tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618320355094596622024-03-06T03:15:33.474-05:00BräuistaBräu Frau and how!Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.comBlogger667125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2061832035509459662.post-43207350808734307622016-12-22T10:05:00.000-05:002016-12-22T10:05:05.936-05:00Penny Brewing - Home Brew<div class="MsoNormal">
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I work for a manufacturing company; a company that makes
stuff that goes into other stuff. It’s pretty cool.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One of our engineers – not one of those fake,self-titled engineers – but a real,
full-fledged AutoCAD using designer of stuff (that goes into other stuff) brews beer at home.<o:p></o:p><br />
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He doesn't do it alone. He has the help of his girlfriend, April, and his brother-in-law, Mike. Matt says he would have a lot more spilled beer if it wasn’t for April. And, she's awfully darned cute, too.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<i>Anyhoo</i>, Matt was kind enough to share a six pack of his homemade beer in a variety of styles and flavors. Yay me!</div>
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Over the course of an afternoon I sampled each and every brew. I wasn't necessarily surprised by the quality of the beers; from my experience, homebrewers put a lot of love and passion into their creations. I wasn't disappointed by any of them.<br />
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All of Matt's brews were true to style and well crafted; the colors, flavors, and mouthfeel delightful.<br />
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S.T.A.T. (Double IPA 8.2%) - Aside from being a good tasty IPA, I especially liked the effervescence in S.T.A.T. It has a playful, tingly mouthfeel; much like a sparkling wine. I liked that a lot.<br />
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Swigs of Centauri (Double IPA 8% aka Sip of Sunshine) - I like Swigs much better than Sip of Sunshine. The hop profile was more to my taste. So much more drinkable.<br />
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Space Case (Double IPA 7.23% aka Fuzzy Baby Ducks) - named after the spacey instructor who taught Matt about NE IPAs. I really wouldn't compare it to Ducks (which I love). Space Case can stand on it's own as simply a good IPA.<br />
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Curious George (Belgian Strong Dark Ale 8.5% ) - Although I'm a big fan of IPAs and Matt did a great job with all of them, I think my favorite was the Belgian Strong Ale; it was really quite nice and super flavorful.<br />
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Pumqueen (Spiced vegetable brown ale 9.2%) - Pumqueen was delish. Well spiced but not overdone. A yummy pumpkin ale.<br />
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Mounds out of mole hills (Chocolate Coconut Porter 6.5%) - My only "disappointment" was that I would have liked more coconut in the Mounds. With a hint a coconut and chocolate, overall it's a nice solid porter.<br />
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Our employer may not appreciate me saying this, but Matt and his partners could do well for themselves as brewers.<br />
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I can't wait for him to bring me more of his creations!<br />
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Cheers!</div>
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Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2061832035509459662.post-75349582218049698532016-12-16T10:48:00.001-05:002016-12-16T10:54:39.451-05:00The Original Cigar & Bar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you're ever visiting North Conway, New Hampshire and you enjoy a long relaxing smoke paired with a luscious libation, I suggest you visit The Original Cigar & Bar.<br />
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It doesn't look like much from the outside, just a double wide manufactured building, but inside is a well-stocked bar, comfy chairs & couches, a big screen television with a fairly impressive humidor packed with a nice selection of sticks. <a href="http://www.theoriginalcigarandbar.com/" target="_blank">The Original Cigar & Bar</a> is no <a href="http://www.hospitalityholdings.com/#/establishments/the_carnegie_club" target="_blank">Carnegie Cigar Club</a>. It is <i>way more </i>down to earth and totally my kind of place. It would be my <a href="https://cheersboston.com/" target="_blank">Cheers</a> if I nearby.<br />
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The afternoon hubby and I decided to drop in, the bar was hosting a tap takeover by <a href="https://moatmountain.com/" target="_blank">Moat Mountain Brewing Company</a>. As I settled into my bar stool, I was greeted by friendly staff who poured me a pint and helped me pick out a couple of very nice <a href="http://www.olivacigar.com/" target="_blank">Oliva</a> cigars. Seated to the right of me was Moat Mountain's brewer, Scotty. How cool is that?<br />
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I lit up and sipped my beer. Hubby and I chatted with Scotty and had a really nice time. Simply smoking cigars, drinking beer, and enjoying the company. It was a little taste of freedom. It was decidedly <i>awesome.</i><br />
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Oh, if you ever decide to spend some time at The Original Cigar & Bar and you begin to feel a bit peckish, Moat Mountain Smokehouse and Brewery is practically next door. They have great food and, you guessed it, a fantastic beer selection.<br />
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<br />Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.com03425 White Mountain Hwy, North Conway, NH 03860, USA44.0698143 -71.142599419.8326048 -112.4511934 68.3070238 -29.834005399999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2061832035509459662.post-56319902108172225682016-10-14T08:11:00.001-04:002016-10-14T08:11:53.466-04:00Big Water Brewing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anyone who really knows me knows I don't like crowded places. I especially don't like fairs and carnivals. Beer fests are barely tolerable but, you know, beer.<br />
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Fryeburg Fair is the exception. It's so much like the agricultural fairs I remember from my youth; I love going there.<br />
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I was like a little kid. Dragging my poor husband all over the place. Ooo, ooo look at this. Ooo, ooo look at <i>that! </i>Ooo, ooo . . .<br />
He's very patient. He just follows the bouncing butt.<br />
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We checked out all manner of livestock, stuffed our faces with meaty goodness and vinegar soaked french fries, looked at crafts and various demonstrations.<br />
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After all that excitement, we were looking forward to kicking back with a nice cold brew. <br />
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We stopped at the Vista Country Store on the way back to our motel. I've blogged (<a href="http://www.brauista.com/2014/02/vista-country-store.html" target="_blank">click link)</a> about this store before, they have a great beer selection and there's always something good to try.<br />
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I was tired and not really paying attention to what was going on in the store, all I wanted was something cold to drink and was totally focused on trying to pick out something from the beer cooler.<br />
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The beer manager asked if we needed help. I was like, "Nah, just looking for something new to try."<br />
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He was like, "Do you like sours? We're doing a tasting right over here."<br />
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I was like, "Ooo, ooo" Once again, with a sigh, hubby was following the bouncing butt.<br />
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What a happy surprise. Ben Jones from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BigWaterBrewery/" target="_blank">Big Water Brewing</a> was doing a tasting of his sours. YUM!<br />
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Ben was very generous with both his time and pours. He let us taste from every bottle and happily talked about his brews.<br />
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All of the beers were distinctive; the variety of flavors was amazing. I can't say I liked them all, but I certainly appreciated them all. <br />
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It wasn't an easy choice, but we decided on a bottle of Raspberry Lambic. Mainly because it was so light and refreshing and that's <i>just </i>what we were looking for.<br />
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We got back to the motel, popped that bottle and kicked back. The lambic paired very well with my Acid Kuba Kuba cigar.<br />
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Good stuff.<br />
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Check out this excellent article in NH Magazine on Ben and his brewery - <a href="http://www.nhmagazine.com/One-Man-Garage-Brewery/" target="_blank">Big Water Brewing</a>.<br />
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<br />Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.com0Intervale, NH 03860, USA44.0742357 -71.14007119999996644.0725457 -71.142592699999966 44.075925700000006 -71.137549699999965tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2061832035509459662.post-11202446825126276602016-09-19T10:09:00.004-04:002016-09-19T10:09:49.929-04:00Brauista in the news<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.ctpost.com/news/slideshow/The-Weekend-in-Photos-Sept-16-18-2016-135013/photo-10942037.php</td></tr>
