there is nothing special going on in Cincinnati that I know of. We are a bit behind when it comes to things like this, and as Mark Twain said:

"When the end of the world comes, I want to be in Cincinnati because it's always twenty years behind the times."

So maybe in 2028 we will have a 75th anniversary celebration here!

In all seriousness, I will probably crack open a Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale as Cathy and I plan to decorate our Christmas Tree tonight.

Happy Drinking and Happy Repeal Day!

Related Articles: The Session #21: Favorite Beer

EDIT: 2:30pm -

Grammer's: "Free To Booze!"
Grammer's will be hosting its "Free To Booze" event at 4 pm tomorrow. The event will feature special pricing on Moerlein products. Event-goers can purchase their first beer for five dollars and get their own Moerlein pint glass, which can be refilled throughout the night for three dollars. Grammer's will also be featuring several local dj's in the later evening.

Mecklenburg Gardens: Two Dollar Pints
Mecklenburg Gardens will be offering two-dollar pints throughout happy hour, along with half-priced appetizers. Keep an eye on the old ship above the bar, it used to tell patrons whether it was safe to drink during the Prohibition era!

Thanks to: BuyCincy

Heavy Seas Winter Storm

2008-12-02T09:01:00.000-08:00

This beer is from the Clipper City Brewing Company out of Baltimore, Maryland. It is their seasonal winter brew and apart of their Heavy Seas collection. Winter Storm "Category 5" Ale is an Imperial ESB and is called the "winter warmer" by Clipper City.

The beer poured a reddish amber color without much head. Smelled pretty hoppy with some caramel malt tones and a small amount of citrus. This was a very good combination of sweet malt and bitter hop finish. What is nice about the beer is that their is a fairly large dose of both malt and hops. Malt sweetness first but then the bitter citrus and piney hops come through at the end. The bitterness isn't so much that it is a problem and that makes this beer very smooth. I don't think I could session this beer because it has a 7.5% ABV but could very easily enjoy one with dinner.

In the end this was a pretty enjoyable Winter Brew and I could see this being a staple for the winter months for the years to come.

Who: Joe
Where: BORZONE!
Price: $$$
Score: 4 / 5

The winter brews have arrived! We have already tried 6 seasonal brews and it is only December 2nd. With so many more to try and write about I am excited for the next 2 months. If you have any winter seasonal's you think I should try, leave a comment after this post, I really appreciate it. Check the list on the right to see if I have tried it before you post!

Happy Drinking!

Bell's Hell Hath No Fury

2008-11-26T10:00:00.001-08:00

This beer comes from the Bell's Brewing Company out of Kalamazoo, Michigan. I was able to try this beer the last time we were home in Cleveland for Cathy's birthday.

I have yet to try a beer from Bell's that I haven't liked. Hell Hath No Fury didn't change that one bit. It says on the label, which Bell's does very well and is one cooler label designs I have seen, that...

A brew that gives you either sympathy for the devil or the courage to face him. Goes especially well with your favorite lost my girl/truck/dog/trailer song.

I didn't have any sympathy for the devil after having this beer, but would want to face him either...Anyways, it was a solid Belgian Dark and I am sad that it is only for a limited release in October and November. Although I feel that Bell's best beers are their limited brews. I think that is the case with most brewers, knowing that they don't have much room for error, they put their best efforts into these beers.

It poured a dark chocolate brown color with heavy brown head. Smells of dark smokey chocolate. A very roasted bitter dark chocolate taste with a slight caramel malt flavoring. Reminded me of a stout which is probably why I enjoyed it so much. Had a medium body, which allows one to have a few in a sitting. Would love to get my hands on another, but regrettably will have to wait until next Fall.

Who: Thad
Where: Visiting Cleveland
Price: FREE
Score: 4 / 5

Happy Drinking!

Magic Hat Odd Notion (Winter 08)

2008-11-25T09:09:00.001-08:00

Magic Hat Brewing Company, Burlington, Vermont brews a solid winter ale with their Odd Notion (Winter '08). It was in the Feast of Fools Winter 12 pack, along with #9, Circus Boy and Roxy Rolles.

