Ducati Monster Forum

 [beer]

Maybe this should be in the Random Drunkeness thread but maybe it could have a separate thread life of it's own. I've been getting out of my same old beer rut lately and trying new stuff. It shouldn't be any surprise but there are some amazing things to drink out there so I thought I'd put it out here to list stuff that we like, don't like, love & hate and whatever is in between.

My two Flying Dogs, the Imperial Porter and the Double Dog Pale Ale just about can't be found here anymore having disappeared from Tamura's, Foodland and Liquor Collection in Ward Warehouse. They have other Dogs I could try and maybe I will.

Picked up some Rogue Dead Guy Ale and wasn't too impressed with it at first. It's starting to grow on me and it's probably a bit better than Bitburger. I like the Sierra Nevada Tumbler fall ale but it's a seasonal beer and will soon be gone as well.

Tried a North Coast Old Rasputin Imperial Stout last night. That was really good. I'll have to try that again. Not as hoppy as the Flying Dog or Sierra Nevada, very balanced with lots of flavors and STRONG.  A sipping beer.

This is getting interesting with learning about the different brews and why they were made.  Long shipping voyages to India and Russia.  How could the Russian's ever get mad at the west when we shipped them such wonderful stuff to drink?

The temptation to post a Tequila!! thread is strong, but I am lazy. 

As of last week, Fujioka's still had imperial Porter and Double Dog Pale, so there's a chance that, umm, that associated grocery might as well.

Thanks for the heads up!

We can change this into a beer & tequila thread. No worries. This thread most likely won't get a lot of miles anyway.

chain side doesn't necessarily carry the same beer.

market city may not necessarily carry the same beer, but they can always get the flying dog, since it's in the system.

there will be new tequila at mililani soon. and it's worth drinking the crap out of.

Who was that masked man?

I didn't see anyone...

these are not the droids you're looking for

Obviously not.  The new guy is a .3 version.   ;D  Welcome Back!

Working on my second double dog and I really don't think there is much alcho...  THUD!

 [laugh]

new guy?

Don't worry yer pretty little head about it, .3

I have a Hawaii Nui Sunset Amber.  It's good enough, but I don't see myself buying it again.

where'd you get it?

I'm at the end of a bottle of vino, and still need to start my chores for the day.

Well....... hey........ the guy only has like, 7 posts

newb.   ;D

fine, you guys each get a donut.  [roll]
(http://jtrevorchapman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/krispy-kreme-doughnuts-752544.jpg)
I know the rules that I made up...

I'll send you my new address.  ;)

new?

I thought I just got here.

awful snarky for a local board... where's the aloha?
 :-*

Duh!!  I'm in DC now.

And I'm still on Kawaiahao St.

BTW --- what is this said difference, or reference to, between Fujioka's and the chain side?

grocery store, umm, the place that used to be star but is now.....

I'm on the last one now, and it's getting better  ;)

...is now times.

and, my point: chain side doesn't necessarily stock the same product. they have different buyers.

I rarely go to the liqour dept at times


fujioka's is the 'specialty store' for times market

I see said the blind man.   Sort of like R. Fields and Foodland.

Tried a Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Jack & Kens Ale last week.  I will have to revisit that one. It didn't knock my socks off right away but probably deserves a second chance. It might be like the Rogue Dead Guy Ale (doesn't strike as a winner at first sips) that I'm starting to like better these days, except that it costs more and is a limited edition.

Tonight I downed a Fred Golden Special Ale from Hair of the Dog. Don't need to drink more than one.  Pricey. Worth it. It's along the same lines as the Flying Dog Double Dog but creamier and not quite as alcoholic, but close. It's a tad sweeter but slightly less hoppy.  I'm happy. Drink only on special occasions or on those rare what the hell nights. Whee!   [beer]

the adam is good, too

So is this glass of crazy Belgian goodness that I am drinking...

There's a couple of bottles of Adam in the fridge waiting.  Might go down with a cigar tomorrow night.


So Julie, what is this Belgium that you speak of?

Boss-ski & I had some of the North Coast Rasputin tonight after work. -- He's getting psyched about the gloves, the pants, the helmets and the boots to ride bikes..... and he hasn't even taken the 620 around the block yet.   ;D

I've got 10 bottles of Sierra Nevada Glissade Golden Bock left.  I seem to forget that I don't much like Sierra Nevada beers.

