181lizard
Cave Dweller 
Still lurking :)
Member since December 2005
Posts: 2,171
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Post by 181lizard on Sept 1, 2006 14:48:34 GMT -5
I just love the names of the Micro-breweries & their beers they craft! It's gotten to be quite the artful market. When Ron brought up the Rogue Ales...They have one called "Arrogant Bastard" Ale. (my apologies to anyone this might offend...not my intention & it really is an actual ale!) I think it's a great name! (but sad to report...I have yet to meet anyone that said it was a great beer...) Oooppps...just read the rest of Rons post...gotta stop that speed reading! They say...(them...not me) that Widmer was one of the original Micro breweries in the US to actually break into the market successfully. Their Hef is their flagship brew. Another one to try is the Deschutes Brewery Beers. Their most popular is the "Mirror Pond Ale" followed by "Black Butte" porter. They also have a seasonal one for wintertime called "Jubelale" that is very hard to keep around cause it sells so well. I don't really care for beer...but those that do, say Deschutes is a fantastic product. Before I get outta here...this is what I love to collect (among other things!)     Of coarse, none of these are worth very much yet, but give them a few years when most of these copies available get destroyed. Paper memorabilia can be worth lots when supplies dwindle. Besides that...I think the artwork & colors on the posters are beautiful in their own right. The one framed of the girl skating on the pond is a favorite & it was hung in my kitchen after the remodel was done a couple years ago. |
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MichiganRocks
starting to spend too much on rocks
"I wasn't born to follow."
Member since April 2007
Posts: 154
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Post by MichiganRocks on Sept 2, 2006 7:28:55 GMT -5
I've heard of the beer in the States being watered down compared to Canadian beer (not from experience) but this is what I heard, anyone know if Canadian Beer has more alcohol than US beer or is it just light tasting???purpose - Hey Tweetie, beer from the major Canadian brewers is far better than the beer from the major American brewers. Most Canadian beer is also available in a range of alcohol contents. The poor American beer is what has given rise to the MicroBrewery here. They are simply beers made in the finest European traditions. It was kind of funny though, when I was in New Brunswick a few years ago, I was asking some local guys what kind of local beer was available, since I'm always looking to try something new, and all they wanted to know was if I brought any Busweiser with me. I couldn't believe it, they actually wanted Busweiser! I guess it just goes to show, we want most what we can have the least. Another of my most favorite beers is made in a small brewery in Montreal. St. Ambroise Oatmeal Stout. Alas, the powers that be in this state have taxed it right off the market. Hey Liz, I've had lots of the Black Butte Porter, and I did catch the Jubeale on Christmas. Only time I get to drink most of those beers is when I'm in California. I've got quite a collection of beer bottles from MicroBreweries. I always try the ones with neat names. In fact, I just had a bottle of Reaper Ale "Mortality Stout". It runs 7.5% alcohol. I also buy a pint glass from each microbrewery or brewpub that I go too. I would take some pics of this stuff but I have so much that most of it is currently packed away in boxes. I keep saying that i'm going to get around and build some shelves to display them on. Some of them are really pretty neat. Ron |
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MichiganRocks
starting to spend too much on rocks
"I wasn't born to follow."
Member since April 2007
Posts: 154
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Post by MichiganRocks on Sept 2, 2006 7:42:55 GMT -5
Hey Baz, couldn't find all my pics of my tap setup. This is a rather poor shot of the taps themselves. The handles are, from left to right: Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout, DragonMead, and Bass Ale.
I'm shut down right now as I'm in the midst of moving it. It is setup for using 5 gallon cornie kegs. I'm also in the process of setting up a Sankie coupler to be able to set up 1/2 barrel kegs. Of course I can only fit one of those in at a time.
When it comes to Guinness Stout, you can buy kegs of that, but they don't work the same as the others. My setup is a CO2 system, which most beer is, but Guinness Stout requres a Nitrogen gas system. It also requires a specific keg coupler and a special tap faucet.
I had thought about installing a Nitrogen system, but where I live now it's just too difficult to get the Nitrogen.
I also would have liked to be making my own beer, but alas, my wife just won't go along with that. It can get a little smelly and I don't really have a good place to do it where I can control the temp.
Ron
ps.
Did I mention that I love beer?
