Beer Thread

[PhishPhan682]

There was a point in time that Gumballhead was Little O's favorite beer. He's moved on - he's my younger beer ninja.

Everything I've tried from 18th Street has been great - or greater.

To FFF credit Gumballhead on a hot summer day on the golf course or wherever is a damn good beer.

To the beer nerds credit we can find 5 other great wheat ales around your area on any given day that can compare to gumball which is just the industry understanding what is popular and stealing/borrowing the concept which is ok.

I've never been to DLD. Hoops and SuperHoosier and CF have been. I'll never go. FFF has made enough money to retire and I respect them.

 

[ovaltine]

Now I feel like a dick. So what's the problem with the term craft beer?

Nothing, if you're a hipster doofus beer drinker.

 

[Eppy99]

Nothing, if you're a hipster doofus beer drinker.

I think I get it now.

 

[twenty02]

To FFF credit Gumballhead on a hot summer day on the golf course or wherever is a damn good beer.

To the beer nerds credit we can find 5 other great wheat ales around your area on any given day that can compare to gumball which is just the industry understanding what is popular and stealing/borrowing the concept which is ok.

I've never been to DLD. Hoops and SuperHoosier and CF have been. I'll never go. FFF has made enough money to retire and I respect them.

FFF is the brewer that got me into home brewing.

Because it was great beer, and it was

1) ridiculously hard to get
2) ridiculously expensive ($15 sixers of gumball, $14 bombers of everything else)

I started out doing clones of gumball and zombie dust, and have basically nailed them after a few tries.

I can make 5 gallons of GBH for $23, and ZD for about $30. I've blind tasted them with neighbors, friends, etc, and at least 50% of the time they prefer mine.

Now I'm kinda over them, as I've done them so many times. I haven't nailed down the PF, as those big beers are a lot tougher....but I've gotten close.

Hank is a great brewer on here, and he pushed me towards the Mosaic Promise, which was probably the most popular beer I've ever made...one that appeals to hop heads and regular beer drinkers.

 

[Eppy99]

Welcome back. I have nothing against you.

Grow some thicker skin. This is Andy's OTF. He is nicer than the original dudes that I had to deal with back in the 2000ish era so I'll give you a 2nd chance.

Ask away and we will help you out....

You know at first I actually thought it would be funny to comment on every single one of your posts on the beer thread. Then I realized I was only on page 3 and I'm really not that funny or very good at trolling. Just not in my DNA. You're much better at being a dick than I am. I'd be up until 3:00am trying to troll you and it's just not worth it.

 

[Hoops Cat]

You're gonna love this, Hoops - Mosaic hoppy deliciousness. I wish I'd bought a keg and then rented a plane to take it home.

Awesome - looking forward to it. I dig how they hand write on the bottle the bottling date - mine says 3/10/16, so its straight from the teet.

 

[PhishPhan682]

You know at first I actually thought it would be funny to comment on every single one of your posts on the beer thread. Then I realized I was only on page 3 and I'm really not that funny or very good at trolling. Just not in my DNA. You're much better at being a dick than I am. I'd be up until 3:00am trying to troll you and it's just not worth it.

"You're much better at being a dick than I am."

So you realize you are not equal. Don't try to be a turd in the punchbowl in the only facking thread on the AOTF that people actually follow the rules on the new stupid format.

O, Ptown, twenty, CF, Hank, Hoops etc myself... we actually enjoy and appreciate the opinions and experiences of almost everyone that replies to this thread.

 

[Hoops Cat]

I've seen the 1st appearance of 18th St brewery showing up here in Indy just tonight. Only one flavor, in cans, and honestly can't recall what it was...but I've seen Hoops mention it.

Also a lot of bombers from New Oberpfalz.

Anything I should look for from either?

New Oberpfalz is my local, and they brew good stuff. Their focus is on brewing some of the Bavarian / German style beers that not a lot of places brew - namely lagers. They do a nice job with hoppy beers too, though, but, I would be leery of getting their bottled Imperial Rye IPA or Toad Storm (DIPA) at this point because I think they fall off pretty quick, and the last batch of both that was bottled was some time ago. Their IPA (Hopwagen) is decent, and maybe is still fresh enough to be representative.

But, if you like a nice schwarz bier, they make an excellent version, and that just came out in bottles recently. I'm a hop head by palate, but that schwarz bier is just so damn tasty. Also, their Helles is tasty, and the Russian Imperial Stout (one version is coffee, one is coconut) is also excellent.

