Two favorites; vote

[dalehileman]

After a short membership I'm impressed by the breadth of beer experience at this board

Two of my favorites are Sapporo and Pilsner Urquell. In order to compare my judgment with yours (which I must suppose to be equivalent if not vastly superior)...

...please indicate where you'd place each of these on a scale of 1 to 10--Thanks all

[chazwicke]

Sapporo - 1
Urquell (In pristine condition) - 8.5

[steveh]

Pilsner Urquell as a Bohemian Pilsner -- it defines the style (it's the original), 10.

Sapporo? The last time I had one (the premium), it was pretty thin and non-descript (boring), though not offensive - even though it's brewed with rice. I'd probably rate it at a 2, 3 at best.

S.

[stronk]

Sapporo - 1
Urquell - 6.5

I'm not objecting to light beers (by voting Sapporo as 1), but to beers with no flavour. Incidentally, I would rate Budvar as 7.

[steveh]

Originally posted by stronk
Incidentally, I would rate Budvar as 7.

Side-by-side fresh drafts, I'd still rate the Urquell over the Budvar - they're different in character. But it would be a very enjoyable contest. :)

S.

[dalehileman]

Hey guys, you really know your stuff, thanks and keep 'em coming

Sorry if this comment turned up in the wrong thread--I'm an old guy with ADD and prelimary symptoms of Alzheimers; so I can hardly cope with the system

But am I the only participant that has this sort of trouble


If not I think a new thread is in order

Thanks again for participating

[shirteesdotnet]

Sapporo... just had some a week ago.. I rate it 2.. mostly because I know the effort that goes into making beer, otherise, I wont order it again.

Urquell gets a 6... I'm a friend to certain beers... this ones not my all time fave, but I'll order it when in the mood.. and I would always order this ahead of a bud or miller.

[HogieWan]

Originally posted by shirteesdotnet
and I would always order this ahead of a bud or miller.

not saying very much there

[Seymour]

Sopporo: 2

Pilsner Urquell: 6 (lightly skunked)

Years since I had either. Sopporo's inoffensive but bland, and therefore not particularly memorable. The Urquell I had was lightly skunked, but I'm also just not a huge fan of pilsners in general. I suppose I should go out of my way to find a sixer that hasn't been light-exposed to make a truly objective judgment.

[shirteesdotnet]

Dale,

Why dont you try your hand at home brewing? You'll discover beers and flavors you've yet to discover.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Seymour
I suppose I should go out of my way to find a sixer that hasn't been light-exposed to make a truly objective judgment.

My local sells 12 packs for $11, I tend to rotate between Urquel, Dinkel-Acker Pils, and Spaten premium -- all in 12 oz. green bottles, but protected by full cover cases in 12 packs. Never had a skunked bottle this way. Nothing beats the great, malty melanoidin flavor produced by the multi-decoction mashing used in these brews.

S.

[Teej]

Originally posted by steveh
Side-by-side fresh drafts, I'd still rate the Urquell over the Budvar - they're different in character. But it would be a very enjoyable contest. :)

S.

I think I'd need 3-4 of each. Just to be sure of my vote.

[dalehileman]

shirt: Thank you for the suggestion, but to me brewing my own beer would be like assembling my own automobile

[hops99]

Sapporo 1
Pilsner Urquell 7
Czechvar (Budvar) 7.5
Stone Russian Imperial Stout 9.5 (sorry, just had some of this last night)

[dalehileman]

In my own defense; if you rate Sapporo at 1 but I rate it at 6, that is because on my scale, one point represents ten times, not one-tenth

But on your scale, if Sapporo rates a 1 then Bud Select must achieve 0.002

Even my No. 1 Son, who claims to like Bud Light but who in other respects is a very advanced taster, agrees that the latter far transcends the former

[chazwicke]

I thought they were the same beer.:D

[shirteesdotnet]

D- You should find a good place that sells beers if you dont want to make your own. I recommend two places... Its a small drive from Apple Valley but if you can get to either of these, or have relatives that can.. its well worth it.