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<br />Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2061832035509459662.post-11899244911546807712016-08-05T10:32:00.000-04:002016-08-05T10:32:01.461-04:00Cooking with Beer - Drunken Pork Chops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYFYsVncusbtqwvoA4MT59Yo5DFiFEH_O6cPXacoOGnqtnlHbw0sbEQaLZdltadrlnCXPjQLQ0Q_ZVQXXCJEc1O_uM_QMIz59tl5LC7aCJHXpHKZ4HsNwmP6sf3amEgQKPr5Ok5z35H-u/s1600/DSCF4763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYFYsVncusbtqwvoA4MT59Yo5DFiFEH_O6cPXacoOGnqtnlHbw0sbEQaLZdltadrlnCXPjQLQ0Q_ZVQXXCJEc1O_uM_QMIz59tl5LC7aCJHXpHKZ4HsNwmP6sf3amEgQKPr5Ok5z35H-u/s640/DSCF4763.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLe83gLic035rgBxSoYMIVTMVRoI2edaqGkj_A0gQfTBHavl1dqnVJIrGhn1NYjCpu1E2XihCxqGkFvnjvVzUwd8Vv_2u2YFHcAtl0VeVSyF9hfPkW4IvqEHKmLSLpJoKh8FVYGu5eUrVr/s1600/Yuengling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLe83gLic035rgBxSoYMIVTMVRoI2edaqGkj_A0gQfTBHavl1dqnVJIrGhn1NYjCpu1E2XihCxqGkFvnjvVzUwd8Vv_2u2YFHcAtl0VeVSyF9hfPkW4IvqEHKmLSLpJoKh8FVYGu5eUrVr/s640/Yuengling.jpg" width="174" /></a>The Yuengling brewery is located in my home state of Pennsylvania; Pottsville, Pennsylvania to be exact. It holds the distinction of being the oldest brewery in the United States and is the second largest American-owned brewery . . . second only to the Boston Beer Company, makers of Sam Adams beer.<br />
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Starting in 1829 the founder David Yuengling, a German immigrant, made beer for thirsty coal miners in Pottsville. In the 1940’s Yuengling was a struggling company barely making ends meet. Now it’s sells 1% of the country's beer. And for good reason . . . it’s good beer!<br />
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Yuengling, pronounced ying-ling, is German for "young man"; which is appropriate considering that it’s a family owned company that changes ownership by the offspring of the previous owner. However, currently there are no more young men to carry on the family tradition -- only young women. The current owner is training his four daughters the ins and outs of the brewing business and one day they will take over . . . will the brewery then change it’s name to Yuengdame?<br />
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Just askin’ . . .<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysfu-MRfc2hOdrlkkBJLKkYoldhN9BHcqPkvKmQ8w-UCw-smas_sbypEeO03tPMY9SmRpTvt__vpnaTcMnGKIbLjaCtilzNGyeEPAavO6qbyhyphenhyphen7UeP6ogyJstz_U4R9Y9sIY12MHqWI9O/s1600/yuengling_92j5_po47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysfu-MRfc2hOdrlkkBJLKkYoldhN9BHcqPkvKmQ8w-UCw-smas_sbypEeO03tPMY9SmRpTvt__vpnaTcMnGKIbLjaCtilzNGyeEPAavO6qbyhyphenhyphen7UeP6ogyJstz_U4R9Y9sIY12MHqWI9O/s400/yuengling_92j5_po47.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOs5WvS1RuVYeKTvIk_EDKnBXAQxM4-CymHkYfC8tBo0M87wLkKUmx6MaDXnIit8km04g-nXg3LVBe7jr1IiRKu86uenj06QnYKEvns0k9BCeLBSACCddgUJmuDhr5sAt4i_JdAyCJ1_T/s1600/Downloads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOs5WvS1RuVYeKTvIk_EDKnBXAQxM4-CymHkYfC8tBo0M87wLkKUmx6MaDXnIit8km04g-nXg3LVBe7jr1IiRKu86uenj06QnYKEvns0k9BCeLBSACCddgUJmuDhr5sAt4i_JdAyCJ1_T/s640/Downloads.jpg" width="356" /></a><b>Yeungling Drunken Pork Chops</b><br />
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1 Tbsp Olive Oil<br />
1 Tbsp Unsalted butter<br />
5-6 Pork Chops- Bone-In or Boneless<br />
Salt And Pepper To Taste<br />
1 Bottle Of Beer (The Darker The Beer, The More Flavorful The Sauce. I Used Yeungling Black And Tan.<br />
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar<br />
1/3 Cup Ketchup<br />
Bread Crumbs<br />
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Marinate the pork chops in the beer overnight.<br />
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Coat the chops in the bread crumbs. Reserve the beer.<br />
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Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet. Place the breaded chops in the skillet and brown 10 minutes on each side.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCG2boIyHEuMS6p6BmgjSZnjSASoPlAyhdArAbG_SpSVoKHQmNyEGg_er8oFuNqUFNlJtz3dgmKTkPNV_g1eszuoGS4V7qVxFMN13xf2nMlWL38aVLv9OPVpeITTwMWB9PFkGYlPn5FoA/s1600/Downloads1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCG2boIyHEuMS6p6BmgjSZnjSASoPlAyhdArAbG_SpSVoKHQmNyEGg_er8oFuNqUFNlJtz3dgmKTkPNV_g1eszuoGS4V7qVxFMN13xf2nMlWL38aVLv9OPVpeITTwMWB9PFkGYlPn5FoA/s640/Downloads1.jpg" width="348" /></a><br />
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While the pork chops are browning, combine beer, ketchup, and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to boil and turn down to a simmer.<br />
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Remove pork chops from the pan. Pour the sauce into the skillet. Stir to loosen up the browned bits. Bring to a high simmer and thicken the sauce a bit. In a small cup, combine 1 TBSP of cornstarch in 1/4 of water. Stir to combine and add to boiling sauce, whisk so no lumps form.<br />
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Serve the chops with mashed potatoes or rice. Top with the thickened sauce.<br />
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Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2061832035509459662.post-21070790506707994792016-08-01T15:55:00.000-04:002016-08-01T15:55:26.442-04:00Knitted Beer Socks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuiA019X_7NaQ-8lcga4EAJiIBQaB7nLbSNpTIPB7WjjSC8vKXoXYy98pOllvWKkus_BB1Cyv4k0F2k9VRdtP0P84wsb-RB5l3q4aViIRHuoWKacZv3DFhJAr7xd7qPsaN9PziLVZ5yil/s1600/2016-07-02+19.52.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuiA019X_7NaQ-8lcga4EAJiIBQaB7nLbSNpTIPB7WjjSC8vKXoXYy98pOllvWKkus_BB1Cyv4k0F2k9VRdtP0P84wsb-RB5l3q4aViIRHuoWKacZv3DFhJAr7xd7qPsaN9PziLVZ5yil/s640/2016-07-02+19.52.45.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBPU89EjqYMvEKQKQ6e7u1mC4ufSpjzSQozBmRX5vovah-X5SGU8e8hW9sAmdygxPgSkpvE_IiBvB20f2LZeK46Crmzmgk5WG5ChVbyyz2AvMCNUgVHEk1aSwwwfEaRz0PW8zIBsydzAo/s1600/2016-07-02+19.52.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBPU89EjqYMvEKQKQ6e7u1mC4ufSpjzSQozBmRX5vovah-X5SGU8e8hW9sAmdygxPgSkpvE_IiBvB20f2LZeK46Crmzmgk5WG5ChVbyyz2AvMCNUgVHEk1aSwwwfEaRz0PW8zIBsydzAo/s320/2016-07-02+19.52.30.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The following is a simple pattern for Beer Socks. The finished material is stretchy enough to fit most beer cans and bottles. The socks help keep your beer cold with the added benefit of keep condensation off your hands.<br />
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This is a simple pattern that requires basic knitting skills. Once you get started, this is a quick project; the hardest part is knitting in the round.<br />
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The yarn pictured here is Sensations Smania Yarn which is a ribbon type yarn, but you can use any medium weight wool blend or cotton blend yarn. You can make about 4 - 6 beer socks from one skein of this particular yarn - figure 24 yards for each sock.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZe5klg8otDR4hunFxrE-MANV92-p9b72sqwuj87FIlD0ulqhpvr1kv8yRFZwCs5K_Zdz82BIWw9D9I-CGLrj6qOAWUJUmNB8hpgb9XMu8aPTwH0JSrPuiTVOzLFrneWRzD7cD8-mp4Cv/s1600/Beer+Sock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZe5klg8otDR4hunFxrE-MANV92-p9b72sqwuj87FIlD0ulqhpvr1kv8yRFZwCs5K_Zdz82BIWw9D9I-CGLrj6qOAWUJUmNB8hpgb9XMu8aPTwH0JSrPuiTVOzLFrneWRzD7cD8-mp4Cv/s640/Beer+Sock.jpg" width="305" /></a><br />
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You will need:<br />
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<li>a set of 4 size 6 US double pointed knitting needles</li>
<li>a stitch marker</li>
<li>scissors and yarn needle</li>
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Cast on 36 stitches. Evenly distribute your stitches onto 3 double pointed needles - 12 stitches per needle. Join in round; be sure to arrange the stitches so that they are not twisted. Place a stitch marker if desired to mark end of round.<br />
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Using the free needle, knit the first stitch. Pull the loop on the right needle through the stitch on the left needle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KJMpHcjjOfIE_Gtv3uARz-8cTFY4D-3z2YWNhNCMIh8izmwwcxYXw2Yf8QSaqVqshAir_yh4xJMpSGGROC0ibC_qGEMDEoLYNZRp5721yMfCfbDUjPOOAbPDUeT-1GatAcXjzXyt98-8/s1600/Collages3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KJMpHcjjOfIE_Gtv3uARz-8cTFY4D-3z2YWNhNCMIh8izmwwcxYXw2Yf8QSaqVqshAir_yh4xJMpSGGROC0ibC_qGEMDEoLYNZRp5721yMfCfbDUjPOOAbPDUeT-1GatAcXjzXyt98-8/s640/Collages3.jpg" width="318" /></a><br />
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Continue knitting with the free needle in a ribbed pattern - knit 2, purl 2 around - working the stitches on the left needle. <br />
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When all the stitches are worked off the left needle, that one will become the free needle and work the stitches off of the next needle in the "triangle".<br />
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When you get to the stitch marker, you've reached the end of the first row.<br />
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Continue working in the established ribbed pattern for 3.5 to 4 inches.<br />
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Bind off loosely. Cut yarn and weave in ends.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7V3RiTrQuSzcDMgZgwMT8mwQeDGKKzILtqdD_nXSUdDpgVsbtTwHVWGHFMp7rjUzYlUzHVsqW2KFucoBAcY-We3_mMjzIAKTNjDZVf5icJkAkfYXDHSl3NDlCZQrMMiZAKvEPMveb-hz/s1600/IMG_20160709_170547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7V3RiTrQuSzcDMgZgwMT8mwQeDGKKzILtqdD_nXSUdDpgVsbtTwHVWGHFMp7rjUzYlUzHVsqW2KFucoBAcY-We3_mMjzIAKTNjDZVf5icJkAkfYXDHSl3NDlCZQrMMiZAKvEPMveb-hz/s640/IMG_20160709_170547.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2061832035509459662.post-7505672308632021432016-07-28T09:56:00.000-04:002016-08-01T14:59:04.781-04:00Cooking with Beer - Beerific Tequila Tacos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfC2x9o5gXI98hNHc-ixzXNpjtAwgMu3uKI1IGJxHHi4pgQAW3KMbwdIOHFox0pEaBUIARHhvOwEDEeUrWq1ND2nAYLn6OLDdyGWxlZABzztqWew4NB5JEf4ACgQSy4S4t2APvOlDLwqb/s1600/IMG_20160716_182341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfC2x9o5gXI98hNHc-ixzXNpjtAwgMu3uKI1IGJxHHi4pgQAW3KMbwdIOHFox0pEaBUIARHhvOwEDEeUrWq1ND2nAYLn6OLDdyGWxlZABzztqWew4NB5JEf4ACgQSy4S4t2APvOlDLwqb/s640/IMG_20160716_182341.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What's better than taco night? Tacos and beer!<br />
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Scratch that. Tacos <i>made </i>with beer! And tequila.<br />
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Yessssss!!<br />
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This from-scratch recipe is oh-so-much better than the packaged taco seasoning mix; mouthwatering and savory. Fresh veggies and the combination of spices is wonderful. The jalapenos and spicy pepper beer give the mixture a kick. The tequila sends it into a whole other realm of awesomeness.<br />
