Eric's Thursday Pick (and your Winter beer picks)
by Eric J. Thompson on Dec 10, 2009 6:06 PM CST
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PrintSteelers over BROWNS: Tonight's NFL Network game pits AFC North rivals Pittsburgh and Cleveland against each other. Well, I guess "rivals" doesn't really fit this one-sided matchup. "Tonight's game pits bully Pittsburgh against 90-pound weakling Cleveland" sounds more accurate. Although the Steelers have fallen on hard times lately, there's no way they lose to the aptly named Browns. (Why "aptly named Browns", you ask? Because poop is also brown. Most of the time.)
So rather than bore you with analysis of two teams that have lost a combined eleven games in a row, I'd like to ask you a favor.
Those of us in Minnesota just got dumped on by our first major Winter storm of the season. The storm was a bit late in the year, but it made up for its tardiness with lots of wind, ice, cold, and car accidents. I hate snowstorms if I have to travel more than 50 feet. But one thing I love about the Winter season is delicious seasonal beers.
Over Thanksgiving, I had a few bottles of Michelob Winter's Bourbon Cask Ale. It was outstanding, but I haven't been able to find it at my local liquor stores since I had it. Anyone in the Twin Cities area know where I can buy this tasty refreshment, especially somewhere close to South Minneapolis?
I've also had a couple six-packs of Schell SnowStorm. It's another solid winter beer that washes down those dozen Christmas cookies you ate juuust right.
But like watching the Vikings' performance this past Sunday evening, I'm left wanting more. So I ask you, faithful DN readers--what is your favorite Winter beer? Please leave suggestions in the comments section. If I get enough entries, maybe I'll do a Fanpost around Christmas time saying which beers I liked best. I can see it now...
My girlfriend: "Honey, it's a Tuesday night. You've already had seven different kinds of beer. Why don't you take it easy?"
Me: "I'M DOING RESEARCH FOR THE SITE! BACK OFF!" (polishes off beer, reaches for another)
This FanPost was created by a registered user of The Daily Norseman, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the staff of the site. However, since this is a community, that view is no less important.
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For some reason
Here’s how I envision Eric while writing this. . .
WARNING: Language
The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!
by Christopher Gates on Dec 10, 2009 6:41 PM CST reply actions
Yep
That’s pretty much my state of mind with every article I write. I like beer. :)
by Eric J. Thompson on Dec 10, 2009 10:06 PM CST up reply actions
MMMmmmmmmmmmmmmm.... Beer!
I BELIEVE...
by ArizonaVikingsFan on Dec 10, 2009 10:25 PM CST up reply actions
Yep....
Not bad…
I would rather be IN the Arena than watching from the stands...That is my life!
* Read Teddy Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" if you need further explanation...
by vikingfanfrom afar on Dec 10, 2009 8:25 PM CST reply actions
I like Tsing Dao (sp?)
Good beer out of China….
Brewery started in Qing Dao by Germans back in the days when they controlled that part of China…
Not sure if you can get in Minny, but try if you can….
Alternatively, try Bitburger or Warsteiner (both great German beers!)….
Not that I would personally know you understand, only have read reviews (wink wink wink surrrrre)!!!!!!!
SKOL!
I would rather be IN the Arena than watching from the stands...That is my life!
* Read Teddy Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" if you need further explanation...
by vikingfanfrom afar on Dec 10, 2009 8:30 PM CST reply actions
Bitburger and Warsteiner are very good beers
especially when drinking them in the home country, where the alcohol volume is about 15%.
Das ist sehr, sehr, gut, ja.
"We're used to Favre-a-palooza now. We're engulfed in Favre-a-palooza. It's not even Favre-a-palooza anymore. He's family now."
--Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, on Brett Favre
Ja Doch!
I have a home bar (wet) with the traditional tap – and of course Vikings stuff posted to watch the games when there….This room is my kingdom and darts, tv, obligatory shots etc. are the norm in that world (you can do this when the kids are grown and gone – wooo hoo!!!)…
Always have a 15 or 30 liter keg on tap up there to share when we watch games/races/matches (variety may include Formula 1 races, American Football, Soccer, or Motercycle – hell any sport is an excuse!)…Great ambience…
I do bring in American beer (in bottles or cans) for those wanting to try other varieties, but stick mainly to Bitburger or Warsteiner….The German friends like to try the MIller or American Budweiser and blah blah blah about how weak it is….But they do drink it all the while talking trash!
BTW, my favorite room in Germany!
I would rather be IN the Arena than watching from the stands...That is my life!