Does that mean you want us to help you drink them? ?

Rick likes that brew.   :D

Better than the Summerfest for sure. A month or so from now the Celebration Ale will be out.   [thumbsup]

I'm sure something could be worked out....  [thumbsup]

For the record, The Duck-Rabbit Milk Stout is quite tasty.  That is all.

(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z53/b_upton/4022422909_ceace7e388_z.jpg)

I haven't seen Duck Rabbit Milk Stout over here but I'll look (if it's a real beer, that is).  From what I know we basically have two liquor distributors here, Paradise Beverages and Malolo Beverages.  Most folks at the stores don't know which distributor is bringing in the small brand beers. I have a friend that works at Paradise and his sole account is Miller beer. He only knows what other major brands they have and says there is one guy that handles all these "weird" beers. So with two distributors and limited demand here we just don't and won't get lots of beers. Plus the brewery has to be willing to ship to Hawaii which is why there is no New Belgium here. Hey, we couldn't even get Coors for years & years.

Couldn't get it in California either long ago, I think that's because it isn't pasturized, or something like that...

Well that sucks then.  Looks like it's time to come to the east coast.  ;)

Would I get to ride a MV F4?

Ducpond has a demo.  ;)

I tried some Rogue Mocha Porter over the last two days. It's about the same as the Dead Guy Ale. There is an initial bitter taste for the first couple of sips then it smooths out. Not a heavy beer. Not much of a mocha or even coffee flavor, Guinness might even be better. Of course this comes right after downing a Rasputin Stout but still... the Rogue is lacking just a bit but only compared to some high end sips. It could end up being the occasional drink.

I take that back.  The Mocha Porter is being scratched from the list. Dead Guy still works though.

Yea, as much as some people swear by it, I've never been all that fond of Rogue's offerings.

Now this doppleboch that I'm drinking on the other hand...   [thumbsup] [drink] [beer] [thumbsup]

Had a GB Blonde Boch with my dinner, a bit different from my usual Amstel Light...I sure it can't hold a candle to the brews that you gents consume... ;)

Did you have it at Gordon Biersch?  The Blonde Boch is indeed good, and I hope you had more than one,  but just curious because tonight was their tapping night for the Festbier, of which I had three. Yumm. We missed the complimentary pupus and when we tried to order the 3 sausage plate we were told that it wasn't on the menu until tomorrow. I guess even being a Passport Member still doesn't get you super extra special treatment. People are such prisoners of the "COMPUTER".  Gee, you had it tonight for pupus......... so why can't you just fricken' make the same plate you are going to make tomorrow night and just do a manual price entry?  [bang] [bang] 'Cause you are too fricken' lame that's why ---- and because the "COMPUTER won't let us do it" -- Bull f'n crap --  the computer has overrides if you choose to exercise free will.  Open the Pod Bay Doors Hal...... Sorry Dave......

 [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

Only had one btw, and it was at home...

PSA:  There are plenty brands of decaf that are just as tasty as the real thing. 


;D

My last Glissade is going down, and I like it a lot better than when I started them.  Cold is a necessity - if it sits around for even 15 minutes it gets too hoppy for me.

That explains why you don't go so much for Sierra Nevada, as they tend to be hoppier than most other brews.  I have to look it up but there is some sort of hop index that brewers use. I do know that the Glissade is one of the least hoppy beers that they offer.

Wrong again!! But I'm used to it.  [laugh]  The index of which I speak is called the IBU index or the International Bitterness Unit index and in general the more hoppy the beer the more bitter it is. In actual IBU's the Glissade exceeds the standard S.N. Pale Ale which surprises me as I would say the Pale Ale is hoppier but in fact that may be due to other factors. The Glissade is a bock and has a creamier texture to my taste and that is why I think it's less bitter when in actuality it isn't.  So what.... it's all good....

Aha! 

Yeah, I like the creaminess, and I don't HATE hoppy, though bitter isn't my thing.  Hoppy can change depending on the hops used.  Jen knows more about types of hops than I do, which is both sad and awesome...

Drank some Orion beer today...

Ah, Orion.   My first experience with it was at Genghis Khan Mongorian BBQ in Kadena.  Consumed with many bowls of food and many other Orions, it was pretty good.   [thumbsup]

I wouldn't focus on the sad part much, although I think I get what you mean.  I think it's awesome that she knows about hops, the different ones, etc., etc. !!