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Totally drool-worthy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizL7xX4zHRba7eaPsapwXo1fNdHc3V15t0c2Wi5dKoFEuF87zRD_I7PJ6VhkpeOLYgc2pKk-56P0CSumulkkpqcpcxiU1xWpOaMuzZZhoNuhoOwkOm-gFiishGZnXkrPtH6jyrSUNY3RS9/s1600/Taco1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizL7xX4zHRba7eaPsapwXo1fNdHc3V15t0c2Wi5dKoFEuF87zRD_I7PJ6VhkpeOLYgc2pKk-56P0CSumulkkpqcpcxiU1xWpOaMuzZZhoNuhoOwkOm-gFiishGZnXkrPtH6jyrSUNY3RS9/s640/Taco1.jpg" width="360" /></a><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Beerific Tequila Tacos</span></b><br />
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<b><i>Taco Meat</i></b><br />
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1 Tablespoon Butter<br />
1 Red Onion, Chopped<br />
3 Large Garlic Cloves, Finely Chopped<br />
1 Large Tomato, Chopped<br />
1/4 Cup (or more) Pickled Jalapenos<br />
1/4 Cup Fresh Cilantro<br />
1 Teaspoon Sazon Adobo Seasoning<br />
1 Teaspoon Tony Chachere's Seasoning<br />
2 Teaspoons Chili Powder<br />
2 Teaspoon Ground Cumin<br />
3/4 Pound Ground Beef<br />
3/4 Pound Ground Pork<br />
12-Ounce Can Twisted X Fuego Pepper Beer<br />
(or other spicy pepper beer)<br />
3 Ounces Tequila<br />
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<b><i>Toppings and stuff</i></b><br />
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Taco Shells<br />
Pickled Jalapenos<br />
Shredded Lettuce<br />
Avocado/Tomato Salad (recipe below)<br />
Shredded Mexican Cheese Mix<br />
Sour Cream<br />
Salsa<br />
Hot Sauce<br />
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Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, saute the onions, cilantro,<br />
and garlic until soft and translucent, 6 to 8 minutes. Pour a shot of tequila into the pan and mix with the sauteed garlic and onions. Add the tomatoes and jalapenos to mixture. Stir in the spices, seasonings, and 3 ounces of the beer. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 5 minutes.<br />
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Add the ground beef and pork to the pan. Break up into bits with the back of a wooden spoon. Allow to brown a bit then add the 3 more ounces of beer and another shot of tequila. Bring to a boil then turn heat down to medium low. Cook the meat, stirring occasionally until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 20 minutes.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRRqYiwL710hb2zQsTeKawZvkGKdINCMVU7UaG_JtyOFOaGJ89FctdetN0zkkUwdlnkAWWrdY_KYWtadUoyuDB3xe9HvFERiQX_Y8qcaq4uCgVxOf36s3_1RoTk-nPTv8OGBsYA7QAwdM/s1600/IMG_20160716_174019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRRqYiwL710hb2zQsTeKawZvkGKdINCMVU7UaG_JtyOFOaGJ89FctdetN0zkkUwdlnkAWWrdY_KYWtadUoyuDB3xe9HvFERiQX_Y8qcaq4uCgVxOf36s3_1RoTk-nPTv8OGBsYA7QAwdM/s200/IMG_20160716_174019.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Pour another shot of tequila and pour the remaining beer into a glass. Set aside.<br />
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Avocado Tomato Salad: Chop a small tomato. Slice a medium avocado. Add both to a small bowl. Sprinkle with kosher salt. Squeeze a half a lime over top and gently mix. Refrigerate until ready to put the tacos together.<br />
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When the meat is cooked, remove it from the from heat and make yourself a pile of wicked good tacos. Enjoy the shot of tequila and glass of pepper beer with your tacos.<br />
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Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2061832035509459662.post-38331632599625043712016-06-13T07:12:00.000-04:002016-06-13T07:12:07.084-04:00Wut up, gnomey<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BGbrf6SBnJv/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">#tbt to #tworoads Road Jam 2015 where we partied in the rain - this year's Road Jam concert is June 25 and features awesome bands such as Deep Banana Blackout, @turkuazband, @moonhooch, @stoplightobservations, @thealpacagnomes, @ripelove and @rudeynamusic. Tickets on sale via our website.</a></div>
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A photo posted by Two Roads Brewing (@tworoadsbrewing) on <time datetime="2016-06-09T11:44:12+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jun 9, 2016 at 4:44am PDT</time></div>
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<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2061832035509459662.post-64404271265965509132016-06-11T07:55:00.000-04:002016-06-11T07:55:26.330-04:00If we're lucky, there will be beer there<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQxxK4yiSIk/TcFpW9hliNI/AAAAAAAAF6I/aXsNtqL87yU/s1600/132191_1665420108009_1012467425_1775755_6259786_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQxxK4yiSIk/TcFpW9hliNI/AAAAAAAAF6I/aXsNtqL87yU/s320/132191_1665420108009_1012467425_1775755_6259786_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My husband shared an article with me on </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">alternate uses for beer. I know he was trying to help me with blog content but I’m still surprised. As far as he’s concerned any use for beer, other than drinking it, is considered alcohol abuse. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A lot of the alternative uses call for left over flat beer. Left over beer?? I’m not sure I know what that is or how it’s even possible.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9D6aZ9HQjpw/TcFqkIRuP0I/AAAAAAAAF6Y/H5s-HZhZl6w/s1600/Cooking+082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9D6aZ9HQjpw/TcFqkIRuP0I/AAAAAAAAF6Y/H5s-HZhZl6w/s200/Cooking+082.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some of the uses I was familiar with . . . and others were unexpected. I use beer for cooking . . . chili, bread, soup, etc. Beer works great as a meat tenderize (let it marinate for at least an hour or overnight in the fridge).</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lndT5L4QeQ/TcFpV7DxdqI/AAAAAAAAF58/9MEx7aatPKI/s1600/berr_trap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lndT5L4QeQ/TcFpV7DxdqI/AAAAAAAAF58/9MEx7aatPKI/s320/berr_trap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I’ve heard of it being used as pest control. After all . . . who can resist beer? Make a beer trap for hornets by putting beer in an old jar and punch holes in the lid . . . the bastards will be able to get in the jar but not out. To distract and terminate garden pests like sligs and earwigs . . . bury a can just up to its lip in the garden and fill the can with beer; they’ll fall in and get caught. Just make sure you check the trap daily, emptying it and refilling it with new beer. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYJw2gVWeuFSZ53i84l46Fps5EhuHnsepRvf59ekzQGE16L2OBXppWnVjqYFAl0iL0_R00DH7b4DhgDg28A64XcqFY7pqxBATWOqaULq4BZ4it6EkcNHRpkZhAIcLoMjzkfUlD5ILJ7k/s1600/diy-fruitflies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYJw2gVWeuFSZ53i84l46Fps5EhuHnsepRvf59ekzQGE16L2OBXppWnVjqYFAl0iL0_R00DH7b4DhgDg28A64XcqFY7pqxBATWOqaULq4BZ4it6EkcNHRpkZhAIcLoMjzkfUlD5ILJ7k/s200/diy-fruitflies.jpg" width="150" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To trap fruit flies . . . I hate those little buggers! Put some beer in a cup; cut the corner off of a sandwich bag and place the cut corner in the cup; folding the rest around the cup and securing with a rubber band.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C4TNPk_dJ_I/TcFpWCHGDxI/AAAAAAAAF6A/FmNjjTsYoTQ/s1600/beer2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C4TNPk_dJ_I/TcFpWCHGDxI/AAAAAAAAF6A/FmNjjTsYoTQ/s200/beer2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To enrich soil and help grass to grow? One of the uses was to add few tablespoons of flat beer to the soil. Plants absorb nutrients, sugar and energy from the beer and help them grow. Interesting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As hair therapy? This one I’ve heard of but never tried . . . until now. Beer is credited with adding bounce, shine and vitality to hair. The sugars in beer are supposed to add shine and the proteins from the malt and hops found in beer coat, rebuild and repair damaged hair. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Choose a beer that does not have a strong odor. Shampoo and rinse hair as usual . . . then pour the flat, warm beer on your hair and work it through. Rinse with lukewarm, not hot, water.</span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The beer rinse was something easy enough to try. I left a beer out overnight to de-fizz it . . . shhhh, don't tell my husband. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I used a baking soda wash with apple cider vinegar rinse. Then a second rinse with the beer. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My analysis, my hair doesn't seem to have more body or bounce but it is clearly shiny as hell and looks pretty darn healthy. It doesn't smell like beer . . . which I'm not so sure wouldn't be a bad thing . .. rowr! My hair was manageable and blow dried smooth and soft with absolutely no additional products used. </span><br />
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Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2061832035509459662.post-47151369205609220442016-06-06T16:07:00.000-04:002016-06-06T16:07:38.993-04:00Pineapple Basil Brewtail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RtI0EYSxtY70hf-VpwztdFENbgXSVwRUGI27wp6R2_xYj-1kgzoOH3UsE9EvE7IddOQ4G6Sc2Mq0kQECFeLG6DtdJf0VK5WdI_R-SbOKEfJ72B4Ub7yw_zIy0Tt3N8fH9OawHMXEDz2U/s1600/IMG_20160529_123453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RtI0EYSxtY70hf-VpwztdFENbgXSVwRUGI27wp6R2_xYj-1kgzoOH3UsE9EvE7IddOQ4G6Sc2Mq0kQECFeLG6DtdJf0VK5WdI_R-SbOKEfJ72B4Ub7yw_zIy0Tt3N8fH9OawHMXEDz2U/s640/IMG_20160529_123453.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was recently reading Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov. An interesting book, to be sure. However, I can't understand how a book about a pedophilic middle-aged man absconding with a 12 year-old for the express purpose of fulfilling his carnal fantasies for little girls became a classic. Just sayin'.<br />
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Anyhoo, in the book, Humbert mentions his favorite drink is gin and pineapple juice<br />
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“I had a drink. And another. And yet another. Gin and pineapple juice, my favorite mixture, always double my energy.”<br />
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I like pineapple juice and gin but I've never considered mixing them. Frankly, I'm a straight up uber dry martini kinda gal - lots of olives. Nonetheless interested, I googled the combination and found a drink that sounded absolutely fabulous - a <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-pineapple-basil-cocktai-51570" target="_blank">Pineapple Basil Cocktail</a>. It's probably not what Humbert Humbert consumed, but his tastes and mine don't necessarily intersect.<br />