 

[Hoops Cat]

@ovaltine and @Hoops Cat

isn't Drew from Pipeworks ? I thought I heard that a year or so ago that he was trained and worked at Pipeworks before deciding to go out on his own.

Hoops would know this answer.

Yes, that is the case. Probably why he makes such a kick ass DIPA - every one of those he brews is killer.

 

[Hoops Cat]

I hope they get more down here. It was just the first offering. It was cans, which is promising....but do they distribute/can a lot up north? Or just from the tap room?

As I said earlier, FFF is becoming an afterthought. When you are seeing stacks of gumball on the floor untouched, you know people are moving on.

I expect you'll start seeing more 18th St in Indy. They just moved into their new facility in Hammond, and it took them a while to get their production back up to speed. But, they've expanded capacity with the move, and are putting out a lot more in cans now. The most recent beers they put out in cans were Foreman (robust porter), Euro Tight Pants (DIPA), and Ed-PA (IPA they call it, but I think its more of an english bitter). Euro Tight Pants is a solid DIPA, but nowhere near the best that they make in that style.

 

[twenty02]

New Oberpfalz is my local, and they brew good stuff. Their focus is on brewing some of the Bavarian / German style beers that not a lot of places brew - namely lagers. They do a nice job with hoppy beers too, though, but, I would be leery of getting their bottled Imperial Rye IPA or Toad Storm (DIPA) at this point because I think they fall off pretty quick, and the last batch of both that was bottled was some time ago. Their IPA (Hopwagen) is decent, and maybe is still fresh enough to be representative.

But, if you like a nice schwarz bier, they make an excellent version, and that just came out in bottles recently. I'm a hop head by palate, but that schwarz bier is just so damn tasty. Also, their Helles is tasty, and the Russian Imperial Stout (one version is coffee, one is coconut) is also excellent.

And 18th st? What should I not pass up if I see it?


Edit
And you just answered. Cheers!

It was Foreman that they had in cans tonight.

 

[Hoops Cat]

I hope they get more down here. It was just the first offering. It was cans, which is promising....but do they distribute/can a lot up north? Or just from the tap room?

As I said earlier, FFF is becoming an afterthought. When you are seeing stacks of gumball on the floor untouched, you know people are moving on.

For the record, 3 Floyds is still kicking ass.

Yes, as their production increased they started distributing more of some of their staples, namely Gumballhead, and yes, even Zombie Dust, to a wider market. Cripes, I've been able to walk in to FFFs on a Tuesday evening twice in the last month and there was tons of Zombie Dust, and no line. So, its basically that when you can't get something, you want it more. And now that you can get it easily, why rush to buy? The other side of the coin is that there is, as PhinMatt says, a lot of other really good stuff being brewed all over, and so there's more real competition.

I guess I have a different perspective on Floyds, because I can go there regularly, and get to drink the stuff that they only sell in the pub, and that doesn't reach distribution. Case in point was Quaanto, a Triple IPA - basically Permanent Funeral on steroids. Ridiculously good. There's always great things on at the bar or on sale to go in the kiosk that you'll never see in Indy, unfortunately.

And my last comment is that Gumballhead should revert back to being a seasonal beer. When it first came out, it was only available from like April to September, and then poof! it was gone. It is a tremendous summer beer, but for some reason I just don't care for it in the winter.

 

[Hoops Cat]

And 18th st? What should I not pass up if I see it?


Edit
And you just answered. Cheers!

It was Foreman that they had in cans tonight.

Let me know what Oberpfalz they have and I can tell you if it is fresh or not. I don't think they bottle date, because they are a really small operation.

I've only had a couple of beers from 18th that I wouldn't recommend, and that was because they were weird brews that they did in collab with another brewery, and it just didn't mix well. Like Neva Eva Land that they did with 3 Floyds. It was just plain weird. And not good.

Galaxy Slayer, Jade, Cone Crusher (one of my favorite beers, anywhere), Devil in the Rye are some that they've canned recently. I recommend any of them.

 

[twenty02]

For the record, 3 Floyds is still kicking ass.

