Beer! What do you drink when you play?

[TheRealQ]

:toast:

Beer: one of my favorite subjects.
I like beer...it makes me a jolly good fellow!
Stuck in Maryland where you have to find a liquor store to find beer and then there is limited selection, less than 50 varieties, has got me longing to be home and select from over 100 varieties at my grocery store. I have traveled all over this country ('cept New England for some reason) and have found a plethora of microbrews out there that rock the house. But in addition to those I have found several good ol' standbys that I can count on to be most anywhere I go.

Guiness-Out of all beers this is the one import you are almost guaranteed to find on tap in a bar if they have any imports at all.

Fat Tire-rich but without the heaviness or bitterness of darker beers. Technically New Belgium is still a microbrewer but you can find FT in all the surrounding states. The usurper to Fat Tire is Avalanche by Breckenridge but I have only found it in Colorado. It has more depth of flavor and costs a buck less per 6 pack.

Now back to Texas. Everybody loves Shiner Bock and I don't live far from the brewery. (yes, its true I live in the heart of beer and barbeque) I use Shiner as a back-up when I buy draft, every bar in Texas has it on tap it seems. But I prefer another bock that I may get a heresy suit slapped on me for mentioning. That beer is Zeigenbock. I have a 12 pack sitting ice cold at my house at all times. The back blast comes from the fact that Shiner is a Texas tradition and Z is owned by Budweiser. Too many people are so enamored with their microbrews that they refuse to give the big breweries a chance. Zeigenbock is only brewed and sold in Texas unlike other Bud products and I simply think it tastes better than Shiner...not a little bit better, a lot better.

Now Zeigenbock is my standby back home but when I'm on the road it isn't available. I have locked onto a couple imports that I am finding in more and more locations. They are both completely different and great in their own way.

Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse: this has a strong wheat flavor and causes me to reminisce about eating fresh baked bread. No bitterness, even a touch of sweetness, yet full flavored. I'm drinking one now.

And my number one pick: (I only keep a six-pack of these at home, they cost a little more)

Warsteiner Dunkel: Imagine all the flavor of Guiness with absolutely no bitterness. This beer goes great with food. It goes great on the back porch with a cigar. It goes great sitting around a Heroscape battlefield. I love it and recommend it to every beer drinker out there (no minors mind you).

Now, what do you like to drink when playing?

[hextr1p]

I'm partial to Mike's Hard. Any flavor really. A fun drink for a fun game, you know? I want to try the new Apple flavor. :D

[bobofett]

I like a good sunkist(softdrink)(too young for beer).
:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

[Grungebob]

Dogfishhead Raison Detre' is my current fav. I am also into Paulaner Salvator.

If you want Texas beer, I say St Arnolds is better than any of them. Try the St Arnolds stout!! Excellent.

[skyknight]

Heroscape requires thought to play, therefore you needing a thinking mans beer, this almost always means a slow sipping hearty stout. While I do love the Paulaner as well I am truly in love with Chimay grand reserve. This is probably my favorite beer of all time. As far as stouts go it used to be Samuels smiths oatmeal or imperial stout. I have since been drinking Brooklyn breweries chocolate stout. This is Heaven, I guarantee. Another great beer is Ommegang wheat ale called three Philosophers. Friggin scrumptious. I belong to two beer clubs so I drink good beer as well as good wine :P

[shakey_snake]

Beowulf says, "Mead."


Honey Brown is my prefered cheap beer.

otherwise it's:
Great lakes - Edmund Fitzgerald Porter
Dogfish head - 90 Minute India Pale Ale
Yuengling - Black and Tan
Sierra Nevada - Stout
Anything in Sam Adams Brewmaster Series

I only drink Guiness on tap, and I have never and will never drink beer out of a can.

[Grungebob]

Beowulf says, "Mead."


Honey Brown is my prefered cheap beer.

otherwise it's:
Great lakes - Edmund Fitzgerald Porter
Dogfish head - 90 Minute India Pale Ale
Yuengling - Black and Tan
Sierra Nevada - Stout
Anything in Sam Adams Brewmaster Series

I only drink Guiness on tap, and I have never and will never drink beer out of a can.

I see Dogfishhead is on your list. The 90 min is good but has too many citris qualities for me, Have you tried the Raison Detre'? Siera Nevada stout and porter are decent but they do not blow me away. Try Young's double chocolate stout it will absolutely change the way you view stouts because it has about 10 times more flavor than Guiness. If you are only drinking Guiness on tap you are truly missing out. Many places around here offer selections on tap that are very noteworthy.

