That sounds really nice even if I'm only in the mood for that sort of thing once in a bluish moon.

I really don't think they're all that expensive. Not when sixers of Stone, Great Divide, 21st Amendment and others are a couple of bucks more. Hell, I've even seen Cisco for more than Sixpoint.

I wanna say a fourpack of cans at Formaggio is $12 or $13. I guess that's not "expensive" compared to big singles, but it's more than I usually think they're worth. Hell it might even be $16.

Yeah, they're upping the price. I can usually get them for less than $10 anywhere else.

I have had a few that I have failed to mention over the past week or two:

Stone Enjoy by 2-14-14: I didn't enjoy this as much as I did the previous 12-13-13 offering. It was standard Stone, nothing too outrageous, nothing outstanding. The hop profile of 12-13-13 was more floral and fruity, and it didn't really hit you in the mouth right away. This one was a bit more heavy handed.

Vicaris Tripel-Geuze: A blend of Vicaris Tripel with Boon Geuze. I was hoping for a little more tartness, and a little less of the Belgian funk from the Tripel. It was a quality beer, but it didn't live up to the standards of either beer styles.

Great Divide Lasso IPA: It is Great Divide's foray entry into the session IPA. I thought it was delicious. It was just as hop forward as Lagunitas Daytime, and still possessed a substantial malt profile. I wouldn't have thought it only had an ABV of 5%. I figured it was a fairly standard American IPA with a slightly higher alcohol content.

Went to a few places in Durham and Raleigh this weekend. It was a funeral trip, so I wasn't exactly out living it up, but we managed to visit Crank Arm Brewery, and have beers from Several other good "solid locals." Best beer I had by far was from Fullsteam. We wanted to visit it, but they didn'topen til 2, and our train to Raleigh left at 2:30. But I had one on tap, their IPA, which was DAMNED good. It had the florals and aroma of Two Hearted, if slightly less of it, and more "jungle funk Simcoe" then "steady pine citrus Centennial." Still, it exuded quality and made me regret that damned train time.

Crank Arm was the right idea, but pretty meh execution...





They'll always get my attention with a hardcore bike theme, but yeah I wish the beers had stood out more. Much much much better than Boylan Bridge Brewpub, which had grouchy service and completely meh beers. Neat location and GREAT porch, though...

Scored two sixers of HopSlam and grabbed a six of Sculpin while I was at it, because I haven't tried it yet. They were saving me a six of HopSlam behind the counter at my local place and I didn't even ask them too. Pays to be a good customer I guess.

That's how it's done! Enjoy, it's the best batch in years. Had some more on tap Thursday and it was darn good.

Oh that's awesome.

Sleepover at neuro's last night, we had 3 kinds if Hill, some of the new Trappist beer from Mass, aaaand some Heady. Probably wont top that again soon.

2014 Boulevard Chocolate Ale is now available in stores. I'm going to a tapping party for it on Friday. I'm hoping none of this batch gets infected like the 2012 batch did. The 2011 batch was phenomenal, so I'm hoping they returned to that recipe or at least a brewed a beer that was is close to it.

p.s.
Has anyone tried any beers from Finch's Beer Co. in Chicago? They are launching their products here in Nebraska and are having a tap takeover here in Lincoln that I am promoting/covering for Nebraska Beer Blog.

Nerp, never heard of 'em.

Me neither.

What are folks thoughts on Blue Point, who was just bought by AB-InBev? I enjoy their toasted lager when it happens to be on special but otherwise don't drink anything by them too much.

http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/02/05/ ... blogs&_r=0

I've never even seen or heard of Blue Point until this happened. But I continue to A) not like majors buying crafts, because it aggregates wealth and power, and B) not be surprised when it happens.

They were pretty average. It's one of those beers you'd buy when your only other choices are Shipyard or Shock Top.

speaking of, this is delicious!

Finch's is awful.

Oof. There's just no way I could ever buy Shocktop.

I had one the other night at a restaurant because there really wasn't much of a selection. First time in awhile I've only had one beer with dinner.

More proof that beer is as subjective as music. I've found this years to be lacking.

http://www.ratebeer.com/RateBeerBest/To ... s-2014.asp

Alesmith is #1???

the fuck it is

I tend to agree, Derris, though its still one of the best beers out there. Also one of the few hoppy beers that my chick LOVES so there's that.

I also wasn't really blown away by Sculpin. Hops were a little bitter and not floral or fruity enough for my taste. (This may have something to do with the amount of Lagunitas Sucks and before that Jai Alai I've been consuming). I'll definitely try it again to see if a newer batch is better (this 6'er was about 5 weeks old), but, at 13 bucks a six pack, I doubt I'll buy it much though given the other IPA options we've got right now. I'd also rank the Ballast Point Big Eye above it.

Pretty much exactly my response to Sculpin, I think.

Have you had much of their lineup and just aren't a fan? I personally wouldn't put Alesmith at #1 either but I can't say I really hate the pick.



I like Sculpin so much more than I like Lagunitas Sucks. Haven't had Jai Alai

I got the snot beat out of me by the flu for over a week so the only beers I've had since I last posted were:

Ale Industries - Uncle Jesse's Ale - This is a SF area brewery's version of a low alcohol IPA. I'm generally not a fan of the style but have to say that this is the best version I've had. Still didn't love it but I was impressed.

Alaskan Pumpkin Porter - Pretty good but there are at least 3 or 4 pumpkin porters I like more than this one. Don't think I'd buy again as it wasn't cheap.