You might try some of the 30th Anniversary Sierra Nevada brew that's out now. Not so bitter, not that hoppy and quite smooth. At least the Charlie, Fred & Ken's Imperial Helles Bock we had last night. Not that it made me do handstands but I think I'll go out and get a couple more before they disappear. 

I saw that at my local sellerator last weekend - guess I should swing back in and give it a shot.

I'm going to do a back to back taste test between a Hair of the Dog Adam and a North Coast Rasputin tomorrow night.  Had an Adam last week & somehow it didn't seem all that notable, but then I might have had too many others previous to it so I thought I'd give it another shot.  [drink]

Last night:  Mad River Brewing Co. Serious Madness Black Ale.   [thumbsup]  Creamy and chocolatey to round out the bitterness.  Good stuff though.

I've been looking at that stuff on the shelves so I suppose I shall try some.  Did the taste test last night and my first impression of the Hair of the Dog Adam wasn't that far off. It's a bit syrupy and dense with lots of chocolate/coffee type flavors. Definitely a good, distinctive beer but it doesn't grab me like the Old Rasputin or the Flying Dog Imperial Porter. I still think the Hair of the Dog Fred is better than the Adam but that's why we have different tastes.

OK --- last night I had one Mad River Brewing Co. Steelhead Extra Stout. Pretty doggone good stuff. Definitely better than the Rogue offerings I've tried and at the same price. Not a beer for the faint of taste. I'll try more of it tomorrow night. It's not quite up there with my two regular fav's but it's the best second I've found. I just had to try the Stout first cause it got the highest style points at RateBeer of all the Mad Rivers. Such a whore I am.  [roll]   I'll get the Black Ale next week cause it's the one Tristan liked and it's seasonal, which means it might not be on the shelves much longer.

All the different pumpkin ales have hit the shelves here.  DAMN there are a ton of craft breweries all up and down the east coast!!

I'm not much of a pumpkin ale fan, though I'm not much of a pumpkin-flavored-thing-that-isn't-pumpkin fan either.  Have you had anything you liked?

I had a pumkin ale that was really tasty when I was in the UK, but nothing state-side.  I bought two of them today though, just to try out.  Had the Shipyard/wreck earlier and wasn't too impressed.  Got the Dogfishhead in the fridge, but there are lots of other tasty things there too.  Might have to go back to the DuckRabbit stout, which I heart.   [drink]

Ok, just had the Dogfishhead Pumpkin Ale and it is mighty tasty!!   [thumbsup]

(http://jassimalwazzan.com/dynamicdata/productImages/aastrab.jpg)

This is what I'm working with over here. FML.

Trey, any chance you will stop off in the DC area while on your return leg?

Naw, they route the flights to two other airports for the folks going on leave. Wish I could stop in, have a brew or 12, and try to unlock the Masonic secrets of Washington DC.

drank 1/2 bottle of wine. haha, been too long since i drank. need to go sleepy now.  ;D

I tried one of the Mad River Serious Madness Black Ales tonight that Tristan recommended. So far I like it better than the Steelhead Extra Stout. Good thing too 'cause it costs more, or rather costs the same but only comes in a four pack instead of six pack. I'll compare the two against each other this weekend but so far I think this stuff is right up there with my favs.   [thumbsup] I guess you can only trust reviews just so much and then you have to try it for yourself.

Yeah, it weren't cheap, but it was good.

I've got some newbies in the fridge for the weekend:  EKU 28, which was billed as a "really good Optimator"; Pinkus Organic Hefeweisen and Pils.  Haven't had great luck with Organics, but I'm open...

[add]
Ok. the pils is actually pretty tasty.  Mild, but not boring.

The Black Ale vs. the Extra Stout is a draw at this point. The Extra Stout has a chocolate edge to it that I missed before but other than that I'm hard pressed to say which I like best. That can only mean more experimentation is called for.   [beer]

For the garage rock'n roll bar-b-que mentioned in another thread I bought a 12 pack of Sam Adams Octoberfest. Hey, it was on special and I figured for a bunch of folks it would be a pretty good deal. I think out of that twelve pack I had two and one other person had one. People preferred Coronas and Heinekins and Steinlagers.  Tell ya what, there is no super good reason to go out and buy Sam Adams. Not a bad beer but not for the price, even at the sale price. Any Sierra Nevada is far, far better.