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The pineapple basil cocktail looked summery and refreshing. A perfect drink to make for chillin' on the deck on a hot day.<br />
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I modified the original recipe only by substituting beer for the club soda - I used Two Roads Honeyspot Road White IPA. The result was amazing - crisp, light, and cooling. Just like Humbert Humbert, I had one drink, and another, and yet another.<br />
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So good!<br />
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<b>Pineapple Basil Brewtail </b><br />
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3 Medium to Large Basil Leaves<br />
Quarter Wedge of a Lime<br />
1/4 cup Fresh Pineapple Juice<br />
1 1/2 oz Good Gin<br />
Ice Cubes<br />
Beer<br />
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Roll the basil into tubes and slice into thin strips. Put the basil into a glass and squeeze the lime wedge over top. Drop the lime wedge into the glass and muddle with the basil. Add pineapple juice, gin, and ice cubes, and top with the beer. Garnish as desired.<br />
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Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2061832035509459662.post-22525956508116885552016-06-03T15:53:00.001-04:002016-06-03T16:10:21.257-04:00Nitro in a can<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For the past few months, whenever hubby and I are out for wings and beer night, I keep seeing television commercials for Guinness Nitro IPA. I say to myself, "That's interesting, I really should try that". <br />
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I usually like beer on a nitro tap; I love the smooth creaminess the nitro bubbles impart to the brew.<br />
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However, I have the long term memory of a goldfish and I kept forgetting to pick some up.<br />
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Flash forward a couple weeks (months or some such), I finally remembered to look for said beer while I'm out shopping.<br />
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Clueless lil' ol' me discovered there were numerous varieties of canned nitro brews. Sheesh! Decisions, decisions.<br />
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I picked up the Guinness Nitro IPA and a couple Samuel Adams Nitros; Nitro IPA and Nitro White Ale, respectively.<br />
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Overall, the canned nitros present quite prettily in a glass; a cascading fall of tiny little bubbles. They are generally quite easy going and very drinkable. They have a lush, smooth mouth feel. Unfortunately, despite the infusion of gas, they fall quite a bit flat in the carbonation department. I like the tingly feel of voluminous effervescence in traditionally carbonated brews.<br />
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Don't get me wrong. They're not horrible, just not my thing. That being said, I wouldn't turn one down if offered.<br />
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<br />Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2061832035509459662.post-85724170124914616622016-05-25T10:45:00.000-04:002016-05-25T10:45:16.333-04:00TropiCannon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have discovered my new favorite summer beer.<br />
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It happened during a regularly scheduled wings and beer night. New on tap was TropiCannon. I'm always up for trying something new. A new Heavy Seas beer? Bring it!<br />
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The brew was brought forth. One whiff and I thought I died and went to heaven.<br />
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The aroma of this beer is so flippin' salivatory. I'm drooling just thinking about it. Loads and loads of tropical fruit and a smidge of tart grapefruit. The smell simply makes my salivary glands gush.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3_vs9_G4z-D9UUxrZrvPtc76pi3iD8cqkaUxvkvr2QPxl-6p3-h3qv4ID-Rg3u0AM9iQx5NnVTC12b8g7IXdIDfBUi-FkYX6UFsMjuWQ8ggYp85FPh3K32uAVL8gZfnplg4I1r6OZohf/s1600/Collages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3_vs9_G4z-D9UUxrZrvPtc76pi3iD8cqkaUxvkvr2QPxl-6p3-h3qv4ID-Rg3u0AM9iQx5NnVTC12b8g7IXdIDfBUi-FkYX6UFsMjuWQ8ggYp85FPh3K32uAVL8gZfnplg4I1r6OZohf/s400/Collages.jpg" width="336" /></a><br />
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And the taste? OMG! Like IPA swimming in a sea of sweet juicy fruits and snappy citrus.<br />
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I promptly went out and bought a case. Drank that case. Bought more. Repeat.<br />
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TropiCannon is awesome. Drink it.<br />
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<br />Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2061832035509459662.post-77009984691379467522016-05-20T08:56:00.000-04:002016-05-20T09:09:43.727-04:00Here’s to alcohol, the rose colored glasses of life.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I’m drinking with someone else we always toast each other; even if it’s just to clink glasses. I mindlessly touch my glass with the person I’m with and at the very least simply raise the glass to the other; symbolically clinking . . . after all, that IS what is done. But why exactly do we perform that little ritual? Does the toast only really matter if you actually touch glasses? Does raising your glass and saying “clink” to the people you can’t reach count?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFCnLArtl5vWQt5EynkPzE6dIXJA2tIeEu6in8T2OptOkQtquFKR4Cw-KqVfwsY_0GoqKci9VSpY2Pdpu6nuIFS416D9wOmwugeDfP3yU_SNSZNKewN4pNLYFSYgifyoFtooMcypmNWRH/s1600/becky+and+steph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFCnLArtl5vWQt5EynkPzE6dIXJA2tIeEu6in8T2OptOkQtquFKR4Cw-KqVfwsY_0GoqKci9VSpY2Pdpu6nuIFS416D9wOmwugeDfP3yU_SNSZNKewN4pNLYFSYgifyoFtooMcypmNWRH/s400/becky+and+steph.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Russian tradition is that the only time you don’t clink glasses is when you’re drinking in honor of the dead. Conversely, if you fail to clink when making a happy toast means that someone is going to die. It seems a small thing to do to keep someone else (or yourself) from an untimely death, no? Russian’s also believe that the toast only matters if you actually touch glasses.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><em>Note to self - do not ever go vodka shot for vodka shot with a bunch of Ukranian dudes. It happened once. The result wasn't pretty. :)</em></span></div>
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What could be worse than death? <br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is a widespread European superstition that failure to make eye contact with your drinking companions as you clink results in a bad sex life for a year. That sounds pretty risky to me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Apparently, it’s also pretty perilous to clink with an empty glass and clinking across someone else’s arm. Seriously bad luck!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many believe that sounding the bell can help ward off evil spirits . . . the clinking of glasses after a toast was a way of getting rid of devils while drinking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another school of thought is that the point of striking glasses together was meant to be done so that some of the liquid from each glass would spill into the other . . . to deter someone from poisoning you.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Perhaps it is nothing more than a silly drinking game; happily clinking away as much as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whatever the reason, raising a glass and striking them together demonstrates harmony and friendship. And is a nice exclamation to punctuate the toast.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cheers!!! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">**clink**</span></div>
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Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2061832035509459662.post-54500841813057761582016-05-05T16:09:00.000-04:002016-05-05T16:21:39.811-04:00St. John Brewers revisited<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSVkL0kD5haX7_DkXPJRrf1ttUUgyuUuE41ST5j9Q3uTvhomLF_FlcowLSOhATppU5uah8yTVAkbqnVZ_MpoM-OTa3EzaqwqsgRQ-RW9CdD4Ji-o3cNeczHrQmdX6ZNhvuzjxeJabqqjY/s1600/IMG_20160324_151013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSVkL0kD5haX7_DkXPJRrf1ttUUgyuUuE41ST5j9Q3uTvhomLF_FlcowLSOhATppU5uah8yTVAkbqnVZ_MpoM-OTa3EzaqwqsgRQ-RW9CdD4Ji-o3cNeczHrQmdX6ZNhvuzjxeJabqqjY/s640/IMG_20160324_151013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A year ago I visited St. Thomas with family. During that trip we ventured to St. John for the day to experience the beautiful white sand beaches and clear blue waters. We ended up at the Tap Room in Mongoose Junction. It was here that I got a real taste for <a href="http://www.brauista.com/2015/04/s-john-brewers.html" target="_blank">St. John Brewers</a> beers.<br />
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This year hubby and I decided to take a vacation to St. Thomas. For a day trip, we took the ferry to St. John. We drove the wicked windy roads, saw the sights, swam in the sea. All the typical touristy things.<br />
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Of course we stopped into the Tap Room for some cold brews and a meal. There were some beers on tap that I hadn't had before; that's always a good thing!<br />
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I started out with a Liquid Sunshine, a Belgian Blonde (5% ABV) which I'd seen listed on beer menus everywhere on St. Thomas but everyone seemed to be out of. It was light and delightful and I wish I could have had more of it.<br />
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Hubby got a Roundabout Coffee Stout; which he was sweet enough to share. Especially, since we both appreciate a good coffee stout. It was a good, smooth brew with just the right amount of coffee flavor.<br />
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This was followed up with a Hard Cider which was tasty and refreshing.<br />
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But, hands down, the best beer we had was Mongose. As the name might implies, it is a gose (5.1% ABV). I'm a fan of sours and more recently goses. My local brewery, <a href="http://tworoadsbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Two Roads</a>, makes a wicked good Gose that is a collaboration with <a href="http://eviltwin.dk/" target="_blank">Evil Twin</a>. So, I was very interested in comparing and contrasting the two.<br />
