To Hell in a Handbasket

Finally got around to picking up a case of Stoudt’s Oktober Fest.  It’s still a high quality brew that never disappoints.

Just a quick note to say that Beck’s Oktoberfest is as good this year as it was last year.  I can’t wait for Stoudts to distribute theirs.

I had dinner at the Border Cafe in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA this evening with my cousin and co-workers.  The food was excellent, and the beer and margaritas were refreshing.  It was a rainy humid day in Boston so the restaurant was a bit on the warm side, but the lighthearted atmosphere, good friends, and good food made for an enjoyable meal.  They have a good selection of imported Mexican brews, and a wide selection of margaritas.  I had the Burros (stuffed burrito) with beef; black beans and rice on the side, and a healthy scoop of fresh guacamole and sour cream to  complement the dish.  The others had beef and fish tacos, and a shrimp quesadilla.  All enjoyed their meal.  I will be sure to dine here when I am in Cambridge next time.

If you are in Harvard Square head on over to 32 Church St. and get yourself some great Tex-Mex and Cajun cooking!

Sol was recommended to me by my wife’s cousin, and what a great recommendation.  This Mexican import is a great, light tasting lager that is easily the best Mexican beer I have had.  It compares with Tecate and Dos Equis.   Mild in flavor, with a crisp bite on the way down.  This will make a great summer picnic brew.  The beer pours a clear golden yellow, with a fizzy white head.

I highly recomend this beer, and for those of you still drinking Corona (shudder.), consider this alternative.  I am going to get another right now.

Intercourse Bareville Pilsener

I regret having ordered this beer.  It was pale in color with a tall, white head.  It had an odd aroma and a finish that made me smack my lips and say, “What is this?”  

I wouldn’t wish this beer on anyone.

Here’s the review at RateBeer.com.

Peroni Nastro Azzurro

Another beer I had at Da Vinci’s Pub was Peroni Nastro Azzuro at the advice of a colleague.  It poured a clear gold color with a tall, bright white head.  This beer had a definite macro brew ‘nothing special’ flavor.   The only difference between this and other mass produced American lagers is that this lager has a slight hop finish at the end.

Here is the review from RateBeer.com.

While having dinner at Da Vinci’s Pub in Collegeville, PA, I browsed the beer selection, and choose a different beer each time.  The first beer I decided upon was Magic Hat #9.  Although I am not a big fan of fruit beers, this brew was well balanced and the citrus flavor in the beer did not overpower the other flavors of the beer.  It pours a nice amber color with a small head.  It is a full bodied brew that finishes with a nice hoppiness.

Here is the review from RateBeer.com.

Dead Reckoning Porter

First off… damn good dark beer!  Tröegs Dead Reckoning Porter is hands-down the best porter I have had…ever.  If someone has had better, please let me know, because this beer has become my new benchmark.  The beer pours a nice dark brown with a thick tan-colored head.  The beer is solid with a robust roasted malt and chocolate flavor.  It finishes with a bitter bite from the hops.  I would drink this again, and again, and again, and … well you get the point.

Here is the review from RateBeer.com.

I have thought about trying the Sierra Nevada ESB (Early Spring Beer) for quite awhile since I think their Pale Ale is most excellent.  I happened to be in Molly Maguire’s last Friday for a after work get-together and they had it on draft.  I had a couple of pints and it was very, very good.  This beer was reddish amber in color with a moderate white head.  I think they just tapped the keg because the first several glasses had to be poured out by the bartender.   Once I was able to get a nice glass, I was able to enjoy its crisp, sweet aroma.  The first thing you notice about this brew is the quick bite it gives your tongue.  Subsequent drinks are not as sharp as your palatte adjusts to the beer.  The second glass was equally as enjoyable as the first.  I would highly recommend this beer to anyone .

Here is the review from RateBeer.com.

I picked up a case of the Michelob Craft Collection a couple of weeks ago.  The collection includes an Irish Red, Pale Ale, Porter, and an Oktoberfest styled Marzen.

I rated the Pale Ale lower than the other beers.  In comparison with other Pale Ales, Bass, Sierra Nevada, etc.  The body and hoppiness of the beer is not as balanced as other Pale Ales.  The hoppiness of the beer overpowers everything else and prevents the ability to truly taste the beer.  The Pale Ale is gold-orange in color with a medium body, and beige head.

The Irish Red is a decent attempt at the traditional Irish malt ale.  Somewhat similar to Killian’s in style and flavor.  It is a mild tasting and very drinkable beer.  It is brewed with toasted caramel malt, and is orange-red in color.  I would drink this beer again.

The Marzen is Michelob’s tribute to Oktoberfest.  It is a medium-bodied, smooth, lager that is reddish-copper in color.  In my opinion, the Stoudts and Beck’s Oktoberfest beers are far superior to Michelob’s Marzen.  I would rink this beer again.

The best beer in this collection is the Porter.  Brewed with caramel and chocolate malts, this beer is full bodied, and black in color with deep ruby red hues.  It has a caramel head and is very smooth.  I would definitely drink this beer again.