Future tastings calendar

[brewmonkey]

Maybe we should come up with a 120 calender for this and as each 30 days ticks off we figure out the next beer to add on to the end.

ie- Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr

When January is conducted we pick the May beer. This would give everyone enough time to swap or hunt down the beer for that session and we could do some more hard to find beers. Maybe tying the beer in to the seasons/months?

Make it a sticky thread at the top and lock it to avoid it growing in to an unreadable thread and just have the moderator make the adjustments to it as needed.

We could do it maybe by picking the style of beer the first week and then spend the next few days figuring out the brand. Rather then just throwing a beer out there and seeing what happens. Or we could have Fret decide a style and we figure out the brand.

Just some thoughts...

[threecb]

To take it a step further, perhaps we could use a predetermined pattern to picking the beers. Like -- Ale, Lager, Seasonal/Special. It might keep things more balanced in choices.

[brewmonkey]

I also own several domain names as well as the space with 25GB bandwidth per month that I can host the results on. I would be willing to host them if someone is designated to capture the transcripts. I am also upgrading this week to 50GB bandwidth and MySql so I can get my DB online again. I also have several hundred email aliases that I might make available for Realbeer members but I have not figured out how to allow them to register and assign a password to the account without going through myself.

I own http://home-brewing.info http://making-beer.info and a few other beer related ones but I would be willing to "donate" the above for use in realbeer.com related tastings and projects that might be to large to fit on this space or where we would like to have some form of order to it.

[fretlessman71]

I went ahead and made this thread a sticky just to see if I could do it (I could!), so when we designate a new one, I can do the same... and I like the idea of a thread that only I can access so that people can get information without having to wade through 35 posts about Monty Python's Holy (Gr)Ail.

I also like the idea of picking an appropriate brew for the month we're doing the tasting. January would be a good month to try SN Bigfoot 2004 or 2005, or maybe the recent Celebration Ale. What say ye?

[chazwicke]

I like the ideas above. a relevant beer to the seasonals available at that point would be great. Then hopefully we could get new or fresh samples.

One other suggestion that I am not certain I think is a good idea but I guess I'll post it.

Maybe we should designate a certain day each month, say the 3rd Saturday, so that everyone can plan on it.

I'm just throwing this out as I'm not certain that it is always good to be locked in especially if not everyone can join each time.

Just wondering how organized we need to be to make the monthly or bi-monthly. I like the flexibility of choosing a few weeks in advance but on the other hand it might be better if we had them scheduled at regular times and everyone could plan ahead.

[Bruno_78]

I like the designated time idea. That way I just know when it is, and can plan around it if need be. Again, not everyone is going to be able to make it every time, So unless there's a really bad week for everyone, (upon which we could reschedule) I think it could work.

[threecb]

I like the designated week idea, too.

[fretlessman71]

Okay, it's time to revive this thread. When do we want to do this?

I think it's only fair that since Fullers 1845 was a close second in the last poll that we choose it for the next tasting. Is this something that everyone can get their hands on? And does either the 22nd or 29th seem like a good day to do it (no football games to interfere)? Or maybe we'd like to do it at the same time as a game - THAT ought to be interesting! (Just a thought... :cool: )

[Bruno_78]

22nd will work best for me. Chaz and I will be at a beer fest on the 29th in Boston.

Oops, wait, I think I have a wedding to go to on the 22nd (not mine), so better not plan on me being there.

[fretlessman71]

So maybe we want to start this in May, so everyone can plan on it... seems like trying to do a mass tasting with less than a month to go is futile. I say we do the 1st Saturday of each month @ 4:30 eastern. Whaddya say?

[chazwicke]

I'm in.

[Bruno_78]

that works for me too. We could start in February though. That's a month away.

[Stodbrew]

I kinda like the idea of doing it on, like Fret said, the first, second, etc. saturday of the month. That way we can all plan around it.

[studentofbeer]

has anyone made an executive decision yet? im kinda jonesin for a tasting.

[Tweek]

you guys still doing this on aol?

[Bruno_78]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
I say we do the 1st Saturday of each month @ 4:30 eastern. Whaddya say?