Yes, as their production increased they started distributing more of some of their staples, namely Gumballhead, and yes, even Zombie Dust, to a wider market. Cripes, I've been able to walk in to FFFs on a Tuesday evening twice in the last month and there was tons of Zombie Dust, and no line. So, its basically that when you can't get something, you want it more. And now that you can get it easily, why rush to buy? The other side of the coin is that there is, as PhinMatt says, a lot of other really good stuff being brewed all over, and so there's more real competition.

I guess I have a different perspective on Floyds, because I can go there regularly, and get to drink the stuff that they only sell in the pub, and that doesn't reach distribution. Case in point was Quaanto, a Triple IPA - basically Permanent Funeral on steroids. Ridiculously good. There's always great things on at the bar or on sale to go in the kiosk that you'll never see in Indy, unfortunately.

And my last comment is that Gumballhead should revert back to being a seasonal beer. When it first came out, it was only available from like April to September, and then poof! it was gone. It is a tremendous summer beer, but for some reason I just don't care for it in the winter.

FFF will always kick ass. Because they make great beer.

They will likely kill it even more now that their production it's getting closer to their demand.

From a business perspective, they are monsters. They aren't far behind what Lagunitas has accomplished. If they want to go nationwide they can as soon as they want to sign on the dotted line.

And there is not a damm thing wrong with that.

They should be in every beer case, just as Lagunitas Sucks is just as available to me as Bud Light.

 

[twenty02]

Let me know what Oberpfalz they have and I can tell you if it is fresh or not. I don't think they bottle date, because they are a really small operation.

I've only had a couple of beers from 18th that I wouldn't recommend, and that was because they were weird brews that they did in collab with another brewery, and it just didn't mix well. Like Neva Eva Land that they did with 3 Floyds. It was just plain weird. And not good.

Galaxy Slayer, Jade, Cone Crusher (one of my favorite beers, anywhere), Devil in the Rye are some that they've canned recently. I recommend any of them.

Regarding NO, they have had bombers out for a couple months, at least. It's a massive bottle shop, so I doubt they are fresh. Even the FFF Amber Smashed Face sits unloved,, and I think it's a great choice.

 

[mike41703]

FFF is the brewer that got me into home brewing.

Because it was great beer, and it was

1) ridiculously hard to get
2) ridiculously expensive ($15 sixers of gumball, $14 bombers of everything else)

I started out doing clones of gumball and zombie dust, and have basically nailed them after a few tries.

I can make 5 gallons of GBH for $23, and ZD for about $30. I've blind tasted them with neighbors, friends, etc, and at least 50% of the time they prefer mine.

Now I'm kinda over them, as I've done them so many times. I haven't nailed down the PF, as those big beers are a lot tougher....but I've gotten close.

Hank is a great brewer on here, and he pushed me towards the Mosaic Promise, which was probably the most popular beer I've ever made...one that appeals to hop heads and regular beer drinkers.

I saw you and Phish talking about Mosaic Promise yesterday so I stopped at our local place and couldn't find it. Checked out the bomber selection....they had 4 PF's. Man, I love that stuff.

Anyway, seems like you've gone from rookie to brewmaster in a short time. I'd love to see how your ZD clone turned out. Or you could give up your secrets!

 

[twenty02]

I saw you and Phish talking about Mosaic Promise yesterday so I stopped at our local place and couldn't find it. Checked out the bomber selection....they had 4 PF's. Man, I love that stuff.

Anyway, seems like you've gone from rookie to brewmaster in a short time. I'd love to see how your ZD clone turned out. Or you could give up your secrets!

None here either yet. But I think they just released it. Good find on the PF, I haven't seen it since around Thanksgiving here in the shop I normally go.

I've brewerd beers starting with my dad 20 years ago, but he always just brewed extract kits for a long time. And ingredients weren't as good back then. I've had his equipment for a few years and had dabbled with it here or there. Last year I kind of got the bug and upgraded a lot of stuff and switched to all grain. My son was born in June so I had a lot of home free time, not so much golf time.

I've probably done 25 batches or so, maybe more. On some weeks I was doing 3 or 4 per week, just to keep pipeline up. Once I switched to kegging and having 3 taps, people started showing up a lot more, and I kept running out, LOL.

Golf season is here, so will likely slow down, and the moochers will have to go elsewhere.

The ZD recipe is available on HomeBrewTalk.com. Its in their top 10 off all time most popular recipes.

 

[PtownHoosier]

None here either yet. But I think they just released it. Good find on the PF, I haven't seen it since around Thanksgiving here in the shop I normally go.