I really enjoyed this years Odd Notion beer. I believe that they brew it differently every year, which is a pretty cool idea to retire a beer every year. Last year if I remember correctly it was a darker (wheat?) beer, with some cinnamon. This year it is a lot lighter in color and is brewed with some honey flavor. It was a very light beer with a hint of orange and spice, very drinkable.

Chances are I'll probably give this another try since I will certainly buy another 12 pack before the season is up (Gotta get a few more Roxy Rolles). I wish that I could substitute out the Circus Boy because I really don't care for the Hefe's.

In the end, I was glad I had a try but won't be sad when they come up with a new recipe next year.

Who: Cathy
Where: Home
Price: $$
Score: 4 / 5

Happy Drinking!

100 Drinks You Must Try Before You Expire

2008-11-25T08:34:00.000-08:00

I was reading Musings Over a Pint, and David came across this list of 100 drinks that Art of Drink believes everyone should try, at least once.

Remember, this is just a list of things you should try, not the "best of the world" list. The list is about contrast and variation of flavour. I’m sure a few scotch addict’s, vodkaphiles and beeroholics will recommend a particular brand, but in most cases, this list is style specific, instead of brand specific. But please feel free to make recommendations.

Anyone is can play along.
Instructions:
1) Copy this list into your blog, with instructions.
2) Bold all the drinks you’ve imbibed.
3) Cross out any items that you won’t touch
4) Post a comment at Art of Drink and link to your results.
OR
If you don’t have a blog, just count the ones you’ve tried and post the number in the comments section.

I've come in with a weak 37...But I'm only 26 and really only drink beer and water, so I have a ways to go!

List of Drinks You Must Try Before You Expire

1. Manhattan Cocktail
2. Kopi Luwak (Weasle Coffee)
3. French / Swiss Absinthe
4. Rootbeer
5. Gin Martini
6. Sauternes
7. Whole Milk
8. Tequila (100% Agave)
9. XO Cognac
10. Espresso
11. Spring Water (directly from the spring)
12. Gin & Tonic
13. Mead
14. Westvleteren 12 (Yellow Cap) Trappist Ale
15. Chateau d’Yquem
16. Budweiser
17. Maraschino Liqueur
18. Mojito
19. Orgeat
20. Grand Marnier
21. Mai Tai (original)
22. Ice Wine (Canadian)
23. Red Bull
24. Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
25. Bubble Tea
26. Tokaji
27. Chicory
28. Islay Scotch
29. Pusser’s Navy Rum
30. Fernet Branca
31. Fresh Pressed Apple Cider
32. Bourbon
33. Australian Shiraz
34. Buckley’s Cough Syrup
35. Orange Bitters
36. Margarita (classic recipe)
37. Molasses & Milk
38. Chimay Blue
39. Wine of Pines (Tepache)
40. Green Tea
41. Daiginjo Sake
42. Chai Tea
43. Vodka (chilled, straight)
44. Coca-Cola
45. Zombie (Beachcomber recipe)
46. Barley Wine
47. Brewed Choclate (Xocolatl)
48. Pisco Sour
49. Lemonade
50. Speyside Single Malt
51. Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee
52. Champagne (Vintage)
53. Rosé (French)
54. Bellini
55. Caipirinha
56. White Zinfandel (Blush)
57. Coconut Water
58. Cerveza
59. Cafe au Lait
60. Ice Tea
61. Pedro Ximenez Sherry
62. Vintage Port
63. Hot Chocolate
64. German Riesling
65. Pina Colada
66. El Dorado 15 Year Rum
67. Chartreuse
68. Greek Wine
69. Negroni
70. Jägermeister
71. Chicha
72. Guiness
73. Rhum Agricole
74. Palm Wine
75. Soju
76. Ceylon Tea (High Grown)
77. Belgian Lambic
78. Mongolian Airag
79. Doogh, Lassi or Ayran
80. Sugarcane Juice
81. Ramos Gin Fizz
82. Singapore Sling
83. Mint Julep
84. Old Fashioned
85. Perique
86. Jenever (Holland Gin)
87. Chocolate Milkshake
88. Traditional Italian Barolo
89. Pulque
90. Natural Sparkling Water
91. Cuban Rum
92. Asti Spumante
93. Irish Whiskey
94. Château Margaux
95. Two Buck Chuck
96. Screech
97. Akvavit
98. Rye Whisky
99. German Weissbier
100. Daiquiri (classic)

Fort Collins Retro Red

2008-11-21T11:49:00.001-08:00

A Classic Ruby Red Ale, Fort Collins Brewing comes in with Retro Red.