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The Mongose is a richer, golden color. The taste is fuller and has a fruity character, mango perhaps, that is absent from Geyser Gose. Similarly, it's mildly salty, as a gose should be. I asked the source of the salt; salt ponds was the reply; ew. Nonetheless, Mongose is a refreshing, delicious beer. Though quite different in flavor, Mongose and Geyser Gose are comparatively delicious. We had more than one. Yum!<br />
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<br />Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.com0Mongoose Jct, Cruz Bay, St John 00830, USVI18.3323801 -64.79200370000000918.3319091 -64.792634200000009 18.332851100000003 -64.79137320000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2061832035509459662.post-62322355105041052652016-04-24T15:38:00.000-04:002016-05-01T16:04:58.746-04:00Two Roads Garden Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Two Roads Brewing is so prolific with introducing new and interesting brews and hosting so many awesome beer events that I don't blog about them very often. Otherwise this would end up being a blog about my favorite local brewery.<br />
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That being said, Two Roads hosted a Garden Party that was just so much fun that I find myself compelled to write about it.<br />
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When I arrived at Two Roads' hop yard, I was handed a random packet of flower seeds and a ticket for my first beer. Which, I of course, used to obtain the new limited edition beer called Roads Garden.<br />
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Roads Garden is a hefty saison coming in at a weighty 8.9% ABV. This amazingly aromatic beer is brewed with a variety of edible flowers; including lavender, chamomile and calendula. The flowery aroma fronts a boozy brew encompassing all the aspects of a traditional farmhouse ale. Tasty and truly remarkable.</div>
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Amid the lawn games, the little farmers market, and the bands were fun and creative floral exhibits that complemented the spirit of Roads Garden quite nicely.<br />
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There were performance artists dressed as flowers languidly undulating within lovely floral arrangements.<br />
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And there were stations set up to create cozies made up with fresh flowers. They were clever and lovely accompaniments to accent the beer.<br />
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Two Roads always manages to put together a festive event; well organized and lots of fun.<br />
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Overall, it was a lovely day with good beer, good friends, and good times.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PuLUV3eHK6xcyAVAIhPMK3GN4wNaBb9YPLRqvwy1w4FkbeM6PyFWdHsItJZri_gnWiOcdYXux_l2COF9V33sWQ4WW_TDA0zvGghFB1no1OCXHsPhyeb9hPBcPAbBgWVceX8zUuXRZzT4/s1600/2016-04-23+13.10.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PuLUV3eHK6xcyAVAIhPMK3GN4wNaBb9YPLRqvwy1w4FkbeM6PyFWdHsItJZri_gnWiOcdYXux_l2COF9V33sWQ4WW_TDA0zvGghFB1no1OCXHsPhyeb9hPBcPAbBgWVceX8zUuXRZzT4/s640/2016-04-23+13.10.19.jpg" width="640" /></a>Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.com01700 Stratford Ave, Stratford, CT 06615, USA41.1858556 -73.14242000000001641.185805099999996 -73.142499000000015 41.1859061 -73.142341000000016tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2061832035509459662.post-228041461005911422016-03-30T13:17:00.000-04:002016-03-30T16:21:34.635-04:00 Frenchtown Brewing Company<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hubby and I were in St. Thomas for vacation. I'd been to the island last spring with family and the only brewery in the USVI at that time was <a href="http://www.brauista.com/2015/04/s-john-brewers.html" target="_blank">St. John Brewers</a>.<br />
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Aside from St. John Brewers, the only beer widely available on the island are brews such as Carib, Presidente, and the like - basically, the Budweisers and Coronas of the Caribbean. I admit I had my fair share of those every time I've been in St. Thomas, they're light and easy drinking. But, the availability of locally brewed craft beer is clearly lacking.<br />
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Imagine my excitement when I discovered a brandy spankin' new brewery just minutes away from where we were staying.<br />
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Nature abhors a vacuum and <a href="http://frenchtownbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Frenchtown Brewing Company</a> fills the craft beer void. Of course, I had to drop in and say "hey".<br />
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FBC is a 3-barrel nano-brewery. They are located in the Frenchtown section of Charlotte Amalie down Hop Alley and up a narrow back-alley staircase.<br />
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We were early for the regularly schedule tour but we were warmly greeted and admitted for a tour. Which basically consisted of a look at the shiny brewing system and drinking lots of samples. No complaints here! Mmmm, so good!<br />
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We got an opportunity to speak with Kevin Brown, the founder and brewer. One of the challenges with brewing beer on the island is the availability of water. Obviously, they are surrounded by an ocean of water but fresh water isn't readily available. So, I asked him about about this. The salty sea water is purified by the process of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_osmosis" target="_blank">reverse osmosis</a>; desalination removes the salt and other minerals from sea water to get fresh water. This process basically gives the brewer a blank canvas to create a water profile to fit any style of beer.<br />
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We sampled three different brews and they were all remarkably true to style. Positively tasty too!<br />
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Rooster Brown Ale - 5.5% ABV - is a smoked brown ale that is brewed for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/smokingroostervi/timeline" target="_blank">The Smoking Rooster</a>; a local barbecue restaurant. I'm not a huge fan of smoke beers, but this one was quite nice. It is tasty brown ale with a hint of smoke. It was very smooth and drinkable. I imagine it would go down very well with a big honkin' pile of barbecued meat. Nom!<br />
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Frenchie Farmhouse Ale - 6.2% ABV - is a saison. True to style, it was a cloudy straw colored brew. It was nicely carbonated for a lively mouthfeel. It had the lovely fruit flavors imparted by the yeasts, banana and bubblegum flavors were pleasantly represented. A very nicely done Saison.<br />
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Hop Alley IPA - 7.1% ABV - is a west coast IPA. This was, without a doubt, my favorite! Brewed with a plethora of awesome hops - Citra, Warrior, Columbus, Amarillo, and Simcoe - the hop profile is amazing and the brew is oh-so tasty. Tart, fruity, deliciously bitter. Mmm, mmm good!<br />
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I will definitely be visiting again the next time I'm in St. Thomas! I can't wait to see what they come up with next!<br />
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<br />Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.com0Honduras, St Thomas 00802, USVI18.336922 -64.94133490000001518.335980000000003 -64.942595400000016 18.337864 -64.940074400000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2061832035509459662.post-9072157180199361342016-02-16T09:20:00.000-05:002016-02-16T09:20:10.261-05:00Not Your Father's Root Beer Float<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYuK8E45chcCebAt9aXdVbvFP_6Skr1YjlYvSsG8HAHJuGBS4OCHViwC_xK5MBSxOu22N61kSAN3Wskh5fCZSIyZBC1cMkdFCBCgaexsmjtaEgtMQlSW43tR7XRCi6e1vvvOYN4T6aM2t/s1600/IMG_20160206_155436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYuK8E45chcCebAt9aXdVbvFP_6Skr1YjlYvSsG8HAHJuGBS4OCHViwC_xK5MBSxOu22N61kSAN3Wskh5fCZSIyZBC1cMkdFCBCgaexsmjtaEgtMQlSW43tR7XRCi6e1vvvOYN4T6aM2t/s640/IMG_20160206_155436.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hubby love, love, loves <a href="http://smalltownbrewery.com/our-beers/" target="_blank">Not Your Father's Root Beer</a>. Frankly, I refuse to try it. I hate, hate, hate root beer in any form. Blech.<br />
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But since he loves root beer, I made him something extra special. A Not Your Father's Root Beer Float made with <a href="http://www.yuengling.com/" target="_blank">Yuengling</a> Root Beer ice cream. Double double root beer goodness.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVzTVN_8vV7IL6zROWff9pgU30fopZzvAHTg2dAbbbHja1W0fwa2zVo6dsr3vPdL9Vpwdz0nXWXchqtI9Ll56mEoGtT8ZdA-f7wDPRZn5JNAnUa8hm1TvkxSFWmLjVWa8JgzvPbCgn21P/s1600/Downloads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVzTVN_8vV7IL6zROWff9pgU30fopZzvAHTg2dAbbbHja1W0fwa2zVo6dsr3vPdL9Vpwdz0nXWXchqtI9Ll56mEoGtT8ZdA-f7wDPRZn5JNAnUa8hm1TvkxSFWmLjVWa8JgzvPbCgn21P/s400/Downloads.jpg" width="292" /></a><b></b><br />
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<b>Not Your Father's Root Beer Float</b><br />
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1 Pint Yuengling Root Beer ice cream<br />
2 Bottles Not Your Father's root beer<br />
1 Shot <a href="https://www.calicojackrums.com/flavors/whipped" target="_blank">Calico Jack Whipped Rum</a><br />
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Pour the vanilla rum and Not Your Father's root beer into a tall glass. <br />
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Add a big honkin' scoop of ice cream on top.<br />
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Watch it get all foamy and suck down the foam before it drips down the sides.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<br />Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2061832035509459662.post-72119942159204453612015-12-29T11:38:00.000-05:002015-12-29T11:38:40.938-05:00Corsendonk Christmas Ale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every Christmas it's almost guaranteed that I'll receive a bottle of Corsendonk Christmas Ale as a gift. An appropriate gift to be sure and always happily received.<br />