I've brewerd beers starting with my dad 20 years ago, but he always just brewed extract kits for a long time. And ingredients weren't as good back then. I've had his equipment for a few years and had dabbled with it here or there. Last year I kind of got the bug and upgraded a lot of stuff and switched to all grain. My son was born in June so I had a lot of home free time, not so much golf time.

I've probably done 25 batches or so, maybe more. On some weeks I was doing 3 or 4 per week, just to keep pipeline up. Once I switched to kegging and having 3 taps, people started showing up a lot more, and I kept running out, LOL.

Golf season is here, so will likely slow down, and the moochers will have to go elsewhere.

The ZD recipe is available on HomeBrewTalk.com. Its in their top 10 off all time most popular recipes.

My buddy who home brews quite a bit has done a ZD clone as well. It's become his "house beer". It's really good even though most of the stuff he brews is merely drinkable. He's also done a PtE clone a couple of times that's nearly been excellent. And he won some kind of home brewing competition last year with his variation on Founders Breakfast Stout. So I need to keep encouraging him by "helping" him with the brewing process.

By "helping" I obviously mean that I share beers with him while watching him brew. It's a pretty sweet deal. His one car garage has basically been converted into a little brewery that isn't used for anything else.

 

[twenty02]

My buddy who home brews quite a bit has done a ZD clone as well. It's become his "house beer". It's really good even though most of the stuff he brews is merely drinkable. He's also done a PtE clone a couple of times that's nearly been excellent. And he won some kind of home brewing competition last year with his variation on Founders Breakfast Stout. So I need to keep encouraging him by "helping" him with the brewing process.

By "helping" I obviously mean that I share beers with him while watching him brew. It's a pretty sweet deal. His one car garage has basically been converted into a little brewery that isn't used for anything else.

When you put enough hops in a beer, and PTE has a LOT, you have to really try to screw it up. I haven't made that one yet, but I've looked at the recipe.

The most challenging beers are sometimes the lighter beers, lagers or cream ales, etc...not much there to cover up mistakes.

I don't really brew any dark, heavy beer, at least haven't so far. They generally take a longer time to age appropriately, and I'm much too impatient. I was thinking of doing some late this summer to be ready for fall/winter.

 

[ovaltine]

When you put enough hops in a beer, and PTE has a LOT, you have to really try to screw it up. I haven't made that one yet, but I've looked at the recipe.

The most challenging beers are sometimes the lighter beers, lagers or cream ales, etc...not much there to cover up mistakes.

I don't really brew any dark, heavy beer, at least haven't so far. They generally take a longer time to age appropriately, and I'm much too impatient. I was thinking of doing some late this summer to be ready for fall/winter.

Your comment about lagers is why I'm considering brewing the Coors Lite clone that came with the Mr. Beer Kit Little O bought me for my birthday a couple of years ago so I can see what I can do wif dat bad boy.

Or I can go to the beer store that's 48 seconds from my house and pick up a 6er of Prima Pils. Hmmmmmm, what to do.

 

[twenty02]

Your comment about lagers is why I'm considering brewing the Coors Lite clone that came with the Mr. Beer Kit Little O bought me for my birthday a couple of years ago so I can see what I can do wif dat bad boy.

Or I can go to the beer store that's 48 seconds from my house and pick up a 6er of Prima Pils. Hmmmmmm, what to do.

I'd go for the 6er. Those kit ingredients aren't very good to start with...and after a couple years my be downright rancid. .

Not to mention a true Coors light clone is probably one of the most difficult beers a homebrewer could attempt to make. I'm guessing that kit is probably some cream ale concoction. That would kinda, maybe taste a little like an American lager. Probably not.

 

[PtownHoosier]

Your comment about lagers is why I'm considering brewing the Coors Lite clone that came with the Mr. Beer Kit Little O bought me for my birthday a couple of years ago so I can see what I can do wif dat bad boy.

Or I can go to the beer store that's 48 seconds from my house and pick up a 6er of Prima Pils. Hmmmmmm, what to do.

I'm planning on enjoying a lot of HA Pony Pils this summer. It's fantastic. It's a nice option to SN Nooner and Summertime. I had those in my fridge pretty much all summer last year. I much prefer those to the "session", hopwater IPAs. Last night we went out for pizza. Founders' All Day was the only hoppy beer on draft so I had one of those. I hadn't had this beverage for quite a while.