Cathy and I picked this one out purely based on it's label. We really enjoyed the red wagon, carrying the beer bottles. I never did this growing up, but I know everyone has seen the kid with his red Flyer wagon corralling up used bottles and cans to take bake to the corner store. Very cool.

Not the best red ale I have had, and it pales in comparison to Founders Red's Rye. I think that drinking this so close after that beer really put a damper on what I think of it.

It has a very nice deep red color with a slight tan head. Smells of toasty caramel malt with a hint of nuttiness. Taste's like the smell (sweet caramel nutty) with a small amount of bitterness at the end. It was a good beer but not the best. I'll probably give Retro Red a try again because Cathy likes the Red Ales so much.

Who: Cathy
Where: Home
Price: $$
Score: 4 / 5

Happy Drinking!

Founders Red's Rye

2008-11-19T19:56:00.001-08:00

Red's Rye was my first beer from Founders Brewing. I have heard some great things about this brewery and this beer did not disappoint. What I can't get over is the creepy old man on the label. I can only assume that he is "Red" and it's almost like he is staring right into your soul.

On to the beer...

Red's Rye was right up Cathy's alley as she loves the red/amber ales. Just the right amount of sweet malt and hops for her. I had to agree with her on this, a very nice blend that was easy to drink. Pours a very nice red color with a light tan head. Could really smell the caramel, grapefruit and malted rye. It was such a pleasing blend of the sweet caramel and bitter grapefruit. It kind of felt more like an IPA, but I think the rye malt was what distinguishes it in the end.

A top notch brew and recommended to everyone. I would love to get my hands on another 6 pack soon.

Who: Cathy
Where: Home
Price: $$$
Score: 5 / 5

Happy Drinking!

Lagunitas Censored Ale

2008-11-17T12:41:00.001-08:00

Lagunitas The Censored Rich Copper Ale

Another beer from the California based brewers. They claim

"This ale contains no actual copper but we're pretty literal... It looked coppery, so we lamely called it a copper ale."

Pretty funny claim, yet true none the less. I picked this one up when I made my own 6 pack at Bruisin' Ales in Asheville.

This wasn't my favorite red/amber/copper ale, but it wasn't the worst. You could smell the sweet and toasty caramel malt and maybe a bit of the hops, but it was tough to smell it over the malt. Has a "gasp" copper color...

The caramel malt hits you hard and their is a slight hop bitterness at the end. I think I got hung up on the metallic aftertaste, which kind of turned me off. I think the best part was how easy it was to drink and that isn't what I look for in a beer.

All in all, not great but not terrible. I'll probably try something else before I get this again.

Who: Cathy
Where: Home
Price: $$$
Score: 3 / 5

Happy Drinking!

Budweiser American Ale

2008-11-13T16:13:00.001-08:00

Budweiser is trying to get into the "craft brew" market, and have failed. I was excited to give this a try, hoping the American brewing giant would come up with something good. There really is nothing good to say about the beer at all. It was a pathetic attempt at something they are not suited for. You can't just take Bud Light and make it an reddish amber color and then say you did something different.

If this is supposed to get people excited to try craft brewed beers, they are going to be in a world of surprise if they ever try a "real ale".

I guess I shouldn't get so worked up about it, but I have a great passion and respect for craft brewing that I expected so much more from a company that has way more money than most to put into a new beer. This is not what craft brewing or Ale's are about. In my opinion AB is trying to get their foot in the door, but it is way to late, and have failed miserably. I am offended as a craft beer drinker that they are really trying to get into this market with this kind of beer. I would guess that most will reject this kind of beer until they start doing it right.

Go ahead and give this a try, but don't expect anything. This will probably be one of the only beers that will get a 0 from me.

Who: Joey
Where: THE BORZONE!
Price: $
Score: 0 / 5

Happy Drinking!

