It’s funny seeing people on FB lose their shit over Noon Whistle’s post that they will no longer allow dogs. It’s a small place to begin with. I went to an event there a few weeks ago. They had asked people to not bring their dogs for it. I walk in and there are at least 5-6 dogs in there. Some big-headed pit was blocking the walkway the entire time we were out front. I hate dogs in public places.

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People can drink away their day with their crotch-fruit in tow, but I can't bring along my lovely dog? UNFAIR.

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I don't understand it. Just leave the pup at home.

Must be a miracle because my dog survives every time I have left her at home to go eat or drink. And y'know I enjoy myself more as I am able to dedicate my attention to my meal/drink companions than worry about an animal.

Seriously, go read the post. One girl is batshit crazy about her dog.

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That was hysterical to read through...that Erika chick was probably weeping while angry-posting. Probably shaking too. I'm assuming she's the type to dress her dog in matching outfits...

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Got a 4 pack of the Noon Whistle Mr. IPA-NUT deal with Planters...very interested to try this tonight.

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Okay time for question/poll time.
What was the first non big brewery beer you had and first non traditional American beer if different?

For me it was Point. The original not the whale lies now brewed by Miller. Had it one summer when I would go work at my Aunts farm.

Second was Sierra Nevada. The reason I love IPA. I just wish the would still do some of the limited brews they used too.

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When I am stuck and need to figure something out I always remember the Immortal words of Socrates when he said:"I just drank what?"

I can’t point to one for sure. It’s one of 4 that I had had when I lived out west. It’s either Pyramid Pale Ake the aforementioned Sierra Nevada, Black Dog Ale by Spanish Peaks or Moose Drool. I didn’t like any of them as I wasn’t a big beer drinker in my 20’s. There were others I tried but back then it was either Jack and Coke or vodka. I’m still more a cocktail than a beer guy.

Picked up two six packs of Busch Light, tall boys. They do the job.

I thought it was pretty good.

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Yeah. I liked it quite a bit.

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I was there Friday, when did you pick up your beer?

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The Binnys in Wheeling on Friday at lunch.

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the way the brewery made it sound you could only get it from them.

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Yeah...that was how I read it, too. I went in for some Oktoberfest stuff and happened on it. Happy accident, I guess.

I also had the Solemn Oath Oktoberface this weekend. I really liked that.

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Had some mind-blowing beer in Burlington VT last weekend:

Society and Solitude #4 DIPA by Hill Farmstead. This galaxy-citra mix is a top-tier beer by one of the best breweries in the world. Not quite as good as their legendary Double Galaxy, but very, very close.

Citra Bomb IPA by Lush. Phenomenal beer by a small brewery that continues to innovate through its "Research Series". It's everything its name suggests.

Sound the Siren IPA by River Roost. This tiny brewery situated in the tiny town of White River Junction VT now makes two of my all-time favorite IPAs. Get your hands on some if you can. Grass, pine, citrus, grain, delicious!

Mastermind DIPA by Fiddlehead. Huge pineapple and tangerine flavors nicely balanced by some pleasant maltiness. Kind of a NE-traditional IPA hybrid. Very good beer by an excellent brewing company located in Shelburne VT.

I was disappointed by my trip to Foam Brewery where I sampled several beers, including Discretion Grove APA, Youth Lagoon IPA, and Engine Master IPA. All of these beers tasted like conscious imitations of beers produced by Trillium in Boston. While Foam has picked excellent source material to emulate, something has been lost in translation. None of these offerings match their Trillium counterparts in terms of balance, complexity or taste. Purely second-tier stuff on this visit, though none of the hipsters in the packed tap room seemed to notice or care. Foam is definitely a thing now.

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Hoppy New Year!

Time for a year-end recap.

Best beers I had in 2018:

Other Half, Mylar Daydream--Phenomenally soft DIPA from one of the ascending brewing powers in the Northeast. OH makes a lot of great stuff--check 'em out if you're in New York.
Goodfire, Super Prime--A terrific juicy DIPA from an up-and-coming brewery in Portland, Maine, which has an astoundingly vibrant restaurant/brewing/bar scene. The town is a great summer vacation destination, especially if you pair it with a trip to Arcadia National Forest.
Bissell Brothers, Swish--Bissell Brothers is another Portland-based brewery doing some exciting things. Swish is a remarkably smooth and soft IPA.
Old Nation, M-43--This is an outstanding--and immensely popular--NEIPA from Michigan.
Hill Farmstead, Double Galaxy--This was my favorite beer this year from the top brewery in the U.S., but their Society & Solitude series (#4, #6, #8) was also ridiculously good.
Burlington Beer Company, Creatures of Magic--Burlington Beer Co. doesn't enjoy anything close to the reputation that Foam has earned, but I think their beer is consistently better than most of the stuff coming from their cross-town rival. Seems like BBC has been getting wider distribution lately--pick up anything you see by them if they make it to Chicago. It's Complicated Being A Wizard, Orbital Elevator, and Peasant King are some of my other BBC favorites.
River Roost, Sound the Siren--River Roost is about a year old and is already making some of the best beer in Vermont/New England. Looking forward to seeing what lies ahead in 2019.
Fiddlehead, Mastermind--Juicy, creamy, delicious DIPA from Shelburne, VT.

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Non Hoppy New Year !

Breckenridge Nitro Chocolate Orange Stout. Forget all about bitterness with this one. Quite possible one of the smoothest beers I've ever had. If you love hop bombs, don't bother. I loved it.

I need to try some milk stouts before I re-commit to excellence for the rest of the winter. Any recommendations? I don't generally a big stout guy.

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Heading out to Boston for a trip with my wife either in July or October. I'll be asking for recommendations from you at that point.

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Flew too close to the sun on wings of pastrami

Have you tried any of their other NEIPA style beers? Boss Tweed is their double IPA and its great.

Old Nation may be my favorite NEIPA brewer simply for pricing M-43 at 13.99 a 4-pack and sometimes going on sale at Meijers for 12.99.

The nerve of breweries these days to slap NEIPA or DDH on a can and charge 15.99+ a 4-pack.

Left Hand is always solid.

Sam Adams Cream Stout is pretty good. And I'm not a big SA fan.

Bells Hopslam tastes infected.

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I drank most of a six pack of Eugene Coffee Porter by Revolution tonight. It’s as delights in the can as it was on tap.

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Having my first one this year. Tastes perfect.

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You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!

Probably shouldn't have brushed my teeth before popping one open.

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Trying to go “one year, no beer.” Thoughts and prayers are appreciated

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What about liquor/wine?

All aboard those.

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Atta boy.