Whats the best beer you've had & why?

[scblack]

Nah... I've been offered some homebrews that I wouldn't take if you paid me. Also, I'm not a stout drinker so anything that resembles vegemite soup can stay away...
You haven't tried my homebrew - good stuff.:cool:

Johnny's was good too.

[gravelclimber]

I've been knocking back beerlaos for the past few weeks (being in Lao and all), and damn that beer is one fine drop. Easily the best beer in SE Asia, and one of the finer mass produced lagers in the world. It also helps that they are only $1 for a big bottle.

http://www.beer-lao.com/images/products/beerlao-lager.jpg

They've a new dark beerlao out now which is an Irish amber ale style. Not too shabby either.

[Demo Dave]

Angkor beer from Cambodia was easily my fav from my early july vietnam/cambodia holiday.

[ajay]

^^ Demo Dave - I got stuck into that too, thoroughly enjoyed it. not fantastic, but damn refreshing...

Graveclimber - couldnt agree more, mate. I lived on that for weeks!

Where abouts in Laos are you?

[NCR600]

I've been knocking back beerlaos for the past few weeks (being in Lao and all), and damn that beer is one fine drop. Easily the best beer in SE Asia, and one of the finer mass produced lagers in the world. It also helps that they are only $1 for a big bottle.

http://www.beer-lao.com/images/products/beerlao-lager.jpg

They've a new dark beerlao out now which is an Irish amber ale style. Not too shabby either.

Beerlao actually make beer? I thought they just made T shirts to sell to skinny dreadlock guys...

[Techno Destructo]

Ok, I haven't drank one yet, but I just bought this beer tonight and I'm saving it for the end of a winter canyoning mission I'm going on this weekend.

In some really dorky way, I'm pretty excited to try it! All you climbers out there may know what I'm talking about....

http://www.jenningsbrewery.co.uk/crag_rat_product.htm

Bummer it's so expensive though... $10 for a bottle! (For one person...)
http://www.jenningsbrewery.co.uk/images/pumps/big/crag_rat.gif

[Breaka]

Ok having a bit of a debate with a friend at the moment. We sort of came to the conclusion that imported doesn't necisarilly mean good.

I'm drinking Coopers Sparkling at the moment ( what I opt for 50% of the time) and it suits me just fine. The bottlo's in my immediate area are pretty limited as far as imported beers go. I've been taking notes throughout the thread as I'll be visiting Dan Murphys pretty soon.

I've tried the regulars mention in this thread eg. Stella, Grolsch, Beez Neez, Heiniken etc and I still find that Coopers sparkling and Tooheys Extra Dry still come up trumps?

A wuick question...does anything else find that Beez Neez taste like a semi-fermented homebrew....it certainly tasted like the batch I put down when I tried it when it wasn't properly feremented.

[NCR600]

A wuick question...does anything else find that Beez Neez taste like a semi-fermented homebrew....it certainly tasted like the batch I put down when I tried it when it wasn't properly feremented.

I think a lot of the smaller breweries suffer from that problem. I agree with you about Beez Neez and Matilda Bay stuff.

I actually had a really good chat with a JAmes Squire Promotions guy at the bottleshop on Norton Street in Leichhardt about their then newly released IPA.

I'd bought a case a few weeks previously and thought it tasted green. I told the guy that, and he agreed. IPA is a style meant to bottle age (for the long trip to India) and benefits by a few weeks in the bottle, so they were going to hold shipments of the stuff to give it a bit of age. That guy turned out to be their marketing manager (this was before they got swallowed up by the corporate world) and basically got pissed with me in a bottlo while we chatted about beer. Squire's IPA is one of my favourites now they've got it tuned up properly.

[Breaka]

and basically got pissed with me in a bottlo while we chatted about beer. Squire's IPA is one of my favourites now they've got it tuned up properly.

God damn, best I've done with my local bottlo staff is tune a friends sister.

As for squire, I really don't mind a JS Pilsiner.....it just takes a bit more of an effort to get my paws on it. As for the Indian Pale, can't say I've tried but I definitely will.

[GravityGuru]

Good lord... Tried a bottle of Little creature's pale ale tonight courtesy of Mr C allonby, and I was not a fan! Ted's, and coopers pale ale has gone pretty well for me lately... although I'm keen to crack open a bottle of my home brew, brewcraft munich lager... (been bottled for a month... want to leave it for three) Might have to grave dig the ol home brew thread soon for some tips :D

[Breaka]

'm keen to crack open a bottle of my home brew, brewcraft munich lager... (been bottled for a month... want to leave it for three) Might have to grave dig the ol home brew thread soon for some tips :D

A tip from me is to bottle a few stubbies. This way you can taste how the beer is going without wasting a full tally (this is if you are infact brewing in tallies to begin with).

And yeah, I was thinking about digging too, but I was thinking about leaving it to the summer months :p

[NCR600]

God damn, best I've done with my local bottlo staff is tune a friends sister.

As for squire, I really don't mind a JS Pilsiner.....it just takes a bit more of an effort to get my paws on it. As for the Indian Pale, can't say I've tried but I definitely will.
The JS Pilsener is excellent. All of their brews are. My GF worked in the local Bottlo too, so I know what you mean.

Good lord... Tried a bottle of Little creature's pale ale tonight courtesy of Mr C allonby, and I was not a fan! Ted's, and coopers pale ale has gone pretty well for me lately... although I'm keen to crack open a bottle of my home brew, brewcraft munich lager... (been bottled for a month... want to leave it for three) Might have to grave dig the ol home brew thread soon for some tips :D

Drink one now, set aside one for 3 months, 6 months 12 months and 18 months.

A year in the bottle is often the difference between an average home brew and an excellent one.

[Breaka]

NCR did you chat with the Squire rep about why they went ahead with an Indian specific pilsiner? Excuse me if I seem ignorant, I know that there is alot of white folks in Inida (particularly the british), but is there enough demand for Squire pilsiner for them to go through with IPA?

Just seems a bit weird to me

[NCR600]

NCR did you chat with the Squire rep about why they went ahead with an Indian specific pilsiner? Excuse me if I seem ignorant, I know that there is alot of white folks in Inida (particularly the british), but is there enough demand for Squire pilsiner for them to go through with IPA?

Just seems a bit weird to me

India was a British Colony so the British developed a pale ale style beer that used a relatively large amount of hops to act as a preservative for the sea voyage to India from Britain. It's no suprise then that it needs a bit of bottle aging. It's avery hoppy style, so is similar to a Pilsener in that respect. It's not just limited to JS, The American Sierra Nevada brewery do an awesome PA. Likewise a Porter style dark ale is called porter because it's portable... again a style of ale that can handle a long time in the cask in less than ideal conditions. Or it might have been a favoured drink of Railway Porters in the Victorian Age. Such is history. And Beer.

[antwan88]

Ted's are shit and Breaka are you sure the STella, Heineken and Beck's you tried were the imported ones? Very hard to get a hold of in Aus.. It is all fucking made here nowadays and tastes just like a boring lager similar to TED's..

Drink up on as much Peroni as you can.. Coke owns it now in Aus and it may not be 'imported' for very long.. Awesome beer.

Yes all the Maltilda Bay range suck.. Fosters weak attempt at a boutique brewery... However Chuck Hahn is doing very well with the James Squire range.. good beers.

Also sif not like Creatures Pale.. Gotta love the Amarillo hops (in all their beers).... Also a big fan of the Bright Ale (also Squire's Golden ale).. Both ales but not bitter like usual because they are fermented it very cold temperatures.. This detracting from the bitter taste you usually get from Ales.. Nice clean and crisp.

[GravityGuru]

A tip from me is to bottle a few stubbies. This way you can taste how the beer is going without wasting a full tally (this is if you are infact brewing in tallies to begin with).

And yeah, I was thinking about digging too, but I was thinking about leaving it to the summer months :p

The whole 23L was bottled in stubbies :D

[Mo]

I've been knocking back beerlaos for the past few weeks (being in Lao and all), and damn that beer is one fine drop. Easily the best beer in SE Asia, and one of the finer mass produced lagers in the world. It also helps that they are only $1 for a big bottle.

http://www.beer-lao.com/images/products/beerlao-lager.jpg

They've a new dark beerlao out now which is an Irish amber ale style. Not too shabby either.

it actually has been rated one of the best beers in the world, pity when i was on laos i was too young to understand beer.

but lately it's been coopers pale ale, great cru :)

worse beer to date is Lowenbrau, yuk taste like cheap ass 5c beer, i actually had to throw it away

[Cameo]

Just had a Little Creatures Rogers; I must say it was one of the smoothest, lightest beers I've ever had. Go figure, it only packs about 3.5% alcohol or so. Regardless, it was a nice, light winter beer, and once again am I impressed by the dudes in Freo.

Also had a Maharajah's tonight aswell. Cost me about $3.50 from St. Kilda bottleshop. This was the first Indian beer I've ever had and will probably be the last too. The flavour was way too intense for me, especially with an untrained 'beer' mouth. I struggled to finish the bottle, but the main reason behind the purchase in the first place was the impressive art on the label! hah!

[Ryan]

I had myself a Unibroue Trois Pistoles on Friday night and it was superb, I don't even particularly like dark ales, but I'll happily fork out the $25 for a 4-pack of these at the end of the next working week. I also support the fact that all of their beers are very high alcohol content, so you're really getting 8 beers worth of effect out a 4-pack, if you're concerned about such things.

Having tried all 3 of the Unibroue range that I've been able to find here in Australia my verdict is thus;

La Fin du Monde - Awesome
Maudite - Reasonable, but not worth the hit to the hip pocket
Trois Pistoles - Awesome x Awesome

[Blas4me]

A tip from me is to bottle a few stubbies. This way you can taste how the beer is going without wasting a full tally (this is if you are infact brewing in tallies to begin with).

And yeah, I was thinking about digging too, but I was thinking about leaving it to the summer months :p

Don't leave it for the sumer months, brew it now so it's ready for the summer months. Some of the beers favoured in summer have yeast that works better in cooler temperatures anyway. It also means your brew has had time to mature and may not have as much of the "green" taste by the time you feel like drinking it!

[davieg]

you cant look past a good boddingtons.

excuse the spelling if its wrong but my dad had them in the fridge and i love them.

bit expensive but they are soooo good.