And Sam Adams double bock was one of my all time favorite beers. Too bad it is seasonal.

[POP mARTy]

http://www.coopers.com.au/media/files/503.jpg

Always my first choice.... :thumbsup:

[Hahnarama]

Anything Harpoon, My buddy is a Master Brewer there

Anything Pyramid....

Mac and Jack's African Amber

and always the "Champain of Beers"

[TheRealQ]

Eventually I will try every selection here except the IPA, I just can't get into IPAs. I had Paulaner Salvator draft the same day I had Warsteiner Dunkel for the first time, (a couple places in Austin have over 300 beers on tap) it was good and smooth. I agree with skynight though that you have to have a slow drinking beer for Heroscape. If I was drinking Coors Light I could have a dozen+ in me before the game finished.

The first on my list when I get home will be St. Arnolds. This is about the 4th or 5th time it has come recommended. Since I am up north for now I am going to see if I can find a couple of skynight's recommendations.

Its a shame you have never had a beer out of a can SS. Down in Texas during the heat of the summer after mowing the lawn nothing is as refreshing as pulling an ice cold brew from the cooler, touching it across your neck and face then poppin' that big-mouth tap and chugging it down in just a couple gulps...then sittin' down with the rest of them. If you go rafting, boating, camping, hunting, etc you are going to want cans. When Guiness first came in cans with the cartridge I had bought 6 cases and had a Guinness party...everyone was pleased. Admittedly the draft is still best but there is a time and place for most any beer...just like wine. Admittedly cans are never my preference (all my beer at home is bottled) but there is a time for them.

Skynight, I am only slightly envious. I hadn't ever thought of joining a beer club; I haven't even heard of such a thing until you mentioned it. I have been looking into joining a brewer's club though, Austin has a couple of them. I recently made a friend who brew's her own beer and was shocked at how inexpensive it has gotten and how good the quality of materials that are available. The group that I am more interested in has an association with the SCA which might add a bit of entertainment but the head brewmeister is a genius and has been highly honored by several homebrew associations.

Thanks guys for your input

[Rodriquez]

Dogfishhead Raison Detre' is my current fav. I am also into Paulaner Salvator.

If you want Texas beer, I say St Arnolds is better than any of them. Try the St Arnolds stout!! Excellent.

we can always count on good ole GB to find some oddball beers!!
if Im drinkin...and aye Ry I do drink!!...it's usually coors light or such..


cheers

[skyknight]

Dogfishhead Raison Detre' is my current fav. I am also into Paulaner Salvator.

If you want Texas beer, I say St Arnolds is better than any of them. Try the St Arnolds stout!! Excellent.

we can always count on good ole GB to find some oddball beers!!
if Im drinkin...and aye Ry I do drink!!...it's usually coors light or such..
cheers

Oh that seems.......nice :roll:

[Joah]

I only drink Guiness on tap, and I have never and will never drink beer out of a can. :roll:

[TheRealQ]

Actually skynight, Coors Light is pretty good during those hot summer days in Texas. Not to mention that they have some special cans and bottles that contain more beer and have a larger opening. That larger opening is great when you're a big guy with a big throat. Otherwise unless I drink out of a glass there is a loud gurgling and whistling noise as air tries to find its way back into the bottle or can. As I said before every beer has its place. Most of them have a home in my belly.

[Grungebob]

Dogfishhead Raison Detre' is my current fav. I am also into Paulaner Salvator.

If you want Texas beer, I say St Arnolds is better than any of them. Try the St Arnolds stout!! Excellent.

we can always count on good ole GB to find some oddball beers!!
if Im drinkin...and aye Ry I do drink!!...it's usually coors light or such..


cheersIt is true that I do search the area for rare and exciting beers, but I have been known to enjoy a watery pale Coors or Budweiser from time to time.

[boom]

Wow, all these exotic labels. Am I the only shmoe that drinks Miller Lite and likes it? Although, there's nothing wrong with Bass Ale, Pacifico and Dos Equis Lager.

[netherspirit]

Natty Lite!!!

Just kidding that stuff tastes like http://smilies.vidahost.com/contrib/tweetz/bootyshake.gif

No me gusta cerveza.

I like Vodka and Rum. Mmmmm.

[TheRealQ]

Natty Lite!!!

Just kidding that stuff tastes like http://smilies.vidahost.com/contrib/tweetz/bootyshake.gif

No me gusta cerveza.

I like Vodka and Rum. Mmmmm.

