I don't like it...

[blendermassacre]

A couple of weeks ago I was in a great beer store near me and that actually were selling something called Monty Python Holy Grail Ale..
I HAVE to buy this stuff if nothing more than for the pure novelty of it.

found it:

http://www.blacksheepbrewery.com/Beers/BottledBeers/HolyGrail.aspx

Invalid Link Removed

 

[Relic]

I had more than a few of these over the weekend. I got turned onto this stuff over in Europe many years ago. Although bought here it's much weaker but this can be some potent stuff when bought locally.

It has a very "malty" taste to it almost harsh but finishes very nice with maybe a hint of sweetness. Dammit now I want some more..

 

[tZer]

...Guinness is not my favorite beer, and not one I'd drink every day, but I have an affection for its smooth creaminess and round, roasted taste. As a young man, I couldn't stand it, but as my palate for good beer developed, I came to appreciate the qualities of that wonderful dark Irish brew.

+1 and -1 (it not being my favorite beer or not being able to drink every day) - but I've grown to love Guinness and am even starting to believe it's the perfect brew!

And I have to toss this into the talk tank regarding the perceived 'chewiness' or how 'heavy' it is.

At first I was like everyone else and thought Guinness was thick and 'chewy' - but as I've gotten to know it better, I've found that to be entirely false. It's got a creamy texture in that it's not as 'acidic' or 'biting' as many pilsners or ales can be - call it 'brightness' as compared to Guinnesses 'mellowness' or 'darkness'.

But I find beers like Samuel Adams Lager to be MUCH thicker and heavier than Guinness based mostly on their almost syrupy sweetness. Where many will compare Guinness to 'molasses' (falsely in my experience and opinion), the super sweet Sam Adams line of beers is easily closer to a sugary syrup than is Guinness.

In short, I think the perceived 'heaviness' is psychological - not physical.

Furthermore... (ahem) Regarding 'heaviness' - next time you get a black and tan please note that the Guinness (supposedly thicker/heavier) ends up...

Invalid Link Removed

It's also lighter in alcohol content (4.1% to 4.3% vs. 5.0%) - So maybe the perceived 'heaviness' is due to the need to drink one more in order to get as buzzed?

 

[6jase5]

As stated, Stouts and IPA's are polar opposites. I bought the mystery 8 pack bag at my local Microbrew store and it was mostly IPA's for $10. I choked down 4 or 5, still have the Lagunitas IPA and a few others.

Had to wash them down with Hoegaarden. I have tried several times but I can't get into IPA's.

Maki, you should head to PizzaPort on your next SD surfing trip. Good brewpub, supposedly great IPA's.

 

[blendermassacre]

As stated, Stouts and IPA's are polar opposites. I bought the mystery 8 pack bag at my local Microbrew store and it was mostly IPA's for $10. I choked down 4 or 5, still have the Lagunitas IPA and a few others.

Had to wash them down with Hoegaarden. I have tried several times but I can't get into IPA's.

Maki, you should head to PizzaPort on your next SD surfing trip. Good brewpub, supposedly great IPA's.

Hoegaarden is my wife's favorite (not that I don't like it).

Maki, if you can find it, try the Boulevard Smokestack Series Double Wide IPA. I've tried every other smokestack series beer and they're phenomenal. They just came out with a "malt liquor" called two jacks. It was epic. More like a Belgian style ale than malt liquor, IMO. Super tasty. Also Killed a bottle of their Saison this weekend.

Link Removed

 

[aborgman]

Fosters. Australian for p***.

Yeah - my friend who spent a year in Australia said it's the Australian beer that no Australians drink.

Victoria Bitter on the other hand...

 

[aborgman]

Key to getting a decent pint of Guinness is finding a bar that has a tap that is constantly in use. Don't ask me the reason why but like a lot of darker beers, Guinness does not sit in a line well, actually it sits worse than most beers.

Relatively high sugar content combined with relatively low alcohol levels/low bitterness have a lot to do with why it goes bad quickly.

 

[aborgman]

As stated, Stouts and IPA's are polar opposites. I bought the mystery 8 pack bag at my local Microbrew store and it was mostly IPA's for $10. I choked down 4 or 5, still have the Lagunitas IPA and a few others.

Had to wash them down with Hoegaarden. I have tried several times but I can't get into IPA's.

Maki, you should head to PizzaPort on your next SD surfing trip. Good brewpub, supposedly great IPA's.

Too bad... that Lagunitas IPA is really tasty...

 

[Thunderitter]

.....
Victoria Bitter on the other hand...

Not if you live in Queensland! VB in Qld is known as "Vomit Beer! Pretty much XXXX country up there and of course in NSW you're in Toohey's Territory!

I enjoyed how state-centric the beers are in OZ. Ah, for some SA Coopers Sparkling Ale or I always enjoyed a RedBack when in Perth!