#1- a placed called "The Stuffed Sandwich". Its a real hole in the wall but apparently a lot of people I talk beer with in my area already know of this place. They have HUNDREDS of beers from around the world. Make sure to check out their beer menu. The guy named Sam that runs this lil place travels the world in search of good beers. Tell him what youre looking for in a beer and he'll pick you just the right one (or two or three or four!). Its located in San Gabriel, CA. Get their directions here: http://www.stuffedsandwich.com/

#2- a place called GALCO located in Los Angeles (its actually a few block west of South pasadena) They sell 50-100 different kinds of beers. Get directions from their website:

http://www.sodapopstop.com/home.cfm

Anyhow, good luck beer hunting! If you've got a birthday coming up and cant drive to L.A. area here, aska relative as this lil trek would make a fun day.

[steveh]

Originally posted by hops99
Pilsner Urquell 7
Czechvar (Budvar) 7.5

It always strikes me odd that so many Hop Heads (the majority of US beer drinkers these days) pick the least hoppy of the 2 Pilsners over the other. Is it just rebellion against the more well-known brand?

To me, Budvar in the bottle is bland compared to Urquell. On tap it's a very good, Eastern European, Light Lager - one to be chosen over many others of its ilk, but I'd always pick the Saaz-charged Urquell if it was also available. Just my tastes.

S.

[chazwicke]

If you want hops, Try the Jever. I like both Budvar and PU fresh from the tap. I also like Jever but have not had it from the tap. I've had PU in Pilsn and Budvar at its brewery.

[steveh]

Originally posted by chazwicke
If you want hops, Try the Jever.

I've had the Jever, I enjoy the EKU Pils more, but still find Urquell the hoppiest.

S.

[dalehileman]

Shirt: Thank you for those suggestions and links

Here's another winner for folks near Apple VAlley

www.realbeer.com/discussions/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10823&highlight=apple+valley+meat

[wortchillergoal]

Originally posted by steveh
It always strikes me odd that so many Hop Heads (the majority of US beer drinkers these days) pick the least hoppy of the 2 Pilsners over the other. Is it just rebellion against the more well-known brand?

To me, Budvar in the bottle is bland compared to Urquell. On tap it's a very good, Eastern European, Light Lager - one to be chosen over many others of its ilk, but I'd always pick the Saaz-charged Urquell if it was also available. Just my tastes.

S.

I find that PU lacks mouth feel. If not that there is something that just does not not do it for me. I like my hops and have a staple ale I brew that gets dry hopped with Sazz, It pleases many people.

As for the the ratin of stated beers. I have not had Sapporo. I will give PU a 5.

Down with PU, Long Live Budvar.(Had to do it steveh)

[hops99]

It always strikes me odd that so many Hop Heads (the majority of US beer drinkers these days) pick the least hoppy of the 2 Pilsners over the other. Is it just rebellion against the more well-known brand?

I like them both, but I give the edge to Budvar because I think it has a balanced, well malted flavor to me. PU tends to be a little thinner, and more hoppy for sure. I guess I'm more of a "malthead" than a "hophead".

[steveh]

I think you guys are missing the great melanoidin malt flavors, and even the moth-feel, of Urquell because you're focused on its hoppiness. I find Budvar and Urquell even in body and mouth-feel.

Try this experiment: have a bottle of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale first, then try an Urquell -- you'll be surprised at how much malt stands out in the Pilsner, and then you'll know which flavor to look for the next time.

I agree that Budvar is more balanced between hop and malt flavor, but I enjoy a hoppy Pilsner - it's very refreshing. I'll also throw Golden Pheasant into the fray; not as hoppy as Urquell, but more so than Budvar - very nice brew on a warm summer afternoon.

S.

[hops99]

Try this experiment: have a bottle of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale first, then try an Urquell -- you'll be surprised at how much malt stands out in the Pilsner, and then you'll know which flavor to look for the next time.

Nah - been there, done that, YEARS ago.

Like I said, the gap between Budvar and PU is fairly small. I'd be happy with either, but will choose Budvar more often.


I'll also throw Golden Pheasant into the fray; not as hoppy as Urquell, but more so than Budvar - very nice brew on a warm summer afternoon.

Funny, I have not had a Golden Pheasant in a long time, but I just got some into my store last week, and was planning on trying some this weekend.

[steveh]

Originally posted by hops99
Funny, I have not had a Golden Pheasant in a long time, but I just got some into my store last week, and was planning on trying some this weekend.

Do tell, do tell.

S.