:lol: :rofl: :lol:
Now that's funny!
When playing games I stay away from liquor. I want to be mellow, not loopy. But now if I'm just a spectator and I don't have to drive then a glass of ice with scotch, extra dark rum, or bourbon. I only use lighter rum and vodka for mixed drinks...which I only make in the presence of females.

[K/H_Addict]

i like the root flavor of beer.....yummy










:lol:

[Jason]

-My 2 choices of beverage would be either a Malt or Chocolate Milk.


*Personally I have never understood the popularity of beer. There could be only 2 reasons for drinking it: Taste or Effect.

Taste- The taste is terrible and thousands of things taste better

Effect- If you are using it do get drunk then just do shots/mixed drinks. You could get drunk off shots way quicker than with beer plus the taste is infinitely better

[TheRealQ]

-My 2 choices of beverage would be either a Malt or Chocolate Milk.


*Personally I have never understood the popularity of beer. There could be only 2 reasons for drinking it: Taste or Effect.

Taste- The taste is terrible and thousands of things taste better

Effect- If you are using it do get drunk then just do shots/mixed drinks. You could get drunk off shots way quicker than with beer plus the taste is infinitely better

Ahem. There are 5 primary taste sensations within the mouth:salt, sweet, sour, bitter, and the one that has only been recognized in the last 5 years...I can't remember the actual name but it is the Japanese word for tasty. The last one tastes glutamates and other protein derivatives. Beer hits on 4 of the 5 primary tastes. The only one missing is salt, therefore the salty treats that often accompany it. It gives the mouth a full workout with flavor. Due to variations in ingredients and process there is a large variety in the subtle flavors detectible by the nose. The carbonation while causing a tickling sensation throughout the mouth, nose, and throat, also helps lift these subtle flavors into the nose increasing the flavor sensation. The alcohol level is perfectly balanced in the zone where it is high enough to thin the mix setting the fluidity level not much higher than water yet low enough to avoid the sting of liquor. This allows the beer to reach every nook and cranny of your mouth with flavor while avoiding rapid evaporation thus letting it linger. Yes, beer is truly one of the best tasting things in the world.

Those that have yet to learn an appreciation of beer usually have not let their taste buds mature thus not allowing them to fully appreciate the full sensation. A taste bud only lives for about 10-14 days then is replaced by a new one. As such our sense of taste is in a constant state of improvement. As you expose your taste to new primary flavors the next generation of tastebuds are more accommodating to the sensation. In addition it is just a easy to ween the taste buds off of different flavors. As is the case, most adult tastes evolve away from sweet and more towards bitter. Salty and sour typically don't change much in an adults life. Usually those with less mature tastes fail to taste the sweetness in beer and are overwhelmed by the bitterness while a fully matured sense of taste can appreciate the slight sweet and the multiple layers of bitter.

The fact that a malt of chocolate milk would be your primary choice lets me know that your tastes run heavy toward the sweet. Chances are you not only dislike beer, unsweetened tea or coffee, bluecheese, radiccio, and cigars, but since you like lactose you probably don't like spicy food either. (and I don't mean Midwest spicy, I'm talking Texas spicy) Mind you, there is nothing wrong with this it simply means you have a different set of tastes and will enjoy different things.

[TheRealQ]

Oh, did I mention I like beer...just want to make sure everyone heard. :P

[skyknight]

That pretty much sums it up :lol: you forgot to add that wine also has many of these same characteristics, could this be why these are probably two of the oldest and most popular beverages ever?hhhmmmmmm...maybe :wink:

[skyknight]

Actually skynight, Coors Light is pretty good during those hot summer days in Texas. Not to mention that they have some special cans and bottles that contain more beer and have a larger opening. That larger opening is great when you're a big guy with a big throat. Otherwise unless I drink out of a glass there is a loud gurgling and whistling noise as air tries to find its way back into the bottle or can. As I said before every beer has its place. Most of them have a home in my belly.

Corn beers are quite likely the antichrist!!!!
If it aint grain, I aint payin.