[Techno Destructo]

La Fin du Monde - Awesome
Maudite - Reasonable, but not worth the hit to the hip pocket
Trois Pistoles - Awesome x Awesome

Yeah, Quebecois micro-brewery beers are frickin' awesome! I've had those beers too and really enjoyed them.

Especially a beer whose name, when translated from Quebecois slang means "shit". (Maudite) I love it!:cool:

[fleshbone]

Since i've just turned 18 i only started to drink now,"wink" "wink".

I have'nt had the oppurtunity or the wallet,nor anyone elses wallet yet to go around and try some marvelous tasting beers out.

So for now,my favourite kind of beer,is free beer.

[timmyDH]

FRANZISKANER WIESSEBEIR

had some in an small basement beerhall in munich. It is the bomb.

[Cameo]

Mmmm, got a bottle of Lucky and Speckled Hen cooling in the fridge right now! I can't wait to try the Hen, to see if it lives up to the hype I've heard in this thread. Lucky I just bought for the bottle, it'll go up with the rest of the collection.

[Cameo]

Well I drunk them both.

Hen; A great beer to say the least. First mouthful was a great expirience, I found that it was quite bitter, but somewhat creamy and smooth as well. I thought that the bitter-factor gradually increased throughout the bottle. A well spend $5 or so. Definetly a tick in my books.

Lucky; Well, I did buy it for the bottle, and it turns out I was more fond of the bottle than the brew itself. It tasted ordianary, not crap, but just average. No zest or flavour to it. A drinkable beer in a nice bottle. Not going to be buying another one at $4 or so a bottle.

[NCR600]

Ive been highly suspicious of that Lucky beer in that stupid bottle. The flasher the packaging, the worse the product I guess!.

I've slagged off Carlton Black in this thread a while back, but I inadvertantly drank one the other night, and surprisingly (or perhaps unsurprisingly) they've beefed up the flavour somewhat. There was definately some burnt grain/coffee character there that I'd failed to notice last time. In fact back to back with the real black (Tooheys Old) it seemed to have more flavour!

I was quite surprised, although this could be down to the individual batch of Old, which I've found can be quite variable.

[|Matt|]

Anyone tried the 'Chopper' heavy lager?

I've been looking but no shops round me have it.

[matty_101]

Anyone tried the 'Chopper' heavy lager?

I've been looking but no shops round me have it.
Chopper lager? Does this beer have any connection to Chopper Reid? Dear god i hope not.

I was chilling at home a few days back and my brother walks in with a few Asahi's so he gives me one, i know, he must've wanted something right? But no, he didn't, either way, that was a fucking nice beer, really full but not too heavy if you feel me, also typing in the dark really sucks.

[james88]

I like Grolsch best. It's delicious but expensive.

['Alex]

Another year of uni almost over. Here's a pic of a few beers we have had to try.. Some good, some bad

http://forums.farkin.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=86811&stc=1&d=1194950033

[Breaka]

That is a fine collection. Why don't I see Tooheys Red?

In all honesty, I've been drinking it a fair bit lately.

[RCOH]

Nice work, but is that XXXX i see? and a tooheys PILS? and a Fosters?:eek:



:p

[brisneyland]

I'd clone out that Fosters if I was you ;)


Edit: beaten to it!

['Alex]

Nice work, but is that XXXX i see? and a tooheys PILS? and a Fosters?:eek:
:p
You have to take the good with the bad i suppose;)

Yeah an it's Joelski's 21st this weekend so all the slabs pictured will be enjoyed also:)

[konasaurus]

coopers pale ale ... as a matter a fact i got one now

[Joel O]

coopers pale ale ... as a matter a fact i got one now
It would appear that great minds think alike!

[backdoor]

That Knappstein Brewery number is a nice drop! One for the yuppies though, bit pricey. But for some reason I see no Emu Export...

[gravelclimber]

Been drinking a few fine Aussie brews of late:

Rooftop Red - Unlike any larger I've tried before - tastes more like an ale. Plenty of malty flavour (I'm knocking one back right now)

Little Creatures Bright Ale - beautiful hoppy smell but not too bitter. Only 4.5% so a few can be knocked back safely. What I'll be drinking in the hot weather in QLD over Christmas

Boag's Wizard Smith's - a nice English ale style. Shits all over that normal Boag's.

Grand Ridge Yarra Valley Gold - a strong IPA style brew.

Mountain Goat Hightail Ale - awesome flavour but some bottles are over gassed.

[johnny]

Johnny found a half decent supplier of Coopers Pale, Sparkling and Draught.

Johnny is a happy boy today.

The shop also has an awesome French pattisserie (sp) as well.

Johnny's a stoked boy!!

[konasaurus]

wow pale ale in china ?

[Joel O]

i sort of remember johnny mentioning at some point that it was cheaper than here :confused:

[tu plang]

noticed the monteith's in that impressive pile. i didn't mind their beer, some interesting flavours. have you tried the celtic red?

there's still something about a stella that does down so well when you are way too drunk for more alcohol.

[Macr]

Foreign Beer is still Chimay Red (http://www.chimay.com/en/chimay_red_218.php). A beautiful tasting Belgian beer.
Australian would have to be Matilda Bay Breweries Alpha Pale Ale (http://www.matildabay.com/ourbeers/alphapaleale.html). It basically is a good example of an IPA in my humble opinion. Now to find some in Newcastle :(

[tumble]

After that wacky station JJJ had a segment on the world beer champs held a few months back, I happened to be going past Dan Murpheys on my way home that day, so I remembered the name of the winning beer.
Weihenstephaner Kristall Weissbeir
From memory about $6 for a pint bottle, not cheap but I can see how it won the best beer in the world for 07, possibly the best beer Ive had & Ive just come back from a trip or Europe.. 8.5/10

[Ryan]

After that wacky station JJJ had a segment on the world beer champs held a few months back, I happened to be going past Dan Murpheys on my way home that day, so I remembered the name of the winning beer.
Weihenstephaner Kristall Weissbeir
From memory about $6 for a pint bottle, not cheap but I can see how it won the best beer in the world for 07, possibly the best beer Ive had & Ive just come back from a trip or Europe.. 8.5/10

Agreed, that stuff is positively dreamy and not particularly pricey compared to some foreign beers in pint-bottle size.

['Alex]

Boag's Wizard Smith's - a nice English ale style. Shits all over that normal Boag's.


Agree, its such a nice drop

noticed the monteith's in that impressive pile. i didn't mind their beer, some interesting flavours. have you tried the celtic red?

there's still something about a stella that does down so well when you are way too drunk for more alcohol.

I must look out of that one :D Cheers

[OISTAFARMA]

My home brewed ginger beer has gotta be my favourite. As for bottlo bought, Boags St George all the way

[Fatman]

Being a member of the liquor industry and having tasted a rather large quantity of beer I have tried to instill on customers the benefits of import and boutique local brews.

I have copped a bit of stick from people (regular customers) who after seeing ACA or Today Tonight are suddenly enlightened on the scourge that is BULshit beer. (Brewed Under Licence)

I have been telling these people for a long time that these weren't imports but they looked at me as if I was on something, but no enlightened by tabloid journalism I am now the devil incarnate for trying to deceive them. I won't drink these BULshit beers myself, not because they are awful or poor quality but because they are charged at an import price.

The rationale for brewing these beers locally has many positives but as I'm ranting I will not point these out right here. So in case any of you are in any doubt about your beer of choice here's a list of some of them.

Becks
Heineken (the kegs are imports)
Carlsberg
Tuborg
Stella Artois
Kirin
Kingfisher
Guinness (the CUB 6% stuff not draught cans)

But here's the rub people, some of the imports are not from the country of origin either. Asahi is made in Thailand, Sapporo is made in Canada, some Carlsberg is made in Malaysia.

It doesn't stop there either, Tooheys fans ie Tooheys, Hahn, James Squire are all owned by Lion Nathan and may be sourced from any number of breweries.

I'm sure this isn't news to many of you but after loads of abuse I needed to vent, thankyou for you time.

I do have some recommendations for you all though, real beer available through various outlets that I have tried recently which are quite good.

Unibroue, 'Terrible' 2003 vintage 10.5% Quebec
Unibroue, 'Ephemere' Apple beer with coriander and curacao 5.5% Quebec
Moa Brewing Co, 'Moa Premium Lager' 5.5% New Zealand
Snowy Mountains Brewery, 'Charlottes Hefeweizen' 4.7% Australia

[Pete J]

Fatman, you probably have no idea how many times i have wished that you were with me when i've been out shopping for beer. Seriously, everytime i go to Alko i think to myself, 'Man i wish Dave was here to help me out!'. :(

[lliw]

james squires pilsner

[scblack]

My home brewed ginger beer has gotta be my favourite. As for bottlo bought, Boags St George all the way
Gotta disagree - that is beer coloured dishwater.:eek:

[Fatman]

Fatman, you probably have no idea how many times i have wished that you were with me when i've been out shopping for beer. Seriously, everytime i go to Alko i think to myself, 'Man i wish Dave was here to help me out!'. :(

Pete, I sometimes wish I was still in europe but given local breweries are putting out some sensational stuff now I'm pretty happy back here in Oz. I have an idea though, I'll have to pm you.
I hope you are still enjoying the odd pint of Spitfire mate, God knows I do.:)

Speaking Of Boags, Wizard Smith's , if you want a real beer made with Goldings hops, Spitfire is about as good as it gets. It's made in Kent too.

[Pete J]

Pete, I sometimes wish I was still in europe but given local breweries are putting out some sensational stuff now I'm pretty happy back here in Oz. I have an idea though, I'll have to pm you.
I hope you are still enjoying the odd pint of Spitfire mate, God knows I do.:)

Yes indeedly doodly, Spitfire is one i always consider when on the prowl for a good beer.
I've been getting into dark beers lately, even a few porters as well. Fullers Porter is alright as is the local Koff Porter, although it tastes much stronger than the 7% it says on the lable.
Also i've finally managed to work out which are the better beers made in Finland, my picks are Marsalkka and Käki. Käki is about the closest locally made beer to Coopers as i have found so far and it really does go down well.
Another good thing is that Christmas beers are back in the shops already, gotta love that!

[scblack]

Another good thing is that Christmas beers are back in the shops already, gotta love that!
What do you mean by Christmas beers?

[Pebble]

xxxx gold was the first I had, I reckon light beers just make you piss too much.

