Well--I am a day behind again but there is good reason...
First--an addition to the previous post--I could have edited it but decided to do it this way. New Belgium is now the third largest craft brewery in the U.S. behind Sam Adams and Sierra Nevada. They are looking at the possibility of opening a brewery somewhere in the east. When I told our guide that we were from Asheville, he said that is one of the cities he keeps hearing about! REmember you heard it here first. That would be interesting since it would not be as "local" as our current group of brewers. My take is there may be some resistance but their product is good enough to overcome it. Besides it would be a big operation to supply a number of states.
Another clarification--may be too much minutiae for some of you but I try to be comprehensive here. The Fat Tire label comment in the previous post--the bike gradually disappeared because it was on a trip. People are asked to write a brief story re: the trip. The winner will get a new bike.
Yesterday we dropped off the rental car at the Colo. springs airport. Pooh (Dick) picked us up and took us to lunch at the Blue Star Restaurant. They happened to have several brews on the menu. Priscilla went with the Bristol Beehive Honey Wheat which she really liked. I tried Bristol's Mass Transit Amber Ale which I found kind of bland and boring (should have tried a sample first). Pooh had Bristol's Laughing Lab Scottish Ale which he liked. I sampled it and agreed. Since it was only noon, we were only going to have one with our lunch...but I saw an intriguing one from Boulevard called Tank 7 Saison. When I asked about it, I was told it was "complex" and 8%. Had to try it and was not disappointed--it was very good.
Next we drove to the summit of Pike's Peak. At 14,110 feet, the combination of the Saison and the altitude made me a little woozy at first. It took us an hour to get to the top. They had just completed the annual climb contest--the winner made it in just under 10 minutes--a new record. Meagan--I am sure running your Camaro up there would be a blast.
Next stop was a new brewpub in Woodland Park. They were all German style brews which I assume meant abiding by the German Purity Laws. The Weis beer (wheat) was a good one to sip on the patio. The Dunkel dark lager--not so much. Priscilla couldn't drink it and neither could I. Many of you are old enough to remember the cereal commercial with the tag line, "Give it Mikey--he'll eat anything." Well, we passed the Dunkel to Pooh and he managed to drink it.
On to Pooh's place in the mountains. Saw mule deer and elk. He opened his fridge and showed me what he had accumulated from California and elsewhere. There has to be 15-20 different kinds of beer, only two of which I recognize from my collection. I looked at Priscilla and asked if she thought we could stay for another week...Tonight we eat Mexican so I will have hard choices to make. Last night was a wine meal (first taste of wine on the trip but Pooh is a wino with a cellar full so this was required).
Bill--thanks for your comment--the trip has been a great combination of sightseeing and brews.
Today we will visit a wolf sanctuary...
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Day 11
June 28, 2011
Beautiful drive from Grand Junction to the Denver area! From Denver we headed north to Fort Collins. Stopped at Coopersmith to get a certain special glass for a needy person...then on to New Belgium. Got there 30 minutes early for our tour--the tasting room was hopping.
As promised by Meagan and Marlowe, the tour was excellent AND we hit a special day--their 2oth anniversary! All their employees were given a new bike as part of the celebration. Tour lasted 1 1/2 hours. They bottle 700 beers an hour with only 8 people. They have 380 employees in total, many of which are in sales. They are in 24 states. Now for the beers--
The bike on the Fat Tire Label has been gradually disappearing and is now gone. Part of some contest I don't understand...it will come back.
After the tour, we were in the tasting room for our free beer--Priscilla had Somersault and I had the Blue Paddle. Then the two founders got up on the bar and recognized their 20 years by toasts and thunderous applause from the crowd. As I said--great tour.
Then we decided to hit one more establishment before getting a motel for the night. We picked Odells since we had their stuff for the first time in Denver. We had their Classic Tray flight of six
Beautiful drive from Grand Junction to the Denver area! From Denver we headed north to Fort Collins. Stopped at Coopersmith to get a certain special glass for a needy person...then on to New Belgium. Got there 30 minutes early for our tour--the tasting room was hopping.
As promised by Meagan and Marlowe, the tour was excellent AND we hit a special day--their 2oth anniversary! All their employees were given a new bike as part of the celebration. Tour lasted 1 1/2 hours. They bottle 700 beers an hour with only 8 people. They have 380 employees in total, many of which are in sales. They are in 24 states. Now for the beers--
- Somersault--5.2%--good summer brew. Our guide Dave has a keg of this stuff at his home--his second one.
- Super Cru--10%--one of their Lips of Faith series of experimental beers--pretty good for a high octane brew.