[dalehileman]

hops99: Thank you, I shall try that experiment

[ClockworkOrange]

I haven't had Sapporo in quite a while but do remember it as being quite unremarkable. I had a fresh Pilsner Urquell draft on Friday night served in the proper PU glassware and it was very good and refreshing. Went well with my supper ( grilled steak and provolone on garlic toast with fried onions and mushrooms) I started with a Troegs nut brown ale and had the PU with the sandwich.

[Gordonstoun]

I like Pilsner Urquell a lot--excellent malt and mouthfeel--but as has been mentioned earlier, this beer skunks easily, and many retailers do not know how to store it properly.

Sapporo--drinkable, but forgettable.

Let me suggest Pinkus Mueller Organic Pils. Expensive, but worth it.

[Mill Rat]

On a scale of 0 to 10:

Sapporo, 2. Not enough malt, hops or other things I like in a beer, except, perhaps, water.

Budvar, 7.5

Pilsner Urquell, 8

My eight-month lagered triple-decoction hombrew Bohemian Pils with 7 ounces of Saaz, a.k.a. Piss & Gurgle, 9.9. It'd be a 10 if it were not a little overcarbonated.

Natty Blight: 0.0001. It's not a complete zero since you can parboil bratwurst in it and they will taste slightly better than if you used plain water.

[wortchillergoal]

I got thinking about my rating of PU as I read this thread once again. I believe that i under rated it. While I may not like it compared to Budvar, PU for style and quality should get at least an 8 if not a little higher.


Still, I must proclaim,"Long Live Budvar, down with PU!"

[jjpm74]

Sapporo--2 (good with sushi but a pretty tasteless beer barren of a solid malt profile or pronounced hops).

Pilsener Urquell--bottled--1 (way too prone to skunking) Kegged and fresh--3 (lets face it, this is a perfect session beer and probably a 9 within its own style, but far from one of the best beers in the world).

My personal favorite beers at the moment:

Urthel Hop It--An experimental beer that combines elements of a West Coast IPA and a Belgian Tripel. The resulting beer is a beer with an excellent mouthfeel, deep rich flavor and smell that reminds me of some of the best IIPAs out there.

Fantome Pissenlit--Who'dve thought a beer brewed with a tremendous amount of dandelions in the Saison style would have such a delicate yet enjoyable smell/taste/palate?

Mt personal favorite every day beers at the moment:

Hoegaarden White--I do not care that this beer's been bought by Inbev and brewing has moved out of the traditional centuries old brewery. This continues to be the best witbier out there and very drinkable in the summer season.

Hylands Sturbridge Farmhand Ale--one of the most complex kolsch beers I've ever had and my staple summer beer, though some of this year's bottles are infected and buttery tasting, unfortunately.

[dalehileman]

wort, jj: While I had rated PU at 9.7 (which I would no doubt downrate by comparison if I had access to all the brews mentioned above), I'm surprised to see it achieving only 1 point over Sapporo

I think the latter is underestimated. Consensus would of course rate it below PU, but I feel the brew is not appreciated for its all-aroundness. While tasters such as we lean to the more bitter and hoppy brews, there's a lot to be said for the one that always goes down smoothly

[corkybstewart]

Originally posted by jjpm74

Fantome Pissenlit--Who'dve thought a beer brewed with a tremendous amount of dandelions in the Saison style would have such a delicate yet enjoyable smell/taste/palate?


An interesting sidenote: pissenlit is French for, and I'm not making this up, "Piss in Bed". Something that many of us probably remember from our younger and stupider drinking days.

[jjpm74]

Originally posted by dalehileman
wort, jj: While I had rated PU at 9.7 (which I would no doubt downrate by comparison if I had access to all the brews mentioned above), I'm surprised to see it achieving only 1 point over Sapporo

I think the latter is underestimated. Consensus would of course rate it below PU, but I feel the brew is not appreciated for its all-aroundness. While tasters such as we lean to the more bitter and hoppy brews, there's a lot to be said for the one that always goes down smoothly

Of the beers I listed, the only beer not distributed in CA is Farmhand Ale. Hoegaarden white is the most widely distributed and available locally to you. It is not hoppy at all and goes down really smooth making it an awesome session beer. I don't see any merit in any of Sapporo's beers. They are all about a half a step above Budweiser to me. There's nothing going on in terms of taste. I can see where you'd like PU, however as it is indeed a good session beer especially fresh.

Where you live, you actually have more good beer available to you than I do. Stone, Pizza Port and many others are not available in CT, but readily available in CA.

