Moose Drool and Lew's other picks [Archive] - Realbeer.com Beer Community

beer editor

03-05-2003, 04:11 PM

Lew Bryson has been nice enough to offer us more picks (http://www.realbeer.com/battleofthebeers/2003/predictions2.php), on the Thursday and Friday matchups.

Moose Drool Brown Ale over Pete's Wicked? I live in the west and can testify that Moose Drool is an excellent beer, but I wouldn't underestimate Pete's marketing clout.

And I wouldn't count count out Flying Fish against Ommegang.

I'm bracing for the Shiner Bock-Saint Arnold Brown matchup myself :eek:

Prosit,
Stan

steveh

03-07-2003, 07:33 AM

Okay, let me first clarify this thread by stating that I have never tried Moose Drool Brown (or any other drool for that matter), and I'm usually not the prudish sort - but every time I read the name of this beer I have to wonder why? It is in no way appetizing to me, and usually results in me pulling a face when I think about it!

Now, this beer could well be the best thing to come around the tap-stand since Young's Double Chocolate Stout - but, man! I just can't fathom ordering up a glass of drool! What's next? "Mop Top yellow matter custard, dripping from a dead dog's eye pale?" With apologies to John.

Sorry - just my rant, but the marketing people need to know that there are some of us shuddering out here!

S.

Lew Bryson

03-07-2003, 09:19 AM

Moose Drool didn't disappoint me, but I am surprised to see Tupper's Hop Pocket Pils on top of Brooklyn this morning. Not displeased, but surprised. Particularly since Hop Pocket Pils continues to sell much in the shadow of its older brother, Hop Pocket Ale. Hope some of you people put your money where your mouse is and actually BUY some Hop Pocket Pils now!

Not surprised to see Flying Fish way out in front of Ommegang this morning: sunrise comes early in The Springsteen State. They better get their lead early, because Ommegang is going to come on stronger as the terminator heads west. Flying Fish's western exposure is limited to appearances at the OBF, and I suspect there are some thwarted New Glarus fans who are waiting for revenge.

SNPA is thumping Mendocino, and I don't expect to see that change much during the day.

Somewhat chagrined, but never humbled,

Lew

Wyzeguy719

03-07-2003, 03:44 PM

Originally posted by steveh
Okay, let me first clarify this thread by stating that I have never tried Moose Drool Brown (or any other drool for that matter), and I'm usually not the prudish sort - but every time I read the name of this beer I have to wonder why? It is in no way appetizing to me, and usually results in me pulling a face when I think about it!

Now, this beer could well be the best thing to come around the tap-stand since Young's Double Chocolate Stout - but, man! I just can't fathom ordering up a glass of drool! What's next? "Mop Top yellow matter custard, dripping from a dead dog's eye pale?" With apologies to John.

Sorry - just my rant, but the marketing people need to know that there are some of us shuddering out here!

S.

Steve,

Let me start by saying that I'm the guy who named "Moose Drool". It was only about a second later that I started backpedaling. "It will gross some people out" I said, but I was outvoted by my partners, and it turns out that they were right!

The name "Moose Drool" does turn off some beer drinkers, but many more decide that they have to try it. I would say that at brewfests, 1 in 10 won't try it and 9 in 10 feel like they have to try it. Trials like that are a beer makers dream! I won't claim that Moose Drool is the world's best beer, but it is a damn fine brown ale, and it is the flavor that keeps an awful lot of those 9 in 10 who try Moose Drool coming back for more.

Anyway, if you make it out to Montana (or one of the other Northwestern states where Moose Drool is available) I hope that you will give Moose Drool a try. Just like "Green Eggs and Ham", you have to taste Moose Drool to decide whether you like it or not.

Neal Leathers
co-founder Big Sky Brewing Company

beer editor

03-07-2003, 03:53 PM

In 1995, O'Ryan's in Las Cruces won the gold medal at GABF in the Strong Ale category with "Dog Spit Stout." The story was the beer got its name when it was born as a homebrew and the family pet drooled into the wort. Now that's appetizing ...