How about we just run with this for a while and see how it goes?

Start 1st saturday in february?

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by Tweek
you guys still doing this on aol? *sigh* Yeah, we are... to be honest, I find mIRC hard to read. It makes me feel like I ought to be reading a BASIC computer program from 1974... :rolleyes:

I still have the program, and check in every so often... your name is there, but you never respond back to me! What gives?

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by Bruno_78
How about we just run with this for a while and see how it goes?

Start 1st saturday in february? We're on. Fullers 1845 is the beer of choice this time around. Brewmonkey, how do you want to proceed for the March tasting?

[Tweek]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
*sigh* Yeah, we are... to be honest, I find mIRC hard to read. It makes me feel like I ought to be reading a BASIC computer program from 1974... :rolleyes:

I still have the program, and check in every so often... your name is there, but you never respond back to me! What gives?


well you gotta give me a little while. Typically I am not just waiting for someone to talk in there, but if you come in and say something then hang around a while I am bound to notice.

Maybe one of these times Ill go over to Stobrews house and participate from there. Still no way I am installing anything AOL, but I would like to participate.

[studentofbeer]

weren't you going to try gaim?

http://gaim.sourceforge.net/about.php

[Bruno_78]

That looks interesting.

[brewmonkey]

I have a chat function on my server space that does not require IRC or anything else. It is set up and limited to people who know it exists. I can change the URL easily if we get ash & trash.

http://opforsoldier.com/Chat.html

[fretlessman71]

OK.... gaim is a little over my head, but does this mean that if it works properly we'd be able to have people from just about any chat service in the same "room" together? I like it, if that's the case!

[brewmonkey]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
OK.... gaim is a little over my head, but does this mean that if it works properly we'd be able to have people from just about any chat service in the same "room" together? I like it, if that's the case!

All you need for mine is the URL, easier then making beer!!! Oh yea, no download and conifg BS either.

[fretlessman71]

Well, I'm in... guess I know how to get ahold of you when I want to, eh? :)

It's pretty easy, folks. I don't mind doing this wherever anybody wants.

BM... I'm in, but not for too terribly long - drop by!

Fret

[brewmonkey]

It is up all the time for whoever wants to use it. I have mucho bandwidth (35GB's) so we are not going to kill it.

[chazwicke]

I just logged into Brewmonkey's sight. Looks good. Count me in for the Feb. tasting. 1845?

[fretlessman71]

SITE. :)

You still there? I just logged in as well. Yes, it'll be 1845.

[chazwicke]

I'm there now.

[chazwicke]

I vote we use Brewmonkey's site. Fret and I have both checked it out and it seems primo for the tastings. Thanks BM for offering it up. This way anyone can join AOL or not.

[fretlessman71]

And oh yeah... there's nothing to download, and there's no limitation as to what OS or computer you use. There's a link in ome of BM's posts in this very thread - if you're interested in joining us for the tastings, check out the chat forum, and let us know what you think!

And remember: Fuller's 1845 is on the bill for Saturday, Feb. 5th @ 4:30 EST.

[studentofbeer]

awesome, maybe fret post a new closed sticky thread announcing the time, date, beer and a link to brewmonkey's chat program?

[fretlessman71]

All done! Here it is. (http://www.realbeer.com/discussions/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5802)

[chazwicke]

Be sure to let us know what your nickname is if different from your realbeer name. Mine is Our Man Chuck. Same as my AIM screen name.

[Stingo]

I was at Binny's in Orland Park, IL today and got three bottles of 1845. They had about 3 left.

Glad to know this is scheduled and coming up. I'll be there!

[studentofbeer]

got 2 bottles of the 1845 today at bevmo, so im all set for the tasting.

[chazwicke]

I've got a few too. I gave one to a Buddy of mine who has registered on Realbeer some time ago. I think last summer. I'm hoping to encourage him to join us. He often reads but has never posted. He has accompanied me to many tastings over the years and will be traveling to Extreme Beer and Connecticut Real Ale with me. Come on JB join in.

