DRINKING BUDDIES

Saturday, November 13, 2010

A Few Good Beers Part Two

Hope I'm not rushing into this one a little too quickly but I've got a few more I want to tag on after these anyway.  But I have found a good selection of some beers that are available in 22oz bottles.  Unlike the last post where everything was local, these will be domestic but should be available in your area as well!  It took some time for me to choose the right ones for today but I hope you'll enjoy as much as I will!

Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA

The first thing the pops into my head every time I even see this bottle is the theme from Speed Racer.  It makes me want to get behind the wheel of a stockcar and just peel out and go crazy.  But I'm not going to do that since drinking and driving is not only dumb but against the law.  Instead, I like to sit back in my sofa, put on a good movie and pretend like I'm James Bond or something.
Racer 5 is a really good example of what an IPA should taste like: extra-hopped, bitter yet fruity, and tough.  Now I'm not saying it's a hard thing to swallow, but being in a 22oz bottle it is really meant to be enjoyed like a wine, over a long period of time.  Take your time enjoying this beer because a joy ride should be worth your while.  Hopefully this one will be a little easier for you to obtain than some others posted here, and it is a definite must for beer enthusiast everywhere.
Retails for about $5.99 per 22oz bottle.

Rogue Chipotle Ale


Now before you freak out about the ingredients, I am going to clarify that it is made out of real smoked jalepeños.  In addition to that, Rogue is already famous for its great line of ales and specialty beers (including a Pilsner that was hand crafted for Iron Chef Morimoto!) What is so magical about it is that the chipotle peppers actually give the beer more body and texture than they do flavor.  But it goes with out saying, the flavor is smoky and spicy, much like a Shiraz if you're into the whole wine world.  The head that is produced from pouring looks toasted and smoked, a great introduction to the beer about to follow.  A real treat for those of you looking to try something different and it more than greatly pairs well with soft creamy cheeses and cheap drive-thru Mexican food.  
Retails for about $6.99 per 22oz Bottle.

Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale

One of my personal favorites as far as domestic ales go.  not only because it's strong and flavorful, but the price is impressive for a craft beer of its caliber.  Stone is a little on the eccentric side, and Arrogant Bastard is not shy at all when it comes to its bold flavor and even bolder attitude.  Everything from the label to its cap and its shipping boxes describe it as a beer that boasts, "You're not worthy..." or "You're too cheap."  Very thick and creamy body, heavy taste of oak and smoke along with gentle hints of coffee and raw chocolate, and an aroma strong enough to wake the dead.  Overproofed at about 8-10% abv, and just bitter enough to make you pucker.  Not a beer for those, "who enjoy those sissy yellow beers,"  but more for those into a darker Belgian style ale.
Retails for about $3.99 per 22oz Bottle

Abita SOS Wheat-Pilsner

A newer beer from my favorite local brewery, SOS just recently came out after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.  It initially was promoted as a "Charitable Pilsner" and donated 75¢ per bottle to the recovery of the coast.  A very interesting blend of wheat beer and pilsner, it shines with a very smooth and light body which is accompanied by a bittersweet aroma and taste.  Pretty decent beer for those of you who enjoy Pilsners and lighter Heffeweisens like Erdinger Crystal.  Personally not my favorite in the line, but it was worth a try.
Retails for about $3.99 per 22oz Bottle.

Abita Andygator Dopplebock

Abita has a great selection of crafts and reserves when it comes to their beer, but Andygator is the granddaddy of them all.  This Helles Dopplebock is a whopping 8% of pure malty bubbling goodness.  Pays great homage to the old belief of beer being "liquid bread" and like the bottle says, it is meant to be sipped, not gulped.  A wonderful array of fruit and wheat flavors in this monster really tie in the entire brew, making it a perfect drink for nearly any time of day.  Including 6am at the boat launch.  By far one of my favorite 22oz beers out there, not too mention its label pretty much describes its fierce nature.  You'll hear me mention Abita many times throughout this blog, but I still think Andygator may be one of their best.  Buy a bottle if you can.  Try it if you dare.
Retails for about $4.99 per 22oz Bottle.

Well that's all I have for you today!  I might do a third follow up on beer reviews if you want, but I'll still do individual brews as time goes on.  Good luck finding these and happy drinking!

28 comments:

  1. This shitll put some hair on ur chest

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  2. Man can't wait to taste some of these beers :)

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  3. Chipotle ale sounds good actually.

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  4. it may just be because i'm really tired but i found the names of all of these hilarious

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  5. where can I find all these, I can't believe I've never heard of them

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  6. The Rogue beer sounds really good. I have yet to try Rogue, though I see them everywhere. You have just decided what I purchase this Friday when I go celebrate a tough week. Thank you very much :)

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  7. Wow I want to try that Rogue Chipotle Ale.

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  8. I've never heard of any of these beers... do they have them in Canada?

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  9. I've had most of those, but not the first one (the IPA) and it looks very good!

    I usually have to be in the mood for something from Rogue (at least their more "odd" brews), but I really enjoy them.

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  10. I'll have to keep an eye out for the first one. : )

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