My husbands fave is Emu Export, most people call it cats piss though. Unfortunately not available in NSW so he'll have to wait till next year (maybe on of the reasons he wants to move to WA again:rolleyes:)

Emu Bitter seems to taste better than VB. I don't have a favourite really, Cascade isn't too bad and at the moment I'm drinking Tooheys New.

Tasted a few "variety" beers like Goat etc but most were too bitter for my liking.

[Fatman]

What do you mean by Christmas beers?

Europeans go nuts for Christmas beers, usually heavy and malty with cinnamon and spices. Just thinking about them makes my mouth water, they are usually very good, unlike the one tooheys brought out years ago, yuk.

[scblack]

Europeans go nuts for Christmas beers, usually heavy and malty with cinnamon and spices. Just thinking about them makes my mouth water, they are usually very good, unlike the one tooheys brought out years ago, yuk.
Interesting, thanks for that.:)

[Pete J]

Interesting, thanks for that.:)

Yes, they are very interesting indeed! Even the usual suspect bogan brewers here make good christmas beer, definitely try some if you get the chance.

[scblack]

Yes, they are very interesting indeed! Even the usual suspect bogan brewers here make good christmas beer, definitely try some if you get the chance.
I will keep an eye out for sure now.

[Pete J]

Joulu Olut or Christmas beer:
http://www.tml.tkk.fi/~sayravai/images/jouluoluet2001.jpg
http://http://www.koff.fi/en/products/beers/christmas_beer3.html
http://www.koff.fi/en/products/house_of_beer/jacobsen_golden_naked_xmas.html
http://www.nokianpanimo.fi/fi/tuote_detail.asp?tuote_ID=38
Koff Porter:
http://www.koff.fi/en/products/beers/porter.html
Käki:
http://www.koff.fi/en/products/house_of_beer/kaki.html

[Pete J]

Oh. My. God. Dave REALLY knows his stuff!!! :eek:
BTW thanks dude, i am very impressed. :cool:

[Fatman]

Thankyou sir, my liver and I have worked long and hard to get that list together.:o

[Incontinent]

Im no beer expert but the best beers ive probably tasted were some dark beers i had in Belguim, Germany and Austria. Unfortuntaly i cant remember the names of any of them.

Not a bad part of the world to be drinking beer in, especially dark beers.
Haven't had one yet that I haven't liked, or am I not trying hard enough?

[Schism]

My home brewed ginger beer has gotta be my favourite. As for bottlo bought, Boags St George all the way

I had a taste of some of my mate's homebrewed ginger beer just the other day. It tasted like there was a party in my mouth and everyone was throwing up! Absolutely foul. But then again, it was probably the inadequacy of the brewer.

Have heard from a swiss friend of mine that the beer of choice is 'Desperados'. Supposedly "It is a highly refreshing gold coloured and full bodied lager beer with the extra kick and the exotic imagery of the tequila flavoring". Had a look everywhere in Townsville for some but to no avail. Anyone heard of the stuff, or more importantly, where to get it from?

[Christo]

Pepperjack ale is still my favourite at the moment..

Why so many VB haters? I mean, you can get it riding...

Matter of fact I've got it now.... (http://www.vbsymphony.com.au/)

[gravelclimber]

Speaking Of Boags, Wizard Smith's , if you want a real beer made with Goldings hops, Spitfire is about as good as it gets. It's made in Kent too.

Cool. I'll keep an eye out for that one.

Speaking of pommy brews. Two I've been buying the odd bottle of of late are:

Timothy Taylor Landlord - arguably the best brew I have ever tasted
Fullers ESB (Extra Special Bitter?) - Great stuff. Much better than their other well know beer: London Pride.

Apparently there is some deal with the West Australian importer of all the English beers going broke or closing or something and it's taking a while for the new importer to come online. The selection of pommy beers isn't great at the moment. Hopefully all sorted by Christmas.

[fuzz]

Pure Blonde - Low Carbs - Great taste!

[Cameo]

there was free beez neez at the sexpo last night!

boy was i happy.

[Fatman]

[quote=gravelclimber;1182079]Cool. I'll keep an eye out for that one.

Speaking of pommy brews. Two I've been buying the odd bottle of of late are:

Timothy Taylor Landlord - arguably the best brew I have ever tasted
Fullers ESB (Extra Special Bitter?) - Great stuff. Much better than their other well know beer: London Pride.quote]

At last someone else has seen the light, Landlord is hands down the best pale ale on earth, don't bother arguing as you are wrong. I drank ludicrous amounts of it in Yorkshire (and many other places) and I can't fault it. The biggest issue is that it costs so much over here.

As for ESB? A pint of pride in Fullers house is phenomenal, especially when they do it directly from the keg and not through the pump. I like ESB but I love a pint or ten of Pride.

Keep an eye out for these gems from the UK,
Harviestoun 'Bitter and Twisted'
Dark Star 'APA' (Sex in a glass)
Marstons 'Firestoker'
Adnams 'Broadside'
Caledonian 'Deuchars IPA'
Innis and Gunn 'Oak aged Beer' (Very woody, you either love it or hate it)

Cheers.

[PINT of Stella, mate!]

Tried a couple of nice local brews last night. Barons lager and Barons pale ale. both were really nice although the brewers have gone down the path of the annoying 330ml stubbie as opposed to yer standard aussie 375ml.

Also I was tickled to see that my local bottle-o is now stocking Monty Python's Holy Ail. It's quite a nice typical english real ale that stands out from the rest with the coolest label this side of Rubbel's Sexy Lager and is apparently made with real burning witches...

[slip]

XXXX Gold.

For the pure looseness and incredible wrongness it induced in my youth.

Plus, it's nice on tap.

[Ryan]

XXXX Gold.

For the pure looseness and incredible wrongness it induced in my youth.

Plus, it's nice on tap.

If my piss-fitness ever deteriorates to the point that I can successfully get wasted from drinking midstrengths I think I'll just quite drinking altogether.

[Macr]

<SNIP Fatman's Rant which I agree with>
Snowy Mountains Brewery, 'Charlottes Hefeweizen' 4.7% Australia
I'm shocked :eek:, your telling me that a Blue Tongue brewery beer is worth buying? Well there you go.

[slip]

If my piss-fitness ever deteriorates to the point that I can successfully get wasted from drinking midstrengths I think I'll just quite drinking altogether.

There was high volumes and long timeframes to make up for the midness. I did drink a lot of bitter in there. Up until my last year at the club I thought we were sponsored by XXXX, turns out we weren't. One of the boys had a dedicated Gold fridges with 2-3 cartons in there at all times, all neatly laid out.

English coach, a few english players, and me @ 17 in a dominating 2nd/1st grade soccer squad on the Sunshine Coast. We did not go for nights at the pub regularly - just hired a bus now and then and went for 3 or so days straight.

Our club was banned from staying in Kingaroy after the arrests.

And so concludes the first phase of my defence of XXXX Gold.

[DJR]

Homebrew (i'm an all grain mash brewer myself)

for commercial stuff though, i like Little creatures Bright Ale, Weihenstephaner hefeweizen, Lowenbrau isn't bad either, Pilsner Urquell is good as well

[scblack]

Just had a Coopers Extra Strong Vintage Ale 2007.

Excellent.

7.5%, very strong flavour, complex flavours too, really liked it.

[Fatman]

Just had a Coopers Extra Strong Vintage Ale 2007.

Excellent.

7.5%, very strong flavour, complex flavours too, really liked it.

If you can be a little patient these will cellar for a number of years and they are sensational. I heard a rumour that the international beer shop in Perth will be getting some Thomas Hardy's ale, these can age for rediculous periods. Apparently there is a pub in England with a 25 year old bottle!

There are quite a few able to be cellared but I have to agree that the coopers vintage is a great drop at any stage.

[Fatman]

What are you people drinking? Someone must be responsible for the disgraceful showing of actual drinkable beer in the national sales of packaged beer. The sheer volume of the awful backwash that passes for local brew in the top sellers is just terrible.

Here they are, courtesy of Beer and Brewer magazine.
Top ten selling beers in Australia F07,

1. VB (by more than double the second best seller)
2. XXXX Gold (Due to QLD drinking 43% overall midstrength)
3. Tooheys New
4. Carlton Draught
5. Tooheys Extra Dry
6. Carlton Mid
7. Carlton Cold
8. Crown Lager
9. Corona (Officially the wankers beer of choice, don't forget the lime!)
10. Pure Blonde ( a 100% increase in sales over last year)

NOT ONE decent beer in the top ten.

All is not lost though, the figures show Australia is recognising and partaking more in the premium and craft beer section. Large increases have taken place thanks to brewers like Matilda Bay, Little Creatures and Malt Shovel (James Squire).

The real top ten for me is still a little disappointing but there is hope, although you can't be too disappointed when one of the best Pale Ale's on earth rates in at number one.;)

Craft Beer top 10.

1. Little Creatures Pale Ale
2. James Squire Amber
3. Matilda Bay Redback
4. Matilda Bay Beez Neez
5. Bluetongue Premium
6. James Squire Pilsner
7. James Squire Golden Ale
8. Little Creatures Rogers
9. Little Creatures Pilsner
10. Little Creatures Bright Ale

All I can say is I was not responsible for any of the sales in the top ten in either category for the past year and I'm quite proud of it. I'm sure these figures will stir the pot a little.

[RCOH]

I drink Pure Blonde when I have lunch with scblack & TonyG & must admit I quite enjoy it. I had a VB the other night because someone left it in my fridge and it was the only cold beer in the house.

I rarely buy any of the craft beer top 10, Squire's Pale would be one I most commonly buy. Why can't Squires bottle 'The Craic' porter that is available at their brewhouse?


On another note last weekend, and probably tonight, I drank (will drink) Barons Brewing Lemon & Myrtle Witbier. Very lemon-y very refreshing but couldn't drink more than a few (well, I could if ihad to/there was nothing else) as it gets a bit too sweet. But on a hot day after long at work/riding/anything they go down a treat.

[Fatman]

I subscribe to the Lemon Myrtle beer, it may be just another gimmick but the Black Wattle and the Lemon Myrtle seem to be drinking quite well.

I'm a little slow on the uptake and I thought RCOH's location actually was in NZ and was going to suggest some awesome kiwi brews, until the penny dropped.:o

[RCOH]

You could suggest all the good NZ beers you want, but if I am in NZ and I am drinking something other Speights, then my head gets separated from my body in a very violent manner. :o:o


Goddam family brand loyalty

[scblack]

I drink Pure Blonde when I have lunch with scblack & TonyG & must admit I quite enjoy it.
Yes I must admit the Pure Blonde on tap is very drinkable. I find nothing wrong with it.