Interesting.  I really rather like the Sam Adams Octoberfest.  Actually, I kinda like anything they make that isn't Boston Lager.

I found the missing Octoberfest in the garage refrigerator.  [laugh]  There is a regular down at the bar at Kincaids that loves the stuff on tap. I'll have more this weekend but I can tell you that I still prefer the Mad River stuff, the Sierra Nevadas and even the Rogues. The SA is still way ahead of the popular green beers and the ubiquitous Corona kool aid piss.

I saw some Sam Adams Imperial Stout stashed away at the liquor store tonight. I might grab some of that and give it a go. Not might, I will.

Yeah, the SAs are definitely not high-end craft beers.  I kinda think of them as good beers that have been dumbed-down to meet a larger common denominator.  At a decent price they are very drinkable.

The Imperial series are pretty good, but way too expensive for what you get.

Dang!

Don't let me get in the way - I'd still try it!

Yes?

OK. Just 'cause you said so.

Just tried a Sam Adams Imperial Stout.  First really good Sam Adams I've had. Decent price too. Thanks Tristan.  [thumbsup]

Also picked up another bottle of the Sierra Nevada Estate Homegrown organic ale. That's another very nice beer. Shared a bottle of that last weekend. I likes it.

OH MY!!

(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z53/b_upton/gd-yeti.jpg)

[drink] [beer] [thumbsup]

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__lPcZZ92aTE/TJQysC-fl1I/AAAAAAAAA8o/dPoSUIe5zds/s1600/bbpale.jpg)

^  You like?  It's been on the shelves for a couple of months up here, but I have gotten around to trying it...

I do.

been drinking it for a few years now

The one six pack? 

 [laugh]  [laugh]  [laugh]

(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z53/b_upton/3827993386_991e7e2b93_z.jpg)

  [drink]

(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z53/b_upton/Christmas_Ale.jpg)

(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z53/b_upton/dogfish-head-olde-school.jpg)

A barley wine style ale?...uh, okay, if you say so... [roll]

Here you go......

http://www.beergeeknation.com/?p=1843 (http://www.beergeeknation.com/?p=1843)

 [thumbsup]  [drink]  [thumbsup]

Inherited some booze yesterday.


Today, we are enjoying Deshutes Black Butte XXI 21st birthday porter.

Ees good.

The Black Butte Porter is always good stuff.  The XXI gets a 100 rating from RateBeer.   [thumbsup]

I had some of that Black Butte Porter 21st anniversary on New Years Eve.   Way good!!   [thumbsup] [thumbsup]

For Super Bowl I've been drinking Nevada Bigfoot Ale.  Really good stuff too.

Yeah, that Black Butte is pretty killer.

I picked up a bottle of Mikkeler Draft Bear - looks like they specialize in ultra-hoppy, but I have to give it a go.

Drank a Flying Dog Double Dog Double Pale Ale tonight in honor of getting the M900 running.  [drink] [thumbsup]

I find it humorous that I can get Pipeline Porter cheaper up here than I could down there.   [laugh]

Perhaps so, but do you have the all important chocolate cupcakes?

There's something basically wrong about that.  My folks buy papayas in Colorado Springs for the same or less than here too. Guess where the papayas come from.  [bang]

Dude, Georgetown is basically the cup-cake capital. There are so many little boutique sweet shops up here it's crazy.

Split a Sammy Smith's Nut Brown Ale with the wife to celebrate her deployment. 

She's going out again?

Brought her to the airport this morning.  Found out Tuesday night.

I would ask if you had any idea how long she'd be gone this time, but knowing how the last few went...   [thumbsdown]

(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z53/b_upton/Beer20100905180DFH_BurtonBaton.jpg)

Having another couple of (^) those.  DAMN they've got a kick.  I better be careful, otherwise I'll be spelling like Canes in a bit...

Zing! ;D

Easy now  [cheeky] ......... no need to keep bashing

Kick?   Just finished two Bigfoot Ale's whilst watching the replay of Race 1 WBSK.  Those puppies are running 9.6% APV.   WooHoo....

Yep.  A bit over the magic 10% mark.  The Palo Santos I have in the fridge are a touch go to eleven.   :D

Oh my...