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Post by BAZ on Sept 2, 2006 13:25:47 GMT -5
Yep, I used to deliver bottle gas. I always knew the bars and restaurants that had Guinness without even going to the front when I was bringing in Co2 and Nitrogen in the back. Always, thought, "Cool, I'll have to come here for a pint after work!"  Liz, Widmer makes the best Hefewiezen that I have ever tasted. One of our local breweries makes Hefewiezen with bananas. Yuck!  |
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181lizard
Cave Dweller
Still lurking :)
Member since December 2005
Posts: 2,171
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Post by 181lizard on Sept 2, 2006 15:16:09 GMT -5
Eeeww! Banana Hef don't sound so good! There's another beer I think you guys might like to try for something different...It's called Blue Moon. I can't remember if that's the actual beer (I think) or the brewery, but it has a...spicey pumpkin kinda flavor. Reminds people of fall & harvests. Has a nice blue label on it with a Blue Moon (of course...duh) Yeah Baz...I think I read somewhere that Widmer Hef Is the #1 Micro in the states. They were bought (at least the distributorship part for sure) by Anhauser-Busch couple of years ago so they could take advantage of the huge network Bud brought to the table. So far, they've managed to keep their quality intact...no small feat these days! They make a Cider that is to die for! We have meetings at their brewery about once a year & I always make sure I get a couple of these before I leave. Tastes like you're drinking an apple with a kick! But it only comes in kegs... Before I head out, thought I'd leave ya with this crazy pic...  Someone left a developed roll of film at our Pub. We always look to see if we recognize anyone in the pics so we can return them. Well we didn't...but this was one of the photos inside. My husband waited a couple of weeks to see if anyone claimed em...even posted a notice, but no one ever did. So he took the pic & got it blown up & framed a few. The man that owns the Bud distributorship heard about the pic & came to see it. He laughed his butt off & we sent him a framed pic for his office. I really think the mouse is still alive & was just trying to get out! Anyway...just one of those crazy pics that come along once in a while! |
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MichiganRocks
starting to spend too much on rocks
"I wasn't born to follow."
Member since April 2007
Posts: 154
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Post by MichiganRocks on Sept 2, 2006 15:52:43 GMT -5
Hey liz, Blue Moon is Belgian style beer. That's a whole 'nother world of beer drinking. I have a local Micro here that specializes in Belgian style beers. Their premier beer is Final Absolution, a Belgian Trippel. Runs around 9% alcohol. Trademark of most Belgian beers is the use of Coriander. It supplies a very distintive taste. It's probably what you tasted as pumpkin. My local guys make a Belgian Quad once a year to celebrate their beginning. It runs around 11.5%. It is amazingly easy to drink! I usually keep the Final Absolution on tap at home. Oh, by the way, Blue Moon is owned by Miller Brewing. I have a 22 ounce bottle of Anderson Valley Brewing Company's "Brother David's Triple, Abby Style Ale" waiting in my frig for a special occasion. It is 10%. The neck is sealed with wax. I almost hate to open it. Almost.  Drink Happy! Ron |
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MichiganRocks
starting to spend too much on rocks
"I wasn't born to follow."
Member since April 2007
Posts: 154
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Post by MichiganRocks on Sept 2, 2006 15:59:08 GMT -5
Beer, it doesn't get any better than this!  Ron ps. My good friend Pam has 6 taps. She's my hero! |
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181lizard
Cave Dweller
Still lurking :)
Member since December 2005
Posts: 2,171
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Post by 181lizard on Sept 3, 2006 13:22:55 GMT -5
If I drank one of the beers with the hi octane...my head would blow up!
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jerryb
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2006
Posts: 408
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Post by jerryb on Sept 4, 2006 7:45:15 GMT -5
Kevin have you heard of a 'black and tan' .. it's made with Guinness beer and any other beer.. usually a pilsner or lager. WHAT?  ?? pilsner or lager? ?? OMFG! you would not actually put guinness over a pilsner would you? seriously? i'll have mine with harp, please. substitue another ALE if harp is not available....... cheers jerry |
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Post by BAZ on Sept 4, 2006 22:24:00 GMT -5
My goodness my Guinness! Just take mine straight if 'ye please!
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blarneystone
spending too much on rocks
Rocks in my head
Member since March 2010
Posts: 307
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Post by blarneystone on Sept 5, 2006 20:38:22 GMT -5
I never have it with anything else but a smile and friends ..  .....sorry to get you all upset there Jerry... maybe you should try yours' with a laxative! cheers! |
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Post by BAZ on Sept 5, 2006 23:25:27 GMT -5
A smile and friends indeed Blarney. In fact I met my wife, my best friend, with a pint in my hand at The Harp Inn, an Irish pub in Newport Beach, CA. I sure miss that place, good friends, good music, GOOD BEER! |
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blarneystone
spending too much on rocks
Rocks in my head
Member since March 2010
Posts: 307
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Post by blarneystone on Sept 7, 2006 10:35:55 GMT -5
Hey.... that's pretty cool Baz. So Guinness has a special place in your heart..... nothing like having a few with good friends. If you ever find yourself in Syracuse, NY be sure to stop by and have a pint in Coleman's Irish Pub. It really is a treat....visit the web site to take a virtual tour. It even has a Leprechaun Door. www.colemansirishpub.com/Syracuse is where my father's grandfather grew up and he used to tell a story about a certain traffic light in town....as his story goes they used to throw rocks at the red light because the young Irish lads took exception to the green light being underneath red and amber. Here's the story as recounted from the Coleman's web page: Located one block up Tompkins Street at Milton Avenue is the world renowned green over red traffic light. This phenomenon came into being in 1925 when the City of Syracuse installed a standard signal at the intersection.
