Happy New Year's: Open Beer Thread

by TB on Dec 31, 2008 11:58 AM CST

We've had just enough discussion about this recently to warrant an open thread. Then, of course, Panjandrum's most recent Adventures post brought the issue of whether Shiner Bock is an overrated Texas beer to the forefront.

Also, given that it's New Year's Eve, maybe this discussion will give someone -- probably me -- an idea for a new beer to try tonight. Anyway, have at it, discuss your favorites and your least favorites, and have a happy New Year's.

And for God's sake, DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!!!

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Best. Open Thread. Ever.

First off I have to say, Shiner Bock is a good beer. And on the Macro Level – it is the best beer in Texas (not saying much though). I don’t think anybody will argue that.

Sticking with the macro-theme (because I could read off at least 25 beers that are much better, but the average person will have never heard of them), I think Shiner as a whole can compare to other brands quite well. Boulevard has a few great beers, but so does Shiner. It’s all a matter of taste.

TB, one suggestion to try out this New Year’s would be Pyramid’s Sno-Cap. It’s a winter ale and probably the best one that I’ve had all year. The winter ales are a close second to the Octoberfest season.

Man do I hate Longhorn fans, well except for the ones that actually went there.

by mystman995 on Dec 31, 2008 12:07 PM CST reply actions

I'll have to check that out

Big fan of winter Ales. Two sixers of Shiner Holiday Cheer and Boulevard’s Nutcracker Ale got me through a week of studying for finals in a cold house.

We'll carry the banner high!
Bring On The Cats

by TB on Dec 31, 2008 12:16 PM CST up reply actions

Had the Nutcracker last night

on an older keg though. Still very good. Picked up a few glasses at the local Gingerman.

Man do I hate Longhorn fans, well except for the ones that actually went there.

by mystman995 on Dec 31, 2008 1:47 PM CST up reply actions

God I love the Gingerman

For those who don’t/haven’t lived in Texas, it’s a bar that has just about any beer your little taste buds could desire.

We'll carry the banner high!
Bring On The Cats

by TB on Dec 31, 2008 1:57 PM CST up reply actions

It's like Old Chicago

except it doesn’t have all the shitty beers. And it doesn’t serve fake Chicago pizza. And it doesn’t just suck. Actually it just has a lot of beers on tap – other than that they are completely different.

Man do I hate Longhorn fans, well except for the ones that actually went there.

by mystman995 on Dec 31, 2008 2:11 PM CST up reply actions

Shiner Hefeweizen

I’m a huge fan, but I haven’t seen it around lately.

by Warden11 on Dec 31, 2008 12:56 PM CST reply actions

That's a solid Shiner offering

My favorite hefeweizen is Paulaner.

We'll carry the banner high!
Bring On The Cats

by TB on Dec 31, 2008 1:15 PM CST up reply actions

Paulaner is very good as well.

Not sure what it is, but I love Shiner’s.

by Warden11 on Dec 31, 2008 5:35 PM CST up reply actions

Hefeweizen is usually a summer brew.

So it makes sense you’re having a harder time finding it.

Man do I hate Longhorn fans, well except for the ones that actually went there.

by mystman995 on Dec 31, 2008 1:44 PM CST up reply actions

I've heard...

That Aggieville was one of the last places one could get Michelob Dark (in kegs) before they discontinued in the ’90s.

Is that true?

Hail to the Purple, Hail to the White
Wildcat in spirit, Wildcat in fight
Hail Alma Mater from sea to sea
Onward forever, Hail Victory!

by MadCat on Dec 31, 2008 1:23 PM CST reply actions

Somebody else is going to have to take that question

I don’t have the answer.

We'll carry the banner high!
Bring On The Cats

by TB on Dec 31, 2008 1:28 PM CST up reply actions

My personal history in Kansas

starts in 2002. Everything that happened before that didn’t actually happen.

Man do I hate Longhorn fans, well except for the ones that actually went there.

by mystman995 on Dec 31, 2008 1:38 PM CST up reply actions

OK, my random thoughts and some favorites

Starting local: Really like Boulevard Wheat, Boulevard Pale Ale, Boulevard Nutcracker, Boulevard Nutcracker Ale, Boulevard ZON, Tallgrass Wheat and Tallgrass Pale Ale

Texas: St. Arnold Wheat, just about any offering from Shiner (except for the Leicht, mostly because I don’t usually like light beer that well)

Generally: Paulaner Hefeweizen, Paulaner Oktoberfest, Negra Modelo, Red Stripe, Fat Tire, several of Left Hand’s offerings

I’m sure I’m missing some.

We'll carry the banner high!
Bring On The Cats

by TB on Dec 31, 2008 2:15 PM CST reply actions

New Belgium

has to be one of my favorite microbreweries. Fat Tire, 2 below, Skinny Dip, Giddyup, Sunshine Wheat, and the 1554 are all great beers.

Man do I hate Longhorn fans, well except for the ones that actually went there.

by mystman995 on Dec 31, 2008 2:29 PM CST up reply actions

Fullers

is another favorite of mine. It’s hard to find though.

The London Porter, ESB, and the 1854 are phenominal. The ESB is easy enough to find, but the other two I have to search for. And they’re not the cheapest either.

Man do I hate Longhorn fans, well except for the ones that actually went there.

by mystman995 on Dec 31, 2008 2:31 PM CST reply actions