- Blue Paddle--4.8%--a pilsner--I think the only one I had not had before (in addition to the Super Cru maybe--I have one Lips of Faith on my shelf but can't remember what it is). There is a funny story about how it got its name but that will wait for another time.
- Fat Tire--5.2%--our guide called it their "gateway" beer--at least it was for him, meaning the beer that weaned him off Bud when he moved to the area. The bottles that we drank had just been bottled 20 minutes before our tasting--now that is fresh..
- And finally--a special treat--La Folie--another Lips of Faith brew--a sour beer aged for three years in large oak barrels obtained from a CA winery. Think Granny Smith apples at 6%--pretty special brew!
The bike on the Fat Tire Label has been gradually disappearing and is now gone. Part of some contest I don't understand...it will come back.
After the tour, we were in the tasting room for our free beer--Priscilla had Somersault and I had the Blue Paddle. Then the two founders got up on the bar and recognized their 20 years by toasts and thunderous applause from the crowd. As I said--great tour.
Then we decided to hit one more establishment before getting a motel for the night. We picked Odells since we had their stuff for the first time in Denver. We had their Classic Tray flight of six
- Easy Street 4.6% unfiltered wheat see Day 2 post
- Levity Amber Ale 5.1%--too light for both of us
- 5 Barrel Pale Ale 5.2%--one hop added in the fermenator and 4 during the kettle boil. Despite this, it was not too hoppy for Priscilla!
- 90 Shilling 5.3%--third time on the trip for this good one.
- IPA 7%--after one sip, Priscilla let me finish it
- Cutthroat Porter 4.8%--named after the state fish. Of course, Priscilla liked it. I found it OK.
Hard to believe but at supper tonight--we had water to drink! 11 samples were enough for the day...
Tomorrow we turn in the rental car and take off for the mountains with Pooh. I think another microbrew and Pike's Peak is on the agenda so the blog will continue.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Day 10
June 27th--
OK--today was simply a day to get from SLC Utah (pain in the a** construction) to western CO--no specific beer plans. But--Priscilla maintains this trip is "all about the beer". I don't understand--we have seen a LOT of cool scenery...on our way to a stop for the nights..that usually just seemed to make sense that we would look for a brewpub. I told her tonight--"just think of all the time we saved discussing where to eat every night."
As I said, tonight I had no plan. We stopped at the visitor center for the Colorado Nat'l Monument (worth the ~2 hour drive off I-70 which we enjoyed) and asked about a brewpub in Grand Junction. Lo and behold--they have one with another either here or on the way soon! So--after checking in to our motel, we drove right down to the Rockslide Brewery and Pub on Main Street--been in operation since 1992! That's according to Jennifer who is at least 18 since she served us but under 21 because she had not tried the beers. This revelation forced us to go to the sampling routine to cover several of their 8 "regular" beers plus two seasonals.
Let me preface these remarks with the fact that the temp hit 95 in the high desert. Serious thirst needed to be quenched! Priscilla went immediately to the Raspberry wheat which she termed VERY refreshing. I tried a sample of the Cold Shivers Pale Ale--copper colored, very good flavor with a slight hoppy flavor on the back end--a good choice.
Our second choices--Priscilla sampled the regular Big Bear Stout and the seasonal Holiday Porter. She chose the Stout--the usual (to me) smooth roasted flavor--which she termed "another good stout". Due to the blast furnace temps, I passed on the Rabbit Ears Amber Ale and sampled the Windowmaker Wheat (with lemon) and the Hefeweizen (with an orange slice). A real tough call but I chose the Hefe. It was a damn fine beer!
Tomorrow--we drive to Ft. Collins for the 3 p.m. New Belgium tour which we have been advised not to miss.
OK--today was simply a day to get from SLC Utah (pain in the a** construction) to western CO--no specific beer plans. But--Priscilla maintains this trip is "all about the beer". I don't understand--we have seen a LOT of cool scenery...on our way to a stop for the nights..that usually just seemed to make sense that we would look for a brewpub. I told her tonight--"just think of all the time we saved discussing where to eat every night."
As I said, tonight I had no plan. We stopped at the visitor center for the Colorado Nat'l Monument (worth the ~2 hour drive off I-70 which we enjoyed) and asked about a brewpub in Grand Junction. Lo and behold--they have one with another either here or on the way soon! So--after checking in to our motel, we drove right down to the Rockslide Brewery and Pub on Main Street--been in operation since 1992! That's according to Jennifer who is at least 18 since she served us but under 21 because she had not tried the beers. This revelation forced us to go to the sampling routine to cover several of their 8 "regular" beers plus two seasonals.