* Read Teddy Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" if you need further explanation...
by vikingfanfrom afar on Dec 11, 2009 6:04 AM CST up reply actions
Deutsche Bier!
I never developed a taste for Bitburger, tho I know lots of guys who swore by it. My tastes ran more to 1878s, or best, a Konig Ludwig von Dunkle. For special occassions, we’d spring for some Belgian monk’s beer, preferrably Chimay. Those Trappist monks brew the best!
I can find Chimay here in the States but it’s export of course, so not the same as what you could buy at the monestary. I’ve developed an appreciation for Sam Adams’ brews, even though they’re on the light side, I like their variety and inventiveness. Oh, and there’s another I recently discovered that’s quite tasty, Young’s Double Chocolate Stout. That one’s worthy of going to toe-to-toe with any Euro brew.
At the end of the day, that’s the only thing I miss about Germany… the beer.
Ah, ah,
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
SKOL!
Correction
The Young’s Double Chocolate is a UK brew, not American. Figures. :)
Ah, ah,
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
SKOL!
Strongbow
Is a British, cider flavored ale that is freakin’ awesome with a reuben. It’s freakin’ awesome with just about anything.
Other than cereal and milk.
Maybe a pomegranate.
But everything else? It kicks major ass.
"We're used to Favre-a-palooza now. We're engulfed in Favre-a-palooza. It's not even Favre-a-palooza anymore. He's family now."
--Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, on Brett Favre
Think I may have had that before.
Sounds like I have some shopping to do!
by Eric J. Thompson on Dec 10, 2009 10:08 PM CST up reply actions
Sounds pretty good.
Too bad they don’t have that here, then again, their’s a liquor store that sells a ton of beers from other parts of the country and world. hmmmmmmm Well, if Im lucky enough to get up to the Twin Cities this summer, barring anymore family illnesses, to help break in Target Fields first year, I may just have to bring my local favorite from here. Santa Fe (brewing) Nut Brown. Very good taste, nice dark beer. Always get that when I can.
See you guys back home got nailed with the stuff we got on Tuesday. I was hoping for another 12 inches here like we got back in ‘06 just before New Years. Can’t understand why I was the only one going “what’s the big deal?” back then! hehehehe Anyhoot, hope you guys get a little warmed up………in May. ;-). Only supposed to peak out to 38 here in Rio Rancho which has some freaked out as they swear they’ve never experienced anything this cold for this long. But we’ll be back up to the 50’s next week……..ah, almost spring time like if it were back in Minny!
"If you're gonna shoot, shoot, don't talk."
"You men are only risking your lives, while I am risking an almost-certain Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor!"
"We have clearance Clarence. Roger Rodger, what's our vector Victor?"
by VikesFaninNM on Dec 11, 2009 8:25 AM CST up reply actions
Yahhh...
We have had rain in Dubai for two days…alomost unheard of this time of year…and temps down to 60s 70s too….People running around here in Winter clothes LOL….I still have shorts on, t-shirt, and coffee in hand….
If you have not experienced MN cold, you have no idea….I remember the days when snow piles were above eye-level (course was shorter in those days lol, but hey still apllies!), walking uphill (both ways lol) 4 miles to school, and playing hockey on the lake on the world’s largest skating rink (Rainy Lake)….
Think is time for more beer and reminiscing…Is it Sunday yet?
I would rather be IN the Arena than watching from the stands...That is my life!
* Read Teddy Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" if you need further explanation...
by vikingfanfrom afar on Dec 11, 2009 8:32 AM CST up reply actions
The memories!
Can’t remember what year (early 80’s tho), but it was my birthday in early March where we lived in Lino Lakes. Had a storm roll in and by the time it was all said and done, the white stuff was dang near waist high! People think Im nuts when I say I miss it a little at times here, especially around the holidays.
"If you're gonna shoot, shoot, don't talk."
"You men are only risking your lives, while I am risking an almost-certain Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor!"
"We have clearance Clarence. Roger Rodger, what's our vector Victor?"
by VikesFaninNM on Dec 11, 2009 10:30 AM CST up reply actions
Playing hockey and broomball with,
icicles hanging from the beard and moustache. The bottle of Schnapps in the snowbank on the other side of the boards.
"What is best in life?"
"To crush your enemies, to see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women."
Try a ShockTop.
Michelob Belgian White Wheat Ale.
Has a spicy orange/corriander appeal.
I BELIEVE...
by ArizonaVikingsFan on Dec 10, 2009 10:29 PM CST reply actions
Had it. Love it.
