Ultimate 6er | Summertime Movies

I didn’t think I was going to make it. I barely shoveled my way out of this winter. Every time I thought it was finally over, Mother Nature proved me wrong. We suffered from freezing weather and snowstorms almost daily. Well, it is finally here and hopefully I didn’t jinx it. It’s summertime and the living’s easy.

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Ultimate 6er | Best Monkish IPA Releases of 2018 (so far)

With warm weather approaching, the time has never been better to track down the best crushable IPA you can find. Monkish Brewing has easily established itself as one of the best out there at creating top quality New England Style IPAs, and this 6er will guide you through the best cans that have graced us with their presence so far this year. Read More

Ultimate 6er | Best Craft Beer Ballpark Experiences

Baseball season is back. And though it may not feel like it in Chicago, I look forward to the warmer months when I get a sit in a plastic seat while watching a ballgame in person – with a beer in-hand. Much like America’s pastime, the venues that typically host baseball games are rooted in tradition, which usually means a heavy dosage of light macro lagers going for anywhere from $8-10. However, several ballparks around Major League Baseball have started to buck this trend by appealing to the new generation of baseball fans who want to buy a craft beer from a local brewer instead of the traditional Budweisers and Miller Lites of the world. Plus, these drinkers expect a higher price point when drinking in a stadium, which means a craft offering can offer similar margins to a macro brew. Here’s a look at six stadiums who are leading the charge by providing a great ballpark-centric craft beer experience to their fans.
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Ultimate 6er | Chocolate Beer: Perfect Any Day of the Year

Valentine’s Day has its chocolate hearts and Easter its chocolate eggs, but chocolate beer can be enjoyed all year. And why not? Chocolate and cocoa are more than additions to dessert, they a delectable ingredients that enhance a multitude of savory dishes such as mole sauce, chili, barbecue and ravioli. Granted, chocolate beers tend to lean to the sweet side, but has anyone ever had a chocolate shake in the summer?  Chocolate exists as a diverse, adaptable and downright delicious ingredient, and brewers have mastered its integration into beer. Here are six noteworthy examples of chocolate-infused beer (even if it’s been a while since the release date, the beers can be found on shelves, or in your beer buddy’s cellar).

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Ultimate 6er | Steven Universe

There’s nothing quite as special in the world of animation as Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe. Rebecca Sugar created this pastel wonderland out of her love of classic anime, space opera, and enchanting melody. The result of her hard work is not only one of the best cartoons of this decade but an incredible examination of sci-fi-infused LGBTQ discovery.

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Ultimate 6er | Packing Up & Moving Out

Let me start by saying that I’m currently in the process of writing this Ultimate 6er while packing up and moving, so I hope that earns me a bit more credibility with this post. There is nothing that’s needed more than a beer while moving, and six beers is probably a good number to have at the very minimum.

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Ultimate 6er | Southern Arizona Sampler

I feel fortunate as a beer nerd to live in Southern Arizona, Tucson specifically. The beer scene here has started to gain some national attention, but still largely flies under the radar. Tucson is a legitimate beer destination with 20+ breweries, drive out a little bit further and there are additional breweries in Tombstone, Bisbee, and Sonoita. The desert is definitely not dry here, so sit back and crack open a few delicious local brews. Read More

Ultimate 6er | Loveland Staples

Colorado is synonymous with countless things: skiing, white water rafting, legalized marijuana, green chili, and, of course, craft beer. With the genesis of the movement often attributed to New Belgium and Odell Brewing in Fort Collins, alongside the well-known names coming out of Denver and Boulder, it’s easy to see how the other locales can be lost in the fold. Loveland, Colorado sits roughly 20 minutes south of Fort Collins, and about an hour North from both Denver and Boulder. While smaller in terms of brewery offerings (roughly six), these establishments sure know how to pack a punch. If you’re in town, here are the six beers you should ensure you get a taste of before you leave.

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Ultimate 6er | Surviving the Nor’easter(s)

Quinn. Riley. Skylar. It sounds like a millennial roll call. Well, in this case, it is the winter storm roll call of 2018. If you live on the East Coast and you have looked outside lately, or if you enjoy watching The Weather Channel as much as my mom does, then you have seen the craziness of weather slamming the Northeast U.S.
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Ultimate 6er | SXSW Craft Beer

SXSW is coming to a close; however, the music fest is in full swing. Unfortunately the fest is sponsored by Budweiser, but don’t let that discourage you – almost every official (and unofficial) venue is a popular Austin bar, club or music venue. Here are the six staple craft beers that you are bound to find around SXSW.