Let me preface these remarks with the fact that the temp hit 95 in the high desert. Serious thirst needed to be quenched! Priscilla went immediately to the Raspberry wheat which she termed VERY refreshing. I tried a sample of the Cold Shivers Pale Ale--copper colored, very good flavor with a slight hoppy flavor on the back end--a good choice.
Our second choices--Priscilla sampled the regular Big Bear Stout and the seasonal Holiday Porter. She chose the Stout--the usual (to me) smooth roasted flavor--which she termed "another good stout". Due to the blast furnace temps, I passed on the Rabbit Ears Amber Ale and sampled the Windowmaker Wheat (with lemon) and the Hefeweizen (with an orange slice). A real tough call but I chose the Hefe. It was a damn fine beer!
Tomorrow--we drive to Ft. Collins for the 3 p.m. New Belgium tour which we have been advised not to miss.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Day 9
June 26th--
Drove to SLC. Spent several hours in Temple Square. I had to inform one young lady that we are not interested in converting...
On to beer--we drove to Park City because it was very necessary for me to get Polygamy Porter beer, t-shirt, and/or hat from the Wasatch Brewpub (www.wasatchbeers.com).
My first was the Mucker's Amber Ale---a good balance of malt and hops with a hint of some citrus--which after hours in the sun and a uphill walk to reach the brewpub, I pronounced it VERY thirst quenching. I could have had several but...
Priscilla had the Polygamy Porter which they must have forced the ABV at 4% so they can sell it in grocery stores. That's right--the definition of high alcohol in this state is 4%. Everything above that has to be purchased in state stores. Very smooth brown with toffee flavor and Williamette hops. It won gold at the World Beer Cup.
For the second round, I had a bottle of the Polygamy Porter so I could be guaranteed one to take home without shopping for one tomorrow. Priscilla had Jalapeno Cream Ale, "an English style ale brewed to perfection with fresh jalapenos". Of course she loved it. She forced me to try it and my response was that it was one of the worst beers I have ever tasted!
Some of their waitstaff wore t-shirts that read, "we drink our share and serve the rest."
Food comment--my Idaho pan-seared trout was excellent!
On to western CO tomorrow...
Drove to SLC. Spent several hours in Temple Square. I had to inform one young lady that we are not interested in converting...
On to beer--we drove to Park City because it was very necessary for me to get Polygamy Porter beer, t-shirt, and/or hat from the Wasatch Brewpub (www.wasatchbeers.com).
My first was the Mucker's Amber Ale---a good balance of malt and hops with a hint of some citrus--which after hours in the sun and a uphill walk to reach the brewpub, I pronounced it VERY thirst quenching. I could have had several but...
Priscilla had the Polygamy Porter which they must have forced the ABV at 4% so they can sell it in grocery stores. That's right--the definition of high alcohol in this state is 4%. Everything above that has to be purchased in state stores. Very smooth brown with toffee flavor and Williamette hops. It won gold at the World Beer Cup.
For the second round, I had a bottle of the Polygamy Porter so I could be guaranteed one to take home without shopping for one tomorrow. Priscilla had Jalapeno Cream Ale, "an English style ale brewed to perfection with fresh jalapenos". Of course she loved it. She forced me to try it and my response was that it was one of the worst beers I have ever tasted!
Some of their waitstaff wore t-shirts that read, "we drink our share and serve the rest."
Food comment--my Idaho pan-seared trout was excellent!
On to western CO tomorrow...
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Day 8
First of all, before I forget--a brief situation from yesterday. I stopped at a convenience store to see if they had the Huckleberry in bottles. I confirmed they did not but the owner/manager was working on the shelves. He looked at me and said they were all alike, all beer. I looked him in the eye and said, "No they are not." He smiled...I walked out.
Drove to Idaho Falls today--got in at 3 so we (Priscilla) had time to do laundry. Before she began, she floated the idea of getting two brews from our growing inventory to put on ice. I like the way she thinks!
I chose a Zonker Stout (Snake River--Jackson Hole WY) for her and a Dragon's Breath (Bayern Brewing from Missoula MT) for me. She liked her stout. To me, it tasted like all stouts...my Dragon's Breath was a dark Heff ale. Interesting concept but nothing special.
We walked several blocks to a wine store that I tracked down over the internet. Scored my Idaho bottles! Bought 6 different ones! We then went to the Snake Bite Restaurant where I finally had an IPA--from Idaho Brewing in town. It was fairly hoppy but quite good..not over the edge for me. Priscilla had Mount Borah Brown Ale from Bertram's Brewery in Salmon ID. We both liked this one. No other details since we were in a restaurant, not a brewpub.