[smeyrt]

sapporo-1
urquell-7.8

[steveh]

Originally posted by jjpm74
probably a 9 within its own style, but far from one of the best beers in the world

Oh, I'll beg to differ - it is certainly in the top 10 of best beers in the world - it defined a style, for cry.

S.

[jjpm74]

Originally posted by steveh
Oh, I'll beg to differ - it is certainly in the top 10 of best beers in the world - it defined a style, for cry.

S.

And for that, it should beat out better beers? Budweiser also defined a style: the American pilsner/pale lager.

[steveh]

Originally posted by jjpm74
And for that, it should beat out better beers?

Convince me that there's a better beer in its style.

S.

[M.K. Jeeves]

I give sapporo a 10... for the can, 2 for the beer, Try crushing one of those fluted suckers in one hand!

[dalehileman]

MK: I had always hoped to find a structural use for the empty Sapporo can. My No. 2 Son being away, we stored his car in our barn, whereupon I speculated that four of them might be suitable to support the vehicle's weight, thus relieving stress on the tires

But it didn't work. Sturdy as they are, they're not that strong

The beer, though, was just fine

[jjpm74]

Originally posted by steveh
Convince me that there's a better beer in its style.

S.

I'm not trying to argue that. You stated that it is one of the ten best beers in the world. Convince me that there are not 10 beers in the world that taste better than this one.

[steveh]

Originally posted by jjpm74
Convince me that there are not 10 beers in the world that taste better than this one.

I don't have to, I'm already convinced - based on my own sampling - that there aren't. Convince me (don't make a list - tell me why) that there are 10 better - especially to those that meet or define a style.

As a disclaimer: there are many beers from very small, local breweries around the world that I've never sampled that could be quite good, but if asked for a list of my top 10 favorite beers, to style or not, Urquell would be one of them.

S.

[wortchillergoal]

Originally posted by steveh
Oh, I'll beg to differ - it is certainly in the top 10 of best beers in the world - it defined a style, for cry.

S.

Though it is not my beer of choice, I tend to agree with steveh's statement of PU.

[jjpm74]

Originally posted by steveh
I don't have to, I'm already convinced - based on my own sampling - that there aren't. Convince me (don't make a list - tell me why) that there are 10 better - especially to those that meet or define a style.

As a disclaimer: there are many beers from very small, local breweries around the world that I've never sampled that could be quite good, but if asked for a list of my top 10 favorite beers, to style or not, Urquell would be one of them.

S.

Pilsener Urquell is a great beer for its style (the best in its style, actually), but is nowhere near one of my ten favorites. I don't know of too many people who would put it in their top ten. Their top 25, maybe.

Here's my top 10 favorite beers:

1 Malheur Bière Brut (Reserve)
2 Fantôme Pissenlit
3 Traquair House Ale
4 Traquair Jacobite Ale
5 Westvleteren Extra 8
6 De Dolle Stille Nacht Reserva (2000 version)
7 Drie Fonteinen Framboos (Framboise)
8 BFM Abbaye de Saint Bon-Chien
9 Newport Storm 00
10 De Dolle Dulle Teve 10º (Mad Bitch)

If we're talking session beers:

1 Hoegaarden
2 Bells Two Hearted Ale
3 Bear Republic XP Pale Ale
4 Smuttynose IPA
5 Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier
6 Deschutes Cider Cone Red Ale
7 Alesmith IPA
8 Jasper Murdock's Old Slipperyskin
9 Jasper Murdock's ESB
10 Ayinger Altbairisch Dunkel

[steveh]

As I said, don't list - tell me why.

But just by putting a Framboise in your top 10 list, you've lost me. ;)
Sorry - cheap shot, but just as you can be skeptical of Urquell as a top 10, I'm as far from a fan of Lambics, Gueuze, and Framboise as you can get...but I still respect the style in its contribution to beer history.

Within your "session" beers, I'll give you original (original) Högaarden and Weihenstephan for style and quality (in the same league as Urquell), but even as a big fan of the Bell's beers, there's no comparison to flavor, balance, and precision brewing in your list.

While the rest are all good beers, I was finally overwhelmed by the glut of Pale Ales in this country many years ago. This board brought me back to (again) the upstart of the APA style: Sierra Nevada, and none really compare - or are all redundant.

Bear Republic, Smuttynose, Alesmith? While all good brews, there are plenty that equal in quality so they tend fade on my radar.