I just made that up and it makes me very happy, yes very happy indeed :lol:

[Jason]

You would be correct in your assessment that I hate spicy food and the taste of coffee. To me coffee and burnt popcorn have similar tastes. As for spicy food I have never understood how people could appreciate having their mouth set on fire. I've always wondered whether they actually enjoy that sensation (which would make no sense to me) or whether they do not perceive the spicyness as strongly (this is what I think the more likely explanation is)

[skyknight]

You would be correct in your assessment that I hate spicy food and the taste of coffee. To me coffee and burnt popcorn have similar tastes. As for spicy food I have never understood how people could appreciate having their mouth set on fire. I've always wondered whether they actually enjoy that sensation (which would make no sense to me) or whether they do not perceive the spicyness as strongly (this is what I think the more likely explanation is)

Spicy foods actually cause the release of endorphins, on top of that some spice is good for the system. Endorphins are also released at other times of extreme pleasure as well. Therefore those of us who like hot do actually enjoy not only the flavor but also the heat.

[Joah]

Spicy foods actually cause the release of endorphins, on top of that some spice is good for the system. Endorphins are also released at other times of extreme pleasure as well. Therefore those of us who like hot do actually enjoy not only the flavor but also the heat. Yes, yes and yes. You get the idea. There is a Laotian resturant here in town that is the bomb. I'd eat there twice a day, everyday, if I could afford it.....But back to beer. Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat is freaking fantastic.

[Grungebob]

You would be correct in your assessment that I hate spicy food and the taste of coffee. To me coffee and burnt popcorn have similar tastes. As for spicy food I have never understood how people could appreciate having their mouth set on fire. I've always wondered whether they actually enjoy that sensation (which would make no sense to me) or whether they do not perceive the spicyness as strongly (this is what I think the more likely explanation is)

Spicy foods actually cause the release of endorphins, on top of that some spice is good for the system. Endorphins are also released at other times of extreme pleasure as well. Therefore those of us who like hot do actually enjoy not only the flavor but also the heat.Mmmmm Endorphins...

[lilwis]

You would be correct in your assessment that I hate spicy food and the taste of coffee. To me coffee and burnt popcorn have similar tastes. As for spicy food I have never understood how people could appreciate having their mouth set on fire. I've always wondered whether they actually enjoy that sensation (which would make no sense to me) or whether they do not perceive the spicyness as strongly (this is what I think the more likely explanation is)

Spicy foods actually cause the release of endorphins, on top of that some spice is good for the system. Endorphins are also released at other times of extreme pleasure as well. Therefore those of us who like hot do actually enjoy not only the flavor but also the heat.Mmmmm Endorphins...

:banana: Bring on da heat! It's the spice of life!
Hot hot hot Baby!

[dra(gon)]

http://www.getraenke-prost.de/catalog/images/12er_V+lemon_Flasche.jpg
lemon beer




http://www.getraenke-prost.de/catalog/images/Kasten_Sixpack_V+Kola_Scht.jpg

cola beer

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/de/thumb/3/38/Veltins_Flasche.jpg/180px-Veltins_Flasche.jpg

normal beer

[norseman1066]

For those of us not in the US I offer these gems up.

Moosehead Lager (New Brunswick) Micro Brewery
Alexander Kieth's IPA (Nova Scotia) Micro Brewery
Sleeman's Honey Brown (Ontario) Micro Brewery
Molson Canadian Lager (Major Brewery)
Molson Special Dry (Major Brewery)
Labatts Ice (The other Major Brewery)

Imports:

Harps Lager (Ireland---same company that brews Guiness)
Faxe Lager (Denmark)
Foster's Lager (Australia)
Tiger (Singapore)
San Miguel Pale Pilsner (Philippines)


Nothing beats an ice cold brew when plotting the downfall of your opponents army. :twisted:

[TheRealQ]

Foster's...now that brings home memories. Although the last time I had it it was still in the ol' oil can.

[Codeman]

I don't recall ever drinking a beer during a game.... I basically stick to Diet Coke when I'm a general.... maybe after the battle I will have a beer or two.

[TheRealQ]

I don't recall ever drinking a beer during a game.... I basically stick to Diet Coke when I'm a general.... maybe after the battle I will have a beer or two.

Beer has always been at the table during game time during my adult life unless it is just me and kids. This includes card games, board games, dice games, and back in the day pencil and paper rpgs.

[Supergeek]

My group usually drinks Budweiser, it's relatively cheap and we drink alot of it. Also, it's the Charos of beers. It is always nice to start off with something different like someone mentioned a double chocolate stout and when I was in Colorado someone gave me a Stella Artois which was fantastic but after the first couple of those, the swill is fine. As for Guinness... Irish Car Bomb anyone?

[vernz]

i drink smirnoff grape or mikes berry or lime

[DoesntCompute]

Water.

[Oogie_Da_Bruce]

Mmmmmmmm Beer...