Tomorrow we hit Salt Lake City on a Sunday--not optimistic about availability. Our inventory is growing so we will have to consume at Pooh's or leave some for him. Will only try to take a few back with us.
Finally, during supper, Priscilla suggested she may have to "dry out" for several days after this trip...
Drove to Idaho Falls today--got in at 3 so we (Priscilla) had time to do laundry. Before she began, she floated the idea of getting two brews from our growing inventory to put on ice. I like the way she thinks!
I chose a Zonker Stout (Snake River--Jackson Hole WY) for her and a Dragon's Breath (Bayern Brewing from Missoula MT) for me. She liked her stout. To me, it tasted like all stouts...my Dragon's Breath was a dark Heff ale. Interesting concept but nothing special.
We walked several blocks to a wine store that I tracked down over the internet. Scored my Idaho bottles! Bought 6 different ones! We then went to the Snake Bite Restaurant where I finally had an IPA--from Idaho Brewing in town. It was fairly hoppy but quite good..not over the edge for me. Priscilla had Mount Borah Brown Ale from Bertram's Brewery in Salmon ID. We both liked this one. No other details since we were in a restaurant, not a brewpub.
Tomorrow we hit Salt Lake City on a Sunday--not optimistic about availability. Our inventory is growing so we will have to consume at Pooh's or leave some for him. Will only try to take a few back with us.
Finally, during supper, Priscilla suggested she may have to "dry out" for several days after this trip...
Friday, June 24, 2011
Day 7
Day 7--6/24
We are about 1600 miles into our trip and head back south tomorrow.
After seeing Hungry Horse Dam and Glacier NP, we chilled for a while and planned the next day--CRISIS---the source of my Idaho bottle has closed and won't re-open until July!! Immediately checking the internet for all Idaho microbrews resulted in finding an alternative in the last one--Grand Teton--that sells in two speciality stores in Idaho Falls--our next stop....so I am cautiously optimistic that I will succeed in my quest.
Tonight we decided to head back to Whitefish and began again at the Great Northern Brewing. Priscilla had the Snow Ghost. Although a "winter warmer" in June may seem strange, we had to keepin mind that they still have 80 FEET of snow in Logan Pass in the park! I had the Wheatfish Wheat--advertised as an American Hefe but brewed like a German wheat beer?? Three separate additions of Cascade hops but no strong hoppy taste. To help us finish our peanuts appetizer, we shared their Good Medicine Imperial Ale--8% which even I thought was good--very balanced between malt and hops.
We left the place with mixed emotions--good beer, limited food, good ambience but they were out of the t-shirt I wanted...the fact that I didn't get around to trying their IPA in two visits tells you about all the choices they had.
Went across the street to MacKenzie River Pizza for supper--a chain (went there in Bozeman as well). They had 9 locations in MT and one in ID but have expanded into Washington and Indiana. I had Driftboat Ale from Big Sky Brewery which had just a little hopiness to it and Priscilla had Cold Smoke Scotch Ale from Kettlehouse Brewery in Missoula. Twice she pronounced it smooooooooth.
On to Idaho...
We are about 1600 miles into our trip and head back south tomorrow.
After seeing Hungry Horse Dam and Glacier NP, we chilled for a while and planned the next day--CRISIS---the source of my Idaho bottle has closed and won't re-open until July!! Immediately checking the internet for all Idaho microbrews resulted in finding an alternative in the last one--Grand Teton--that sells in two speciality stores in Idaho Falls--our next stop....so I am cautiously optimistic that I will succeed in my quest.
Tonight we decided to head back to Whitefish and began again at the Great Northern Brewing. Priscilla had the Snow Ghost. Although a "winter warmer" in June may seem strange, we had to keepin mind that they still have 80 FEET of snow in Logan Pass in the park! I had the Wheatfish Wheat--advertised as an American Hefe but brewed like a German wheat beer?? Three separate additions of Cascade hops but no strong hoppy taste. To help us finish our peanuts appetizer, we shared their Good Medicine Imperial Ale--8% which even I thought was good--very balanced between malt and hops.
We left the place with mixed emotions--good beer, limited food, good ambience but they were out of the t-shirt I wanted...the fact that I didn't get around to trying their IPA in two visits tells you about all the choices they had.
Went across the street to MacKenzie River Pizza for supper--a chain (went there in Bozeman as well). They had 9 locations in MT and one in ID but have expanded into Washington and Indiana. I had Driftboat Ale from Big Sky Brewery which had just a little hopiness to it and Priscilla had Cold Smoke Scotch Ale from Kettlehouse Brewery in Missoula. Twice she pronounced it smooooooooth.