Prosit,
Stan

steveh

03-08-2003, 02:03 PM

Originally posted by Wyzeguy719
Anyway, if you make it out to Montana (or one of the other Northwestern states where Moose Drool is available) I hope that you will give Moose Drool a try. Just like "Green Eggs and Ham", you have to taste Moose Drool to decide whether you like it or not.

Neal,
It's good to hear from the "moose's mouth," makes this forum all the more fun, interesting, and reputable.

Please understand that I was in no way trying to imply that MD might be a bad beer, there's no way I could do that honestly without having tasted it. And, based on the praise heaped by other members in this forum, it sounds like a great brew - it's just that name! And it sounds like you had reservations to begin with as well.

Thanks for the insight behind the creation, I almost certainly need to try it now if I get the chance.

Steve

steveh

03-08-2003, 02:06 PM

Originally posted by beer editor
In 1995, O'Ryan's in Las Cruces won the gold medal at GABF in the Strong Ale category with "Dog Spit Stout." The story was the beer got its name when it was born as a homebrew and the family pet drooled into the wort. Now that's appetizing ...

Bleh! I wasn't intending to imply that there's a House Moose at Big Sky supplying ingredient either! ;)

S.

paul84043

03-14-2003, 09:18 AM

I have a 120 pound german shepherd that absolutely loves beer....when I'm brewing up a new batch, I have to watch him like a hawk or he'll try to steal some out of the pot....

Dog Drool brand???

I'd be alot more worried about one of my kids drooling in it...

steveh

03-14-2003, 02:34 PM

Originally posted by paul84043
I have a 120 pound german shepherd that absolutely loves beer....when I'm brewing up a new batch, I have to watch him like a hawk or he'll try to steal some out of the pot....

Dog Drool brand???

I'd be alot more worried about one of my kids drooling in it...

Well, your dog is a *German* shepherd! My parents' Dachsund loved beer to, and I taught it to recognize the word - okay, before PETA gets on us, I never gave the dog any beer! Well, not much any way. ;)

The Drooling Kids Ale made me laugh out loud.

S.

paul84043

03-14-2003, 06:16 PM

My dog will actually take a beer out of an open case, break it on the concrete and drink it! I about died when I first saw that he did it. I don't know how the glass doesn't hurt him. I don't actually encourage him, he sneaks one every now and then.

Strangely enough, If we give him a little in his bowl, he won't drink it until we close the door and leave him alone. Guess he's not a social drinker..

kips4life

03-17-2003, 07:13 PM

Originally posted by steveh
every time I read the name of this beer I have to wonder why? It is in no way appetizing to me, and usually results in me pulling a face when I think about it!

Now, this beer could well be the best thing to come around the tap-stand since Young's Double Chocolate Stout - but, man! I just can't fathom ordering up a glass of drool! What's next? "Mop Top yellow matter custard, dripping from a dead dog's eye pale?"

S.

When I went to Montana and asked the bartender for a good local and he suggested that I indulge in a "Moose Drool"...The look on my face probably expressed exactly what you just said. I didn't want to put the guy off though, so I grudgingly decided to humor him and quaff the stuff despite myself. I am profoundly thankful that I did.

But how do you justify a name like "Moose Drool"?

If you've never been through the Big Sky, then chances are that you've never come across this beer before. Montana isn't for everyone: The old provincial proverb "Life has two speeds in Montana: slow and catatonic" perhaps illustrates that best. The initially unappealing name has, in some way, endeared it to the local population - Moose Drool, like Montana, they think, is simply too good to be meant for everyone. In the same way that many of them say "The Grizllies are one of the best parts of Glacier National Park because they keep the tourists in their cars" the name "Moose Drool" assures them that this rich stout will remain a distinctly Montanan icon for quite a while.

batkins

03-17-2003, 07:39 PM

Moose Drool.....MMMMM, great stuff. But come on people, you think it's hard to order a glass of "drool"? Try ordering a Yellow Snow (a pale ale by Rogue ;) ) Have to ponder that first sip, you know.