(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z53/b_upton/tumblr_lgtkidwvlu1qd8ipp.jpg)

North Coast!   [thumbsup]  I love(d) their Old Rasmussen. I'll keep an eye out for this stuff.   [drink]

And get a proper beer mug will ya?   [laugh]

This one goes to eleven.   :D


 [roll]

Actually 11.9% APV if you read the label.  [roll]

I bought a bottle the other night and tried it tonight.  A bit pricey.  The guy at the store said it was slightly sweet. I could see that but still a very, very nice ale. The Bigfoot is a bit less alcohol but has a more robust taste. Still, I could see myself getting a few more bottles of this stuff just to make sure......

Raging pregnant dog Belgium Style IPA from Flying Dog.  There's a six pack chilling in the fridge. Road test reports to follow shortly........

It's yummy!!  One of my stand-by's.

What he said.  It's not a stand-by for me, but a goodun all the same.

Enjoying a Brewdog Double IPA at the moment.

It's decent but a bit light and slightly fruity (citrus like) for my taste. Still good but most Belgiums are too light for me.  I remember liking Fat Tire Ale better. Maybe my memory is lacking?  Maybe I lack subtleness? ( I think Stella Artois is in the same league as a Corona )

Oh well, there are still five more and cigars tomorrow night.  [thumbsup]

I can't wait to enjoy a beer and cigar after my PFT this Wed!

The Raging pregnant dog does have a bit of a Wit beer pizazz to it.  That coupled with the snap of an IPA really gives it a unique character.  Not sure how it will go with a cigar though.  Any chance you can get one of the stores to order DogFishHead?  If so, you really need to get your hands on the Burton Baton! 

I don't think there is a dogfishhead importer to da islands at the moment. 


Perhaps a post-Naval career for me?  [beer]

After a weekend I'm starting to develop a taste for the Raging pregnant dog. I like it better than the North Coast Old Stock. Do I like it $18.00 a six pack worth? ?  I really don't know about that.  At $7.99 a six pack the SN Torpedo IPA is pretty darn good!

And like Tristan said --- no DogFishHead out here.  >:(

$18 for a sixxer?   :o  Are you serious?  It's $8 here.

You're joking, right?  That price is from Tamura's, which usually has the most reasonable prices. And, so far, the only outlet that I've seen carry them. I haven't checked in with Whole Foods yet.  For Hawaii prices I'd expect around $12.00.  Tamura's used to sell BigFoot for 10.95. Liquor Collection was $2.00 more plus the recycle costs.

$8.00 per six pack would be a serious habit for me.  [beer]

I'd have to double check, but I think it's $15 at Fujiokas.

Fujioka's is just down the street from Tamura's in Kaimuki.

Ok, I was wrong.  Raging pregnant dog is $8.99 here for a sixxer.  I can't believe that have such a HUGE mark-up on it over there.  But then again, as stated before, Pipeline Porter is cheaper here than it is down there.   [roll]

They probably send the RB over here one six pack at a time.

 [laugh]

Thanks to Gene's & Majdi's contributions I had the pleasure to try two new beers.  Gene supplied me with a six pack of Leffe Blond+Blond Belgium Ale. Nicely tasty for what I would call a wheat based ale. Light enough but still good on a hot afternoon. I'm not big on wheat beers but I'd make an exception for this one as the wheat taste is not overbearing. One of the more commercially available Belgiums that works for me.

Majdi came up with a six pack of Bigfoot Ale  [thumbsup] but threw in a single of Mad River Double Dread Imperial Red Ale. Quite tasty and more my style but I don't know if I'd pay the high price for it. Still had a good kick. Might be one of the better reds.

The Leffe offerings are quite tasty!  See if you can find any of the Delirium beers down there as well.  Also, have you seen any Leffe Brun?  That one is worth a shot, and probably a bit more to your liking.

Had one of these last night.

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_q-UF0O0nV4I/TQF1NbI703I/AAAAAAAAACI/nzRlzsPd42Q/s1600/Lagunitas%2BCensored%2BAle.jpg)

It was very very tasty...

Sampled a Deschuttes Black Butte 23rd Birthday Reserve last night and ran over to Tamura's this afternoon to snag the last two bottles they had as of this time anyway. Yumm!!  [drink]

I had a couple of the 20 or 21.  It was magnificent.  I didn't realize it was time for the new one.

Been drinking a few of these, not because it's the hip thing to do, just because it's cheap and I enjoy it.

(http://www.iheartfunny.com/uploads/pics/c9049a23-d336-4908-9f0b-1422391dd4f8_thumb1312311636.jpeg)

 My retirement dream ^^^   [thumbsup]

Retirement.  Now that is a dream.