On to Idaho...
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Day 6
Day 6--6/23
Drove to northern MT close to the entrance to Glacier--we will not get to drive the entire road due to 50 FEET of snow remaining!!
For supper we drove to Whitefish to eat at The Great Northern Brewing Company www.greatnorthernbrewing.com/draughthouse. Very cool place--although they have been brewing at least since 1998, the draughthouse has only been open two years. About 10 beers on tap plus a few in bottles. It advertises itself as the tallest building in Whitefish--two stories plus a third for part of the brewhouse...
After sampling their Black Star Double Hopped Golden Lager and their Wild Huckleberry Wheat (blended with MT huckleberry juice but not overly sweet and very refreshing), Priscilla found herself in the usual position of not being ablr to turn down a stout--in this case, the Bizzle Stout. Of course it was "another good stout".
I had Big Fog ESB which I think is better than ESBs I have had in Asheville! A gold medal winner from the North American Brewers Association. I followed that up with the Black Star mentioned earlier. Although advertised as double dry hopped (80% Mittelfruh 20% Czech Saaz), it did not have the classic IPA hoppiness.
Finally we want to give props to Becky at the brewhouse. She was very helpful and upbeat, considering she was working a double shift.
Drove to northern MT close to the entrance to Glacier--we will not get to drive the entire road due to 50 FEET of snow remaining!!
For supper we drove to Whitefish to eat at The Great Northern Brewing Company www.greatnorthernbrewing.com/draughthouse. Very cool place--although they have been brewing at least since 1998, the draughthouse has only been open two years. About 10 beers on tap plus a few in bottles. It advertises itself as the tallest building in Whitefish--two stories plus a third for part of the brewhouse...
After sampling their Black Star Double Hopped Golden Lager and their Wild Huckleberry Wheat (blended with MT huckleberry juice but not overly sweet and very refreshing), Priscilla found herself in the usual position of not being ablr to turn down a stout--in this case, the Bizzle Stout. Of course it was "another good stout".
I had Big Fog ESB which I think is better than ESBs I have had in Asheville! A gold medal winner from the North American Brewers Association. I followed that up with the Black Star mentioned earlier. Although advertised as double dry hopped (80% Mittelfruh 20% Czech Saaz), it did not have the classic IPA hoppiness.
Finally we want to give props to Becky at the brewhouse. She was very helpful and upbeat, considering she was working a double shift.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Day 5
Day 5--6/22
Saw a lot at Grand Teton and Yellowstone today. Worked up a thirst by the time we landed in Bozeman MT. Found Madison Avenue Pizza downtown with a lot of MT microbrews--none were Moose Drool!
I had their local Bozeman American Amber which was good. Priscilla had an Oatmeal Stout from Madison River Brewing in Belgrade MT. Different than Highland's offering but she certainly had no trouble consuming it. We ate at 9 p.m. so decided to stop at one tonight.
I promise to learn how to post photos on here one of these days--with Meagan's help.
Saw a lot at Grand Teton and Yellowstone today. Worked up a thirst by the time we landed in Bozeman MT. Found Madison Avenue Pizza downtown with a lot of MT microbrews--none were Moose Drool!
I had their local Bozeman American Amber which was good. Priscilla had an Oatmeal Stout from Madison River Brewing in Belgrade MT. Different than Highland's offering but she certainly had no trouble consuming it. We ate at 9 p.m. so decided to stop at one tonight.
I promise to learn how to post photos on here one of these days--with Meagan's help.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Day 4
Day 4--6/21
Mission for the day-- AFTER wishing Priscilla happy anniversary (#42), aside from a pleasant diagonal trip across Wyoming on a two lane road to get to Grand Teton NP--snag a rare Wyoming bottle for my collection.
Again--from the AAA book, I found a place enroute for lunch called the Hitchin' Post in Lander. They had Snake River Pale Ale in bottles--mission accomplished! It has a small hint of hops but mainly has a nice crisp flavor.
After checking in and driving through part of the NP, we dined--where else--the Snake River Restaurant and Brewery. We had very good, unusual pizza to go with 6 sample glasses:
We bought a mixed six pack of bottles on the way out. The theory is they will last until we get to Pooh's house in about a week...
Mission for the day-- AFTER wishing Priscilla happy anniversary (#42), aside from a pleasant diagonal trip across Wyoming on a two lane road to get to Grand Teton NP--snag a rare Wyoming bottle for my collection.