Great Lakes Burning River

2008-11-11T10:18:00.001-08:00

Great Lakes Burning River Pale Ale.

One of my all-time favorite beers gets its name from the 1969 burning of the Cuyahoga River (really it happened: Burning Cuyahoga). The label shows the Cleveland skyline with the burning Cuyahoga River running through it. A nice play on an easy target if you want to make fun of Cleveland.

I have said before that I am partial to the GLBC and almost all things Cleveland (my wife, Indians, Cavs, Cuyahoga Valley Ntl. Park, etc.), but I think that many will agree that this is a solid American Pale Ale. It was in the running for my Session #21 favorite beer but since I hadn't reviewed it yet, I didn't want to choose it.

The beer pours a light copper color with slight white head a decent lacing. Very hoppy citrus and floral smells, but not overwhelming. This medium bodied beer makes it very drinkable and has a very hoppy bitterness at the beginning. You really get to taste the malt and caramel at the end making this a very balanced APA.

I think that GLBC really comes through on this brew and if you haven't given it a try yet, I would recommend that you do.

Who: Cathy
Where: Home
Price: $$$
Score: 5 / 5

Happy Drinking!

The Session #21: Favorite Beer

2008-11-07T09:34:00.000-08:00

This is my first session post for beer blogging Friday. The 21st installment of The Session is hosted by A World of Brews. The topic chosen by Matt is "What is your favorite Beer and Why?"

This is a tough question, because I rarely ever buy the same beer over and over. When my wife and I are traveling one of my rules is to always try a beer from the region we are in, so I'm forced to try something new all of the time. That is the beauty of the craft beer world, their are so many choices and it's so hard to choose your favorite. Same goes for when we are in a bar, I never order the same beer at every bar. Most of the beers that I enjoy are not available in bars anyways.

But, since I don't like to break the rules, I'll go with Breckenridge 471 Small Batch IPA. It was the latest beer to get a 5 / 5 rating from me. Here is what I said in my review back in October

"This beer is not for those who don't like hops. It was a great combination of the malt with the double hops though. Although the bitterness and hops are in your face from the beginning, it wasn't overwhelming. The sweetness of the caramel was their at the beginning, but it isn't enough to take away from the bitter finish. The brewmaster really outdid him/herself with this beer. Even with the high ABV (9.20%) I could sit and have a handful of these.

Highly Recommended!"

I have to give a shoutout to Dave over at Musings Over a Pint and Chipper Dave at Fermentedly Challenged for alerting me to The Session. Be sure to check out A World of Brews for a summary of all of this month's Session posts.

Pints for Prostates Delivers Men’s Health Message Using the Universal Language of Beer

2008-11-05T14:13:00.000-08:00

Last week I posted a banner on the side of the page promoting this. I learned later in the week that my Uncle had been diagnosed with this very cancer. Weird how that stuff works. So if you are over 40 please get tested at your next doctor's visit.

The symptoms of prostate cancer rarely show before the disease has progressed, but a simple PSA blood test can serve as an early warning and save men’s lives. But how do you reach men in their late 30s and early 40s, when statistics show they often skip regular physicals and avoid doctor’s offices?

“Pints for Prostates is an awareness campaign designed to reach men through the universal language of beer. We want to communicate with them in a friendly and non-threatening way about the need for regular PSA testing,” says Rick Lyke, a 47-year-old Charlotte, N.C., marketing executive and drinks journalist who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in February. “Early detection is the key to fighting prostate cancer and a PSA test and a physical exam are the best method to catch it early.”

Read the Enitre release here or Visit the Pints for Prostates Website

Have a 'MAN-tastic' Holiday Season

2008-11-05T14:06:00.000-08:00

NEWCASTLE BROWN ALE OFFERS RECIPES AND ENTERTAINING TIPS DESIGNED TO GUARANTEE A ‘MAN-TASTIC’ HOLIDAY SEASON

#1 Imported Ale Partners with Popular Consumer Brands and TV Chef “Sam the Cooking Guy” to Launch a National Grocery Store Campaign

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (October 27, 2008) – Slaving over the bird, dressing and gravy. Shopping in vain for the right gift for that special someone – and then having to wrap it. Those darn icicle lights. If there’s one thing thousands of men across the country share in common during the holidays, it’s overcoming these and other maddening, yet traditional, to-dos. Newcastle Brown Ale to the rescue. The leading imported ale will introduce a complementary guy’s guide to entertaining in style, dubbed the “Man-ual” and slated to hit supermarkets nationwide in November.