The accepted order of red light on top, amber in the middle and green on the bottom was not accepted gracefully by nearby residents (primarily young Irish lads) who used the red disc for target practice, thereby earning the name, "Stonethrowers." In a display of extraordinary diplomacy the City relented and put the green on top.
At the intersection's northeast corner, a tiny park contains a life-sized bronze sculpture of a 1920's Irish immigrant family. The father is pointing to the light and the young son, duly observant, has a slingshot protruding from his back pocket, an indication that he may already have contributed to the traffic light's history.www.colemansirishpub.com/greentop.htmSyracuse is must visit for descendants of Irish Immigrants.... So stop into Colemans and have pint or two!! |
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MichiganRocks
starting to spend too much on rocks
"I wasn't born to follow."
Member since April 2007
Posts: 154
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Post by MichiganRocks on Sept 7, 2006 17:30:22 GMT -5
Well folks, just got back from a day down below. Moved the fridge from one of my houses there and moved it up to Roscommon County. Moved the fridge I had there out to the garage. It now holds a 5 gallons keg of Russian Imperial Stout, Wee Under the Kilt Heavy Scotch Ale, and Inquisitioner Pale Ale. I don't have the faucets installed yet, but I've got beer!
The sun is shining again in Roscommon County!
Ron
ps.
Now if it would just snow!!!!
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MichiganRocks
starting to spend too much on rocks
"I wasn't born to follow."
Member since April 2007
Posts: 154
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Post by MichiganRocks on Sept 7, 2006 17:33:08 GMT -5
By the way, the St. Helen Pub is now open, stop by and have a visit, and a brew!
Ron
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MichiganRocks
starting to spend too much on rocks
"I wasn't born to follow."
Member since April 2007
Posts: 154
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Post by MichiganRocks on Sept 8, 2006 16:46:10 GMT -5
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Post by BAZ on Sept 8, 2006 19:52:20 GMT -5
Hey Ron, can you runs taps through the fridge door? I've got an old fridge in my garage that is begging to be turned into a kegerator if so. I've never seen kegs like that, just ponies and the classic bar keg.
Looks like I'd just need the Co2, lines, regulator and the kegs, am I right?
Oh, my wife isn't going to like this. Ha ha ha ha!!!
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MichiganRocks
starting to spend too much on rocks
"I wasn't born to follow."
Member since April 2007
Posts: 154
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Post by MichiganRocks on Sept 8, 2006 21:45:11 GMT -5
Hey Baz, no problem putting faucets in the door. The picture up above with the three handles is my fridge at my other house. It has three kegs as well, and the faucets are mounted on the side of the fridge. This fridge, I'm going to mount the faucet on the door. Just juse a 7/8 inch hole saw to cut a hole. The shank that goes through the hole comes in differing lenths, depending on the thickness of the fridge wall that you are going through. The faucet just threads onto the outside end of the shank, and the inside end of the shank connects to a line running to the coupler on your keg. These kegs are 5 gallon Cornelius, or Cornie kegs as they are commonly called. This is the keg that Pepsi uses for their cola. You can also make a system using Sankie kegs, which are what Coca-Cola uses. Both are 5 gallons. Different breweries use different kegs, so check on where you plan to get your beer first, or you can make some quick change fittings to swap between both types. Cornie kegs use a quick connect line hook up. Just lift the outer ring and push it onto the post. This fridge, I'm going to set up for a single, half-barrel keg when I'm all done. This will use a single Sankie type coupler. Main reason is I'm going to start getting my beer from a different brewery, and they don't do the Cornie kegs. Sorry to run on about this. If you really would like any specifics on this, just PM me and I'll be glad to help. Drink Happy! Ron  |
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Post by BAZ on Sept 9, 2006 12:24:40 GMT -5
Great info Ron and thanks! When it comes time look out! I may be pickin' yer brain some more!
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