Sam Adams (Pizza games)
Heffenweisen (Night games)
Corona (BBQ games)

Or whatever's left in the fridge:
Wow, all these exotic labels. Am I the only shmoe that drinks Miller Lite and likes it? Although, there's nothing wrong with Bass Ale, Pacifico and Dos Equis Lager.
Miller Lite it is!!!

[reapersaurus]

I'm partial to Mike's Hard. Any flavor really. A fun drink for a fun game, you know? I want to try the new Apple flavor. :DAlright!
Ballsy post, even so early in the thread (I haevn't reead past here yet)

Personally, I think most beer is not that good.
I much prefer Hard Cider (apple my favorite, followed by pear), and am glad more microbrews are realizing the historical tradition that cider has had in America.

I wish more breweries would get with the program and offer more variety, instead of hopps, hopps and more hopps.

[reapersaurus]

Ahem.

Those that have yet to learn an appreciation of beer usually have not let their taste buds mature thus not allowing them to fully appreciate the full sensation. A taste bud only lives for about 10-14 days then is replaced by a new one. As such our sense of taste is in a constant state of improvement.Ahem.

You misrepresent the taste bud evolvement:
Just as many folks start out with 20-20 vision in their youth and wind up wearing tri-focals come retirement, your senses of taste and smell changes over time. The average adult reportedly has approximately 10,000 taste buds, but children have more, including some dotted along the inside of their cheeks.

As you journey through adulthood, your sense of taste remains at roughly the same level, although abusing your taste buds, such as by smoking or repeatedly scalding the tongue with hot beverages, obviously has a dulling effect on them.
When younger, actually your sense of taste is MORE accurate.
It is as you grow older that things like smoking, and spicy foods, and sheer age cause your tastebuds (especially the sweet-receptors) to die off.

So when people mistakenly reference the saying "your taste buds haven't matured", what they are actually saying is "your taste buds haven't died off or lost sensitivity yet."

[Dragonslayer]

Young's Double Chocolate Stout: Dark beer combined with chocolate malt and real dark chocolate... yummie! :toast:

[skyknight]

Personally, I think most beer is not that good.
I much prefer Hard Cider (apple my favorite, followed by pear), and am glad more microbrews are realizing the historical tradition that cider has had in America.

I wish more breweries would get with the program and offer more variety, instead of hopps, hopps and more hopps.

You are a bit mistaken though in assuming hops is not American, A while back the US was filled with hops, it is only now making a comeback. Hops while not first started in the US have been here as long as the settlers first started coming. Therefore if they were here before America as a country was then I would say they are very American. On this note I also enjoy :P Victory Hops devil

[TheRealQ]

Ahem.

Those that have yet to learn an appreciation of beer usually have not let their taste buds mature thus not allowing them to fully appreciate the full sensation. A taste bud only lives for about 10-14 days then is replaced by a new one. As such our sense of taste is in a constant state of improvement.Ahem.

You misrepresent the taste bud evolvement:
Just as many folks start out with 20-20 vision in their youth and wind up wearing tri-focals come retirement, your senses of taste and smell changes over time. The average adult reportedly has approximately 10,000 taste buds, but children have more, including some dotted along the inside of their cheeks.

As you journey through adulthood, your sense of taste remains at roughly the same level, although abusing your taste buds, such as by smoking or repeatedly scalding the tongue with hot beverages, obviously has a dulling effect on them.
When younger, actually your sense of taste is MORE accurate.
It is as you grow older that things like smoking, and spicy foods, and sheer age cause your tastebuds (especially the sweet-receptors) to die off.

So when people mistakenly reference the saying "your taste buds haven't matured", what they are actually saying is "your taste buds haven't died off or lost sensitivity yet."

Okay you got me. I shouldn't have used the word improvement and instead should have used evolvement. BTW where did you get the quote, I'd like to see their explanation as to why I have a higher sensitivity to sweet and cringe at the idea of too much candy. And if your tastebuds are more accurate as a child why does my 9 year old son love Halbenero sauce as well as sweets. There seems to be something missing. I will try to find my article as well, I know the periodical ,Scientific American, but can't recall which issue it is in. Not to mention the chance that I may have misquoted.

Oh, and another thing, how come the worlds top sommeliers and perfumists are middle-aged not young adults. There appears to be a paradox.

[TheRealQ]

I'm partial to Mike's Hard. Any flavor really. A fun drink for a fun game, you know? I want to try the new Apple flavor. :DAlright!
Ballsy post, even so early in the thread (I haevn't reead past here yet)

Personally, I think most beer is not that good.
I much prefer Hard Cider (apple my favorite, followed by pear), and am glad more microbrews are realizing the historical tradition that cider has had in America.