bleuburke

03-27-2003, 12:09 PM

Moose Drool has brought drinking delight back to my life. After moving to Minnesota, the only way I could enjoy my favorite beer was to have my parents bring the 'Drool with them from Bozeman. Now the 'Drool is in many of the liquor stores and even some bars around the state of Minnesota! It is such a great beer that we named a ski lodge after the beer. If you think that there are bartenders that get wierd looks when suggesting the 'Drool, can you imagine our guests faces when they are told that they will be staying in the Moose Drool Lodge!
If only I could find a way to get one of those wooden signs that have the logo on it!

i12bcd8ed

05-22-2003, 03:59 PM

While I have not had the pleasure of trying Moose Drool, I can attest to the power of a good (or bad) name catching beer drinkers interest. The first time I saw Butt Faced Amber on a menu I had to order one, if for no other reason than to look the pretty young waitress in the eyes and say " I would like to have your cold Butt Face Amber in my warm hands"
Arrogant Bastard is another one I like to order in mixed (social) company. What other beers are out there with odd or horrible names yet taste great? I seem to remember a beer in the 60's called Griesedieck, but it tasted bad enough to have been named by an auto mechanic's girlfriend. Horlacher was another oldie that didn't fare too well in the Midwest, but conjured up images of prostitution and bondage.:cool:

chazwicke

05-24-2003, 01:26 PM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Lew Bryson
[B]Moose Drool didn't disappoint me, but I am surprised to see Tupper's Hop Pocket Pils on top of Brooklyn this morning. Not displeased, but surprised. Particularly since Hop Pocket Pils continues to sell much in the shadow of its older brother, Hop Pocket Ale. Hope some of you people put your money where your mouse is and actually BUY some Hop Pocket Pils now!

Well Hullo there Lew, Long time since we have spoken. Probably back during the Prodigy BB days. Glad to see your recommendation of Bob and Ellie's Hop Pocket beers. Both still adhere to a fine standard. Will you be at Stoudts in June? Beer Crank - Chuck T.

dawg

07-16-2003, 05:26 PM

I tried Moose Drool at a small cabin near the foot of Mount Rainier. It's great stuff!

steveh

09-18-2003, 07:40 AM

Originally posted by Wyzeguy719 Anyway, if you make it out to Montana (or one of the other Northwestern states where Moose Drool is available) I hope that you will give Moose Drool a try. Just like "Green Eggs and Ham", you have to taste Moose Drool to decide whether you like it or not.

Neal Leathers
co-founder Big Sky Brewing Company

Well, months later, some kind friends who live in Montana sent a bottle of Moose Drool (oh, that just sounds bad reading it back, "Here's yer bottle of Drool! Hah) to me via the capable hands of some mutual friends.

I sampled it from a glass so as not to let the label and name distract me {;)}, and you guys are all correct, this is a fine brew. It had the complex malty, roasty flavor expected in a brown ale - but was smoother in its finish, almost creamy, than other browns. The hop tone, in nose and flavor, was subtle - but assertive enough against the malts to make a great balance.

I will definitely keep my eyes open for more of this brew, and recommend it to folks headed to where it may be found.

S.

fretlessman71

12-09-2003, 01:16 PM

Could it be possible that I'm just not a brown ale fan? What's wrong with my taste buds? I finally got my hands on a 6er of the Drool when I went to play in MN. I kept trying them over the course of a month, hoping to find that elusive "AHA!" taste, and I just never did. Nothing really WRONG with it.... it's just that I was much more impressed with the Bells' Two Hearted Ale I picked up the same trip. I'm down to my last bottle of Drool, and I can't decide whethere I want to trade it, drink it, or make beer bread with it... What's WRONG with me? I was SO looking forward to this beer....

steveh

12-09-2003, 02:46 PM

I find most (American style) Brown Ales to be somewhat harsh in their use of roasted malts. Moose Drool and the original incarnation of Pete's Wicked Ale are 2 examples that didn't follow this trend, but balanced flavors out fairly well.