I had high hopes for Ayinger Dunkel, but either we get lousy shipments in the midwest or they just can't bottle and ship a good Munich Dark - just as Maine is the only place I'll enjoy lobster, the Höfbräuhaus im München may be the only true place to have Dunkel. Okay, maybe Augustiner.

Back to the top 10, I'm inspired to sit and decide on my top 10 favorites (and why), but they won't be flooded with in-your-face brews in any way...however, your choice of De Dolle Stille Nacht shows good judgment.

S.

[jjpm74]

Originally posted by steveh
Within your "session" beers, I'll give you original (original) Högaarden and Weihenstephan for style and quality (in the same league as Urquell), but even as a big fan of the Bell's beers, there's no comparison to flavor, balance, and precision brewing in your list.

Not sure where you are getting that from. All outperform Urquell in overall percentage and points in BJCP sanctioned judging events. You're being critical of me for listing better tasting beers then only using your own personal taste to back up what you claim. :confused:

Back to the top 10, I'm inspired to sit and decide on my top 10 favorites (and why), but they won't be flooded with in-your-face brews in any way...however, your choice of De Dolle Stille Nacht shows good judgment.


Thanks. They are one of my favorite brewers. If I were listing favorite brewers, almost all of them specialize in some type of Belgian beer or brew with noble hops with the exception of Ayinger and a handful of others, so my definition of a tasty beer will probably be very different from yours.

[steveh]

Originally posted by jjpm74
You're being critical of me for listing better tasting beers then only using your own personal taste to back up what you claim.

I'm not being critical at all, everyone's entitled to an opinion. I'm just stating mine based on personal experience, and 20 + years of beer sampling and style study.

Tell me which sanctioned events you're speaking of, how many and how subjective? The latest trend toward turbo-hopped and high-octane (in your face) beers has swayed the scale so far to one side, I'm skeptical of claims. Rate Beer and Beer Advocate are awash with beer drinkers who can only give a beer high scores if it knocks them to their knees.

I'd like to see some tasting notes and numbers from top-rated judges on the likes of a Pilsner Urquell, Spaten Oktoberfest, or a Paulaner Salvator - even a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale in competition with a Two Hearted, that would be a great competition to steward.

so my definition of a tasty beer will probably be very different from yours.

Maybe, but that's a big part of "opinion," and my definition of tasty ranges far and wide - from subtle to brash, hoppy to malty, estery to clean. But when I judge a competition I set aside any favoritism (even though that ranges far and wide also) and focus on the style on the table.

S.

[dalehileman]

[

Maybe, but that's a big part of "opinion," and my definition of tasty ranges far and wide - from subtle to brash, hoppy to malty, estery to clean. But when I judge a competition I set aside any favoritism (even though that ranges far and wide also) and focus on the style on the table.

S. [/B]

In that case, Steve, perhaps you would consider rating Sapporo higher than 2 or 3

I could use a little support from time to time

[steveh]

Originally posted by dalehileman
In that case, Steve, perhaps you would consider rating Sapporo higher than 2 or 3

It loses to me in that drinkability category (aside from it making me ill with one sip), sorry. There's a difference between subtle and bland.

Even though I disagree with JJ on his selections of "best" beers, of the 20 listed there's only one I'd pass up sampling. There are so many good beers out there, it's near impossible to create a best list. But it's pretty easy to create a worst list.

S.

[jjpm74]

Originally posted by steveh
Maybe, but that's a big part of "opinion," and my definition of tasty ranges far and wide - from subtle to brash, hoppy to malty, estery to clean. But when I judge a competition I set aside any favoritism (even though that ranges far and wide also) and focus on the style on the table.

S. [/B]

I'm assuming you are a BCJP judge? I am as well. We could argue until we are blue in the face, but while Pilsener Urquell might be the best beer in it's own style (which I am not disagreeing with, BTW), it is not the best brewed beer in the world. If you think otherwise, give me some concrete scientific parameters that you are using to arrive at that conclusion. Not personal observations and experiences.

I also disagree with your assessment of SNPA. SNPA is a beer that was great in its day but has since been outdone by other brewers. It is a great beer that I always have as a go to at a party, but most of the hype surrounding it is based on nostalgia and well earned respect for helping to create a new style than anything else. In this instance, I can say this with some level of certainty as I helped judge a blind tasting of 10 APAs that was set up by my local homebrew club as part of an article that was going into the bimonthly newsletter that included SNPA and the highest it placed was 5th on any judge's score sheets. If you feel otherwise, you are free to set up a similar blind tasting and see what results you produce. I can provide you with the exact list of APAs used if you'd like.