No kidding. Especially now that they want to restructure/strip the military retirement benefits.

Changing the retirement has been coming for quite some time now.  However, the chances that the final outcome is anything like the first draft/proposition is really unlikely. 

(btw, I understand that it's easy for me to say that right now, but I still believe it)

Forgot to mention that Varsity Pub had some nice new beers on tap. Deschuttes Hop in the Dark for one. Had a couple of those Sat. evening while waiting forever for our burgers. The service there really sucks badly now.  [thumbsdown]  The beer was damned good though.

Is the girl with the big bumpers still there? She could have been so attractive if she'd just scrape about an inch of that make up off.

Yep, I think she's still there along with another that is almost a clone. Too bad their I.Q.'s and overall awareness aren't as large as some other things they have. It truly was the absolute worst service I've ever had there. We weren't even smelly or dirty either. I also noticed that none of the other old regular customers were there either.

Working on my second of these.

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j4n3nu-sCVA/TWgZ-ZQK5lI/AAAAAAAAAXw/qcUOa1QHib4/s1600/sneaky%2Bpete.jpg)

Got a wee bit of a kick to them...

Interesting crossover moniker.  IPA, of course, referring to India Pale Ale and all the hoppiness and ensuing alcohol that goes with it to keep the beer good. Then they throw in  the "Imperial" which usually had to do with the beers headed for Imperial Russia. The coffee and the chocolate along with the hops and alcohol.  Hmmmm........

I'm still liking the Hop in the Dark bottles where I can find them. A super bargain for quite a yummy beer!

Finished off the last Bigfoot Ale in captivity ( in my small world anyway ).  That's it for that beer until they release it again in late winter or early spring.   Right around the time WSBK and MotoGP start up.  Coincidence?  I think not......... [drink]

Anyone else here a member of the Gordon Biersch Passport Card program?

I used to be...not sure if my account is still active from my days in DC.

(http://thoseposters.com/emailPosters/poster1802.jpg)

Did you get the email regarding the tapping of the Winterbock?

No, I haven't logged into my other (junk) email in a long time...I'll look for it.  I like the atmosphere and some of their seasonal beers but I'm not a big fan of most of their regular lineup.

Me either but as far as the regular line up goes I like the Marzen. Not crazy about the others but this years Festbier was good and I usually like the Winterbock. They are having a members only tapping party this Monday from 4pm to 6pm. You are supposed to have the email to get in. Hmmmmmm

On New Year's Eve we had a couple of interesting beers.

(http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx24/rickmch/beer/IMG_1154.jpg)

The Deschuttes Abyss had been aging almost a year. That beer has a "best after" date instead of a "best before" date. The best after was Nov. 2011 and so by New Years it was indeed wonderful. I had one of those that a friend brought over on last years New Year and didn't think it was really that special but this one seemed way better.

The North Coast Old Rasputin Anniversary was super expensive. It had a sweet chocolate taste to it but when compared to the regular everyday Old Rasputin everybody preferred the regular one. Good beer, the Anniversary but not worth $25.00 to $30.00 plus per bottle.  The Abyss is pricey but not nearly as much and was much better.

Then I had one of these last night.

(http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx24/rickmch/beer/IMG_1155.jpg)

It's called Life & Limb and is a collaboration between Sierra Nevada & Dogfish Head. Seeing as how Ben is a big Dogfish fan I thought I'd give it a try.  Good beer for sure but not what I would rave over. I thought it would have more flavor but the maple syrup & birch syrup are very subtle, at least to my taste buds.

I am a big fan of the Abyss.  Only had it once, though, and it was free, so that might have helped sway my feelings.

Been enjoying this of late...

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1HgjmFbQ9AU/Sdv0G3GEOpI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/EMqnsHzeufk/s400/MAXIMUS.JPG)

Always envious of the mainland selections.  Just found out my favorite local store will no longer carry the Flying Dog beers.   >:( :( [thumbsdown] >:( :( [thumbsdown] :'(

(http://beveragebaron.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/great-divide-hibernation-ale.jpg)

Found out tonight that Flying Dog is no longer being distributed on the Island. The so-called distributor that they had didn't want to / couldn't handle kegs.  It makes sense. One way to get people to try your beer is to have it on tap at various watering holes. They like it and drink more at the pub and/or look for it in the stores.