Little Creatures Bright Ale is my favourite lately, but I buy very little, brewing my own is much better.

Had a Spitfire last weekend - good, but I would not call it special. Quite bitter for my taste.

[gravelclimber]

Yes I must admit the Pure Blonde on tap is very drinkable. I find nothing wrong with it.

Little Creatures Bright Ale is my favourite lately, but I buy very little, brewing my own is much better.

Had a Spitfire last weekend - good, but I would not call it special. Quite bitter for my taste.

The bright ale is a fine, fine beer - what do you reckon the hops are scb? Supposed to be NZ sarz and some north American variety but I'm stuffed if I know what it is. I'd love to brew up a similar beer - a little wheat, lots of finishing hops, minimal bittering hops.

I've been having to buy a few of late as I've done so many brews I've run out of bottles. Rather than scrounge off others I thought I'd buy the odd carton here and there - purely for the bottles of course!!!!.

[Dug]

Any beer that someone else pays for:p

[scblack]

The bright ale is a fine, fine beer - what do you reckon the hops are scb? Supposed to be NZ sarz and some north American variety but I'm stuffed if I know what it is. I'd love to brew up a similar beer - a little wheat, lots of finishing hops, minimal bittering hops.

I've been having to buy a few of late as I've done so many brews I've run out of bottles. Rather than scrounge off others I thought I'd buy the odd carton here and there - purely for the bottles of course!!!!.
I reckon there is some Amarillo in there. Its not my favourite hop, but it goes well in this beer.

I'm pretty lucky having about 220 longnecks of which a couple of months ago, I had 180 full, so can take things slower now. Currently down to about 140 full. 12 drinkable brews at present, with ten different styles of beer:

Tooheys Dark Ale
Irish Red (Kilkenny style)
Coopers Stout
Little Creatures Pale Ale clone
Pilsener with wheat malt
Lager
Wheat - 2 different styles
Newcastle Brown Ale
MexicanSome good xmas drinking there.:)

[DJR]

The bright ale is a fine, fine beer - what do you reckon the hops are scb? Supposed to be NZ sarz and some north American variety but I'm stuffed if I know what it is. I'd love to brew up a similar beer - a little wheat, lots of finishing hops, minimal bittering hops.

I've been having to buy a few of late as I've done so many brews I've run out of bottles. Rather than scrounge off others I thought I'd buy the odd carton here and there - purely for the bottles of course!!!!.

nz b saaz (now called motueka) and amarillo i'm guessing, it might be US cascade but it's definitely NZ B Saaz and something else.

Just did a brew that was all JW pils malt and about 10% JW light munich, bittered and finished with amarillo and b saaz (bittered to about 25IBU and with about 50g of hops total) and done with US05, it's practically the same beer. Needs a tiny bit of crystal though - i reckon about 1-2% light crystal would do it.

[jax0n]

Here they are, courtesy of Beer and Brewer magazine.
Top ten selling beers in Australia F07,

1. VB (by more than double the second best seller)
2. XXXX Gold (Due to QLD drinking 43% overall midstrength)
3. Tooheys New
4. Carlton Draught
5. Tooheys Extra Dry
6. Carlton Mid
7. Carlton Cold
8. Crown Lager
9. Corona (Officially the wankers beer of choice, don't forget the lime!)
10. Pure Blonde ( a 100% increase in sales over last year)

NOT ONE decent beer in the top ten.

Holy Shit !!! :eek::eek:

Just shows the lack of taste of the general population..!
They're just drinking the label, or, the "Brand" you know.
"Oh that TV add was funny, Beer must be good then."
or
"My mate likes it so I must too, Baaa Baaa..."

As for me, Chimay is my all time fave. Pure Trappist Necter. Guess I have expensive tastes cause it's over $80 a Doz :eek::eek:

Franziskaner Weissbier is my next fave, Full Grainy body and flavour that just makes you want more...

Barons Black Wattle Lager, Aussie micro Brewery taking on the big guns, uses crushed wattle seeds in the brewing process of this one. Not what you'd first expect from a beer, but bloody nice once you get into it !

Least Fave
Carona
Crown
VB
Stella
Fosters

Life's just too short to drink a Crap brew I rekon, (Unless I brewed it then you'll drink what you're bloody given) :cool:
Brew for the masses, loose your individuality.

[Paccy66]

The best beer I've had is the Boags draught I,ve just finished because it's friday and I have had a shit of a week. Now I'm going to have another one. :D

Other than that, if I want to spoil myself Little Creatures pale or bright ale is the biz.

[matty_101]

The best beer I've had is the Boags draught I,ve just finished because it's friday and I have had a shit of a week. Now I'm going to have another one. :D

Other than that, if I want to spoil myself Little Creatures pale or bright ale is the biz.

God i dont know how you can say that, Little Creatures pale ale is one of the most overrated beers i have ever drank. i would not spend 18 per 6 for those.

[Paccy66]

God i dont know how you can say that, Little Creatures pale ale is one of the most overrated beers i have ever drank. i would not spend 18 per 6 for those.

Can see why some wouldn't like it, does have a different taste to most beers. Couldn't drink it all the time, Boags is the staple.

[Breaka]

Recently I've been drinking my fair share of Boags and Strongbow cider.

Back on the Tooheys red thing, a mate and I smashed a box of it a week back. At $30 a box we weren't complaining. Although I'm not partial to the Red (by any means) I would prefer to be caught with one of them in my hand than that funny coloured water they sell in a glass nowadays....I believe it goes by the name of Corona?

[matty_101]

Couldn't drink it all the time, Boags is the staple.

Have to agree there. Boag's St. George is one of the best beers ive had to date.

I enjoyed Breaka's burn on Corona, i mean who ever heard of Messicans making beer? Joke, im not racist.

[Paccy66]

Ahh corona... now theres an over-rated beer. Slice of lemon, anyone? Maybe they needed something to wash down all that spicy food.

[gravelclimber]

nz b saaz (now called motueka) and amarillo i'm guessing, it might be US cascade but it's definitely NZ B Saaz and something else.

Just did a brew that was all JW pils malt and about 10% JW light munich, bittered and finished with amarillo and b saaz (bittered to about 25IBU and with about 50g of hops total) and done with US05, it's practically the same beer. Needs a tiny bit of crystal though - i reckon about 1-2% light crystal would do it.

Hmmmm......I'll give that a try if a cool week comes up soon (rather warm here in radelaide at the moment). I know it has a little wheat malt but as I bulk prime with wheat malt maybe that's enough. Only need to get up to 4.5% so I reckon I'll go a full mash.

As for Little Creatures Pale Ale - I agree with above posts --> overrated. Compared to Coopers it's fine but it doesn't stack up against a decent English pale ale

[Jimmy Mac]

Coopers would be my favourite commercial beer, but Leather Jacket (Fish Rock Brewery in Mittagong if i'm not mistaken...) would be one of the best i've tasted in a long time. Blue Tongue isnt bad either.

[dcrofty]

I enjoyed Breaka's burn on Corona, i mean who ever heard of Messicans making beer? Joke, im not racist.

Do yourself a favour one day and give Dos Equis (XX) or Pacifico a go. I don't reckon you'll be dissapointed.

[gravelclimber]

Fark, I need one of these (http://www.kilian-nakamura.com/catalog/asahi-beerbot-beerpouring-robot-p-130.html). Check out the video.

[Fatman]

Fark, I need one of these (http://www.kilian-nakamura.com/catalog/asahi-beerbot-beerpouring-robot-p-130.html). Check out the video.
As long it doesn't just pour Asahi, I drank enough in Japan to know it is ordinary without having to resort to the stuff brewed in Thailand here.

I tried to understand the Pure Blonde and Extra Dry fans today by having a few on tap at the local. I'm proud to say that after having my stomach pumped I will never indulge again. I don't get it.
I understand that my taste may be different to the masses but please people, there are so many good beers out there you don't have time to settle for such mediocre shite.

[ando13]

Dunno why but Amsterdam Mariner, its not that bitter and it isnt to bad even after its sat in the sun for 2 hours.

[Fatman]

Dunno why but Amsterdam Mariner, its not that bitter and it isnt to bad even after its sat in the sun for 2 hours.

It shouldn't be that bad, it's brewed by the good people at Grolsch. But it does go to show that even they can make mistakes. Don't get me wrong, where else can you gen 12 litres of import beer for $39.99?

[fleshbone]

Hmmm, of late i've been getting into the Carlton ultra chill.It's smooth.

In N.Z i got into the Steinlager pure,another great smooth pure.Waikato, not as smooth as the other two but goes down very well and super cheap.

[bazza]

It shouldn't be that bad, it's brewed by the good people at Grolsch. But it does go to show that even they can make mistakes. Don't get me wrong, where else can you gen 12 litres of import beer for $39.99?

definetly not a fan of amsterdam. it ruled simply for the fact its so dirt cheap. than i realised why after i had a can when i wasn't drunk.

best value for money beer is carlton cold by far atm for me. $29 from dan murphys. coopers is great but gives me THE WORST hang overs. still on the look out for a $50 a carton 5-6% beer that tastes pretty decent. 350ml bottles + as well. none of this 330ml crap.

[m1black]

1.Corona
2.Grolsch*
3.Heineken
4.coopers pale
5.Anything else if really cold.

To quote a good old aussie band 'the painters and dockers'
I ONLY DRINK IMPORTED BEER, TASTES LIK PISS BUT AT LEAST IT'S DEAR!

*Use little rubber seals as guitar strap locks.works a treat.

[Christo]

Hmmm, of late i've been getting into the Carlton ultra chill.It's smooth.

Whaaa? You drink beer with menthol in it? That stuff is revolting, 8% ABv though means it's bang fer yer buck....

I work for them, I'm a very loyal employee and I won't drink it. Carlsberg elephant is another beer we import that I loathe...

For me, it's all about the Pepperjack ale lately (they make a decent shiraz too) and I've got a new appreciation for Foster's - the most maligned beer in Australian history - been drinking a fair bit of that lately - I always bagged it but have only just realised that it's actually a good beer.

[Ska-quatch]

Hobgoblins always been a favourite. That and Old Speckled Hen. Can't go past a Newcastle brown either, although I wouldn't class it a great beer as such, just an odd perversion on my part.