[zoom6zoom]

Can I still find 1845 in Northern Virginia? Where should I try?

[chazwicke]

Try Norms in Vienna. Sometimes Whole Foods there has it too.

[fretlessman71]

Finally got mine! Wilbur's just got 'em in a few days ago. Might end up being late, though... I've agreed to be on the faculty of a conference for music worship leaders that Friday and Saturday, and it might go over a bit. You are hereby instructed to start without me if need be!

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by zoom6zoom
Can I still find 1845 in Northern Virginia? Where should I try?

Did you find it? I may have an extra bottle if you can't. I'm in Centreville. I'll be out of town from tomorrow afternoon until next tuesday but let me know if you need one and can't find it one at one of the local stores.

[fretlessman71]

Just reminding everyone about this weekend's Parallel Tasting @ 4:30 Eastern, 1:30 Pacific. There's a sticky with information on accessing brewmonkey's chatroom (nothing to download). I am hereby reminding everyone that I will be there, but I will be late, so feel free to start without me, ok? Enjoy!

[chazwicke]

Who will be participating besides Fret and I?

[threecb]

I will.

[Bruno_78]

I will.

[studentofbeer]

i will too

[Stodbrew]

I'll be there too.

[fretlessman71]

It might be a good idea to use your realbeer.com username on this chat room to avoid confusion - thoughts?

[Stodbrew]

Yeah, I think that's a good idea.

[threecb]

That was my plan AFA screennames. Can you point me to the link where I can register on BM's site?

[fretlessman71]

Same forum, sticky, closed thread. Can't miss it. :)

[fretlessman71]

Or, I could just do this... (http://www.realbeer.com/discussions/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5802)

[chazwicke]

I'll re register using my Realbeer name. I think I'm on there already using my AIM handle "Our Man Chuck".

Again I'd really like to thank Brewmonkey for opening this up and allowing to us to use his space.

[threecb]

Thanks!

[fretlessman71]

Tasting Today! 4:30 ET.

Wanted to remind you that I intend to be late, but I intend to be there eventually. This means that I could be on time as well, and the way things are going this week it also means that I COULD fail to show up at all... so someone has to be willing to try to save the transcript for staronstage to print up on the site.

On another note, I move that the next tasting be for Rogue Dead Guy Ale, unless there's a more fitting and appropriate March brew you'd prefer. In that case, I would suggest that Dead Guy be scheduled for a time when the weather is a little warmer.

Just stuff to kick around... I still like BM's idea of deciding this stuff about 3-4 months out. So be ready to toss out some suggestions!

[steveh]

Not workin' for me. Page won't let me log in with any of my nicknames -- says they're all taken. Wussup?

S.

[studentofbeer]

Originally posted by steveh
Not workin' for me. Page won't let me log in with any of my nicknames -- says they're all taken. Wussup?

S.

it worked ok for me. maybe just re-register as steveh1 or something if it isnt working?

[steveh]

I think I'm in...no one else around right now? I'm thirsty.

S.

[chazwicke]

Another Great Time! As always these tastings are very fun and I would encourage all posters to attend.

Lastly, Thanks Brewmonkey for letting us use your site. It was excellent. But we missed you.

[fretlessman71]

Reminder to everyone that the Dead Guy Ale tasting is on for March 5th. Now, I have to ask this: Is it going to be cold enough in your neck of the woods to try a barleywine on Apr. 2nd? I suspect that it will be here, and I'm willing to try it, but maybe a good Marzen or Maibock would be more appropriate (maybe not a Maibock since DGA is an ale-yeast version of one). Need thoughts so we can get this ball rolling!

[Stodbrew]

It'll be pretty warm here in April, most likely, but that wouldn't stop me from drinking a barley wine. I'm always up for some Bigfoot.

[fretlessman71]

'Foot '05 was just what I was thinking. Anybody third the motion?

[chazwicke]

Dang! And I went and bought three bottles of DGA. Actually a Bock does sound kind of good. But I'm up for whatever.

[fretlessman71]

No, chaz - DGA is still on for March 5th. We're trying to set up April well in advance. You done good, buddy! :)

[studentofbeer]

it's always bigfoot time. i think it sounds good for april.