Again--from the AAA book, I found a place enroute for lunch called the Hitchin' Post in Lander. They had Snake River Pale Ale in bottles--mission accomplished! It has a small hint of hops but mainly has a nice crisp flavor.
After checking in and driving through part of the NP, we dined--where else--the Snake River Restaurant and Brewery. We had very good, unusual pizza to go with 6 sample glasses:
- Hefeweizen--good, refreshing, crisp but about the same as other wheat beers I have had.
- Pako's IPA--"pounded with simcoe and columbus (?) hops"--just about too much hops for me but not quite.
- Black Hops--a black ale with simcoe and chinook hops--smooth and made by a home brewer! It is now two days in a row that I have had a hoppy black ale.
- Zonker Stout--rich, lots of roasted barley--a Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup winner. To no one's surprise, Priscilla liked it!
- Their lager--another multiple winner--pretty good for a lager!
- Le Serpent--definitely the most interesting brew we tried @ 8%. A Flanders sour ale aged 1 1/2 years in French oak barrels with Washington cherries. A World Beer Cup winner. Even I found this one worth a couple sips. The cherries really came through.
We bought a mixed six pack of bottles on the way out. The theory is they will last until we get to Pooh's house in about a week...
Day 3
Monday 6/20--
After traveling through Rocky Mountain NP (34 degrees at one point plus alot of snow), we headed north into Wyoming and across toward Laramie. On the way, we stopped at the Trading Post Dinnerhouse and Saloon in Centennial where I read they had microbrews. The PBR and Coors neon signs did not deter us--they had the Odell's 90 Shilling which we had yesterday so we had it again. Watched Jeopardy with the owner and bartender and headed for Laramie where I had noted the Altitude Chophouse and Brewery in the AAA book. It was an excellent choice--the place was hopping for a Monday night. They had 7 regular and 5 seasonals on tap to choose from.
While we waited for a table, Priscilla had the 7200' Stout 7%--a take-off on the local altitude--rich chocolate and coffee and Marlowe--this is for you--they used compressed nitrogen for a "smooth pour". She pronounced it Good. I had the Altitude Amber Ale-4.8%-good but still not Gaelic quality. With dinner, I had Bearpaw Brown Ale--5.5%. It was the first brown ale I have had with a high hop level--very different--I liked it.
Ok--Marlowe--now for Priscilla's choice--Mexican Chile Ale--a North America Beer Awards medal winner in 2009 and 2010. She REALLY liked it. It is a light ale brewed with anaheim, serrano, and jalapeno peppers. "Boasts MILD heat and assertive pepper flavors." I tried it, made a face, and concluded "MILD" was in the eye of the taster!
After traveling through Rocky Mountain NP (34 degrees at one point plus alot of snow), we headed north into Wyoming and across toward Laramie. On the way, we stopped at the Trading Post Dinnerhouse and Saloon in Centennial where I read they had microbrews. The PBR and Coors neon signs did not deter us--they had the Odell's 90 Shilling which we had yesterday so we had it again. Watched Jeopardy with the owner and bartender and headed for Laramie where I had noted the Altitude Chophouse and Brewery in the AAA book. It was an excellent choice--the place was hopping for a Monday night. They had 7 regular and 5 seasonals on tap to choose from.
While we waited for a table, Priscilla had the 7200' Stout 7%--a take-off on the local altitude--rich chocolate and coffee and Marlowe--this is for you--they used compressed nitrogen for a "smooth pour". She pronounced it Good. I had the Altitude Amber Ale-4.8%-good but still not Gaelic quality. With dinner, I had Bearpaw Brown Ale--5.5%. It was the first brown ale I have had with a high hop level--very different--I liked it.
Ok--Marlowe--now for Priscilla's choice--Mexican Chile Ale--a North America Beer Awards medal winner in 2009 and 2010. She REALLY liked it. It is a light ale brewed with anaheim, serrano, and jalapeno peppers. "Boasts MILD heat and assertive pepper flavors." I tried it, made a face, and concluded "MILD" was in the eye of the taster!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Day 2
OK--I am still a day behind so bear with me...
We partook in the Denver Microbrew tour. Tour guide was Steve who took a shot at educating all of us on the different types of beer, 4 steps in tasting, etc. plus a little history of Denver. Passed around samples of barley, roasted barley, and hops. He did a fine job. There were 18 of us in all, including 2 from Durham and 2 from Rock Hill SC.
First stop--Breckenridge near Coor Field. Although they don't brew there, they do brew at another location in Denver. First was Agave Wheat which we thought was a very good wheat beer. Second was Vanilla Porter. As predicted, Priscilla liked it a little more than I did but it was drinkable to me. The final tasting was their Lucky You IPA which we had not had before. It was a good IPA--hoppy but not over the top. I may add we had a hophead on the tour so he was looking for a bigger IPA.