[PINT of Stella, mate!]

Can't go past a Newcastle brown either, although I wouldn't class it a great beer as such, just an odd perversion on my part.

Not many people can go past a bottle of the Broon. That's usually because it's just been thrown at them by a pissed angry geordie. ;)

'There's a fight in every bottle' is their unofficial slogan

[BOOTH2]

I don't really know why but I really like the new VB Gold, as long as its REALLY cold :cool:

[toodles]

Gave a couple of Indian beers a try the other night. Maharaja is fuckin nice and I'm trying to find a bottlo that sells the stuff. Kingfisher is also worth a try as well.

Taj Mahal on the other hand is a crime. Some people must be buying it so I guess it's a taste thing. But it's not my taste.

Also found this one today:

http://www.beerlabels.com/labels/full/0/0/6/beerlabels.com-00620.jpg

Imperial from Costa Rica. $14 a 4 pack too... Is nice and has the coolest label I've yet seen on a beer bottle.

[PINT of Stella, mate!]

two bargains to be had at my local supermarket:

1 litre cans of a dodgy German brew called Kaiserdom. Comes with it's own massive 1 litre Glass Stein all for a cheap and cheerful 11 bucks

Also 6 packs of Zatec - a rather nice and refreshing Czech lager for 10 bucks.

Sweet!

[leitch]

Bought a round of Duvel the other night, and that's one meaty beer. So nice, and at 8.5% it's got a bit of kick, too. Not cheap at $11.50 a bottle, though!

[axertes]

Best lager: Staropramen (Czech), runner up: Hertog Jan (Netherlands)

Best beer: Bass (England), runner up: Belhaven's Best (Scotland)

Best Australian beer: Coopers Sparkling

[Fatman]

Best lager: Staropramen (Czech), runner up: Hertog Jan (Netherlands)

Best beer: Bass (England), runner up: Belhaven's Best (Scotland)

Best Australian beer: Coopers Sparkling

Alas Belhaven was another lovely brewery to fall into Greene King's hands, I was in Scotland when the takeover bid went through, many unhappy locals. So they get consigned to the used to be good category, as with most GK takovers they strip the guts out of the old breweries and just use the names of the old breweries for marketing and the beer suffers.ie Old Speckled Hen, Ruddles County. Burn in hell Greene King.
Bass with its red triangle is the worlds oldest trade mark, pity the beer isn't better.
I have a lot of customers that are into Staropramen, the lager from Prague that is a lot milder than the true Pilsners, not bitter enough for mine but it is still class. Not many bad ones come out of the Czech Republic.

[tu plang]

Bought a round of Duvel the other night, and that's one meaty beer. So nice, and at 8.5% it's got a bit of kick, too. Not cheap at $11.50 a bottle, though!

the topic is "Whats the best beer you've had & why?" not "Whats the first beer you've had..."

[leitch]

the topic is "Whats the best beer you've had & why?" not "Whats the first beer you've had..."

This is one of those rare occurrences where your attempt to be both funny and a dick fails miserably, and you just sound like a dick.

[AngoXC]

the topic is "Whats the best beer you've had & why?" not "Whats the first beer you've had..."

This is one of those rare occurrences where your attempt to be both funny and a dick fails miserably, and you just sound like a dick.

That the desired responce eh Tu Plang?

A few of my mates are really big on the whole exotic imported beer scene but I must say, after hard days work, there just isnt anything like a cold Coopers Sparkling...infact Ive got mine right now...shit...wrong ad...

[NCR600]

This is one of those rare occurrences where your attempt to be both funny and a dick fails miserably, and you just sound like a dick.

I don't know, 1 from 2 isn't so miserable!

[tu plang]

This is one of those rare occurrences where your attempt to be both funny and a dick fails miserably, and you just sound like a dick.

That the desired responce eh Tu Plang?

Absolutely. I hadn't expected him to lead the applause, put it that way. I was just pointing out that you can count the days he's been able to buy beer on one hand.

[leitch]

Absolutely. I hadn't expected him to lead the applause, put it that way. I was just pointing out that you can count the days he's been able to buy beer on one hand.

1st legally bought beer =/= first beer drunk.

[axertes]

Alas Belhaven was another lovely brewery to fall into Greene King's hands, I was in Scotland when the takeover bid went through, many unhappy locals. So they get consigned to the used to be good category, as with most GK takovers they strip the guts out of the old breweries and just use the names of the old breweries for marketing and the beer suffers.ie Old Speckled Hen, Ruddles County. Burn in hell Greene King.
Bass with its red triangle is the worlds oldest trade mark, pity the beer isn't better.
I have a lot of customers that are into Staropramen, the lager from Prague that is a lot milder than the true Pilsners, not bitter enough for mine but it is still class. Not many bad ones come out of the Czech Republic.

Where did you have Bass? It doesn't travel well at all. I bought some in Aus and it was gross, but even in England it's pretty bad if it's too far afield. Bass is now owned by Coors, by the way. Still brewed in Burton Upon Trent though. I'm kinda biased with that one because it's my 'local' beer (my family's from Derby).

Had Staropramen from a can in Australia and it wasn't spectacular either. But it was my favourite beer in Czech: better than the famous Pilsner Urquell and Budvar. Urquell is good in bottles in Australia though.

Dunno about Belhaven hey. I was in Edinburgh and was sick of crappy IPA-type beers, so I just remember really enjoying it. I've had better bitter, but it came to mind as the best outside England. Otherwise I'd probably name half a dozen beers from Burton (Pedi etc.).

[Fatman]

Where did you have Bass? It doesn't travel well at all. I bought some in Aus and it was gross, but even in England it's pretty bad if it's too far afield. Bass is now owned by Coors, by the way. Still brewed in Burton Upon Trent though. I'm kinda biased with that one because it's my 'local' beer (my family's from Derby).

Had Staropramen from a can in Australia and it wasn't spectacular either. But it was my favourite beer in Czech: better than the famous Pilsner Urquell and Budvar. Urquell is good in bottles in Australia though.

Dunno about Belhaven hey. I was in Edinburgh and was sick of crappy IPA-type beers, so I just remember really enjoying it. I've had better bitter, but it came to mind as the best outside England. Otherwise I'd probably name half a dozen beers from Burton (Pedi etc.).

I've had Bass in many pubs both here and in the UK, of course they taste better closer to their home but I couldn't find a really good example. Had a few good pints of Pedigree but it was still just okay. I did learn very quickly though that if you want well kept beer and don't want a fight then stay the hell away from Wetherspoons.:p Most of the real ale at my local was pretty poor with a few exceptions.
I managed a reasonable amount of samples while in the UK, I tried 414 real ales and 87 bottled beers in just under a year. If we weren't living in Southend then I'm sure we could have managed a good deal more, it will be even worse there no that the only real ale pub was torn down to make way for a shopping mall. Poor Essex, chavs, ASBO's and Super lager.

Here's just a few of the most favourite pints when in England.

Brewers Gold. Crouch Vale, Supreme champion beer of britain 04,05
Landlord. Timothy Taylors, best pale ale on earth
Wayland Smithy. White Horse brewery
APA. Dark Star. Seasonal sex in a glass, american style pale ale.
Summer Lightning. Hop Back, gorgeous pint that will bite you.
Old Peculier. Theakstons. An enigma in a pint, so much to it, dark and mysterious.

[RCOH]

Last night I had a few Speights Old Dark. A nice mild porter. Not a bad drop.

[axertes]

Here's just a few of the most favourite pints when in England.

Brewers Gold. Crouch Vale, Supreme champion beer of britain 04,05
Landlord. Timothy Taylors, best pale ale on earth
Wayland Smithy. White Horse brewery
APA. Dark Star. Seasonal sex in a glass, american style pale ale.
Summer Lightning. Hop Back, gorgeous pint that will bite you.
Old Peculier. Theakstons. An enigma in a pint, so much to it, dark and mysterious.

Looks like we just have different taste then. Landlord is probably the best pale ale I've ever had, but I just don't like pale ale that much.

Old Peculiar, on the other hand, is brilliant, ahd it in the Peak District (don't know where it comes from).

Don't know the others.

[chu]

corona...im not a big beer fan but that is the only beer that i have tasted that is half nice

[MasterOfReality]

Went to the Belgian Beer Cafe in Brisbane the other weekend, had Chimay. I was quite intoxicated at that stage so I don't even remember if there were different types of the stuff. All I know is that this one had one hell of a kick to it.

Bitburger still remains one of my favourites.

[TonyG]

Went to the Belgian Beer Cafe in Brisbane the other weekend, had Chimay. I was quite intoxicated at that stage so I don't even remember if there were different types of the stuff. All I know is that this one had one hell of a kick to it.

Bitburger still remains one of my favourites.

just got back from the Belgian Bier Cafe from a 5 hour lunch, and I'm pretyt fucked up right now. I love their goldern ale slightly more than my mum.

[PEELER]

PURE BLONDE!!!only like it coz it reminds me of the hot chicks on the pure blonde add+its pretty nice.

[Hungry]

BUNDY!......The AJ's drink!

[Matt H]

BUNDY!......The AJ's drink!

...since when did bundy become a beer? :confused:

[Vicious_Fishes]

...since when did bundy become a beer? :confused:

bundy dark & stormy is a ginger beer mix with bundy, and it's shit-hot even in the non alcoholic form :)

[Fatman]

Since the weather is warm and the beers are going down all too easily I thought I'd try something a little different today. Normally I equate lime in beers with the word wanker, but over the past months and this afternoon I have tried some lagers with lemon/lime already added. Despite my reservations all three are very drinkable but there is a marked difference between them.

Monteith's Radler, gorgeous, more like a shandy than real beer. Brewed in the German style with a splash of lemon. A little sweet but very refreshing and dangerously drinkable. 5% 330ml and about 16 bucks a 6 pack.

Miller Chill, Supposedly from a Mexican Chelada recipe, Lime juice and salt added to their genuine draft. A little sweet but dry and thirst quenching, the salt leaves a feint briny aftertaste. Actually not as bad as I expected. 4.2% 355ml and about 15 bucks a 6 pack.

Carlton Dry Fusion, Imitation being the nicest form of flattery this stuff is almost identical to the above except it is 25% lower in carbs than regular full strength beer. The flavour is very similar but a little more beery and dry. Still has that briny aftertaste and seems to make you thirsty but is 4.2% 355ml and 14 bucks a six pack.
Don't go looking at Dan Murphy's for this one they have decided not to range it.