[chazwicke]

OK I'll make it four. Others? Suggestions? Celebrator, Optimator? .........

[fretlessman71]

Then I'm going to pull rank and say that Apr. 2nd is BigFoot Barleywine 2005 time. I'll book 'em both right away!

[chazwicke]

Good, It's set then. Bigfoot 2005.

[steveh]

$9.99 a six-pack this year, I've been holding off...

S.

[chazwicke]

I have not looked for it here yet. Have no idea of the pricing.

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by steveh
$9.99 a six-pack this year, I've been holding off...

S. That's pretty standard as far as CO goes - are you used to getting it for cheaper?

[studentofbeer]

that seems about the standard price, or maybe $8.99. buy a case, get a discount ;)

[steveh]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
That's pretty standard as far as CO goes - are you used to getting it for cheaper?

I don't recall it being that high last year. I may have left the price tag on the bottle I laid down (posterity and history), have to look.

S.

[chazwicke]

I'll report back here when I purchase mine. It'll be interesting to see if the price is fairly consistant coast to coast.

[fretlessman71]

For me, singles are $2, if that helps....

[Lamprey]

I was just thinking I would suggest a tasting of BF '05 so I hopped on to the parallel tasting club - what a coincidence. I hope to participate. I suggest partcipants save a couple for a tasting a year from now (maybe Feb 06) and maybe even 2 years to see how it ages? I hear BF is best 1 - 2 years out (but also good fresh).

I'm enjoying my 1st, 2nd and 3rd BF this evening.:D

[steveh]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
That's pretty standard as far as CO goes - are you used to getting it for cheaper?

I was right, last year's was only $9.98.

:rolleyes:

S.

[fretlessman71]

Yeah, it's pricey stuff... but well worth it! :D

[Grog]

$10.99 (on sale) here in WA. I didn't know it was so expensive to ship 900+ miles away. They know we are a bunch of snobs up here and will pay almost any price for something really good.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by Grog
$10.99 (on sale) here in WA. I didn't know it was so expensive to ship 900+ miles away. They know we are a bunch of snobs up here and will pay almost any price for something really good.

Uh oh that probably goes double for the DC area then.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by Lamprey
I was just thinking I would suggest a tasting of BF '05 so I hopped on to the parallel tasting club - what a coincidence. I hope to participate. I suggest partcipants save a couple for a tasting a year from now (maybe Feb 06) and maybe even 2 years to see how it ages? I hear BF is best 1 - 2 years out (but also good fresh).

I'm enjoying my 1st, 2nd and 3rd BF this evening.:D

Congrats on hitting 100 posts! I look forward to have more folks join the tastings. It is a great and informative time. Possibly unique to this board as well.

[studentofbeer]

my bigfoot was $8.99. i think im going to try one tonight!

[chazwicke]

Good idea to "test" it to make certain it will be good for the tasting.:D

[Lamprey]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Good idea to "test" it to make certain it will be good for the tasting.:D

Yes...good idea. I had 3 just to be sure...it did take 4 hours!

[Lamprey]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Congrats on hitting 100 posts! I look forward to have more folks join the tastings. It is a great and informative time. Possibly unique to this board as well.

That's about once every 3.65 days.

I wonder how many I'd be at if I actually hit 'post reply' every time I typed.

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by Lamprey
That's about once every 3.65 days.

I wonder how many I'd be at if I actually hit 'post reply' every time I typed. And why DON'T you hit "post reply" every time you type? You got stuff in your head you'd rather we not read or something? :)

[chazwicke]

Isn't obvious that we do that all the time?:D

[Lamprey]

I'm just not quite sure my sarcastic remarks would be appreciated. I try to stick to beer-related comments - key word: try.

I do enjoy reading everyone's comments - I certainly find them informative and they can be quite entertaining.:)

That said - I'm looking forward to the Bigfoot tasting...

[chazwicke]

Me too. I have not sampled one for a year or two.