I wish more breweries would get with the program and offer more variety, instead of hopps, hopps and more hopps.

I like hard cider as well but prefer the dryer ones. One of my favorites is Hard Core but I am also fond of one of the Hornsby's , I can't remember which one but I think it is the Draft. My friends in California are big into Woodchuck but I think this is more for the large bottle than actual flavor.

[cbs42]

I used to be a beer snob. Then I calculated how much money per month I was spending on alcohol and I suddenly became a real big fan of common domestics.

As a confirmed lush (I'm not an alcoholic because alcoholics don't admit they have a problem), I have found that it's best to drink the first drink or two for taste. After that point, it's just simply about the alcohol for me, so I switch to something less expensive for my "bulk" drinking. Typically in a night of gaming and drinking, I'll polish off maybe 2 expensive beers, 5 or 6 cheap domestics, and maybe a few mixed drinks or shots in between (depending on how much food I've eaten).

Mmm...I think I'll crack one open right now and get my Oblivion fix started.

[bunjee]

I have to be on board with cbs for this topic. Lately its been about the price for my home drinking. I also slowed down my drinking a while back, started hanging around a lot of non-drinkers.

But... when I go out into this wonderful city of beer I usually drink:
Amber (Mac & Jack's African) (http://www.macandjacks.com)
Porter - can't think of the names right now, there are some tasty ones around
Stout on occasion
I like Moose Drool Brown Ale for a clean finish, yet dark beer.
I want to spend more time at this place: http://www.brouwerscafe.com/bier.html
50 beers on tap, 100+ in bottles. Converted warehouse, trendy, but the beer selection is unmatched.

I regularly drink wine when gaming. As there are not many drinkers around, I get the whole bottle. Works well for me :-) Chilled white (Pinot Grigio) or just below room temp Merlot or Cabernet usually.

[reapersaurus]

You are a bit mistaken though in assuming hops is not American,

Therefore if they were here before America as a country was then I would say they are very American. You REALLY need to learn to stop reading people's posts wrong, skynight.

You are simply, plainly wrong when you say I assumed hops are not American.
How can you get that from what I typed?

I said that hard cider has a historical tradition in America.
How did you mis-read that I said that hops doesn't have one? :shock:

The RealQ:
here's a quote to possibly address your expert taster question: Among humans, there is substantial difference in taste sensitivity. Roughly one in four people is a "supertaster" that is several times more sensitive to bitter and other tastes that those that taste poorly. Such differences are heritable and reflect differences in the number of fungiform papillae and hence taste buds on the tongue.
And the original quote came from here: http://www.sff.net/people/mberry/taste.htm

And from a Hard Cider I really liked recently: Cider has deep roots in American history. In colonial times, hard cider was by far the most popular alcoholic beverage, far more than whiskey, wine, or beer. Apple orchards were planted throughout the eastern states, not for eating but for making cider. Unlike other alcoholic beverages, apple cider can be consumed at any time of day. In fact, John Adams, 2nd president of the United States drank it regularly at breakfast to “soothe his stomach”. Even today, one can find Vincent Sterne with a pint of cider along side his eggs and bagel.

Hard apple cider continued in its popularity well into the 1800’s due in part to the legendary efforts of Johnny Appleseed. He planted many apple trees in the mid-west and spread the art of cider making to that area of the country. Perhaps the height of ciders popularity came in the election of 1840 when the conservative wig candidate William Harrison managed to convince a majority of working class Americans that he was one of them by associating himself with the symbols of “log cabin and hard cider.

Many factors contributed to the demise of cider making. Settler’s expansion to the arid western states, German immigrants set up large sophisticated breweries for beer. And we all remember the Prohibition Law which marked the death bell for cider. Cider making virtually became a lost art in America. But thanks to the growing popularity of microbreweries in the 1990’s, Hard Apple Cider is once again enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Just as the micro brewing revolution stirred interest in many nearly forgotten styles of beer and ale, artesian cider makers have brought forth a newfound appreciation of the apple. Two Rivers Hard Cider Company has proudly brought back a true micro-cidery approach to making cider.http://www.tworiverscider.com/

[bushi96]

Man, I never get to drink. I am always playing HS with my son. But if I could drink it would be sipping Kamikaze's all the way! Mmmmm...