All are actually not bad and it's not really a style I'm fond of but for me the Radler is easily the best.

[tupper]

corona...im not a big beer fan but that is the only beer that i have tasted that is half nice
You need to get out of the trash!

PURE BLONDE!!!only like it coz it reminds me of the hot chicks on the pure blonde add+its pretty nice.

Oh my yes!
I have that Advert on my iPod!

[cjaty]

XXXX DL Its a heavy and only 3 carbs

[-Troy-]

Normally I'll drink VB or Carlton Draught, but often when I'm out I'll smash a fair few Corona's or Asahi's down.

[itsajoke]

I'm in agreeance with Techno Destructo and Ryan here, although Maudite is my favourite of the Unibroue beer. The reason is the beer itself is great, with a mild enough taste to sneak up on you and unleash the high alcohol content when you least expect it, but the association with the beer and old Quebec City is something I'll never forget.

The crazy locals drink jugs of this gear (8%+) for lunch and go back to work without batting an eyelid. We rolled out after a few and forgot everything that happened after the third one. You pay top dollar but it is worth every dollar for this beer. Check it out if you can find it. I know Balmain Cellars used to do it and the Cow in Toowoomba does too.

My rating; 1. Maudite, 2. Trois Pistoles, 3. Terrible' 4. La Fin Du Monde.

[ajay]

Just copped 6 Little Creatures Pale and 6 James Squire Ambers for a kris kringle from my partners work

Aw shit yeah.:cool:

[NCR600]

This Erdinger "Pinkatus" Dunkel Weizenbock is going down nicely.

Very dark with a very big head. Taste is somewhere in between Tooheys Old and a Porter, which belies the 7%+ alcohol content.

A nice amount of burnt grain character and maltiness, but not cloying. Surprisingly refreshing for a dark beer, and it's alcohol content is not apparent. A somewhat unusual style being a dark wheat beer.

8/10, although possibly would rate higher in winter time. The beer Tooheys Old wishes it was.

[tupper]

Anyone for Warm Beer?

[NCR600]

Anyone for Warm Beer?
Depends what you mean by warm.

Most pubs in Australia serve beer far too cold which kills any of the more delicate flavours. Which is no bad thing as far as most Australian tap beers go, because they haven't got any.

[scblack]

Depends what you mean by warm.

Most pubs in Australia serve beer far too cold which kills any of the more delicate flavours. Which is no bad thing as far as most Australian tap beers go, because they haven't got any.
Hence the trend for new "Supercold" beers - see Tooheys:rolleyes:.

Warm beer in England is not warm really - it is cellar temperature, which can be 5-10 celsius and as you say, allows proper flavour to be fully tasted.

The darker and heavier the beer "generally" the higher the temp should be, within reason. I have a brewing mate (actually he sells some of the best homebrew gear in Australia) drinks some of his heavier beers at up to 11 celsius - and he is in Queensland.

[Zyphryss]

I'm 16, have never drunken alcohol, and don't ever plan to.
What's the bet that will change? ;)

[KA0S]

Mine would be free beer, cost nothing

[gravelclimber]

Hence the trend for new "Supercold" beers - see Tooheys:rolleyes:.

Warm beer in England is not warm really - it is cellar temperature, which can be 5-10 celsius and as you say, allows proper flavour to be fully tasted.

The darker and heavier the beer "generally" the higher the temp should be, within reason. I have a brewing mate (actually he sells some of the best homebrew gear in Australia) drinks some of his heavier beers at up to 11 celsius - and he is in Queensland.

I find with some of the strong porters and stouts I make it's nice to poor a pint at fridge temp (4C), drink it slowly until it warms up to 15C or so. The smell and flavour change the whole way through. Very nice.

On the best beers thing - I tried another nice Badger Breweries beer over Christmas - Fursty Ferret. Cool name and a very, very good English ale.

[Ryan]

Out at dinner the other night I found an Aussie beer on their list that I'd never heard of or seen in any of my regular bottleshop haunts - Murray's Pale Ale.

In the interests of seizing the opportunity I knocked a few back and it was quite excellent; heavier and darker than a LCPA but with residual yeast from bottle conditioning like a Coopers Pale. Highly recommend it if you're into pales and you get the chance to try one.

[scblack]

A similar one then Ryan - I tried a MUDGEE PALE ALE recently - very reminiscent of a LCPA and was very very nice.

[Atomizer]

Saltrams winery in the Barossa Valley have just released an incredible beer, also in the Little Creatures Pale Ale style, called Pepperjack Ale. Apparently it's made using Shiraz pressings but you would not know this except for the reddish colour of the beer. Not a bad beer at all for a winery owned by Fosters.

Another beer that I have found myself buying more of is Kirin Ichiban. It is such a clean, pure tasting beer which I have seen before but only in cans and haven't bought it for that fact. But now it's available in glass it's a beer I have grown to like alot.

[Blas4me]

I'm a big fan of the brews made by Emerald Hill Brewery. They have just 3 in the range available to the public (Pale ale, oatmeal stout and wheat beer) but damn they are good! Melbournites should go and check them out on Friday nights (http://emeraldhillbrewery.com.au/). I've gone to the brewery a few times, it's a good atmosphere and the owner (Carl) is usually up for a chat if it's not too busy.

[PINT of Stella, mate!]

I'm a big fan of the brews made by Emerald Hill Brewery. They have just 3 in the range available to the public (Pale ale, oatmeal stout and wheat beer) but damn they are good! Melbournites should go and check them out on Friday nights (http://emeraldhillbrewery.com.au/). I've gone to the brewery a few times, it's a good atmosphere and the owner (Carl) is usually up for a chat if it's not too busy.

Fark, that's just around the corner from my joint. I think I might have to swing past for a cheeky one or two this arvo...

[Fatman]

I'm having one of those guilty moments right now, like finding out you have a crush on Anna Coren or Oprah Winfrey.
I've never really enjoyed this stuff much at all, it sort of tastes like heavily watered down bourbon but in a dry and refreshing way and even enjoyable. I've managed to get through two cases of Moosehead in the past three days,

I'm finding it very easily sessioned and quite enjoyable.
I wouldn't say it is the best beer I've ever had by any stretch of the imagination, it only rates about 4/10 on my scale but for some reason I find it alluring right now. I don't know what it is but it really is good drinking in this warm weather. Maybe the fact it has little remarkable about it is the attraction, dry and clean, no real bitterness and an unusual flavour and pleasant aroma. I would normally punish a beer for being this insipid but I'm smashing them back instead, I fear I may be ill.

Now all this guilt is making me thirsty, I'll have another Moosehead.:o

[Air time erik]

Best beer I have tryed would be "Trapist"(SP) very nice tasting beer and went down very well.

Always love a good wheat beer tho.

[jon55sey]

Wow this thread is old.

Toohey's Extra Dry. Nuff said.

[Fatman]

God I hate Unwired, what a shit ISP!
This will be the third time I type this post, before you ask I have had a few so I can't keep remembering to ctrl C all the text before I try to post again.:mad:

Anyway, the terrible Moosehead affliction is over and we have seen the light. A trip to the farm where Bundy and Inner Circle Black are the only appropriate tipples have seen me weened away from my embarassing addiction.

My local bottle shop (yes I know I work in one) has been very sporting and put Budweiser at $40 which is very reasonable.

Now before I get a big WTF? from all and sundry let me clarify, I am of course to the stuff brewed in the Czech Republic for centuries and not the awful toilet water the Yanks are responsible for and tarnish the good name of the real article with. Rice and wood chips have their place in strange cuisine not in lager.

I have reacquainted myself with this lovely golden lager, I indulge all too infrequently as there is little time for beers I have sampled before but the fresh Saaz hop bitterness and lingering finish just get me every time. I love the Czech's, they make some truly fine lagers and the only real Pilzners on earth.

On a side note though I have decided that Australia Day be free of foreign ales so I have stocked up on a few locals without having to resort to the mediocre offerings found in most places. I should be well sorted with these tomorrow.
Grand Ridge Yarra Valley Gold, Mildura Bee Sting, a well aged Coopers Vintage and some Three Sheets from the Lord Nelson.

Whatever you are all drinking tomorrow, Happy Australia Day.:)

[Fatman]

I thought I'd do a late addition to the lemon/lime beer post from before. A few weeks ago I dropped a few quid for a 6 pack of Barefoot Radler and gave it a good try. In comparison to the other varieties I have tried of this style this one is truly a triumph of the marketing department over the brewers.

Judging by the amount of requests I get for the stuff I felt compelled to spell out that this stuff that while as refreshing as so many other poor beers in hot weather this one's standout feature was its lacklustre flavour and attempts to appeal to a different market.

I'm pretty sure that despite going under a name we aren't familiar with they are in Lion Nathan's fold. I found it quite tart and dry, quite harsh really, nowhere near the balance and character of Monteith's.
I won't be wasting any more folding on this stuff but if you must take a look, www.barefootbrewers.com.au (http://www.barefootbrewers.com.au) and decide for yourselves.

[leitch]

I thought I'd do a late addition to the lemon/lime beer post from before. A few weeks ago I dropped a few quid for a 6 pack of Barefoot Radler and gave it a good try.

Barefoot Radler is without a doubt the most foul tasting rubbish I have tried. Beer? More like soda water.

[Fatman]

Barefoot Radler is without a doubt the most foul tasting rubbish I have tried. Beer? More like soda water.

Not possible, the soda water title has been firmly established by the US giant Anhuiser Busch, Michelob Ultra is a superb example of this.

Like I said, I gave it (Barefoot) a good try but I definately don't rate it and wouldn't pay real money for it again. Maybe it's the beers but I kind of got the idea you thought I liked the stuff.:confused::eek:

[leitch]

Maybe it's the beers but I kind of got the idea you thought I liked the stuff.:confused::eek:
Haha definitely the beers! I was backing up your opinion of it. Certainly an horribly flavourless beer.

[Customjimmy]

You know, I never had an actual 'to do' list until I read this thread!

[PINT of Stella, mate!]

I've got to give a bit of a mention to Monteiths Golden Ale. My local (The Maori Chief, South Melbourne) changed all the draught beers around a while back(well, ages ago actually), getting rid of the mighty Stella (and my custom for a while) and any other premium lagers leaving only Carlton Draught (bleeurgh!) and Coopers Green -which is nice and refreshing n itself but not really Lager enough for me.

