Best craft/regional/local microbrew beer? [Merged threads]
Apr 28, 2006, 7:00 am
#1
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Best craft/regional/local microbrew beer? [Merged threads]
For me, it would have to be anything from Deschutes out of Bend, OR. I've heard the stuff down in PDX is even better than the stuff we get up here in Western Washington, but there's nothing better than a Twilight ale with some nice BBQ or an Obsidian Stout with a big piece of meat. Mmmmmmm........microbrew beer arrrrrrrrrrrr.
- Ben
- Ben
Apr 28, 2006, 7:07 am
#2
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I really love Shipyard Export Ale out of Portland. I can't wait to try Sea Dog Apricot which will be released next month. http://www.shipyard.com
4 more weeks until I'm back in Portland!! ^
4 more weeks until I'm back in Portland!! ^
Apr 28, 2006, 7:41 am
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This is truly a question for which YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary) because it is ultimately a subjective judgement what is "best". Do you like stouts and porters? Wheat beers? Belgian lambics? IPAs?
Asking what's the best beer is like asking what's the best food. Personally, at different times I'm in the mood for different styles of beer, just as sometimes I want a steak and other times I'd select seafood.
So I'll bow to the wisdom of Fred Eckhardt; Fred is universally acknowledged by his fellow reporters on the beer beat (and, if you didn't know, I get paid to write about beer for a couple of magazines) as the dean of American beer writers, as well as the man who literally wrote the book on sake -- his name's on the title page of the most-cited English-language guide to that beverage.
Well into his 80s, Fred is still covering stories better than most of us ever could while devoting himself to fine foods, delicious drinks and intelligent and beautiful women -- which is why so many of us who know him say we want to grow up to be Fred Eckhardt.
Anyway, as you might imagine considering his resume and reputation, Fred is frequently asked "what's the best beer?"
His stock answer:
"The one in front of me."
Asking what's the best beer is like asking what's the best food. Personally, at different times I'm in the mood for different styles of beer, just as sometimes I want a steak and other times I'd select seafood.
So I'll bow to the wisdom of Fred Eckhardt; Fred is universally acknowledged by his fellow reporters on the beer beat (and, if you didn't know, I get paid to write about beer for a couple of magazines) as the dean of American beer writers, as well as the man who literally wrote the book on sake -- his name's on the title page of the most-cited English-language guide to that beverage.
Well into his 80s, Fred is still covering stories better than most of us ever could while devoting himself to fine foods, delicious drinks and intelligent and beautiful women -- which is why so many of us who know him say we want to grow up to be Fred Eckhardt.
Anyway, as you might imagine considering his resume and reputation, Fred is frequently asked "what's the best beer?"
His stock answer:
"The one in front of me."
Apr 28, 2006, 11:18 am
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Originally Posted by greggwiggins
Anyway, as you might imagine considering his resume and reputation, Fred is frequently asked "what's the best beer?"
His stock answer:
"The one in front of me."
His stock answer:
"The one in front of me."
Had a friend in from Chicago the past two nights and took him out for Thai the first night, which we washed down with a couple of Bridgeport IPAs, which is very high IBUs, and a top three fave of mine.
Last night we started out at an oyster bar for a quick appetizer and brew before heading out for dinner. I ordered Deschute's Mirror Pond Ale and my companion opted for a Widmer Hefeweissen (with a the obligatory slice of lemon). Either was perfect for the food.
Basically, whatever was in front us in terms of brew options was the best beer either of us had ever had. ^
Apr 29, 2006, 6:44 pm
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Yes, the topic of the best beer is really, really subjective. That said, the best beers made in the U.S. come from a Maryland microbrewery, Dogfish Head. They have made some of the most innovative brews in the world recently, including the 120 Minute I.P.A. , which was my introduction to their beers. Several of their products have won multiple awards, and deservedly so.
Apr 30, 2006, 11:17 am
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Originally Posted by tkey75
Yes, the topic of the best beer is really, really subjective. That said, the best beers made in the U.S. come from a Maryland microbrewery, Dogfish Head. They have made some of the most innovative brews in the world recently, including the 120 Minute I.P.A. , which was my introduction to their beers. Several of their products have won multiple awards, and deservedly so.
I've had Dogfish Head several times, I agree it is very good! The Aprihop is my favorite seasonal beer.
Legend Brewery
Legend Brewery is also a local favorite of mine. The Golden IPA is very good. If you are ever in the Richmond, VA area try it!
Apr 30, 2006, 3:08 pm
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Hm I'm a big fan of regular Long Trail and Long Trail's summer ale Blackberry Wheat; their Winter brew is pretty good too.
Lots of people like Magic Hat 9, I think its ok.
Shipyard Export is good.
I'm also a fan of Saranac stuff in general, though I think their Black and Tan stands out.
Otter Creek Copper Ale is also very good..
Lots of people like Magic Hat 9, I think its ok.
Shipyard Export is good.
I'm also a fan of Saranac stuff in general, though I think their Black and Tan stands out.
Otter Creek Copper Ale is also very good..
Apr 30, 2006, 3:18 pm
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Originally Posted by tkey75
Yes, the topic of the best beer is really, really subjective. That said, the best beers made in the U.S. come from a Maryland microbrewery, Dogfish Head. They have made some of the most innovative brews in the world recently, including the 120 Minute I.P.A. , which was my introduction to their beers. Several of their products have won multiple awards, and deservedly so.
-W
Apr 30, 2006, 4:20 pm
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I was visitin my folks in PHX a couple weeks ago and tried the Four Peaks hefe-weizen. It was by far the best american made hefe I've ever had (I used to give that honor to Widmere). My favorite hefe overall is Franziskaner and Four Peaks is the closest I've come to a german hefe in terms of smoothness, banana/clove flavor, etc....
May 2, 2006, 12:22 pm
#13
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Dogfish Head's Head Dogfish Thanks You
Earlier today I forwarded a link to this thread to Sam Calagione, the founder and CEO of the Dogfish Head Craft Brewery.
I thought you'd like to know that his one-word reply to me was 'AWESOME'
I thought you'd like to know that his one-word reply to me was 'AWESOME'
Last edited by greggwiggins; May 2, 2006 at 12:25 pm Reason: Add Title
May 2, 2006, 12:24 pm
#14
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Oh. And Dogfish Head was born and is still made in Delaware, not Maryland.
Originally Posted by tkey75
Yes, the topic of the best beer is really, really subjective. That said, the best beers made in the U.S. come from a Maryland microbrewery, Dogfish Head. They have made some of the most innovative brews in the world recently, including the 120 Minute I.P.A. , which was my introduction to their beers. Several of their products have won multiple awards, and deservedly so.
May 2, 2006, 3:20 pm
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Originally Posted by Duhey2
I was visitin my folks in PHX a couple weeks ago and tried the Four Peaks hefe-weizen. ...