Along with lifesaving tips for navigating the entertaining season, the Man-ual will also offer consumers delicious, easy-to-make holiday recipes on perforated recipe cards courtesy of cookbook author and TV cooking personality “Sam the Cooking Guy.”

Newcastle Brown Ale partnered with national brands Cabot® Creamery Cooperative and Java-Log® to offer promotional discounts (where legal). The Man-ual boasts recipes including an Au Revoir Fondue made with Cabot Cheddar Cheese. For easy fireside entertaining with not-your-average Yule log, check out discounts on Java-Log®, the first and only eco-friendly firelog made from recycled coffee grounds. Other highlights from the Man-ual include tips on toasting co-workers and how to avoid committing a fashion faux-pas at holiday parties.

Kheri Tillman, vice president of marketing Newcastle Brown Ale, Dos Equis and Amstel Light said, “We are proud to announce this holiday campaign and promotional partnership with nationally recognized brands like Cabot and Java-Log®, as they are well-known consumer favorites and share a similar consumer base as Newcastle Brown Ale.”

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The holiday “Man-ual” and surrounding collateral were designed by San Diego’s VitroRobertson.

For media inquiries, including interview scheduling, please contact Formula at 310-578-7050.

ABOUT CABOT CREAMERY COOPERATIVE

Cabot Creamery Cooperative has been in continuous operation in Vermont since 1919 and is most widely known as makers of “The World’s Best Cheddar and World’s Best Lowfat Cheddar.” Cabot is owned by the dairy farm families of Agri-Mark, the Northeast’s premier dairy cooperative. For additional information on Cabot Creamery, please visit www.cabotcheese.coop

ABOUT JAVA-LOG

Owned by Jarden Home Brands, Java-Log® and StarterLogg® brand firelogs are innovative fireplace alternatives offering easy-lighting, longer-burning, and brighter flames. Java-Log®, the first and only firelog made with recycled spent coffee grounds and 100 percent renewable, non-petroleum wax, diverts more than 20 million pounds of coffee waste each year that would otherwise end up in landfills. Approved by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), Java-Log® produces up to 80 percent fewer emissions than traditional firewood. StarterLogg® is made of premium wax and kiln-dried hardwood sawdust and is non-toxic. For more information, visit www.java-log.com.

ABOUT HEINEKEN USA
Heineken USA Inc., the nation’s premier beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, which is the world’s most international brewer. Brands imported into the U.S. include: Heineken Lager, the world’s most international beer brand; Heineken Premium Light; Amstel Light, a leading imported light beer brand; Newcastle Brown Ale, the leading imported ale in the United States; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. Heineken USA is also the exclusive USA importer for the Tecate, Tecate Light, Dos Equis, Sol, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from FEMSA Cerveza of Mexico. Please visit EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com.

Bad Penny Brown Ale

2008-11-05T09:11:00.001-08:00

Brewed by the Big Boss Brewing Company in Raleigh, North Carolina. The thing that drew me to Bad Penny was the label and branding of the beer and brewery. As a designer I am always looking for things that excite and inspire me and this is one of those times. The design is fantastic and one of the better options in the craft beer world. All of Big Boss's brews have this same kind of design and feel. Very cool.

Now on to the beer itself.

Bad Penny is a brown ale and a pretty good one at that. Pours a dark brown, more like a porter than a brown ale, with a creamy off white head. Smells of dark chocolate and coffee. The taste reminds me a bit like a chocolate soda, it has this thin malty flavoring with a hint of nutty/hoppy bitterness at the end.

This really felt more like a porter than a brown ale, but I think that the bitterness at the end categorizes it as the brown ale over a porter/stout. Can't wait to try another brew from Big Boss.

Who: Cathy
Where: Home
Price: $$$
Score: 4 / 5

Happy Drinking!