Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion The Water Cooler beer thread

I don't know about that... the American pale ales are pretty distinct from their European ancestors.

I said "usually".

I don't think the Indians brewed (but the Aztecs made "pulque" I believe - a kind of low alcohol wine made from Agave) so it could be argued that the New World brews are all bastardizations of existing beer styles.

The California style of hefe-weizen is simply wheat beer with the "wrong" yeast strains used. Anchor Steam is a lager brewed at warmer west coast temps. Our American Pale Ale is probably along the lines of the original IPAs from Britain. Our current over-hopped IPAs may be an original, eh? I had a 4oz sample at the local brewpub last week and I think I can still taste it.

The hoppiest IPA I've ever tasted is Bear Republic Racer 5. I like it.

Dick's Beer claims to make the hoppiest IPA on the market, but I've never tasted it.

I'd agree with Big Will; I'm not sure there is a truly "original" style of beer from America, although the Anchor Steam Beer is unique.

Stylistically, there are some derivatives that are sufficiently different as to negate meaningful comparisons with their progenitors. Specifically, the west coast IPA style that incorporates Centennial/Chinook/Cascade/Columbus hops in obscene quantities rather than the traditional Goldings, Fuggles or other English varieties. The resulting "grapefruit" flavor is unmistakable. Same deal for Barley Wines, and to a lesser extent, robust Porters.

I was kind of thinking that I no longer really adored IPA's until I came across Dogfish Head 90 minute IPA from Delaware. It is just fantastic. Huge beer at 9% ABV, and very hoppy with 90 IBU's. Yet amazingly balanced and drinkable. Very highly recommended. That's the real trick; to make a fantastically hoppy beer that does not taste ONLY like hop resin.

hehe...Dogfish Head....if you want a beer that will wrap your night up in chains and sink it to the bottom of the ocean, try their WorldWide Stout

Just don't expect any memory of the evening to ever surface

Ack! I've been remiss! When I was in Colorado last week, by I had some great local brews. The one that stood out most was 90 Shilling, from Odell Brewery. 90 Shilling, from Odell Brewery Very easy drinking with good balance between what one would associate with both lighter and darker beers.

Hey, the beer thread is hoppin' again!

That Dogfish Head brewery looks like like they're willing to experiment. They must finish with a wine or champagne yeast to get that stout up to 18%, eh Tom?

I'm not sure that their revolutionary new continuous hopping method would be any different than regular frequent hop additions, but...

You guys make me want to out and buy some fancy beers.

If you are ever passing through the Montreal Airport, stop at Moe's and get a Rickard's Red on tap. Good blend between light and dark with out the heavy aftertaste of most dark beers. they've just recently starting selling it bottles.

Sean

How could one stop at Moe's and not get a "Flaming Moe"?

Replying to my own post, mostly because tonight was an excellent night. I have discovered that indeed all the beers I loved in philly (and listed in my old post) can be obtained at a select number of liquor stores and bars up here in boston.

You know, as many great beers as there are out there, you tend to settle down with a subset of them. And it's just not a happy thing to move and not be able to find them anymore. So tonight, when I found them, lets just say I had my fill And brought a few home for tomorrow!