That said, I had a Ruthless Rye from Sierra Nevada last night. That might be a pretty darn good go to regular beer.

A beer distributor that can't handle kegs.  Sounds like someone needs to get into the liquor disto bidness in Hawaii!

Rick, you owe it to yourself to find some of this stuff.

(http://bythepint.com/sites/default/files/images/new-holland-dragons-milk-review.preview.jpg)

I'll look for it to be sure but I'll bet the closest I'll get will be the Aged North Coast Rasputin.

iirc it was donato that was bringing it in... smallish operation.

I think you're right, and those bastards seem to change their imports every other week.

I was told the guy was an Italian chef who was more interested in wines than beer. Donato sounds Italian to me. What do I know? I just drink the stuff.  [beer]

yes, that's donato. he's not just an italian chef. he's THE italian chef

Apparently THE Italian chef wishes poop on the beer drinkers of Hawaii  [laugh]

Where does this guy work? ! ? ! ?

Anyway, I'm not worried. I have one Double Dog and four Imperial Porters still in the fridge.  [roll]

Chef Donato?  Umm, Donato's  ;D

Teddy can tell you the rest of the story. 

Had a Chimay Blue a few weeks ago and a Duvel last night.  Not bad, pretty good in fact, and for sure, a whole lot better than some other Belgium beers that I've had. They do seem to have a certain distinct flavor.  Sort of how a Cuban cigar has a slight taste character just like Dominicans and Nicaraguans are different too.

'Tis the season.. ho, ho, ho.   Going to do a taste test between Bitburger and Warsteiner. Foodland has them both. For those of you that like good darks Foodland also has North Coast Old Rasputin. Yumm!  Sierra Nevada has a new Imperial Stout called NarWhahl and that's pretty darn good too. Maybe a toss up with the Rasputin.

(http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m41sgwy1zC1qiczwyo1_500.jpg)

Looks good!

Oh how good it is...

Round two...

(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z53/b_upton/dogfish-head-olde-school.jpg)

Having another of these as round three...

And you give me a hard time about the high APV beers I have?   [roll]   [drink]

Nope! I give you grief for posting silly things AFTER enjoying said beers.   :D

Will be having a face off between a Hawaii Nui Southern Cross Double Red Ale and a Rogue Dry Hopped Saint Rogue Red tonight.

Had a Southern Cross last night and while it doesn't come off like most Belgian style beers it's still tasty & pretty drinkable. Worth a re-visit for sure.

The Hawaii-Nui / Mehana Brewing Southern Cross won.  Just enough Belgian taste and a little richer than the Rogue.

They have any good micro breweries here? Love me some beer

 [laugh] [laugh]

Best bet is either the Yard House, or Varsity if you can't stand the crowds of Waikiki. 

There's also a good bar at Barber's Point if you can get on the air station.

Tamura's Fine Wine & Liquors  has a great selection of beer.
They even have Ayinger beers from germany, the best!

I can't beleive I never saw this thread. Can you guys get Big Island Brewhaus beer over there ? Dark Sabbath is pretty damn good.

I just brokered a business deal with a microbrew where I'm at.

They'll brew it & you'll buy it & drink it?   [drink]

 [laugh]

More than that.  I have gotten them set up at my hotel chain (three locations in the country) as well as the Marriott and possibly the Sheraton here.

Found an old bottle of The Abyss ( Deschuttes? ) last week. Stuck back in the back of the cabinet all covered in dust.  The label on it said best to drink after August 2012.   [laugh]  [laugh]  Only three years later ......... So I chilled it and had it last Sat. ........ Still good  [drink]  [drink] ..... Not a fan of the uber dark beers any longer but it still worked.

Sierra Nevada Hoptimum.  That is all.

Dam i was in big island and june and didn't check this out.
have to go back!

Haven't tried that yet. It's on the list now.

You won't be sorry.  Whole Foods has it . Maybe some good specialty beer stores too.

Tried the Hoptimum Saturday night watching the fights. Delicious! [drink]

 [thumbsup]

MD, there is a new beer shop called Village Bottle Shop and Tasting Room in the Salt complex in Kakaako, behind Hanks Hot Dog or Highway Inn.  My co-worker has been raving about it for their selection of good/exotic beers.  You may want to check it out.

Thanks!  I'm not familiar with any of those in Kakaako but I'll find it.