from a cloud of inebriation comes something bitter

I'm here! I'm back! I'm glad you refrained from sending the search party (rolling eyes).

I tried 2 new beers recently and have some well thought out reviews. But first I want to bitch*piss*whine*moan for a moment, if you please.

WHY can't I find a decent brewpub in my area that carries something more intriguing than the Undeserved Top Ten? If I'm really lucky they'll have Sam Adams Seasonal and one place carries the Wachussett's Blueberry Wheat but everywhere else is the same old boring, bitter, beer-flavored water that I hated from the first sip. I'm going to start picketing.

And, in other news, a big huge HOLLA to Stephanie at Flying Dog Ales who read my blog and is helping me out with my Journey to Alcoholism. Watch for my (probably sloppy) ramblings of their upcoming fall brew, Dogtoberfest!

Okay, onward and upward!

Magic Hat brewery makes a few cool brews. Their labels rival Flying Dog in the coolness department....eye catching and kinda trippy. I chose the #9 which is "not quite pale ale" according to the company. It smelled like the Mojo, which scared me immediately. The flavor was interestingly bitter but fruity. At first I thought I didn't like it so much but as I took a few more sips it really grew on me. The bitterness lingered in my mouth and was a surprisingly nice taste. The label said that Magic Hat #9 contains the "essence of apricot" but I dont know that I ever could discern that.

Up next was Weihenstephaner. What's that you say? Oh, yes. ANOTHER one no one can pronounce. Good luck ordering one. On second thought, don't bother. It was indiscernible from any of the UTT. It was watery, boring and kind of bland. They claim to be the "world's oldest brewery" which prompts me to think they need to do some re-evaluating. It was just not good beer. And I can't SAY it which does not encourage me to seek it out, anyway.

So, there ya go. I'm having a hell of a time finding places that carry new grog for me to sample so give me a shout if you know of a store or pub that carries something new worth trying.

hic.