I have to tell you, it wasn't terrible but it wasn't enjoyable either. I ordered a good old plain Lagunitas IPA for my second beverage. That was much, much more satisfying . And of course as IPAs go, Lagunitas IPA is merely good in my humble opinion.

 

[ovaltine]

I'm planning on enjoying a lot of HA Pony Pils this summer. It's fantastic. It's a nice option to SN Nooner and Summertime. I had those in my fridge pretty much all summer last year. I much prefer those to the "session", hopwater IPAs. Last night we went out for pizza. Founders' All Day was the only hoppy beer on draft so I had one of those. I hadn't had this beverage for quite a while.

I have to tell you, it wasn't terrible but it wasn't enjoyable either. I ordered a good old plain Lagunitas IPA for my second beverage. That was much, much more satisfying . And of course as IPAs go, Lagunitas IPA is merely good in my humble opinion.

Dittoes - give me a full-bodied lager/pilsner or a hefe over any session IPA I can think of all day long and twice on Sunday. I "get" the market for sessions, but that doesn't mean I want to participate, and I don't for the most part.

 

[McHoop]

Dittoes - give me a full-bodied lager/pilsner or a hefe over any session IPA I can think of all day long and twice on Sunday. I "get" the market for sessions, but that doesn't mean I want to participate, and I don't for the most part.

Yeah, I'm not enthralled with "Session" stuff at all. I'm not that in to lagers/pilsners but am hip to hefes'; especially Ayinger.

Sidebar: Stopped at the local Big Red to score some liquid bread for the games and voila'! A lonely sixer of Hopslam. I'm cuddling with it as I type this.

McHoop

 

[CF**]

There's a good amount of 18th St in Indy currently. Crown downtown had 3-4 flavors in cans. I didn't really look for any bombers but you will find Hunter variants, Deal with the Devil, Sinister, Foreman, Undercrown along with some others. I'd also suggest Sour Note where you will find gose, and your saison/farmhouse.

 

[twenty02]

Beer selection from where I'll be watching games tonight....thoughts and recommendations? I know a good many of them, but always like input...

 

[PtownHoosier]

Beer selection from where I'll be watching games tonight....thoughts and recommendations? I know a good many of them, but always like input...

Several breweries on there I'm unfamiliar with. I'd probably stick with the Ballast Point and Founders' Azacca. The coconut porters are intriguing. I haven't had either of those but I loved the Oskar Blues version and one from a smaller upcoming brewery from Chicago called Marz that was also tremendous.

 

[twenty02]

Several breweries on there I'm unfamiliar with. I'd probably stick with the Ballast Point and Founders' Azacca. The coconut porters are intriguing. I haven't had either of those but I loved the Oskar Blues version and one from a smaller upcoming brewery from Chicago called Marz that was also tremendous.

The coconut porter stuck out to me. I've been on a stout/porter kick for last couple of weeks.

50% of these are Indiana / Indy breweries (anything with an * or **) Aristocrat always gives half their taps to in-state

 

[jet812]

The Victory at Sea is an oustanding porter.

 

[Hoops Cat]

Beer selection from where I'll be watching games tonight....thoughts and recommendations? I know a good many of them, but always like input...

Well, I can tell you what I would I avoid. Don't waste your time on the Shoreline; any of it. I love Shoreline, the physical place, but their beer is middling at best. And under no circumstance, and I mean none, should even consider a St. John Shite Brother beer.

If it were me, I might start with a Burn Em pilz - they make good stuff. Their only fault is sometimes throwing too much shit at the wall, and hoping something sticks. Then, I would try the Six Point Sensi.

And I agree with PTown, I like the Azzaca from Founders. But, my beer eye is eyeballing the Sculpin and/or Big Eye.

I would sit and stay. Good dog, Hoops Cat!

 

[ovaltine]

The Mosaic hop strikes again. This is REALLY good - and my 6er is 3 months old. If this was 3 weeks old, I'd probably spontaneously combust.

 

[twenty02]

Well, I can tell you what I would I avoid. Don't waste your time on the Shoreline; any of it. I love Shoreline, the physical place, but their beer is middling at best. And under no circumstance, and I mean none, should even consider a St. John Shite Brother beer.

If it were me, I might start with a Burn Em pilz - they make good stuff. Their only fault is sometimes throwing too much shit at the wall, and hoping something sticks. