"Paint Store" purchases

[skahtboi]

Just dropped the wife off at a friend's house 45 minutes south of here, so that the could visit for a couple of days. While I was there, I went to Central Market to check out what winter beers I could score that were different from the local supply. Here is what I bought:

St. Arnold's Winter Stout (thought I would give it try even though I am not a big fan of anything of their's)
Great Divide Hibernation Ale(never had anything by GD)
Sierra Nevada Celebration 2003
Anchor Christmas
Avery Old Jubilation
Young's Winter Warmer
Great Grains' Olde Ale
Rogue's Santa's Private Reserve
Huyghe's Delirium Noel
De Koninck Winter Koninck

Any suggestions on where to start? The only one I have had is the Young's. I also passed on Pyramid's Snow Cap as I was not a big fan of that last year.

[GunNut76]

I'd personally start with the Rogue if it is a bomber. I've had the youngs and it was decent enough and the anchor did not impress me at all...tasted like I was drinking a liquid pine tree.

[Tweek]

Ill second that Rogue. That was among my favorites this year with the winter warmers. I also really liked the SN celebration. The anchor was good. The delirium took me a while to get into but half way through the pint I rather started to enjoy it. havent had the rest. Youll have to let us know how they are. I went on my first beer shopping excursion in my new town, can I just say WTF! this town sux for beer selection. Not sure what I am going to do about that, maybe stodbrew can enlighten me on where to shop. I did however manage to pick up a few that I had been looking for

samichlaus bier
lagunita hairy eyeball
lagunita ipa maximus
lagunita imperial stout
marin hoppy holidaze
SN celebration
MArin white knuckle ale
Norht coast 02 old stock ale
Unibroue Quelque Chose

The celebration, hoppy holidaze and old stock I have had repeatedly and very much enjoy. Ill let you know on the others.

[DarCoop]

Originally posted by skahtboi
Just dropped the wife off at a friend's house 45 minutes south of here, so that the could visit for a couple of days. While I was there, I went to Central Market to check out what winter beers I could score that were different from the local supply.


Lucky you. Every time I get near a CENTRAL MARKET, I stop and "shop" the beer section. I have not been in several months, so missed out on all winter beers. My problem is I usually go wild and drink up everything I buy within a few days. Guess I need to start buying MORE each visit.

[GunNut76]

Just keep looking Tweek...it took me 2 years to find my good store. Untill I found it I had Old Chicago.

[S.F.B.]

If you do start with the Rogue, give yourself a good palate cleanser. The heavy hop flavors will ruin it for anything else that might be on the more malty side.

[hopjack13]

hey tweek your up in santa cruz now right? did you try ba's beerfly/directory???

[skahtboi]

Originally posted by DarCoop
Lucky you. Every time I get near a CENTRAL MARKET, I stop and "shop" the beer section. I have not been in several months, so missed out on all winter beers. My problem is I usually go wild and drink up everything I buy within a few days. Guess I need to start buying MORE each visit.

I understand completely! That is why I spend way too much everytime I visit a CM. I was really proud of myself getting out of there yesterday for under $100 (barely). That is something I have never accomplished at a CM before, and all I usually buy when I go there is beer!

[skahtboi]

Well...borrowing from the old adage "save the best til last," I did not start with the Rogue. I just know that I am going to like that one. Instead, I decided to go with the one that I have had the most trouble with, St. Arnold's Winter Stout, and one I have never tried before, Great Divide's Hibernation Ale. I was quite surprised at the SA Stout, it was most enjoyable. Perhaps I will go and post a review on both now.

I think that I will save the Rogue for New Year's Eve, the night I also plan to uncork the Unibroue 11 I have been saving since summer.

[Tweek]

hopjack, yeah I tried comes up with a couple of liqour stores wher the guys are talkling about potential. I have seen a few places with potential as well, unfortunately potential will only get me so far :)