AFA a comparison to the Two Hearted, you have apples and oranges here - Two Hearted being an IPA (again, in the American rendition) draws from lighter kilned malts and more hops for its flavor.

If you don't care for Moose Drool, it's probably because you don't care for that sweeter malt flavor balanced with a roasted (not hop) bitterness.

How do you like Porters? I've always found many American Porters to be akin to Brown Ales, with a sort of roasted - cardboard (yet not to the extent of oxydized staleness) flavor.

Some comparisons to attempt (if you can find the samples) would be Anchor's Porter and Goose Island's Christmas beer (which is very smooth from the tap, but harsh in roasted malts from the bottle) - maybe Guinness XS in there for a combo of different uses of heavily roasted malts.

The Goose will be very strong in the roasted malts, the Guinness next in line, and the Anchor Porter more toward the sweet balanced with roasted bitterness (at least, the last time I tried AP).

S.

Brownbeard

12-09-2003, 03:13 PM

I think the reason I like the Moose Drool so much, other than the fact that I can rarely get it, is the lack of hop bitterness. I like a malty sweet ale, with the bitterness coming from grain rather than hops.

fretlessman71

12-09-2003, 03:16 PM

Sierra Nevada Porter is my FAVORITE beer in the world, and I have a few Guinness XS in the fridge as well.

Just for the record, I can't quite choke down a Newcastle.... YICK.

Anchor Porter is a beer I remember liking a lot, but I've only had two in the last few years, and I'm a little dubious as to their freshness.

How does SN Porter rate in your hierarchy of roasted malt bitterness? I've never had a bad one...

Maybe Brown Ales taste to me like a bad porter.... hmmm...

steveh

12-09-2003, 04:22 PM

Originally posted by fretlessman71
[B]How does SN Porter rate in your hierarchy of roasted malt bitterness? I've never had a bad one...

It's been quite a while since I've had either SN Porter or Stout - but I remember my home-brew/beer lover friends always saying that they felt the Porter to be more of a Sweet Stout, and the Stout to be more of a Dry Stout - and I tended to agree back then. In other words, the Stout was a bit more roasty, and the Porter more smooth and somewhat creamy.

I don't know how they taste these days, and I've been meaning to try them both again -- but there are so many beers out there, and so little time!

Maybe Brown Ales taste to me like a bad porter.... hmmm...

Or an overly roasty one - what other Porters do you like?

S.

fretlessman71

12-09-2003, 04:42 PM

Hmmm... I like Odell Cutthroat Porter, Portland Haystack Black, Yuengling Porter, and I even like SN Stout a lot. You GOTTA go and try the Sierra Nevada stuff again... personally, I'm a little floored that there aren't more fans of SN. Maybe because they're so readily available that people tend to think they sold out....?

hopjack13

12-09-2003, 09:57 PM

Originally posted by fretlessman71
You GOTTA go and try the Sierra Nevada stuff again... personally, I'm a little floored that there aren't more fans of SN. Maybe because they're so readily available that people tend to think they sold out....?
i didn't think they ever sold out, everytime i go to the store it's always there..:rolleyes:
i've never tried their stout but i do enjoy their porter.
i wonder if they'll ever come out with a double I.P.A.???

b3s

12-09-2003, 10:00 PM

heh, i don't like most brown ale style beers...but i do like moose drool. just had it in OR and it's, IMO, a damn fine beer...but...typically i really don't like the brown ale style.

steveh

12-10-2003, 07:00 AM

Originally posted by hopjack13
i wonder if they'll ever come out with a double I.P.A.???

The Celebration Ale is actually an IPA, and a big one at that. Since it's been a staple in their line for so long, maybe SN actually started the Imperial India Pale Ale trend?

S.

hopjack13

12-10-2003, 05:48 PM

hmmm interesting, that could very well be.
sn was definitely a pioneer in the micro brew revolution

fretlessman71

12-10-2003, 08:10 PM

And they STILL make dang tasty beer! I kind of feel like they've been cast into this category of "Oh, yeah, SN makes good beer, let's see what else the liquor store has." Maybe I need to start a new thread dedicated to this beer alone and see what people have to say about it - I need some positive feedback on my favorite brew!