Second stop--Falling Rock Tap House--not a brewery but more than 100 beers! First was Avery White Rascal. Those of you who know me would predict I would not drink this one but I found it quite drinkable! Second was Odell's 90 Shilling--a very good middle of the road ale. Finally was the hophead's dream--Odell's Mercenary Double IPA. The gals from Rock Hill were not ready for it...
Third stop--Wynkoop. First was their B3K Schwarzbier which drew good reviews from everyone. Second was their St. Charles ESB which was OK but not as good as the Schwarzbier.
Last stop was Rock Bottom which has several different locations across the country but each location as their own brewmaster who has latitude in what they produce. It was also close to our hotel, which was a good thing after sampling 10 brews. First was their Tigers Blood IPA--another good one from my standpoint. Second was their Red Ale which was just OK. Several of us hung around afterwards and ended up having their Schwarzbier--Ok but not great.
OK--so by this time we decided we needed something to eat. We stopped at a small pizza place close to the hotel. People were there but we were told they were closed for a private party. Then decided to co-opt me because they were celebrating Father's Day. They forced me to down a shot of Crown Royale to be sociable...then I got out of there. We ended up at the hotel ordering pizza and of course had to try another one--Odell's wheat beer--a good one to end the day/night on.
So--to recap--we tried 12 different brews plus of course my shot of Crown Royale. The next day will be spent drying out...until late afternoon. Maybe tomorrow I can catch up when we get to Jackson WY!
We partook in the Denver Microbrew tour. Tour guide was Steve who took a shot at educating all of us on the different types of beer, 4 steps in tasting, etc. plus a little history of Denver. Passed around samples of barley, roasted barley, and hops. He did a fine job. There were 18 of us in all, including 2 from Durham and 2 from Rock Hill SC.
First stop--Breckenridge near Coor Field. Although they don't brew there, they do brew at another location in Denver. First was Agave Wheat which we thought was a very good wheat beer. Second was Vanilla Porter. As predicted, Priscilla liked it a little more than I did but it was drinkable to me. The final tasting was their Lucky You IPA which we had not had before. It was a good IPA--hoppy but not over the top. I may add we had a hophead on the tour so he was looking for a bigger IPA.
Second stop--Falling Rock Tap House--not a brewery but more than 100 beers! First was Avery White Rascal. Those of you who know me would predict I would not drink this one but I found it quite drinkable! Second was Odell's 90 Shilling--a very good middle of the road ale. Finally was the hophead's dream--Odell's Mercenary Double IPA. The gals from Rock Hill were not ready for it...
Third stop--Wynkoop. First was their B3K Schwarzbier which drew good reviews from everyone. Second was their St. Charles ESB which was OK but not as good as the Schwarzbier.
Last stop was Rock Bottom which has several different locations across the country but each location as their own brewmaster who has latitude in what they produce. It was also close to our hotel, which was a good thing after sampling 10 brews. First was their Tigers Blood IPA--another good one from my standpoint. Second was their Red Ale which was just OK. Several of us hung around afterwards and ended up having their Schwarzbier--Ok but not great.
OK--so by this time we decided we needed something to eat. We stopped at a small pizza place close to the hotel. People were there but we were told they were closed for a private party. Then decided to co-opt me because they were celebrating Father's Day. They forced me to down a shot of Crown Royale to be sociable...then I got out of there. We ended up at the hotel ordering pizza and of course had to try another one--Odell's wheat beer--a good one to end the day/night on.
So--to recap--we tried 12 different brews plus of course my shot of Crown Royale. The next day will be spent drying out...until late afternoon. Maybe tomorrow I can catch up when we get to Jackson WY!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Western trip-day 1
OK--to start with, this is my first attempt at a blog so please bear with me!
Since the readers of these posts likely only care about beer, I will try not to bore you about non-beer matters...but... we started our trip with about 3 hours of sleep. Got into Colo Springs on time. Met Dick aka Pooh at the airport. He escorted us to Phantom Canyon Brewery where we began our brew odyssey.
First round: I had 2 Moons Ale which was really good. Priscilla had Zebulon Peated Porter which was (well, she never met a porter she did not like). My second beer was their flagship brew, Railyard Ale--a good middle of the road ale--not a Gaelic, but good nonetheless. Priscilla had a Continuim Ale, which despite being a Belgian (you guys know that is not my favorite style), was a good thing because it supported the local arts.