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by Lamprey
I'm just not quite sure my sarcastic remarks would be appreciated. I try to stick to beer-related comments - key word: try. Yeah, I understand - nobody on THIS board is EVER sarcastic. Nope, not a one of us. In any way, shape, or form.

Hey... as long as you're not trying to hurt anybody's feelings, and you're not being crude for no good reason (like the sleazebag who keeps posting topless pics of herself on this board - GET A LIFE!), you're free to post your thoughts whenever you feel the need. Dive right in - the water's fine!

[Bruno_78]

Hey fret, go ahead and send all those topless pics over to me. I'll make sure to dispose of them properly!

hehe!

[fretlessman71]

Already disposed of. And properly to boot. :rolleyes:

[Bruno_78]

I always miss all the excitement!

[fretlessman71]

I'm sure you wouldn't have gotten it anyway.... ;)

[Bruno_78]

(insert picture of Ralphie here)

[fretlessman71]

Go check your gmail, Ralphie....

[chazwicke]

That really happen Fret?

[fretlessman71]

That it did, as you will notice there are 3 stickys up in each of my moderated forums speaking to decency in posting. Not kidding.

[chazwicke]

I saw the stickies after. Never figured that would happen here. Were they some sort of advertisements?

[Stodbrew]

Originally posted by chazwicke
I saw the stickies after. Never figured that would happen here. Were they some sort of advertisements?


Nope, just someone desperate for attention.

[chazwicke]

Sad.

[studentofbeer]

forget boobs, this might get your attention-- bigfoot for $5.99 a six!

safeway had this on sale. safeway was out. safeway gave me a raincheck!

so sometime in the next week or so i will go back and probably pick up a whole case for that price. the girlfriend won't be happy, but maybe she doesn't have to know. then i will definitely have some cellared for future vertical tastings. i still have three 2004s.

i did test this year's bigfoot, just to be sure. it's good. (less hoppy and a bit more balanced and sweet than i remember, tho still hoppy because when i gave the gf a sip she said, damn, that's hoppy! For a girl who hates beer, she sure knows a lot about it now.)

can't wait for the tasting now. i still need some dead guy tho for march.

[Lamprey]

Originally posted by studentofbeer
forget boobs, this might get your attention-- bigfoot for $5.99 a six!

I thought I had it good at $7.99...

I'd pick up at least 2 cases at that price.

[chazwicke]

I still have not been out to check it here. Or make my purchase for the tasting. Seems some of you are finding decent deals.

[studentofbeer]

dead guy is less than a week away... everyone ready? i grabbed 3 bottles at trader joes this weekend. are we using brewmonkey's software again? I thought it was great, except no way to save the transcript. did anyone talk to him about saving the text?

[TrojanAnteater]

I got 2 bottles from Trader Joes..... I got them off of the shelf they have with all the singles they dump. I hope the 2 I got weren't too old, I shoulda just pulled a couple out of a package. Is there anywhere on a bottle that indicates the date it is suppose to be consumed by or the date it is bottled?

At the bottom I see (from left to right) a 21, a 1 or an I with a circle around it, and an 05. And the other bottle has the same thing but with a 21 and an 04.

Also one of the bottles is missing its label around the neck... weird.... last time I pick stuff off of that singles shelf

[TrojanAnteater]

Hm, nevermind, just searched the internet and found out Rogue doesn't print any kind of expiration or bottling date on their bottles. Don't know what these numbers could be then.

If anyone has any idea... one bottle says....

21, I with circle around it, 05, P-9 and another says
21, I with circle around it, 04, Ll-l


maybe its just a bottle number

[chazwicke]

Who is attending tomorrow?

[Bruno_78]

I think I'm gonna be there.

[chazwicke]

Here is the link for those attending:

http://opforsoldier.com/Chat.html


4:30 eastern time.

[studentofbeer]

see ya then.

[TrojanAnteater]

i'll be in there

[fretlessman71]

I expect to be there as well, barring major catastrophes and what not. :)

[fretlessman71]

OK - we have Dead Guy today (March 5), and Sierra Nevada Bigfoot on April 2nd.... we need to get ahead of the game and pick one for May 7th. Any ideas?