[bushi96]

Oh- And as an ex-bartender in the great microbrew state of Oregon, if you ever get a chance- drink a Black Butte Porter. Good stuff. Or a Widmere Bros. Hefeweizen with a slice of lemon. Its a non-filtered cloudy hef. Also good stuff. I might want to trade some good microbrew for some good wine with Skynight. As far as that goes, we have some pretty good wine around here too (within walking distance). Might have to have an East Coast-West Coast challenge... :twisted:

[bunjee]

I drink Black Butte pretty often, tasty.

I'm not a huge fan of hefs, I'll drink them if the group gets a pitcher.

I forgot to toss my hat in the reaper on the cider topic. I really like ciders.

[AwesomeCoolGuy]

Not old enough to drink yet. :( But normally when me and my friends are playing, we have some Pepsi or Mountain Dew.

[shakey_snake]

You are a bit mistaken though in assuming hops is not American,

Therefore if they were here before America as a country was then I would say they are very American. You REALLY need to learn to stop reading people's posts wrong, skynight.

You are simply, plainly wrong when you say I assumed hops are not American.
How can you get that from what I typed?

I said that hard cider has a historical tradition in America.
How did you mis-read that I said that hops doesn't have one? :shock:

The RealQ:
here's a quote to possibly address your expert taster question: Among humans, there is substantial difference in taste sensitivity. Roughly one in four people is a "supertaster" that is several times more sensitive to bitter and other tastes that those that taste poorly. Such differences are heritable and reflect differences in the number of fungiform papillae and hence taste buds on the tongue.
And the original quote came from here: http://www.sff.net/people/mberry/taste.htm

And from a Hard Cider I really liked recently: Cider has deep roots in American history. In colonial times, hard cider was by far the most popular alcoholic beverage, far more than whiskey, wine, or beer. Apple orchards were planted throughout the eastern states, not for eating but for making cider. Unlike other alcoholic beverages, apple cider can be consumed at any time of day. In fact, John Adams, 2nd president of the United States drank it regularly at breakfast to “soothe his stomach”. Even today, one can find Vincent Sterne with a pint of cider along side his eggs and bagel.

Hard apple cider continued in its popularity well into the 1800’s due in part to the legendary efforts of Johnny Appleseed. He planted many apple trees in the mid-west and spread the art of cider making to that area of the country. Perhaps the height of ciders popularity came in the election of 1840 when the conservative wig candidate William Harrison managed to convince a majority of working class Americans that he was one of them by associating himself with the symbols of “log cabin and hard cider.

Many factors contributed to the demise of cider making. Settler’s expansion to the arid western states, German immigrants set up large sophisticated breweries for beer. And we all remember the Prohibition Law which marked the death bell for cider. Cider making virtually became a lost art in America. But thanks to the growing popularity of microbreweries in the 1990’s, Hard Apple Cider is once again enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Just as the micro brewing revolution stirred interest in many nearly forgotten styles of beer and ale, artesian cider makers have brought forth a newfound appreciation of the apple. Two Rivers Hard Cider Company has proudly brought back a true micro-cidery approach to making cider.http://www.tworiverscider.com/

50% Woodchuck Granny smith Hard Cider+
50% Guinness
= fantastic!

[Mr. Underhill]

Beowulf says, "Mead."
Here's me, Marcus and some of the boys from the Legion partaking of some honey juice.... Slàinte!

http://home.amnet.net.au/~enigma1/heroscape/mead.jpg


Mr. Underhill

[Velenne]

First choice: Guiness on tap. I used to hate beer of all kinds before I went to Ireland in the summer of '04. While there, I was obliged to try every local custom and when you're Ireland, that means a Guiness EVERY DAY! The locals insist that anyone can fall in love with Guiness after 4 pints and I found this to be true. Still, Ireland Guiness > Imported Guiness. It loses something in the trip.

After 2 weeks of Guiness, every other beer is pansy and airy. A fact that remains true for me to this very day.

But if there's no Guiness on tap nearby, I'll settle for Shiner Bock. Nothing else is good enough. ;)

[Grungebob]

every other beer is pansy and airyGuiness is OK but there are MANY other beers that make Guiness taste ordinary in comparison. Don't get me wrong, I would never turn down a guiness, but I am no longer beholden to it like I used to be.

[Hahnarama]

Here's me, Marcus and some of the boys from the Legion partaking of some honey juice.... Slàinte!

May I suggest maybe a Hahn Premium instead?

[Mr. Underhill]

Hahahaha... hahn. S'funny.

Hahn Premium is okay. I'm not a big beer drinker. Don't mind Guiness, Caffreys and Kilkenny. Like a bit of Stella Artois sometimes.