A place in NE Minneapolis has it on tap, and it’s outstanding. It’s kind of like Honey Weiss and Blue Moon had a hot cousin.
by Eric J. Thompson on Dec 11, 2009 10:18 AM CST up reply actions
MMMMMmmmmmmmm....
I like.
I BELIEVE...
by ArizonaVikingsFan on Dec 14, 2009 12:23 PM CST up reply actions
I turned the game on just in time...
to watch the Browns sack Big Ben 3x in a row.
I can’t believe how terrible the Steelers are without Troy Polamalu.
by EasternVike on Dec 10, 2009 10:57 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah, kinda funny actually
The local radio station here has one of the morning personalitites who is a major Browns fan. They’ve been laughing on the air every 10 minutes. Of course, if you look over at the Steel Curtian, you have some screaming to fire Tomlin, thinking it’s time to start over and what not. Sheesh, think they were 2-11or hadn’t had a winning season in their entire history.
"If you're gonna shoot, shoot, don't talk."
"You men are only risking your lives, while I am risking an almost-certain Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor!"
"We have clearance Clarence. Roger Rodger, what's our vector Victor?"
by VikesFaninNM on Dec 11, 2009 8:15 AM CST up reply actions
Whoever I pick on Thursdays...
Go with the other team. Besides Thanksgiving, I’m pretty sure I’ve only had one Thursday pick right this year. I knew the Steelers were struggling, but I really doubt many people picked the Browns last night.
by Eric J. Thompson on Dec 11, 2009 10:19 AM CST up reply actions
Where to get Bourbon Cask
Bourbon cask is an interesting beer that comes out yearly at this time. If you want it on tap it has been available the last two years (at least) at any Old Chicago in the area.
I know last year Surdyks had the Bourbon Cask and Shells Snowstorm. Just last week I saw the Bourbon Cask at Century wines in Chanhassen.
Last but not least if you want an AMAZING selection of hard to find beers you have to head to the Four Firkins in St. Louis Park. It is a relatively small space but they have great things! For example the Sam Adam’s Utopia. If you have never heard of it, it costs a couple hundred dollars a BOTTLE!!
Here is the website. http://www.thefourfirkins.com/
Holy Schmoley....$200 ????????
I have never paid that for a bottle of wine in my life let alone beer….
Must be SOME beer!
Now if only can find someone to buy me a bottle….
I would rather be IN the Arena than watching from the stands...That is my life!
* Read Teddy Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" if you need further explanation...
by vikingfanfrom afar on Dec 11, 2009 8:27 AM CST reply actions
saw a special on that the other day
it’s actually got such a high alcohol content it is considered booze instead of beer. really something to behold.
I piss people off on a fairly regular basis. I cherish my right to speak my mind, whether I sound like an uneducated savage or not. I've never been accused of keeping what I think a secret, nor will I ever. Don't like it? I don't care.
by IABerserker1 on Dec 11, 2009 8:30 AM CST up reply actions
Reminds me of the Pirminator Beer
For me, any beer with a higher alcohol content than about 12% has too much of alcohol flavor. Just a matter of personal taste.
Ah, ah,
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
SKOL!
Think I'd rather just buy $200 of really good beer.
I’ve heard about Utopia before, but unless someone gave it to me as a gift, I’d have a hard time throwing down two bills for it.
by Eric J. Thompson on Dec 11, 2009 10:22 AM CST up reply actions
dirty john's grocery down here in iowa city
has just about any kind of beer you could possibly want. great store and one of the things i really miss moving back home to musca-vegas.
I piss people off on a fairly regular basis. I cherish my right to speak my mind, whether I sound like an uneducated savage or not. I've never been accused of keeping what I think a secret, nor will I ever. Don't like it? I don't care.
mmmmm....beer
those germans are everywhere they started Dos XX as well. By far my fav is any beer from the Tadcaster brewery england. Been brewing beer since 1758 and let me tell ya its good. Samual Smiths three pack sampler is good, with the Oatmeal Stout, Nut Brown Ale and the Porter. This is strong stuff, about 9% by volume and comes in one pint bottles.
mmmmm…..good beer!
it is better to be thought of as dumb then to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
Ben Franklin
by montana vikes fan on Dec 11, 2009 8:53 AM CST reply actions
Germans started Dos Equis?
Eh, yeah, I guess technically a German born Mexican dude did it. Who woulda thought?
Dos Equis is a pale lager that was originally brewed by the German-born Mexican brewer Wilhelm Hasse in 1897.
From the Wiki.
