Where to Start for the WINTER!!!!

Where to Start For the Winter - Or Stay Warm!!
Well the cold chill of winter is upon us. While it is not technically winter until December 21^st, and in Southern California who knows if winter will arrive at all, considering it was around 100 degrees outside on Thanksgiving, (I went hiking – then came home and had a few chilly ones) those winter brews are out in full force.

From Smokey Marzens, to thick Coffee Stouts, to flavorful Barrel Aged Brews, there is something out there for everyone’s palate. And with the colder weather, the higher ABV of some of these brews is probably what the doctor [would] order to keep warm on those chillier nights.

 Barrel Aged Beers are starting to appear en mass (however, I will have a separate post for those soon) and this is an interesting trend because you will taste some unique flavor profiles. Coffee Stouts and Porters as well as Cocoa or Vanilla Stouts and Porters are also very popular for this time of year.

As with summer brews, there is definitely a connection between winter weather and what people tend to drink. Maybe it is more psychological than anything else, but I am guilty of it too. I would rather drink a Smoked Porter in the Winter and a Shandy in the Summer. Not that there is anything wrong with switching them out: Why the hell not. Although, I also do not want to feel as filled up in the summer either so the lighter beers are good for that reason. For me at least, this trend continues in to the realm of wine also. I would rather drink white in the summer (while grilling) then red.

BUT HEY, I SAY DRINK WHAT YOU WANT WHEN YOU WANT. WHO CARES, AS LONG AS YOU ENJOY IT!!!!!!

So while diving into the usual assortment of winter styles of beer, why not get silly and pull out some of those summer brews that you are sitting on and waiting to drink: Maybe if you are too full from foraging at a holiday party or relaxing in a hot tub, who knows, it might be a good excuse to crack one of those open!!

DO YOU EVER REALLY NEED A GOOD REASON!!!!!

AND AS ALWAYS, RAISE A PINT OF ALE STOUT AND ENJOY!!!!!!!!! CHEERS

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!

A HAPPY THANKSGIVING OF GOOD BEER!!!! 

So Thanksgiving is a few days away and I know a lot of people will be travelling to different states: And I do not mean the state of confusion while being stuck in the airport lines!!! But once you reach your destination, relax, get settled, and then get out to the local grocery store or liquor store and start sampling some different local beers from the state [and city] you happen to be visiting. What better way to learn about the trends and trendsetters of the industry.

A lot of the smaller breweries cannot distribute their product over state lines so it can be very difficult to get a hold of regional beers (depending on where you live). But since the holiday travelling puts you in their territory, why not venture out and see what is available.

The holidays are a time for family and friends, good food, get-togethers and yes, maybe a few parties, but what better way to celebrate than with a good brew: Well, you could have a glass of wine or a scotch as well (and as I probably will since I am also an avid drinker of both!!). But the point is to celebrate good times, thankfulness, and the upcoming year. 

So get out and celebrate the holidays (responsibly), and in the next few weeks leading up to the new year, I will be listing some good seasonal beers to seek out and find so you can sample some good brews in whatever state (even confusion) that you are in!!!!

CHEERS, PROST, KANPAI!! 

And as always, RAISE A PINT OF ALE AND ENJOY!!!!