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Ultimate 6er | Spring Training 2018

As I look out my window I am reminded of the brisk freezing temperatures outside, the recent snowstorm that blanketed yards and the ice that selfishly screwed up my neighborhood streets. Winter has only given a glimpse of what is to come as March typically is the snowiest month of the year in Colorado. As somebody who does not partake in typical winter activities, I am filled with anxiousness for warmer months that allows me to open my wardrobe of shorts and flip flops. My dreams are filled with sprouting flowers, dew covered grass and warm early morning sunrises. Most of all I am ready for baseball season. Therefore, near the end of March my baseball-infatuated kids and I are hightailing it to Phoenix, Arizona, for Spring Training.

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Ultimate 6er | Pittsburgh Craft Beer

The Pittsburgh craft beer scene has been making serious waves, or I should say serious brews, in the craft beer industry. Pittsburgh breweries have been brewing an assortment of different beer, from pale ales to hazy IPAs and wild ales to delicious barrel aged stouts – Pittsburgh’s craft beer scene has truly grown and, as a result, is starting to receive national recognition.

I am currently pursuing fitness goals, so I have not enjoyed a beer since January 1, 2018. Trust me… I miss it dearly! This list will consist of the beers I have consumed in 2017 and by the time I write another Ultimate 6er, I hope to have tasted some new beer in 2018. Let’s dive right in and get this started!

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Ultimate 6er | Fun (and Crazy) Presidential Beer Connections

Though American societal and political chaos has dominated in recent months, President’s Day remains a day to honor the few who have operated as the Chief Executive of these United States of America, whether they be good or bad, deplorable or laudable. And as we celebrate, it behooves us to have a little fun, too, including discussing those times when presidential culture and American beer culture have converged. From Billy Beer to Duff Beer, presidential beer connections are a part of our nation’s history.

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Ultimate 6er | The Six Best Ballard Beers That Are Not IPAs

Ballard, Seattle: home of canal locks, Golden Gardens, farmer’s markets, overpriced housing, beards, sandwich boards, and, oh yeah – a gaggle of breweries. But if you want to brew in Ballard, you gotta be handy with the hops, if you know what I mean. Earn your keep.

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Ultimate 6er | The Weirdest Beers from Dogfish Head

Delaware-based Dogfish Head isn’t shy about experimentation. As one of the largest national craft brewers on the market, founder Sam Calagione and crew always seem to be on the cutting edge of innovation when it comes to mixing in wild ingredients, whether its lobster, wasabi, or the two active ingredients found in Mace spray. Dogfish Head continues to make it clear that nothing is off limits when it comes to brewing beer – here’s a look at their six wildest creations.

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Ultimate 6er | Virginia Beers + Outdoor Music

The weather in Virginia is doing a dance between 20 degrees and 60 degrees, teasing us with warm but reminding us that yes, the groundhog did see his shadow.

We’re going to charge ahead and look to spring and summertime, which means there’s plenty of days to enjoy beers outside to your favorite live shows, cover bands, Amazon Echo streams or whatever.

Grab a beer, grab a seat outside and relax with your favorite artists.

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Ultimate 6er | 2018 Winter Olympics

The 2018 Winter Olympic Games are just around the corner, and athletes from around the globe and all walks of life will be heading to PyeongChang to compete on the world’s stage. Each one of them striving for that common goal: to achieve personal triumph and stand on top of the podium as Olympic champion. For those of us that didn’t quite qualify this time around, we are perfectly content enjoying the competition from the comfort of our couches usually with a few beers. So here are some to pour that pair nicely with a few of the respected sports in the Games and their storylines that will be captivating audiences.    Read More

Ultimate 6er | Beers for Super Bowl LII

It has been decided. The two top football teams in the country will face off in Super Bowl LII in less than two weeks. I for one am ecstatic. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Boston sports were etched into my being, and part of that grouping is the most hated team in the nation, the New England Patriots. They will face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in a rematch of Super Bowl XXXIX 13 years ago.

But we’re not here to discuss odds; we’re here to discuss beer. Leave those domestic macro beers on the shelf this year and use this guide to point you in the direction of some beers that are perfectly suited for an evening of championship football.

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Ultimate 6er | Government Shutdown

Now that the government has shutdown for the first time since October 2013, we’ll have to wait and see if this one lasts longer than 17 days. Until then, there’s really not a lot we can do but crack open some beer. Here are six beers you can drink during the latest government shutdown.

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Ultimate 6er | National Bittersweet Chocolate Day Beer Pairings

National Bittersweet Chocolate Day came and went this past January 10. Were you aware of this national holiday? No? Tragic. Fear not, however, for it is never too late to take part in the celebration with your favorite confectionery.
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