Recently though they brought in Monteiths Golden Ale on tap and I have to say it's pretty damn good. It's got the full body of a real ale but still retains a refreshing lagery goodness. Can be a bit sweet towards the end but I've found that happens only if you drink it at a snails pace.
That, coupled with $10 meals on a monday and tuesday (the Thai chicken burger's to die for) have managed to lure me back into the fold like some sort of prodigal son. Now they just need to get in some hot barmaids and keep it open on a Sunday and all will be sweet...

[dave3107]

Corona is my usual - light, summery, easy to knock back.

I also like the feel of the bottle neck on my supple lips!! OOh la la!:p

Most Dutch beer is excellent too.

[TheLunchbox]

Corona is the beer of the summer knock em back like water!!!

Tooheys extra Dry Goes Alright aswell

[Matt H]

Has anyone had Little Creatures pale ale?
I had some when I was in perth last year, was tasty...

[robwa]

Has anyone had Little Creatures pale ale?
I had some when I was in perth last year, was tasty....

Creatures Pale isnt a bad beer, its quite fruity so its a love it or hate it type of beer. Bright ale is similar taste but its a lager not an ale.

Stella aka wife beater really isn't a nice beer. kronenburg is the nicest beer i have consumed. Its got an easy smooth flavour and has nice after taste. I always rate a beer if i can consume copius amounts without cringing after 4-5 beers. Carlton Draught is repulsive.

Cascade light is also a nice local beer.

[Joel O]

almost goes without saying but i have been really enjoying the three readily available Chimay varieties lately. served correctly, in the right setting, nothing else i have tried comes close (and thats a reasonably substantial list).

yes they are (very)expensive, but so far i have always felt like it was money well spent.

[gravelclimber]

.

Creatures Pale isnt a bad beer, its quite fruity so its a love it or hate it type of beer. Bright ale is similar taste but its a lager not an ale.



The word 'ale' in 'bright ale' perhaps gives away the fact that it is an ale. It isn't a lager.

Nice beer though.

[sammydog]

Best beer, the cheap crap tonight celebrating the jets victory.

Sure its going to hurt tomorrow, but who cares.

[fattyandthepiemakers]

Has anyone had Little Creatures pale ale?
I had some when I was in perth last year, was tasty...
They had it on Tap when I went to the Brew House in Brissy, I was wet.

[Tomas]

Best beer I have tryed would be "Trapist"(SP) very nice tasting beer and went down very well.

Always love a good wheat beer tho.

There are more than one trapist beers, some are significantly better than others.

[Fatman]

I haven't seen many references to these here and most are just commonly understood but for mine the old beer cocktails can be quite refreshing and some downright frightful.

Here are the ones I can think of;

Shandy; Okay this is a simple one and very common, lager and lemonade. Can be made in various strengths. Not sure where you draw the line but the lager top/bottom are just lager with a splash of lemonade. Can be known is Scotland as a lager with white.

Snakebite; Evil stuff that tastes pretty good but will do a number on you. Most places wont serve them. Lager, Cider and blackcurrant cordial seems a rather innocuous mix but in my experience they lead to incredibly bad behaviour and hangovers.

Black Velvet; Why anyone would want to spoil a pint of Guinness with champagne I don't know. I have had this on numerous occasions especially on March 17th, but I can't say I'm a fan, some find this to be the nectar of the gods.

Green Meanie; Lager (usually Stella) mixed with a Blue WKD, it turns an awful shade of green and is popular with the slappers of Southend. I was introduced to this in England and so far haven't seen it here, although now that WKD's are available here it's only a matter of time.

Trojan Horse; Guinness and Coke, interesting but again why would you want to ruin a good pint.

Mickey Mouse; Not really a cocktail but a 50/50 mix of lager and a dark ale, can be okay but can also be bloody awful.

Black and Tan; Again not really a cocktail but a wonderful mix of 70 and 80 shilling ale, smooth and rich.

Car Bomb; 3/4 of a pint of Guinness with a shot containing 50/50 Baileys and Whiskey (Jameson or Bushmills) The shot is dropped in and the reaction is quite violent, must be drunk in one hit. It's sort of like a chocolately guinness milkshake only lethal.

Depth Charge; Can be one of many shots dropped into a glass of beer, some will say it is traditionally Drambuie but there are always discussions in this regard. The old oil slick with black sambuca has done me no favours, the possibilities with this are endless but you will be lucky to get served one almost anywhere.

Any others I'm missing?

[LICA]

corona.......nuff said. oh that new calton dry fusion is ok as well.

[johnny]

Here you go, try this. It's not too hard, especially for the well travelled. But there were a few in there that I've never seen. Little US centric though...

Beer Quiz: http://www.leenks.com/link100544.html

[Fatman]

No surprises there;

Test Your Beer IQ

Your Score: 100%
You're a Beer Genius
You know everything there is to know about beer. All hail the Beer Genius.
http://www.youthink.com/quiz_images/full_318182091.jpg You got 15 out of 15 answers correct

I knew most from knowing which beers to AVOID! The yanks are putting out some really tasty stuff now, particularly their IPA's and APA's. Most of the ones in that quiz were awful or boring.

[scblack]

I got 11 out of 15.

[gravelclimber]

Goddamit!!!! I'm no genius.

Test Your Beer IQ
Your Score: 80%
Good Beer Smarts

Above average beer knowledge, but not a Beer Genius.



You got 12 out of 15 answers correct

Questions you missed:


What beer is this?
Your Answer: Miller Light | Correct Answer: Coors Light


What beer is this?
Your Answer: Michelob Ultra | Correct Answer: Miller High Life


What beer is this?
Your Answer: Colt 45 | Correct Answer: Mickey's

[Macr]

My beer of choice at the moment, is Erdinger Dunkel. A very well rounded drop, with a nice hint of caramel. Not very bitter either, but I couldn't tell you what hops are in it.

[PINT of Stella, mate!]

You're a Beer Genius

You know everything there is to know about beer. All hail the Beer Genius.

You got 14 out of 15 answers correct...

ah well, dropped the ball on one question but to be fair it was about malt liquor and not even I am that feral...

[Fatman]

Hey Johnny,

I have just tried Shanghai beer for the first time (my experience with Chinese beers is very limited) and I must say it was better than I expected. Clear pale straw colour with a rapidly fading beady head, quite good balance and weight, the flavour was a rather lacking but quite a refreshing little brew. Mine was slightly oxidised but altogether not awful, I would drink it over the insipid TsingTao any day. Any thoughts from our correspondent in China?


(Yes I know it's a Fosters beer:o)

[thecat]

Shandy; Okay this is a simple one and very common, lager and lemonade.


I remember when dad first gave me a shandy.

me, taking a taste "What is it?"
Dad "A shandy, half beer half lemonaide"
me "Next time can I just have half a glass of beer?"



Mickey Mouse; Not really a cocktail but a 50/50 mix of lager and a dark ale, can be okay but can also be bloody awful.



Always knew them as a 50/50

Car Bomb;...

Depth Charge;

The real mans versions of those girlie jagerbombs that those young fools go on about.

not sure of the name but I have vague memories of beer, tequila and chilly

[thecat]

corona.......nuff said. oh that new calton dry fusion is ok as well.

Mate anything that is so plain that you need to add the sourest fruit known to man just to give it "some" taste is not worth talking about:p

[Cameo]

Car Bomb; 3/4 of a pint of Guinness with a shot containing 50/50 Baileys and Whiskey (Jameson or Bushmills) The shot is dropped in and the reaction is quite violent, must be drunk in one hit. It's sort of like a chocolately guinness milkshake only lethal.



I was told 'Irish Car Bomb', but regardless, they are a mean drink, and do end up feeling quite average both in the morning, and after about 3 in 15 minutes (of course mixed with other alcohol). We did 'em for my mates 18th last year, day before our last day of school (was still feeling it then)!

and 12/15 for the test

[Breaka]

The test doesn't say a whole lot really, I would drink fermented piss out of a cats arse but I still managed to get 13/15.

I can't say no to Coopers pale at the moment.

[Fatman]

I was told 'Irish Car Bomb', but regardless, they are a mean drink, and do end up feeling quite average both in the morning, and after about 3 in 15 minutes (of course mixed with other alcohol). We did 'em for my mates 18th last year, day before our last day of school (was still feeling it then)!

and 12/15 for the test

We were introduced to them in the Republic as a Belfast car bomb but I must admit I didn't have the nerve to ask for one up north. I was trying to be at least a little PC. (Who the fuck am I kidding:D)

[johnny]

Hey Johnny,

I have just tried Shanghai beer for the first time (my experience with Chinese beers is very limited) and I must say it was better than I expected. Clear pale straw colour with a rapidly fading beady head, quite good balance and weight, the flavour was a rather lacking but quite a refreshing little brew. Mine was slightly oxidised but altogether not awful, I would drink it over the insipid TsingTao any day. Any thoughts from our correspondent in China?


(Yes I know it's a Fosters beer:o)
Hmmm, can't say I've come across it yet. Although I will be keeping a keen eye out for the little bugger as I share your distinct distaste for the dreaded lurgy; Tsing Tao. Never a worse hangover has been had than a night on that shit. Yanjing (the expensive one; AUS$2 for a longneck..., in a restaurant) is the only Chinese beer I'll drink...., if they have nothing else on the menu.

Have been seeing a few Erdingers surfacing of late, pay AUS$5 a pop for them though, which is criminal here. I live close to a Coopers importer as well, so things could be worse...., think I'll grab a red from the fridge now! :cool:

[johnny]

Got me some salty peanuts with the skins on and a cigarette too. Damn that shit's gooooood.

[indica]

I homebrewed a Cooper's Indian Pale Ale as per the recipe , best goddam beer ive had since i finished my last brew of Cooper's Bitter.
India Pale Ale , fantastic flavour , colour and head retention.
Bitter , bitter , amazingly refreshing bitter flavour , great colour and head retention

[Middo]

Don't know if it's been mentioned before (I'm not trawling through 40+ pages), but Knappstein Lager is pretty good. Has a slightly tropical fruit/floral note - but then what do you expect from a winemaker's brew. A bit expensive and wanky, but worth a try if you're into that sort of thing. My favourite at the moment, when the james Squire Golden Ale runs out!