Phantom Canyon had a lot of ambience including 10 pool tables on the second floor. Before saying goodbye to Pooh, we had to give his two dogs Trio and Ginger some TLC.
We drove to Denver--4 accidents in less than an hour. What was that all about? the 75 MPH speed limit? Checked in to the hotel, took a one hour nap and walked the downtown before stopping at Wynkoop--I think the first microbrew in CO. Priscilla had Cowtown Milk
Stout--a semi-sweet sessionable dark beer that she pronounced as good. She was not alone as we sat in front of the tap and saw many pours.
Now for my choice--listen up Pooh--the Obamanator--a maibock style lager. It may be the most interesting beer I will taste on the trip. The Germans make this style every spring and name it with something that ends in -ator. Of course, I thought it was a very progressive brew...
Final comments on Wynkoop--owned by the same company that owns Phantom Canyon. Twice a month, a horse-drawn wagon loaded with their brews delivers to local establishments--just like a brewery in England we visited with Meagan and Marlowe in 2009.
Also--it was begun by John Hickelooper, former mayor and now governor. Also, according to Pooh, a LIBERAL. that makes sense since he helped turn a bad part of town around by taking a risk in opening the business. Liberals do that, you know...
Time to close for the day. Today was the microbrew tour--way too much info for me to relay tonight. Sorry, Marlowe--you have to wait for the Juicy details.
Since the readers of these posts likely only care about beer, I will try not to bore you about non-beer matters...but... we started our trip with about 3 hours of sleep. Got into Colo Springs on time. Met Dick aka Pooh at the airport. He escorted us to Phantom Canyon Brewery where we began our brew odyssey.
First round: I had 2 Moons Ale which was really good. Priscilla had Zebulon Peated Porter which was (well, she never met a porter she did not like). My second beer was their flagship brew, Railyard Ale--a good middle of the road ale--not a Gaelic, but good nonetheless. Priscilla had a Continuim Ale, which despite being a Belgian (you guys know that is not my favorite style), was a good thing because it supported the local arts.
Phantom Canyon had a lot of ambience including 10 pool tables on the second floor. Before saying goodbye to Pooh, we had to give his two dogs Trio and Ginger some TLC.
We drove to Denver--4 accidents in less than an hour. What was that all about? the 75 MPH speed limit? Checked in to the hotel, took a one hour nap and walked the downtown before stopping at Wynkoop--I think the first microbrew in CO. Priscilla had Cowtown Milk
Stout--a semi-sweet sessionable dark beer that she pronounced as good. She was not alone as we sat in front of the tap and saw many pours.
Now for my choice--listen up Pooh--the Obamanator--a maibock style lager. It may be the most interesting beer I will taste on the trip. The Germans make this style every spring and name it with something that ends in -ator. Of course, I thought it was a very progressive brew...
Final comments on Wynkoop--owned by the same company that owns Phantom Canyon. Twice a month, a horse-drawn wagon loaded with their brews delivers to local establishments--just like a brewery in England we visited with Meagan and Marlowe in 2009.
Also--it was begun by John Hickelooper, former mayor and now governor. Also, according to Pooh, a LIBERAL. that makes sense since he helped turn a bad part of town around by taking a risk in opening the business. Liberals do that, you know...
Time to close for the day. Today was the microbrew tour--way too much info for me to relay tonight. Sorry, Marlowe--you have to wait for the Juicy details.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Eastern North Carolina - October 2011
The October 2011 trip was for our anniversary, and Marlowe was put in charge of planning the trip. Surprise! We headed east with the goal of hitting four breweries during a long weekend.
The eastern NC beer trip started at Mother Earth Brewing, in Kinston. The tasting room is only open on a limited basis, so plan ahead if you want to go! Definitely try the Dark Cloud.
At the Outer Banks, we stopped in at Weeping Radish first. (Yes, the street address is in Grandy, but it is just north of the outer banks.) This one was a real test of the marriage. The vegetarian made it through the "brewery, butchery, and pub"! Black Radish and Corolla Gold were both excellent.Outer Banks Brewing Station in Kill Devil Hills had a nice restaurant, an eco-friendly vibe (wind powered brewery), and good beer to boot.
We finished the beer tour with a stop at Foothills Brewing in Winston-Salem. Although this one is technically in western NC, it is far enough beyond Asheville that we never seem to get there. The artwork for their beers is fabulous and all the beers are good.
Why a beer citizen blog?
So, after two consecutive vacations that somehow got built around craft beer, we realized others might be interested in creating their own tours and sharing their experiences with beer-centric trips. For now, the contributors are all based in western North Carolina, near the beer mecca of Asheville.
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