[Stingo]

I cant figure out what beer it is dead guy what? I thought it was bigfoot. Help!

[fretlessman71]

Dead Guy Ale is by Rogue Brewing. Here's a link. (http://www.rogue.com/brews.html#deadguy)

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by Stingo
I cant figure out what beer it is dead guy what? I thought it was bigfoot. Help!

Yes Bigfoot is the next tasting in April.

[studentofbeer]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
OK - we have Dead Guy today (March 5), and Sierra Nevada Bigfoot on April 2nd.... we need to get ahead of the game and pick one for May 7th. Any ideas?

a hefeweizen? or is it too early for those? schneider weisse, franziskaner, etc.

or Youngs special london ale.

or something from ommegang (hennepin, rare vos, ommegang) (is that national distribution?)

those are my ideas. i might vote for an ommegang, especially henepin or rare vos for may, and maybe a hefe for june. just some ideas.

[chazwicke]

A good Hefe for June would be good. Maybe a Maibock for May. But I like the Youngs suggestion too.

[fretlessman71]

Actually, aren't we sort of doing a Maibock today?

[chazwicke]

Is that what the Dead Guy is? I have done no research yet. and it has been a long time since I last had one.

[fretlessman71]

http://www.rogue.com/brews.html#deadguy

That ought to help you out some. :)

[chazwicke]

Thanks for that. Nov. 1st is my B-day. Mayan day of the dead and All Saints Day. So I should have some connection to this one.:)

[fretlessman71]

That explains a lot, chaz.... might have even been more information than I needed to know. ;)

[Stingo]

Gosh golly guys, I just got my bottle of Dead Guy ale, am I too late???

Hey it is good and I had fun listening in. I could drink another bottle or two. Ok I will!

Already set with the Bigfoot.

[chazwicke]

Looking forward to the Bigfoot. Was glad you could join us for the DG even though you didn't have a bottle. See ya there next time.

[studentofbeer]

everyone set for bigfoot this weekend? what did we decide for may? i have a whole bunch of bigfoot sitting around in the house (and my school had it out on tap last thursday-- i don't think people knew what they were getting into when they poured it, but it sure did go pretty fast!)

[Stodbrew]

I should be good to go. Subject to change at the wife's notice, however.

[chazwicke]

I am hoping to arrive back home in time to participate. Will do my best!

[chazwicke]

That Bells 6000 we had in Chi town will be hard to beat!

[Stingo]

How about a german smoke beer? http://www.schlenkerla.de/indexe.htm

its awesome stuff!

[chazwicke]

I love the Schlenkerla brews. I finally found some more of the wheat. The best I ever had was at the brewery.

[fretlessman71]

I might have to pass on this one as well! Jeez... issues with getting any amount of sleep knowing that I won't get home until 3 and I have to be up at 6, and do I really want to have that big of a beer that day with all that going on? I'll see how I'm feeling that afternoon... looks like this is going to be a game-time decision. :rolleyes:

[chazwicke]

Come On!! I'm trying to get home in time.

[studentofbeer]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Come On!! I'm trying to get home in time.

go peer pressure!

[Stingo]

so is it 4:30 ESt on Saturday?

[studentofbeer]

yep, just go to http://opforsoldier.com/Chat.html tomorrow at 430 eastern.

or see my little announcement thread: http://www.realbeer.com/discussions/showthread.php?s=&postid=80170#post80170

[chazwicke]

I'm home and signing in momentarily.:D

[studentofbeer]

whoops, don't know what happened but somehow i got signed out and can't sign back in. but i had a great time and i'm looking forward to next month.

[chazwicke]

Thanks for another great online tasting today. The Bigfoot was very tasty. It had been a while since I last had it. A few years I think.
Thanks to Student, Stod, Zoom, Stingo and Fret. And the big news is that Student of Beer is the new Host / Moderator of the monthly tastings. The Golden Stein has been passed. Way to go Student. I love these tastings and would recommend that all attend them. I have even enjoyed beers that I had expected not to based on prior tastings. It is well worth attending and is very fun as well.