[Cameo]

Don't know if it's been mentioned before (I'm not trawling through 40+ pages), but Knappstein Lager is pretty good. Has a slightly tropical fruit/floral note - but then what do you expect from a winemaker's brew. A bit expensive and wanky, but worth a try if you're into that sort of thing. My favourite at the moment, when the james Squire Golden Ale runs out!

Here here for Knappstein! I tried that one, and most definetly will be drinking it again! Pity it's expensive, because it is one hell of a drop! It was in a recent-ish domestic Quantas magazine which had an article on Aussie beers. the usual favourites were in there such as Creatures and whatnot, but Knappstein made it in! As did Moo Brew pale alre from tassie which is drinkable too, but has nothing on Knappers.

And here here for Squire as well, I like that one also :D

[sockman]

God I hate Unwired, what a shit ISP!
This will be the third time I type this post, before you ask I have had a few so I can't keep remembering to ctrl C all the text before I try to post again.:mad:



Lol at unwired... we used them once...pathetic in a word.

Fav bevvy would have to be VB 'cause im a bogan

but seriously, little creatures pale ale...love that fruity after taste
there have been a few to top lc's pa but they were trapiste beers that i found in some little bottleo in melbourne sooooo yeh cant even begin to think what they were called...

[scblack]

I homebrewed a Cooper's Indian Pale Ale as per the recipe , best goddam beer ive had since i finished my last brew of Cooper's Bitter.
India Pale Ale , fantastic flavour , colour and head retention.
Bitter , bitter , amazingly refreshing bitter flavour , great colour and head retention
I got an India Pale Ale kit this week.

Here I am up to brew #67 and am only now doing my first India Pale Ale. A brew mate just opened his 9 days in the bottle and reckons it is great, looking forward to trying it. He is giving me a longneck to try this weekend - can't wait.:cool:

[slip]

James Squire Golden Ale on tap. Free too, not that it contributed. Went back to back with Becks for an easy win.

[Zodiac]

This may or may not have been posted but I must say i do enjoy the Moo Brew Wheatbeer. It's pricey but it is nice to splurge a little for those special occasions.

http://moorilla.com.au/moobrew/

[dcrofty]

You got 13 out of 15 answers correct

Questions you missed:

What beer is this?
Your Answer: Michelob Ultra | Correct Answer: Miller High Life
What beer is this?
Your Answer: Colt 45 | Correct Answer: Mickey's


I don't feel too bad about the ones I got wrong.

I'm loving some of the lesser known Mexican beers at the moment. Dos Equis and Pacifico are both great. My girlfriend is drinking our last Dos Equis in front of me right now as I type 'cause there was only one left and I've had more than my fair share.

[and1]

I had a Tecate the other night at a spanish restaurant in the city. It's served with a slice of lemon and rimming salt and it was bloody tasty. Its apparently one of the very few beers you drink with salt but I'd love to find a case of it. If anyone has seen it around in bottle shops on the north side of sydney please let me know

[leitch]

Mmm.. just settling into my second James Squire's Amber Ale for the evening. :)

[Christo]

Well as much as love trying new and exotic beers the icy, icy cold Carlton Draught I'm knocking back right now is going down a treat.

Australian made, Australian owned by one of the least water intensive brewers in the world (who will be releasing a new carbon neutral beer tomorrow - I think) and 100% snobbery free - Mother nature owes me a lap-dance!

Yes, I work for them!

[PINT of Stella, mate!]

Well as much as love trying new and exotic beers the icy, icy cold Carlton Draught I'm knocking back right now is going down a treat.

Yes, I work for them!

It tastes like a skunks gash and for some reason I only ever seem to get the same shitty 'What was the name of the winner of the Melbourne Cup in 2002' question under my bottle caps.

not happy Jan.

(for the record it was Media Puzzle...)

[axertes]

It tastes like a skunks gash and for some reason I only ever seem to get the same shitty 'What was the name of the winner of the Melbourne Cup in 2002' question under my bottle caps.

not happy Jan.

(for the record it was Media Puzzle...)

I'm rather perturbed vis-a-vis your knowledge of what a skunk's gash tastes like.

Carlton Draught does taste, er... bad... though.

*Cracks open a Pilsner Urquell. <haughtiness>It doesn't taste the same as in Czech though.</haughtiness>

[Fatman]

*Cracks open a Pilsner Urquell. <haughtiness>It doesn't taste the same as in Czech though.</haughtiness>

Speaking of Urquell I might just have to join you.:p

Most beers aren't a patch on what they taste like where they are brewed, especially ones like Urquell which almost all get slightly oxidised and the green glass doesn't help either. Usually the best tasting imports are fresh off the boat with a high alcohol content and brown glass with a fully enclosed cardboard carton. Anyone mentions cans and they're in for a slapping. When you get beers from the bottlo grab the ones up the back of the shelf which haven't been exposed to the light as much and if you aren't going to drink the whole case at once then buy your beer warm.

I have found that many people object to import beer because they have first sampled something a mate of theirs was given two years ago and put on a shelf for later, even if it's a fine trappist or triple it will probably be uglier than a robbers dog in the flavour stakes. If the bottle is dusty and looks a bit tatty then the flavour will probably reflect that, some beers are very sensitive and will turn from Jekyll to Hyde.

Enough rant, more Urquell.

[axertes]

Ran out of Urquell, drinking Peroni.

I find most lagers travel OK. I mean, Urquell is a 9.5/10 (on Geoff's official beer rating system) in Czech (Praha that is, didn't go to Plzen), but it's about 8.5/10 here, which is still pretty damn good, considering the quality of the shite I usually drink (XXXX).

Incidentally, I had Staropramen in its native Praha, and it's the only lager I've ever given a 10/10. Even the bottled stuff bought out of Praha but still in Czech dropped to about a 8.5/10.

Ales and bitters are the worst travellers. I had a Bass from a bottleo and it tasted like a... dare I say it... skunk's gash.

Anyone mentions cans and they're in for a slapping.

Incidentally, I find that shite domestic lager a-la XXXX, VB, Toohey's etc. actually tastes better in a can if you then pour it in a glass, as opposed to a stubby poured in a glass.

[johnny]

Speaking of Urquell I might just have to join you.:p

Most beers aren't a patch on what they taste like where they are brewed, especially ones like Urquell which almost all get slightly oxidised and the green glass doesn't help either. Usually the best tasting imports are fresh off the boat with a high alcohol content and brown glass with a fully enclosed cardboard carton. Anyone mentions cans and they're in for a slapping. When you get beers from the bottlo grab the ones up the back of the shelf which haven't been exposed to the light as much and if you aren't going to drink the whole case at once then buy your beer warm.

I have found that many people object to import beer because they have first sampled something a mate of theirs was given two years ago and put on a shelf for later, even if it's a fine trappist or triple it will probably be uglier than a robbers dog in the flavour stakes. If the bottle is dusty and looks a bit tatty then the flavour will probably reflect that, some beers are very sensitive and will turn from Jekyll to Hyde.

Enough rant, more Urquell.Yeah, you can tell the Coopers over here have been sitting on a boat for awhile...., or that the HEATHENS who stock them sit the bottles right under the heating outlet vent..., no matter how many times I've suggested they move them 50cms or so. Farking animals. :mad:

Either way, it's still better than the local brewed crap.

[slip]

Is there a general consensus from the beer aficionados that a drink tastes better off tap than from a bottle? It certainly does to me.

[Ruckus_Lord]

XXXX on Australia day because it was free, and they where in little novelty sized bottles. How cute.:)

[axertes]

Is there a general consensus from the beer aficionados that a drink tastes better off tap than from a bottle? It certainly does to me.

Draught beer varies more. If it's been sitting in the pipes for a while, or if the landlord doesn't know how to keep beer, then it's probably worse than out of a bottle. Otherwise yes, draught beer is better, almost universally. The only exception I can recall is Teds.

Incidentally I've finished the Urquell and Peroni, and drinking XXXX... and it tastes like hangover.

[axertes]

XXXX on Australia day because it was free, and they where in little novelty sized bottles. How cute.:)

Novelty bottles like in a minibar, or throwies?

I love throwies. Why I don't buy them I don't know. Too far to the fridge?

Edit: double posted without thinking, sorry. Must be the XXXX. Instantly lowers one's IQ.

[johnny]

Is there a general consensus from the beer aficionados that a drink tastes better off tap than from a bottle? It certainly does to me.
I've had beer from the tap that smelled like fart and tasted like vomit. THe lines were not kept clean. I've also have some Pilsner Urquell that smelled like fart when I opened the bottle. All depends on the brewing process, storage and cleanliness of the delivery system for me.

The best beer I've tasted has come straight from the vat (Lille, France) or from one of my home brew bottles. Fresh and clean as it gets.

[axertes]

The best beer I've tasted has come straight from the vat (Lille, France)

I see you've joined the haughty place-name-dropping game.

*chuckles and begins to describe his time drinking Borsodi in Magyarorszag.

Egesegedre!

Incidentally, Borsodi is complete crap. But don't tell Johnny.

[Ruckus_Lord]

Novelty bottles like in a minibar, or throwies?

I love throwies. Why I don't buy them I don't know. Too far to the fridge?

Edit: double posted without thinking, sorry. Must be the XXXX. Instantly lowers one's IQ.

Like throwies man.
They're good. You can drink them drunk and get through a whole bottle without it being red hot for the last 1/4 of the bottle.

[axertes]

Like throwies man.
They're good. You can drink them drunk and get through a whole bottle without it being red hot for the last 1/4 of the bottle.

And you can count standard drinks, 'cause a throwie is 1.0!

Someone's smoke alarm is going off and it's shitting me.

[johnny]

I see you've joined the haughty place-name-dropping game.

*chuckles and begins to describe his time drinking Borsodi in Magyarorszag.

Egesegedre!

Incidentally, Borsodi is complete crap. But don't tell Johnny.
Not really, I prefer Coopers and my own home made over anything really. I was just traveling with Nicho through France once and had a beer in a restaurant that made their own and have never been able to forget how fresh, clean and nice it tasted. It's literally the best beer I've ever had along with one batch that I made myself. other than that, Coopers for me all day any day.

[Fatman]

Coopers and other bottle conditioned beers should survive a little better as they are still 'live' inside the bottle. But obviously being stored next to a hot air vent won't do it any favours.

When I was overseas one of my real ale mentors who I shall refer to as Obi Wan was very particular about bottle conditioned ale and explained to me