Tweek

12-10-2003, 08:14 PM

SN pale is prob my last choice beer, this is of course not counting the ones I wont drink at all. I would rahter have a sam adams than SN any day. I used to really like them. I am not sure if they changed and when I went back to them I no longer thought they were great or if my taste just changed.

fretlessman71

12-10-2003, 08:20 PM

Originally posted by Tweek
SN pale is prob my last choice beer, this is of course not counting the ones I wont drink at all. I would rahter have a sam adams than SN any day. I used to really like them. I am not sure if they changed and when I went back to them I no longer thought they were great or if my taste just changed.

I'm betting you got old beer... I've had a few of those from SN - I think it's a result of a micro having MACRO distribution and having the odd 6er fall through the cracks. Tell you what... I'LL try a Pilsner Urquell again and try to taste past tht skunky odor if YOU go out and get a few fresh SN beers... deal?;)

Tweek

12-10-2003, 08:55 PM

hmm not sure I get the urquell comment. Im not a fan of them either. I have had them on several occasions so it would be one hell of a coincidence, byt if you say so I will give em another whirl. Once I am done cycling through all my seasonals Ill go out and pick up a bottle or two and sit down to give em a real try.

fretlessman71

12-10-2003, 09:21 PM

Originally posted by Tweek
hmm not sure I get the urquell comment. Im not a fan of them either.

Oh, someone was busting my chops about calling them skunky when they're the reason that ANYONE ever drinks a Pils. There's an old thread about it somewhere... if I ever find it again I'll tell you about it - it was pretty funny! (I almost got someone to BUY me a 12er of PU just to prove to me it was good - the 12ers are boxed so they're protected from light.)

b3s

12-10-2003, 09:55 PM

well, i think my tastes have changed...i've tried PU several times and don't care for it...and lately, SN Pale (my old stand by) just doesn't cut the mustard (altho i'd drink it over sam adams any day and twice on sunday)...lately odell's 90 schilling is my standby...we'll see what the next 90 days bring :)

fretlessman71

12-10-2003, 10:32 PM

Well, compared to 90 Shilling, just about EVERYTHING else "pales" in comparison! :D

WOOHOO! Do you have ANY IDEA how long I've been WAITING to use that line?

steveh

12-11-2003, 07:16 AM

Originally posted by fretlessman71
Oh, someone was busting my chops about calling them skunky when they're the reason that ANYONE ever drinks a Pils.

Someone? It was ME you sorry punk! The guy wot sent you all those fine brews from Chicago and points beyond! ;)

And, I actually had the gall to compare SN Pale Ale and Pilsner Urquell as being similar beers in their body, flavor, and drinkability - and I still stand by that after drinking them side-by-side.

AFA SN sort of falling to the wayside in the onrush of micro brews, I'd have to agree. I don't even think of them when I'm considering a purchase, unless it's one of the seasonal brews. Nonetheless, they're hanging tough and seem to be thriving - and there is no denying their place as a cornerstone of fine craft brewing in the U.S. And I will be trying their porter again soon, based on "someone's" recommendation...

S.

BTW - I'm goin' out to get that 12 of P.U. tonight...

steveh

12-11-2003, 07:27 AM

Originally posted by fretlessman71
There's an old thread about it somewhere... if I ever find it again I'll tell you about it - it was pretty funny!

Oh yeah, http://www.realbeer.com/discussions/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1670&perpage=15&pagenumber=1

Don't know about funny, but it was definitely good beer discussion, and good beer discussion.

S.

chazwicke

12-11-2003, 10:32 AM

[i]Originally posted by steveh

AFA SN sort of falling to the wayside in the onrush of micro brews, I'd have to agree. I don't even think of them when I'm considering a purchase, unless it's one of the seasonal brews.
[/B]

I do the same thing all the time

Brownbeard

12-11-2003, 10:52 AM

I still think of SNPA as a good summer/camping brew. Generally inexpensive, easy drinking, and refreshing on a hot day.

fretlessman71

12-11-2003, 02:25 PM

You know, this really breaks my heart... could my taste buds have gone south so early in my life? I'm just going to have to go out and get me some more of this stuff and taste it ALL all over again.