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Allow me to tell about the perfect accompanying gift - the <a href="http://corkcicle.com/pages/decapitator" target="_blank">Decapitator</a> bottle opener. Described as <i>The coolest bottle opener. Ever. </i>It is, indeed, wicked cool. It opens bottles quick and easy with no fuss, muss, or mutilated caps. Especially cool if you save the caps. And, it's kind of fun to use to. Highly recommended for the beer drinker who wants to add a little excitement to their bottle opening experiences. I love mine! <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This is NOT a paid adveristment.</span></i><br />
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<a href="http://stkillian.com/beers/corsendonk/" target="_blank">Corsendonk Christmas Ale </a>(8.50% ABV) is a Belgian Strong Dark Ale brewed by Brouwerij Corsendonk.<br />
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As the name would suggest, this is a good Christmas beer. For a strong ale, the alcohol is well concealed and this brew goes down way too easy.<br />
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This Christmas ale has a lot going on flavorwise. The smell and taste are malty with hints of dark fruit, burnt sugars, and seasonal spices like nutmeg and clove. The sweetness is offset by a mildly bitter finish that balances out the flavors The spices linger pleasantly on the palate after the beer is gone.<br />
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If you're a fan of Belgian brews, Corsendonk Christmas Ale is something to look forward to every year.<br />
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<br />Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2061832035509459662.post-56253974139372910472015-12-21T11:10:00.001-05:002015-12-21T11:10:54.010-05:00The Beerd'd Grinch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOy6WGfLKW6ClQjcC5s_PaLoX2Tmgj7ti9Ndw3mSWJQQ4hlJ2xsdcxx-FKO2rIJ0jrHJX5Zf3qIMYBhJ1dXyg6ByymEdNbfJ5ACOYV8BvCGhhT0OXWzWeJakmL6N2xD-dU-SjYVDJE754E/s1600/2015-12-20+15.37.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOy6WGfLKW6ClQjcC5s_PaLoX2Tmgj7ti9Ndw3mSWJQQ4hlJ2xsdcxx-FKO2rIJ0jrHJX5Zf3qIMYBhJ1dXyg6ByymEdNbfJ5ACOYV8BvCGhhT0OXWzWeJakmL6N2xD-dU-SjYVDJE754E/s640/2015-12-20+15.37.41.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPeykcojf-xvCPxYSz7M3LNn7lShSeLKoqWdBEkh8idQAj92bPENAdg8sgPUSibnxCYRvT6P36cUCQaSeE7f7HN2QB9uqbo4FHhYrm5LcTnnBdqd9KRntPabU1qecVBF11QibeTqoWgsf/s1600/4e678a09c377e4abbdc56d193d79094f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPeykcojf-xvCPxYSz7M3LNn7lShSeLKoqWdBEkh8idQAj92bPENAdg8sgPUSibnxCYRvT6P36cUCQaSeE7f7HN2QB9uqbo4FHhYrm5LcTnnBdqd9KRntPabU1qecVBF11QibeTqoWgsf/s320/4e678a09c377e4abbdc56d193d79094f.jpg" width="303" /></a>This cocktail came up in my Facebook feed I thought to myself, "This sounds yummy but I can make it better!"<br />
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"How?" You might ask?<br />
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Beer. Duh.<br />
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I added beer, omitted the soda, and reduced the amount of orange juice. The result was a less sweet, boozy-ish green drink. <i>Very festive! </i><br />
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I used <a href="http://www.roypitz.com/best-blonde/" target="_blank">Roy Pitz Best Blonde</a> lager. I think a hefeweizen or a fruity wheat would work well, too.<br />
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Yum!<br />
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The Beerd'd Grinch<br />
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3 Oz Peach Schnapps<br />
3 Oz Bacardi Puerto Rican Rum<br />
3 Oz Blue Curacao Liqueur<br />
10 Oz Orange Juice<br />
12 Oz Bottle Beer<br />
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Mix well. Pour over a glass filled with ice and top with a cherry.<br />
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Ho Ho Ho, bah humbug, or whatever.<br />
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<br />Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2061832035509459662.post-47111628314233529142015-11-30T16:29:00.000-05:002015-11-30T16:29:59.108-05:00Death by Coconut<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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An unusually high number of notifications for Death by Coconut from various beer groups have been popping up all over my Facebook news feed. They were all raving about and waxing poetic about this beer.<br />
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I began to think it might be something I should try.<br />
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I've had fantastic experience with Oskar Blues beer, so I was definitely <i>not </i>put off by the brewer. However, porters and stouts are generally not my go-to beers, either. No risk, no reward.<br />
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All indications were that Death by Coconut was still sparsely available in Connecticut, so on a recent trip to New Hampshire I swung by a store I was pretty sure would have it - <a href="http://www.brauista.com/2014/02/vista-country-store.html" target="_blank">Vista Country Store</a> in Intervale. Bingo! I got that plus a couple local brews.<br />
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I sat down to enjoy a relaxing smoke and a Death by Coconut. I can honestly say was not disappointed. In fact, I was wowed.<br />
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Death by Coconut (6.50% ABV) by Oskar Blues is dark and creamy. It has wonderful chocolate and coconut notes that are front and center without being cloying or overpowering. Simpy delicious.<br />
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I rank this beer among the top beers of this style I have ever tasted. Right up there with Duclaw Sweet Baby Jesus, Founders Breakfast Stout, Samuel Smith's Organic Chocolate Stout, and Keegan Mother's Milk. Not necessarily in that order but definitely that awesome!<br />
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<br />Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2061832035509459662.post-78187982792789558562015-11-17T12:20:00.000-05:002015-11-18T13:24:33.688-05:00Swig Flasks - a review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I was contacted by <a href="http://swigflasks.com/" target="_blank">Swig</a> to review one of their flasks, at first I was like "Nah, this isn't beer related." Then I was like, "What the hell, it's <i>alcohol </i>related. Close 'nuff".<br />
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They allowed me to pick from any of their flasks. I chose the <span id="goog_1975750095"></span><span id="goog_1975750096"></span><a href="http://swigflasks.com/collections/executive-leather-hip-flask/products/executive-black-leather-hip-flask?variant=4240898373" target="_blank">Executive Moulded Black Flask</a>; which is their mid-range model.<br />
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It arrived in a nice package all tied up with a snazzy blue ribbon that matched the stitching on the leather flask pouch.<br />
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The flask is of sturdy construction and has a shiny, mirror-like finish. I have to say that, as compared to other flasks I own (which have thin walls and are cheaply made), this is a very heavy duty flask. <i>And </i>it's beautiful. The leather pouch is also nicely made and fits the flask quite snugly.<br />
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The flask also came engraved with a number that grants me access to the super secret Swig Society. Uhm, I guess I shouldn't have mentioned <i>that. </i>So, much for secret. You have to own a flask to get in to the club and also know a special handshake.<i> (I made that last part up - it's actually a wink/nod combo).</i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kbE4p4ItSi__RNeY8o7hA7eFrr5_hTGNhzma_lPnMHlq4otXltBYr0EZNCD00PX7Bj-VwEmdB-KkknN8EnIHpc0RhRvR76YLMLV642Jj9jVCvAlKZgb3nrVYY9YLwFf_T9yQ9ZsHKvAu/s1600/2015_1115+Swig+Flask+5K+Beer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kbE4p4ItSi__RNeY8o7hA7eFrr5_hTGNhzma_lPnMHlq4otXltBYr0EZNCD00PX7Bj-VwEmdB-KkknN8EnIHpc0RhRvR76YLMLV642Jj9jVCvAlKZgb3nrVYY9YLwFf_T9yQ9ZsHKvAu/s400/2015_1115+Swig+Flask+5K+Beer.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
I didn't know how I was going to carry it since I don't ever carry a hip flask; that's a hipster sort of thing to do. Get it? Hipster / hip flask. Ha! Uh, nevermind. Anyhoo . . .<br />
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Since I don't normally carry a flask I needed to find an occasion to carry one.<br />
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I was signed up to "run" a 5K and I figured that as good an opportunity as any to give it a go. Since it's November, it's cold, and I hate running I figured I would need to fortify myself to get through the experience. I poured my liquid fortification into my nifty new flask. Said fortification was <a href="http://www.edenicecider.com/profile.html" target="_blank">Vermont Honeycrisp Ice Cider </a>made by Champlain Orchards - an 11% ABV hard cider. If that didn't warm me and get me going, not much else would. Right?<br />
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Honeycrisp is made 100% from Vermont-grown Honeycrisp apples. It is sweet yet tart. Good stuff - wicked strong and tasty, too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtflNpBNIxBctr5CVkvap-FeuZcZwI6YXYP7HaiYyKlPPSj7kOLKEI46bCk8EVsj8pXxKbvTDRQ-nfS5DPh-m1nL1hBLb1GScKDxCk1u3-y7NtqsXa09G2rnZeAiP9VWe2Qq6K-MyWuiW/s1600/2015-11-15+11.01.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtflNpBNIxBctr5CVkvap-FeuZcZwI6YXYP7HaiYyKlPPSj7kOLKEI46bCk8EVsj8pXxKbvTDRQ-nfS5DPh-m1nL1hBLb1GScKDxCk1u3-y7NtqsXa09G2rnZeAiP9VWe2Qq6K-MyWuiW/s400/2015-11-15+11.01.13.jpg" width="301" /></a><br />
I geared up for the 5K - layers of warm clothing, comfy sneakers, cozy hat, fuzzy beard, running pack, and my flask.<br />
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Why the beard? To keep my face warm, duh. Not really - although it did a fine job at that. The run - called the <a href="http://www.hartfordmarathon.com/Events/Movember_5K/" target="_blank">Movember 5K</a> - was in support of men's health. Since it's <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Movember" target="_blank">No-Shave November</a>, everyone was sporting facial hair; fake or no. I have no desire to actually grow a beard, so I made mine - see the pattern <a href="http://www.brauista.com/2015/09/a-beard-for-beards-and-beers-5k.html" target="_blank">here</a>. (I made the hat, too.)<br />