Originally posted by steveh
The latest trend toward turbo-hopped and high-octane (in your face) beers has swayed the scale so far to one side, I'm skeptical of claims. Rate Beer and Beer Advocate are awash with beer drinkers who can only give a beer high scores if it knocks them to their knees.


I don't think this is a fair criticism. While the top 50 consists of mostly in your face beers, that is only because the scale is not weighted according to style, so of course over the top big beers will dominate a list like that. If you are using one of those sites, check the best by style and see how you are aligned with those beers. That is a better gauge of the trends in the beer geek communities.

One of my favorite beers is a kolsch (Hyland Farmhand Ale). I also love kellerbiers, hefeweizens, pale ales, bitters, and many other styles and pseudo-styles and I am an active member of both the sites you speak of.

When I judge a competition, I am also only concerned with the style present.

[Seymour]

Kellerbiers? I'm not familiar with that style. Enlighten, please?

[jjpm74]

Originally posted by Seymour
Kellerbiers? I'm not familiar with that style. Enlighten, please?

It's an unfiltered lager that tends to be a bit hoppier than a helles. It's very similar to Zwickle and landbier. Kellerbier is the hoppiest of the three. Landbier is the maltiest.

[steveh]

Originally posted by jjpm74
I'm assuming you are a BCJP judge?

Recognized - our club always seems to have to cancel the exam at the last minute.

it is not the best brewed beer in the world.

One of the top 10 best beers in the world. If one were to gather up all available and pare them down by flavor, history, popularity - whatever, you'd have to put it in the top 10, well - most would, I guess you wouldn't. ;)

I also disagree with your assessment of SNPA.

I thought you said no personal observations?

I was a charter member of one of the first ever micro-of-the-month clubs. 5 years into the subscription I was receiving nothing but APAs - I burned out and cancelled the club a year later and told them why. I hadn't sampled but a few APAs until this forum rekindled my curiosity. I went back to SNPA and discovered it wasn't as big a hop-bomb as I'd always remembered - it was quite well balanced and flavorful, if not still hoppier than your run-of-the-mill brew. I respect many of the APAs available (Goose Island and Bell's included), but I have to give credit to SN for their consistency and quality over the years - it's not nostalgia to me, it's returning to the guys that get it right.

But yes, I'd like to see that list, it would be interesting. I may have to pose the sampling idea to my own club.

I don't think this is a fair criticism. While the top 50 consists of mostly in your face beers,

Not a fair criticism? Top 50 as mostly IYF brews sounds pretty prejudiced toward getting hit over the head.

One of my favorite beers is a kolsch

I never suspected you were one of those tipping the scales, just observing that you're utilizing data from heavily prejudiced input.

Seymour, a Kellerbier is a German throwback to the original brewing days. It's a beer that's aging in its keg (similarly to a cask ale) in the basement - keller - of a bierhall. It is unfiltered and very estery, yet smooth because it's often "kellered" very cold - as a lager. However, the beer doesn't always have to have been brewed with a bottom fermenting yeast. Look for St. Georgenbrau.

S.

[Seymour]

Wonder if you could give some f'rinstances? My curiosity is piqued. I may have to go on a beer hunt this afternoon!

[dalehileman]

I just received a little encouragement from my No. 2 Son, whose judgment on these matters far outweighs mine. "You have to consider the circumstances," he opines. It's best as the first [or only] beer of the evening though you might not want to drink it all night"

On the scale where PU rates 9.7, he places it at 8

[jjpm74]

Originally posted by steveh
But yes, I'd like to see that list, it would be interesting. I may have to pose the sampling idea to my own club.


I was in the same boat as you in regards to APAs, probably thanks to the same beer of the month club. It was a great test and really changed my opinion of SNPA. I was convinced I'd be able to pick out SNPA and that it would also dominate. I was surprised it didn't.

I'll get that list for you when I meet with my local next Tuesday. I don't want to lust off the top of my head.

I forwarded you a fun read via beermail when you get a chance. It's one guy's opinion of a lot of the beers we've been talking about in this thread (not mine, obviously). :D

[Kalleh1]

Well, fancy meeting you here, Dale!;)

Dale is one of our faithful Wordcrafters, and Richard and I have told him about this great forum.