Sorry I forgot it was you, steveh... it's one of those things where I couldn't find the thread, and I don't remember people unless I can put a face to them, and even THEN it's a tossup. Probably too much extracurricular activities as a young lad...:rolleyes:

I'll be willing to try PU again sometime next year, after all of my "have-to" beer purchases are made for the Christmas season. And if I don't care for them, I'll swap you for some SN... sound good?

hopjack13

12-11-2003, 04:52 PM

hey any time i see a p.u. i think 'steveh'.
i think it's his favorite beer ? and not that thats a bad thing, if im going to drink a bottom fee.....uh , fermented beer , urquell is my first choice, i think it's great right out of the bottle! leave the glass on the shelf! although i usually stick with my ales, urquell is a nice change of pace sometimes.

fretlessman71

12-11-2003, 05:18 PM

Originally posted by steveh

BTW - I'm goin' out to get that 12 of P.U. tonight...

Tell you what... if you make good on it, I'll send you some of my Worry Wort Porter that I JUST BOTTLED.... :D

steveh

12-12-2003, 07:23 AM

Originally posted by fretlessman71
You know, this really breaks my heart... could my taste buds have gone south so early in my life? I'm just going to have to go out and get me some more of this stuff and taste it ALL all over again.

They may not be gone, they may just need that aging and developing Jackson talks about.

Sorry I forgot it was you, steveh... it's one of those things where I couldn't find the thread, and I don't remember people unless I can put a face to them, and even THEN it's a tossup. Probably too much extracurricular activities as a young lad...

I know what you mean about keeping track on a forum, but I can also read betweeen your lines about me having waay too much free time to be able to find the thread! ;)

I'll be willing to try PU again sometime next year, after all of my "have-to" beer purchases are made for the Christmas season. And if I don't care for them, I'll swap you for some SN... sound good?

Hmm, I may take you up on that -- both beers are better for the warmer months anyway. If my corner paint store can get SNPA at a good price for 12s (as they do P.U., Dinkel-Acker, and Spaten Helles) I'd think of adding it to the rotation of "house beers" in the fridge.

S.

steveh

12-12-2003, 07:27 AM

Originally posted by hopjack13
hey any time i see a p.u. i think 'steveh'.

He, he, he -- hey, waitaminnit...

i think it's his favorite beer ? and not that thats a bad thing, if im going to drink a bottom fee.....uh , fermented beer, urquell is my first choice, i think it's great right out of the bottle! leave the glass on the shelf! although i usually stick with my ales, urquell is a nice change of pace sometimes.

If I were demanded to nail down a favorite, it would probably be Spaten Oktoberfest. I'm just the local lager advocate around here, so I'll stick up for P.U. - at least until the big conglomo completely ruins it.

S.

steveh

12-12-2003, 07:29 AM

Originally posted by fretlessman71
Tell you what... if you make good on it, I'll send you some of my Worry Wort Porter that I JUST BOTTLED.... :D

Hmm, maybe some 3 Floyd's Alpha Claus would be a better swap for the likes of a Porter...

S.

fretlessman71

12-12-2003, 11:22 AM

Originally posted by steveh
Hmm, maybe some 3 Floyd's Alpha Claus would be a better swap for the likes of a Porter...

S.

...you haven't tried my porter yet... :(

steveh

12-12-2003, 02:16 PM

Originally posted by fretlessman71
...you haven't tried my porter yet... :(

In the words of the great Charlie Papazian, "Relax, don't worry - have a home brew!"

BTW - I saw in one of the other threads that this is your first brew? I've been brewing on my own or with friends (friends who have bigger kitchens and basements and dedicated refrigerator space) for about 13 years now and never had a "bottle bomb."

Again, "Relax..."

S.