March 29th, 2008
I recently came to the horrible realization that I’ve never devoted an entire post to beer before! What am I waiting for???
So here is my first. I figured I would talk about some of my favorite brewskis that I get to have on a regular basis (or at least semi-regular). There are lots of good beers in the world. I make a point of trying something local any time I’m traveling, and I always enjoy sampling the goods at microbreweries. After years of drinking, I’ve established that I can almost never go wrong with a good amber ale, even though I do appreciate a variety of types. I also look forward to trying the many, many brands that I’ve never tasted before. (Anyone want to go to Europe?)
But here are some of my current mainstays. The list has evolved and changed quite a bit over the years, and I’m sure it will continue to. For now, cracking open a cold one of any of these puts a smile on my face.
Smithwick’s
Smithwick’s (pronounced “smithick’s” or “smiddick’s”) Irish ale in the bottle is a tasty treat, but it’s not an automatic go-to choice for me. Smithwick’s on tap, however, is one of the best tasting brews you’ll ever get your grubby little hands on. It’s dark and flavorful, and usually only found in Irish pubs. If you go into a so-called Irish establishment and they don’t have this Guinness-made delight on tap, turn around and find yourself a new pub.
Fat Tire
Fat Tire amber ale is becoming more and more widespread, which warms my heart with great joy. Many times when I’m at a restaurant and ask “what do you have on tap,” I will stop them the moment I hear these two magic words. As an embarrassing aside, for a little while I thought Fat Tire was an import from Belgium. Then I looked a little closer: New Belgium brewing company, Fort Collins, CO. Eh, it tastes good like a European beer, and it was inspired by Belgium, so shove it. Actually, just drink it.
Yuengling
I can’t be from PA and not include Yuengling Lager on my list. Made in America’s oldest brewery, Yuengling is confusing to those unfamiliar with the name, most of whom assume it’s Japanese. But go to Pennsylvania or one of the other East coast states they’ve expanding into and you don’t even need to say the name; simply make your way up to the bar and say, “I’ll have a lager.” Then you’re golden. They also have several other products, like a tasty black and tan, that are worth tossing on those taste buds. I don’t get to enjoy my hometown nectar like I used to, but there will always be a place in my heart for Yuengling.
Anchor Steam Beer
I didn’t discover Anchor Steam till I moved to California. I found out about it roughly around the same time as I stumbled upon Firestone (well, maybe most of my stumbling came after encountering the beer). Both of them are good, and both are brewed in San Fran. Anchor is easier to find, though. At first I drank their Liberty Ale, which was decent, if not phenomenal. But then I gave their “Beer” a try. Yep, it’s just called beer. Not lager, or ale, or stout, or what-have-you. Just plain old Anchor Steam Beer. On the packaging they explain that back in the day, “steam” was likely used to describe a type of beer. So there you have it. A history lesson in a bottle. Drink up.
Moose Drool
Have you ever seen the Chapelle’s Show skit in which Dave (as the crackhead) asks a class of children: “Have you ever eaten dog food? It tastes just like it smells—delicious!” That’s how I always feel when telling somebody about Missoula, Montana’s own Moose Drool: “Ever tasted Moose Drool? It tastes just like it sounds—delicious!” You’re not likely to find the Drool outside of a limited geographical area, but if you ever get the chance, jump on it. It is one of the best beers in America.
Guinness
Some of the best alcohol comes from Ireland if you ask me. The aforementioned Smithwick’s. Jameson whiskey. Patron tequila. Wait, what? Patron isn’t from Ireland? Oh, whatever. What I said still stands. Guinness has the distinction of being the ONLY beer I prefer to drink out of a can over a bottle. Normally I am a total bottle snob. I hate beer out of a can, because it ruins the flavor. But Guinness must be poured into a pint glass, and the only way to do that properly at home is via the pour can. Oh, and it gives you a mustache, which makes me feel like a grown-up. Hooray for beer!!