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At the start line I braced myself with a swig from my flask. Then headed off at my sad, strained, painful, plodding pace.<br />
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I met a mustachioed owl along the way. That blasted bird finished way before me. I mean, like, <i>way </i>before me. In fact, I was passed by just about everyone.<br />
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Since I am, possibly, the least competitive person ever born that didn't really bother me. <br />
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But . . . I finished, I finished under hour, <i>and </i>I didn't finish last.<br />
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So, as a reward to myself, I celebrated by taking several more swigs from my sexy new flask.<br />
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Yay me!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">٩(●̮̮̃•)۶</span><br />
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I may <i>have</i> to start carry a flask, it's pretty sharp looking! Don't I look spiffy??<br />
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<br />Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2061832035509459662.post-91495263896637355232015-11-10T16:18:00.000-05:002015-11-10T16:18:20.048-05:00Beerific Mudslide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGWB18z6wMOlg8EtnPY_A3bvKXbsGnk-c16YUY39Bgx-dWzsc7p6JoTk2FM933YpoD8f6LXvsBib5UYrTD6L-YsFstcrl1MFaqUUsZrNFcEh4KcTAwlfJHK5tXUeMT-K4CLkagg2ry4r8/s1600/DSCF2683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGWB18z6wMOlg8EtnPY_A3bvKXbsGnk-c16YUY39Bgx-dWzsc7p6JoTk2FM933YpoD8f6LXvsBib5UYrTD6L-YsFstcrl1MFaqUUsZrNFcEh4KcTAwlfJHK5tXUeMT-K4CLkagg2ry4r8/s640/DSCF2683.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My Beerific Mudslide is a cool, creamy adult treat that is simply wonderful!<br />
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This recipe fills two stout glasses.<br />
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You can thank me later! :)</div>
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<b>Beerific Mudslide</b></div>
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1 Pint Yuengling Espresso Chocolate Chip Ice Cream</div>
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1 Cup Whole Milk</div>
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1 Can Guinness Draught<br />
2 Shots Patron XO Cafe<br />
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Combine the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2061832035509459662.post-5092388959487216812015-10-31T13:39:00.000-04:002015-11-03T13:40:14.265-05:00Winning stuff is beary cool!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm known within my inner circle of friends and beyond as someone who wins more than my fair share of stuff in raffles. Sadly, someone absconded with my joo-joo a couple years ago and I haven't won a stinkin' thing in quite a while.<br />
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Still, I am not deterred; I continue buy raffle tickets and participate in contests.<br />
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Recently, I entered a contest on Facebook.<br />
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It wasn't a chance to win beer; that would have been awesome. It was a chance to win pipe smoking paraphernalia. It was a typical Facebook contest; like this, share that, tag some person.<br />
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It wasn't the first Facebook contest I've entered, but it's the first one I've won. Yay me!!<br />
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I got picked as first runner up in the <a href="http://www.bearpipes.com/" target="_blank">Bear Pipes</a> contest. I was hoping to win the first prize which was a pipe, but I'm not complaining.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="186" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HFr5oJPMuks?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0" width="330"></iframe>
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I was beary excited when my prize arrived in the mail. It was a lovely hand crafted wooden tamper capped with a .45 caliber brass casing.<br />
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Suh-weet!<br />
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I immediately took it out for a test drive.<br />
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Yes, I know this is a blog about beer. So, how is winning a pipe tamper related to beer? Simply put, there are few things up find as relaxing as sitting out on the porch with a good pipe filed with a lovely aromatic tobacco and a delicious beer. That, my friends, is how me winning a pipe raffle relates to beer.<br />
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I went with a theme for this smoking "event". The Bear Pipe tamper, Honey <i>Bear</i>y tobacco, and my favorite <a href="http://www.brauista.com/2013/02/moat-mountain-violet-bs-blueberry.html" target="_blank">blue<i>bear</i>y beer</a>.<br />
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All-in-all, a good pairing of tobacco and beer. And, my new tamper did it's job quite well.<br />
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Good stuff!<br />
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Smoke 'em if you got 'em. Drink 'em, too.<br />
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<br />Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2061832035509459662.post-44508678964798131842015-10-21T20:30:00.000-04:002015-10-24T17:48:34.522-04:00Don't talk to strangers<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaiTPaHhpDLTMn6iCON9kytK-ZgVDOrl6hKju9KOmIu1KD5t9PWjpY0PB_WaXRcnbCgYNkZoaG2LkV2-YctyPm9nJisJvlcRigPtmht4WOTLoso41Any_Y7Yoi4WmYhjFmJQZTVvQMcGg/s1600/head.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaiTPaHhpDLTMn6iCON9kytK-ZgVDOrl6hKju9KOmIu1KD5t9PWjpY0PB_WaXRcnbCgYNkZoaG2LkV2-YctyPm9nJisJvlcRigPtmht4WOTLoso41Any_Y7Yoi4WmYhjFmJQZTVvQMcGg/s400/head.JPG" width="398" /></a>When I saw <a href="http://the-daily.buzz/near-death-experiences/" target="_blank">this post</a> show up in my Facebook feed today, it immediately reminded me of something that I experienced recently.<br />
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For more than 10 years, nearly every Wednesday night hubby and I have gone out to the same bar for wings and beer.<br />
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Typically, it's our 'date night' and it's just the two of us gazing lovingly into each other's eyes while swilling cold beer and gobbling hot wings.<br />
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Last week we had a couple of friends join us. They arrived before we did and snagged a table. As hubby and I arrived, I noticed them exchanging words with a young man at a nearby table. A young man who looked, oddly enough, much like the man in the post - with a thick scar etched across the top of his crown from ear to ear but without the massive dent.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVk-4Y5bP44qybsj2jhvvE6N8qGqxsVX1eiktRS1mXg_NDQbew9s18pt0U3ppAY0PhDN8LgQSDuhE2PCH-maNWPBuoituilz2m_DfaE7Uc3tLmibENElRAE66A0NmI71lLibbrYgVRMKMi/s1600/Downloads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVk-4Y5bP44qybsj2jhvvE6N8qGqxsVX1eiktRS1mXg_NDQbew9s18pt0U3ppAY0PhDN8LgQSDuhE2PCH-maNWPBuoituilz2m_DfaE7Uc3tLmibENElRAE66A0NmI71lLibbrYgVRMKMi/s400/Downloads.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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"Who's this?", I asked our companions.<br />
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The guy looks at me and says, "You owe me a drink."<br />
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Me: "What?"<br />
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Him: "You owe two drinks."<br />
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Me: "Do I know you?"<br />
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Him: "You owe three drinks."<br />
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Me: "Whatever."<br />
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Him: "You owe four drinks."<br />
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I proceed to ignore the guy but clandestinely asked our bartendress to give him four shots - <i>of water.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbtheLa9Yb4bIIrw3xDIWfdNJ5KoDyObt_wonoA1utrNFl4mb1O_hKo9BSXMT5W6B8IcJlLEGfumevxDdTrwXP3lXMEnr8RtOupRiNrLXLsRcPMEH4qNBx6lIxhpsGZhCZea4knA3JcrM/s1600/Downloads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbtheLa9Yb4bIIrw3xDIWfdNJ5KoDyObt_wonoA1utrNFl4mb1O_hKo9BSXMT5W6B8IcJlLEGfumevxDdTrwXP3lXMEnr8RtOupRiNrLXLsRcPMEH4qNBx6lIxhpsGZhCZea4knA3JcrM/s400/Downloads.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
She delivers the "drinks" to his table and the guy says, "What's this." "You said I owed you four drinks." He was like, "Wow that's a lot. What is it? Vodka? Tequila? I really like tequila." So, I sat down at his table and said, "Here, I'll help your out with those."<br />
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Meanwhile, hubby and our friends are pissing their pants and falling off their chairs with laughter.<br />
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We clinked glasses and slammed down a "shot". Needless to say, he was gravely disappointed. "This is water!" "Yup!" I said, "Let's do the other one!!" So we clinked and drank. <br />
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To mitigate the guy's disappointment, I asked the bartender to bring us another round; this time tequila.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63x-2zlLnomNxquw79N3gciPueT7v8n_F66-V-XyJ_HagGJMTEUewtyLJcGhq1B1Mb-vfUYfuYz7lf5CfljGB4uQ3K8yIhbxlIbVxofH1H04so-tDVx1R7ZYva0N5edCWH-_O7BIn-RPJ/s1600/ha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63x-2zlLnomNxquw79N3gciPueT7v8n_F66-V-XyJ_HagGJMTEUewtyLJcGhq1B1Mb-vfUYfuYz7lf5CfljGB4uQ3K8yIhbxlIbVxofH1H04so-tDVx1R7ZYva0N5edCWH-_O7BIn-RPJ/s400/ha.jpg" width="335" /></a>While we waited told me about how he got his scar. Some number of years ago he had consumed an unhealthy cocktail of booze and prescription drugs and got into a horrific car accident and nearly lost his head. Literally. Kind of like the other guy in the article.<br />
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Okaaaay. The guy was clearly well on the way to an unhealthy state of intoxication. So keep on keepin' on doin' the same stuff that nearly got you killed.<br />
