Most will pour samples if you want; I've indeed rarely experienced one who won't do so (I have been in a few cases where they had something ultra-limited on tap, and were turning away requests for samples for that reason--though in those cases, I suspect (1) it was good enough to get a full pour; and (2) the bar staff would have given me a sample since they knew me...). And I completely understand why someone would want to try a sample sip before paying $$ for a pour, too!

But several of the top-end breweries I've been to have started with the "we don't do flights; we will do half pours" line, it seems. I think they see it as differentiating them from every-other-brewery in a way, a way of thumbing their noses and saying, "Our beer is so good, we know you'll like it. And we want you to enjoy it, not just take a couple of sips and try another." Usually, the breweries that pull that approach can back it up, too.

We went down to the beach last night to watch the sunset at a bar on the water. There's a nice vibe there and this particular bar has posts between every 2 seats so there's a bit of privacy as well. The beer selection is weak so I settled for bottles of Sam Adams Boston Lager. The sunset was not impressive but there was a pod of dolphins just off the beach. I'm gonna miss this place. We will need to find a lakeside bar near the new house to help us get over it.

Sounds like you might need to take a trip to the new house over a long weekend.

Had my first Sam Adams Octoberfest of the year. It was good.

I picked up a six pack of it earlier this season and just finished the six pack. It was very enjoyable.

Actually that was the plan until work intervened. The trip's been shifted out a week. I have seen a couple likely candidates online, just need to check them out in person.

Last trip down, we searched for breweries. One only exists online. The other is more of a biker bar, which is okay, but I want a genuine brewery. Next trip will also continue the brewery search in surrounding towns.

Speaking of Oktoberfest. I stopped by the local brewery, which still is unable to sell its own product, to get a growler fill. They have new video menu boards. I thought they looked pretty good. I filled with #23 and didn't much care for it. Not exactly my favorite style but I figured while it was in season ... I had a #10 while I was waiting and liked it much better.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8a3235bcf4.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9fe45ae758.jpg

You might need to find a new house.
Interesting selection.

Did I mention Session lager from Full Sail? I gave up on American lagers years ago because they tasted like sour tasting fizz water to me.

But, the Session lager is quite good. It has a good crisp flavor, and as a lager should be, is not heavy or overly hopped up.

Nevermind.

I missed it. Where are you heading to?

We bought a house in Leesburg in May. Mrs BV has been splitting time between here and there while I continue to slave away for another 54 days until I join her.

And back on the topic of beer, I spent an hour at a beach bar yesterday afternoon where the best choice was Sam Adams New England style IPA. But it really wasn't about the beer. It was about the beach and the cooler temperatures (highs now in the low 90's to high 80's) and a few funny people sitting next to me. I love Panama City Beach after tourist season is over. It's mostly locals, there's no wait for anything, everything is just so much more relaxed.

In AP last week and has the usual collection of Chang, Singha, Tiger, Max, Cass.

Also visited Magpie Brewing Company in Seoul one night and it was an awesome find. Had a very credible Hazy IPA (City of Mist) that had just arrived for the first time that evening. Wasn't expecting much but it was very tasty and would hold its own with Hazy IPAs in the US

Siding 14 Switch Point Honey Cream Ale. As a craft beer enthusiast who prefers amber or red ales over IPA's this microbrewery based in Ponoka, Alberta has an outstanding copper colour ale with a rich and creamy taste. An easy drinking Sun. night ale.