Visit:
http://www.vikingvigil.com
Skol Vikings!
Woot Woot!
Stuffs not that bad
Though about the only beer I like with lime. I wont touch Corona and with a lime, I wanna gag.
"If you're gonna shoot, shoot, don't talk."
"You men are only risking your lives, while I am risking an almost-certain Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor!"
"We have clearance Clarence. Roger Rodger, what's our vector Victor?"
by VikesFaninNM on Dec 11, 2009 10:31 AM CST up reply actions
lime
people who add lime or lemon to beer do not like the taste of beer. Of mex beer I like Pacifico among others
it is better to be thought of as dumb then to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
Ben Franklin
by montana vikes fan on Dec 11, 2009 1:55 PM CST up reply actions
Ditto with Negra Modelo
When the US had it’s Prohibition period, a lot of our best brewers went north and south of the borders.
Ah, ah,
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
SKOL!
Recently
had Cain and Able from Two Brothers on tap at Sgt. Prestons before the Bears game. Was a huge fan.
by Jepp The Viking on Dec 11, 2009 10:33 AM CST reply actions
Had a Cain and Able last night!
And wow was I impressed.
by Eric J. Thompson on Dec 12, 2009 1:00 PM CST up reply actions
Since we are on our favorite brew topic
I was wondering if anyone makes their own? I’ve got a few books on the subject and been starting to save dark beer bottles. Looked here and there for the necessary equipment and it doesnt look all that difficult to get. Any pointers? Any favorite recipes?
"If you're gonna shoot, shoot, don't talk."
"You men are only risking your lives, while I am risking an almost-certain Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor!"
"We have clearance Clarence. Roger Rodger, what's our vector Victor?"
best book of all time
the alaska bootlegers bible. This book is great, tells you how to make every kind of beer wine and spirits. Including hangover free beer, corn sqeezens, apple jack etc. He also gives cheap ways to make equipment. It is against the law to make some of this stuff but he lets you know what you can and can not do. I have everything to start just need the time, beer only that is.
it is better to be thought of as dumb then to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
Ben Franklin
by montana vikes fan on Dec 11, 2009 1:47 PM CST up reply actions
Sierra Nevada
Celebration Ale. Not Christmas Ale it just looks like Christmas on the box. :D
Winter Beer
You probably won’t be able to find this, but Dark Island by Orkney Breweries (located on a small island off the north coast of Scotland) is a fine drink and has won awards for Best Scottish Winter Ale. As Orkney was colonised by the Vikings and belonged to Norway until 1472, they also produce a number of beers with Viking related names – Dragonhead, Raven Ale and the aptly named Skull Splitter (8.5%, needs treated with respect). You can see the range at:
If I ever manage to make it across the pond for a game I plan to bring a few samples to bribe my way into a tailgate party.
On a business trip to Belgium last year
I had the chance to try a beer that had been voted “The Best In The World”. It was another beer brewed by the Trappist monks. It was called Westvleteren. It was definitely the best beer I have ever tasted.
"Skol pa fiskande"
BTW
My profile image was taken during that trip. It is of my wife and I on the streets of Brugge, very cool city.
"Skol pa fiskande"
by NobleSavage on Dec 12, 2009 11:23 AM CST up reply actions
I have been to Brugge....
Not too far from Antwerp, some nice beaches and etc. as I remember….Have some colleagues here in Dubai from Belgium, one from Brugge…have been to Belgiun on business several times with them…
Yes you are right – and there are MANY great beers in that neck of the woods for sure! That is why kinda fuzzy on specifics from trip(s) lol!!!! Did NOT spend time anywhere but restaurants, bars, and office(s)…Helluva good times there….ooof!
I would rather be IN the Arena than watching from the stands...That is my life!
* Read Teddy Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" if you need further explanation...
by vikingfanfrom afar on Dec 12, 2009 11:52 AM CST up reply actions
Had a christmas part last night
I won beer! Red lodge Ale-bent nail: Pigs Ass Porter, Pickled Santa, Seasonal Brrr Ale. Will not have a chance to try any until Wednesday but I can not wait. Also cheese and crackers.
Good party
it is better to be thought of as dumb then to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
Ben Franklin
by montana vikes fan on Dec 12, 2009 2:43 PM CST reply actions
What a great thread
Maybe beer review should have it’s own permanant thread. Y’all just gave my wife my chrismas wish list. I have a friend that makes his own and it is very tasty and he says it is not hard.
Skol
by SouthernNorseman on Dec 12, 2009 4:44 PM CST via mobile reply actions
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