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Whatever, I'm not his keeper and he said he wasn't driving, so we did our shot of tequila. Then I returned to my table, and terminated contact.<br />
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A few minutes later he appears beside our table with a plate of half eaten wings - literally with a pile of bones on the plate - and said, "You can have these, I'm not going to eat any more." And he wobbled away.<br />
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Uhm . . . okaaaaaaaay.<br />
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I ditched the plate of masticated wings without touching nary a one and focused my attention on my hubby and our friends.<br />
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He stumbled back a little while later, totally blitzed. He mumbled some nonsense about I don't know what and wandered off into the night.<br />
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I know that *I* didn't drink enough with him to put him into that condition. But I suspect he earned that wicked scar on his head.<br />
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The moral of this little tale . . . listen to your mama and <i>don't</i> talk to strangers. Seriously. Just don't do it. Ever!!<br />
<br />Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2061832035509459662.post-62579773758073101062015-10-03T13:39:00.000-04:002015-10-07T13:40:21.731-04:00Smoke in the Valley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.smokeinthevalley.com/" target="_blank">Smoke in the Valley</a> is one of my favorite beer festivals. There are hundreds of different beers to sample; definitely a beer for every taste. There is music, food trucks, and more. A good time; even in the pouring rain like <a href="http://www.brauista.com/search?q=smoke+in+the+valley" target="_blank">last year</a>.<br />
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I was humbled and honored to be selected as a guest judge for this year's Smoke in the Valley.<br />
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The requirements for my duties were complex and daunting. Uhm . . . not really. All I had to was taste beer and decide which one I liked best.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWGxv513ug3HBoy8dueS1lRcIrlxtHzItg9jM5WEfjgOjXXII4_AtWZ9WR8wNnK_QOowKkqtOFCiPgdVJbsjBnhaJm0v8RdN_RK4jPQ5HRV8dSqU6V5KjCd5cqDJAu2-52yaEUVKl-fPw/s1600/2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWGxv513ug3HBoy8dueS1lRcIrlxtHzItg9jM5WEfjgOjXXII4_AtWZ9WR8wNnK_QOowKkqtOFCiPgdVJbsjBnhaJm0v8RdN_RK4jPQ5HRV8dSqU6V5KjCd5cqDJAu2-52yaEUVKl-fPw/s400/2014.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Okay, it sounded super easy. It turned out to be not as easy as it sounds.<br />
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I along with my co-judges - Seymour's first selectman Kurt Miller, fellow <a href="http://beersnobwrites.com/author/willsiss/" target="_blank">beer blogger</a> Will Siss, and SITV sponsor <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mtrdwl?rf=176461295769302" target="_blank">Mountain Road Liquors</a>' brew gurus Jeff Dirzius & Jay Maguire - were faced with very difficult choices. Judging the home brew competition was seriously <i>anything</i> but easy. Very tasty but wicked difficult.<br />
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We each were assigned seven brewers who had the opportunity to showcase just one of their offerings. We were then tasked with picking our favorite beer out of those selections. Then we got together and sample each judge's favorite and picked the favorite from those.<br />
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Whew! Not easy, I'm telling you. So, I started out with a bribe.<br />
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Not really - I have more integrity than that! I wasn't even judging this guy's brews. Good beer though - a yummy maple porter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghelCHW53Hz6PYdO_8jZWIxQQ_GxakdNmjLOZP8-C8H0GaMFApjziPcN-R8QGFVQ-nVajb10ZB1GnybHqgg2Ce13zNr4hNaT0o4RZfGSO1gtO_tHOtKj3GFf1JvbdlhF8talq7T7jmQgo4/s1600/2015_1003+Smoke+in+the+Valley+Beer1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghelCHW53Hz6PYdO_8jZWIxQQ_GxakdNmjLOZP8-C8H0GaMFApjziPcN-R8QGFVQ-nVajb10ZB1GnybHqgg2Ce13zNr4hNaT0o4RZfGSO1gtO_tHOtKj3GFf1JvbdlhF8talq7T7jmQgo4/s320/2015_1003+Smoke+in+the+Valley+Beer1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I got to sample an English Old Ale called Boat Flipper which was good representation of the style.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHzyE9IQrUspWP1MO82PuQYFgRUiVlyaz770LpSoFr0zlLN0PRCPU7MQfMoRpHyf7r6tqhaQ_SVozh4wI-Vo5YyhCSwZZe6rjgEO2e57y-rkgMuYBLcON3I1lnDMYIJBtRuX82tcF9yzW/s1600/2015_1003+Smoke+in+the+Valley+Beer2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHzyE9IQrUspWP1MO82PuQYFgRUiVlyaz770LpSoFr0zlLN0PRCPU7MQfMoRpHyf7r6tqhaQ_SVozh4wI-Vo5YyhCSwZZe6rjgEO2e57y-rkgMuYBLcON3I1lnDMYIJBtRuX82tcF9yzW/s320/2015_1003+Smoke+in+the+Valley+Beer2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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An American Brown Porter dry hopped with salemme chili peppers brewed by Blue Collar. Mildly hot and nicely hoppy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRh8GAKrxE_FpgKpEK0MQ955C_-ErBP54co3L2nmOpeS-a91KproR2GWCOYi7dU5p__4s95BUej9_rKiEVxrCCWV759JxuqBTFlKLqxinS9p9XiAV5fFg0wbHU2DGv_JYsngKhnV7kfTs/s1600/2015_1003+Smoke+in+the+Valley+Beer3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img a="" border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRh8GAKrxE_FpgKpEK0MQ955C_-ErBP54co3L2nmOpeS-a91KproR2GWCOYi7dU5p__4s95BUej9_rKiEVxrCCWV759JxuqBTFlKLqxinS9p9XiAV5fFg0wbHU2DGv_JYsngKhnV7kfTs/s320/2015_1003+Smoke+in+the+Valley+Beer3.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Ooo, then a hopped hard apple cider aptly named Sock Hop - lots of hops, no socks - made by Stafford Tavern and Cidery, Sock Hop had a big Mosaic hops in a crisp dry cider. NOM!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nDVn7_ZFMx_8DowPqUoJjaPCmQP6fDsTaoQU011TJE3zz9e2C6yzQEWdohlTXcmFpwiBQOVpSyoehz5yU7eXTYmL37-iJJARwvwPe0dDeFeKCyFT0Ut_XH2gWYrjPzQI-zJnuLu_bGsi/s1600/2015_1003+Smoke+in+the+Valley+Beer4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nDVn7_ZFMx_8DowPqUoJjaPCmQP6fDsTaoQU011TJE3zz9e2C6yzQEWdohlTXcmFpwiBQOVpSyoehz5yU7eXTYmL37-iJJARwvwPe0dDeFeKCyFT0Ut_XH2gWYrjPzQI-zJnuLu_bGsi/s320/2015_1003+Smoke+in+the+Valley+Beer4.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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A Scottish Ale aged with rum infused oak chips brewed by Betters Beer; a tasty twist on a classic style.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQO0vJQShtYpdSP-XVhRI2N-qn8_9q7K5kz-LPU8Jz_mHZ1KkfqprdoGxDkAb3ohG8SHG1KLXU3WX_PrNo_HQ9kSmWvMNfTUA6rPz4GFwaCoi3CbmeY4SkysYiqcksWWgPHmIu6BFJVbNd/s1600/Collages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQO0vJQShtYpdSP-XVhRI2N-qn8_9q7K5kz-LPU8Jz_mHZ1KkfqprdoGxDkAb3ohG8SHG1KLXU3WX_PrNo_HQ9kSmWvMNfTUA6rPz4GFwaCoi3CbmeY4SkysYiqcksWWgPHmIu6BFJVbNd/s320/Collages.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
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'tis the season for spiced pumpkin beer. So done to death. I would never have thought this would have been my favorite. But it was. Rich warm flavors, smooth, cream, and wonderful.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0tuJcpkdDKrBvvny_gDqFBdcJdsuCY3MT8YUiz0Vb534zkKgS_i51O1xriICW6xQZSFBeOPQsNFFjerzeLRQTIzeoB4a4A6mHbyh13EgUDirMbXd9dMKgyquL9ts4iWEkp4FyTmtCTQn/s1600/Collages1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0tuJcpkdDKrBvvny_gDqFBdcJdsuCY3MT8YUiz0Vb534zkKgS_i51O1xriICW6xQZSFBeOPQsNFFjerzeLRQTIzeoB4a4A6mHbyh13EgUDirMbXd9dMKgyquL9ts4iWEkp4FyTmtCTQn/s320/Collages1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then Irish Car Bomb stout by Man Cave Brewing. Sadly disappointing. Thin and acidic. </div>
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Finally, a wild fermented pinapple cider called Tepache. Tart, fresh, and super tasty. A close second to the pumpkin ale.</div>
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And there was more of this. Because why not?<br />
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That was my seven. I went around and sampled some other brews while I waited for the other judges to finish being judgmental.<br />
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The highlights of those were . . .<br />
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Peanut Butter Cup by Third Stage was amazing with a fantastic peanut finish.<br />
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Steiny's Last Cup of Sorrow - wowzers! Hot peppers through and through!<br />
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And Pine-Apple Bottom brewed by Nothing Sacred. Pineapply goodness!<br />
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Finally, it was time to taste the other judges' favorites. Again the decision was super difficult; they were all so very good.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1qVNTjUwK4cWhQ6X9rtcF7jVhv94LpzBY25sgwOfr_NppWA-MoDP_R2FaC8q2Wynb8GZXZ_n1Z_cdXl_P_pmv_ZFar_2yKHZqmvVSMOJ2GYf8EFD1voA5V-wqMvTAgf6Rip644WeJPYL/s1600/2015_1003+Smoke+in+the+Valley+Beer7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1qVNTjUwK4cWhQ6X9rtcF7jVhv94LpzBY25sgwOfr_NppWA-MoDP_R2FaC8q2Wynb8GZXZ_n1Z_cdXl_P_pmv_ZFar_2yKHZqmvVSMOJ2GYf8EFD1voA5V-wqMvTAgf6Rip644WeJPYL/s640/2015_1003+Smoke+in+the+Valley+Beer7.jpg" width="504" /></a><br />
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First Place went to Awesomesauce an American IPA brewed by nothing Sacred. A bright, fresh, seriously hoppy brew that could compete with any of the big guys.<br />
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Second Place went to Toasted Pumpkin Brau brewed by Fermentation Faction. A nice UNspiced pumpkin beer that was nicely sweet and freshly pumpkin-y.<br />
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I sampled a lot <i>A LOT </i>of beer at Smoke in the Valley. Of all the beers I tasted, I can honestly say the the best of the best was in the homebrew tent. These guys and gals try really hard to make the best beer they can and they <i>ROCK! </i>I am so happy that I could be a part of it all and contribute my ever so humble opinion to help decide which was the very best.<br />
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I love beer. Just sayin'.<br />
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Bräuistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734615284171327354noreply@blogger.com0Seymour Recreation Center, 20 Pine St, Seymour, CT 06483, USA41.391174 -73.07531970000002317.1539645 -114.38391370000002 65.6283835 -31.766725700000023