Barclay’s Premier League Ultimate 6er

As a longtime Liverpool supporter (circa 2000 when European soccer began getting some airplay on American sports television), mid-August marks the beginning of the grueling10-month endeavor known as the Barclay’s Premier League (BPL, formerly the English Premier League, EPL) season. Now much has been made of this upcoming season as NBC Sports has obtained rights to show all BPL games this season, and with that new contract NBC has ramped up their marketing.

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Thunderhead Brewing Company – Cropduster

ABV: 6.5%

IBU: 65

Remember when I told you that for Christmas my mom bought my dad a craft beer subscription, and that every 3 months he gets a 12 pack with four different beers? Well it turns out it was kind of a gift for me too, because this is the 2nd one I’ve had the chance to review. Thunderhead Brewing Company Cropduster is a Mid-American IPA out of Kearney, Nebraska. While the name may not be the most flattering, it certainly makes sense coming from the heart of the U.S. agriculture sector. Read More

Pretty Things’ Taproom: Don’t build it, they’ll still come (for great beer)

Breweries – not the brands, but the actual spaces where brewing happens – are some of my favorite places on earth. Yes, a lot of if has to do with the fact that phenomenal beers are “tap room exclusives.” But it’s beyond that. You often get a good sense of the ethos behind a company and the people who live and breathe the beer.

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The Bruery’s Bryeian Batch 1000

Aside from the thousands of other things I love about the beer industry, collaboration rises to the top of the list. Whether it be something as simple as lending ingredients … Read More

PorchDrinking Interview: Pipeworks Brewing

Despite only being open for about a year and a half, Pipeworks Brewing out of Chicago, IL has been making huge waves in the craft beer community. Unique and complex beers … Read More

O’Fallon Brewery | Pumpkin Ale

ABV: 5.6% | IBU: 11

Being that it’s unseasonably chilly in Chicago this week, the weather has me excited for fall. Don’t get me wrong, I love summer. I have taken in my fair share of days at the beach with a cold beer this season. However, fall is simply the best in my opinion. Bonus: There are so many more beer options. Fall welcomes back more spiced beer varieties, fruit inspired beers and a personal favorite—pumpkin ales!

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Fifty Fifty – Eclipse Rittenhouse Rye

When in doubt, barrel-age it. With craft brewers from Tampa to Tacoma taking advantage of the burgeoning trend throughout the beer landscape, we’ve seen everything from calvados to tequila barrels make an appearance, with varying levels of success. Joining us for today’s adventure in barrel-aged beers is Fifty Fifty Brewing Company’s Eclipse Rittenhouse Rye imperial stout, a decadent treat hailing from Truckee, California just miles from Lake Tahoe.

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Homebrewing: Timing is Everything

If its not clear from previous posts, I LOVE to homebrew. It’s an scientifically artistic process that creates things that I can share with friends and family and bring a community together. The past few weeks I have enjoyed being on vacation and realized how important timing is. My mind and body needed the relaxation and escape of vacation. It inspired me to write this piece Homebrewing: Timing is Everything. Read More

Ale Asylum Ambergeddon

ABV: 6.8%

The Ale Asylum Ambergeddon coming out of Wisconsin, has a tasty 6.8% ABV and an ominous skull label to back it up. Sure, there are far more destructive beers … Read More

Ultimate 6er | Summer Music Festivals

This beer is a little misleading in name, being listed as a IPA with an 5.8 % ABV (very far from brutal in my book) but is tasty all the … Read More

DC Beer Week: Pints and Prayers

I don’t like beer festivals, “special release” parties or anything that screams hey-there’s-gonna-be-a-big-crowd-of-people, even if there is really cool beer or awesome food or shiny things all over. Even … Read More

Founders Brewing | Breakfast Stout

ABV: 8.3% | IBU: 60

I used to think this brew was best poured into a wide base tulip on a cool summer’s evening. I have changed my mind. This breakfast beer is best served with breakfast. It’s a big beer but not too big. Grab a mug, pour a Founders Brewing Breakfast Stout and grab a slice of coffee cake. Take a seat on your front/back porch with the morning paper. It’s time for breakfast the way it was intended.

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Nashville Predators: Inaugural Craft Beer Festival

This weekend, the Nashville Predators (they’re a hockey team, guys) hosted their inaugural craft beer festival inside downtown venue, Bridgestone Arena. The event featured breweries from all over the country, as well as local all-stars like Yazoo and Jackalope. There were also some newcomers (Czanns) and some who’d made it in all the way from Hawaii (Kona Brewing).

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Great Lakes Brewing Company – Silver & Gold IPL

ABV: 7.5%

IBU: 50

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of visiting Chicago. I was in town for the wedding of a very special friend of mine, and while … Read More

The Endless Summer Beer & Spirits Festival

Like it or not, summer is beginning to crawl to an end. Preseason football has begun, back to school sales are being blasted over the airwaves and pumpkin beers are beginning to hit store shelves. To help send summer off in style, our friends at Imbibe are throwing The Endless Summer Beer & Spirits Festival benefiting Water For People, this Friday, Aug 16 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the McNichols Building at 144 W. Colfax Ave.

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Preview: DC Beer Week 2013

The District of Columbia may consist of only 61.05 square miles but it is hosting its 5th beer week this August, capturing the region’s surging brewing culture.

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Avery Brewing Summer’s Day IPA

Avery Brewing Summer’s Day IPA

6.5% ABV

There used to be something magical about those childhood summers spent playing outside all day with neighborhood friends and returning home to a cold refreshing juice box. Avery Brewing’s Summer’s Day IPA is the adult version of quenching your thirst with one of those nostalgic Hi-C Ecto Coolers.

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Gnarly Barley Brew Festival 2013

Kicking off its fifth annual installment, The Gnarly Barley Brew Fest is a fun, family oriented event located at The Ranch (aka The Budweiser Event Center) in Loveland, CO. Coupled with a fair and carnival, it’s a good time for the whole family. That’s not to say there isn’t an abundance of delicious beer to be had.

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Ultimate 6er – Beers to Enjoy with Your Political Scandal: A Tribute to Carlos Danger

Ah, the Internet, that glorious repository of all things fantastic and frivolous. But as many of us know, the Internet never forgets. Sadly, there are those out there who missed … Read More

Ale Asylum Madtown Nutbrown

5.5% ABV

Hop on board the crazy train with a yummy Madtown Nutbrown from Ale Asylum. (See what I did there? Hop? Ha ha ha! I slay me!) Ale Asylum is one … Read More