[dalehileman]

Hi k! And what do you think of Sapporo

[steveh]

Originally posted by Seymour
Wonder if you could give some f'rinstances?

See above, St. Georgenbrau. Also, go to BeerAdvocate.com, sign up (free), and search and peruse the biggest beer database on the web - no, I'm really not a BA basher, there are many level-headed beer lovers over there - and I used to be an IYF only type of drinker at one time too.

S.

[Seymour]

Originally posted by steveh
See above, St. Georgenbrau. Also, go to BeerAdvocate.com, sign up (free), and search and peruse the biggest beer database on the web - no, I'm really not a BA basher, there are many level-headed beer lovers over there - and I used to be an IYF only type of drinker at one time too.

S.

Oops, sorry. Didn't see your post; you and I apparently posted simultaneously. Thanks for the name. I'll go give a look at the local paint store when I get a chance.

[BigHead]

They both rate well below Bud Select. Budvar should be sued for taking Bud.s name.

[dalehileman]

I still say Sapporo is underrated. It is all-around. If you want to define "bland," then I nominate Asahi

[Kalleh1]

Hi k! And what do you think of Sapporo
Well, I haven't really read this thread so I don't know how others feel. However, I hate it. I tend to like the English ales the best, especially cask and bottle conditioned. However, Steve here has also encouraged me to try other beers, and I am beginning to be a real fan of some German beers, as well as microbrews.

[steveh]

Originally posted by jjpm74
I forwarded you a fun read via beermail when you get a chance.

I'll check it out. And yeah, it all boils down to opinion. Unless you've lost all your sense of flavor like BigHead. ;)

S.

[dalehileman]

k: You will like the microbrews. Before their advent, the entire Western Hemisphere was almost devoid of decent brews. Since, however, I'm proud of my country for finally catching up with the rest of the world

[steveh]

Originally posted by jjpm74
I forwarded you a fun read via beermail when you get a chance.

I had the chance to read over that link, and the subsequent article of which beers you should try. Very well-stated and written - we agree and disagree on many counts, but it's nice to see someone writing well who "gets" good beer.

Here's the link for all (BigHead especially...please don't cry over his assessment of Spud):

http://www.ratebeer.com/Beer-News/Article-618.htm

Follow through to the June 8th, follow-up article (links on the right of the page) - it's worth the read too.

S.

[jjpm74]

Glad you liked them. I didn't want to post them here because I didn't know what this site's protocol was in regards to linking to other sites. Oakes has a part three that should be out today or tomorrow that is a list of ten bers every beer geek specifically should try. I'm looking forward to reading it.

[steveh]

Originally posted by jjpm74
I didn't want to post them here because I didn't know what this site's protocol was in regards to linking to other sites.

No problem at all, specially when it comes to beer info.

And that third entry is up today, about to read it now.

S.

[generalzonzo]

Pils Urquell = 10

Sapporo = 2 (Best if used to make Saki Bombs, aka Boilermaker with Sapporo and Saki)

[bill poster]

My favorite beer is Radegast from Czech. It seems to get wildly different reviews; I can only assume it is down to the freshness/travel/taste.

A little sweet but still hoppy and full flavoured. Great foody Pilsner, much prefer it to Urquel. And CHEAP

[steveh]

I like Radegast quite well, but I wouldn't call it cheap over here in the States, probably comparable to Urquell in price.

So what's the definition of "foody?"

S.

[dalehileman]

Steve: PU is not all that expensive, $1.25 where I buy my selection, along with scores if not hundreds of other choice brews

[steveh]

$1.25 per bottle? That's $7.50 a sixer, $15 a 12.

Most places around here I see Urquell for $13 a 12 pack. A tap glass usually runs around $4 or $4.50 in the Chicago area. Not exactly "cheap," but yeah - you get what you pay for (most times).

S.

[dalehileman]

steve: Life's too short, period

[steveh]

Well, the actual discussion wasn't about Urquell's expense so much that it was about Radegast being inexpensive (at least in my neck of the woods).

Considering my local paint store has Urquell at decent prices and often puts it on sale, I have nothing to complain about, but if you've ever been out of work for about 5 months, you find creative ways to find good beer inexpensively!

S.

[dalehileman]

steve: Or if you're living on a fixed income