Mostly drink wine. A bit of Cabernet Merlot these days.

Also a fan of Frangelico, Absinth, Chartreuse and Lemoncello.


Mr. Underhill

[Hahnarama]

I have a buddy who does Busniess in Sydney twice a year. Hw will usually brink me back a few case or (4). I use it mostly to impress the neighbors when they come over to watch a game or something.

[Joah]

50% Woodchuck Granny smith Hard Cider+
50% Guinness
= fantastic! Tru Dat! As I sip a Miller lite. :cry:

[cbs42]

50% Woodchuck Granny smith Hard Cider+
50% Guinness = fantastic!
For real?
It sounds interesting. I'll give it a shot!

[cbs42]

The locals insist that anyone can fall in love with Guiness after 4 pints and I found this to be true.
Yeah, ok. After 4 pints of Guinness, I'll pretty much fall in love with anything.

[Oogie_Da_Bruce]

50% Woodchuck Granny smith Hard Cider+
50% Guinness = fantastic!

Yes... Mmmmmm.... it's called a "Snakebite".

I buddy of mine got me started on those at the Scottish Highland Games.

Don't remember how many I had....

He warned me though.

They taste good... and it's easy to drink 10 or 12 without realizing how wasted your getting.

"That's where it got it's name", he said, "You don't even notice your drunk, till it come up and bites you in the @$$!"

He was right.

Ahhhh the college days...

[cbs42]

The most interesting thing about Guinness is that it's a surprisingly light beverage, despite it's appearance and rich taste.

Bottled Guinness (12 oz) in the US contains about 130 calories, which is only slightly more than a light domestic beer. Also, Guinness floats on top of other beers (in drinks such as a black & tan or a snakebite), rather than sinking to the bottom as most people would expect it to do.

When I first tried Guinness, the buddy who gave it to me joked that Guinness is actually lighter than air, because if you look along the sides of a glass of freshly poured Guinness, you will see a cascade of little air bubbles from the head of the beer sinking to the bottom, rather than rising. It's a very cool (and hypnotic) effect. Of course, the only reason the bubbles on the side are sinking is because there's a column of rising bubbles in the center which pulls down the smaller bubbles along the sides of the glass. Still cool nonetheless.

[bushi96]

I may be mistaken, but the sinking waterfall effect may be caused by using Nitrous unstead of CO2. Guiness on tap is just not the same unless they are using Nitrous...mmmmmmm....CO2 tapped Guiness might as well be from the bottle.

And a couple of my favorite beer sayings ever-

"Fosters. Australian for Budweiser."

A guy once said that he feels sorry for people who do not drink. Of course, I had to as why. His reply-
"People who do not drink have to wake up every morning with the sad realization that this will be the best they feel all day long."

[WinterIsComing]

Shiner, St Arnolds, Gunnies, you guys have great taste.

I however live in a frugal household (Need Money to buy heroscape expansions). So to be perfectly honest I drink Miller Light while I am playing. $9.99 a 18 pack at Wal-Mart, you can't beat that. Unless you buy Milwaukee's Best or Schlitz but even I am not that cheap.

Plus when you go to buy beer you get to check if anything new is in the game isle.

I figure if Miller Light was good enough for my Grandma when she was eating out of a feeding tube its good enough for me. (Feel Free to enter your own "You Might be a Redneck" joke.

[ultradoug]

soda or water

[justjohn]

I enjoy a beer every now and again. I normally drink New Castle, which I enjoy a good bit.

At my wedding, which was in Florida, they had Yeungling Lager on tap, and I fell in love. I searched high and low for that beer once we got back home. Turns out TN or GA aren't allowed to sell it, for whatever reason.

So I asked the guy at the big package store here, what is a similar beer? He pointed me in the direction of some stuff which turned out tasting like soapy Hieneken.

So the search goes on...

Can anyone offer me some advice on a similar beer?

Keep in mind, I'm no beer expert, but Yeungling lager was a deep tan color and somewhat opaque. It had a lot of flavor, wasn't sweet, but wasn't bitter or soapy, either.

Thanks in advance!

-jj

[StarSlayer]

Well now this is a good question.

Usually Pepsi if I have to drive.

If we are at my house. MGD is the cheep stuff.
I really try to stick with Catnip (Not a drink you can find on the net, this is a custom drink made by a person I so lovingly call Kat)

[Glen_Quagmire69]

Guiness the only beer for me, but sometimes I like a little Bailey's when the mood strikes me.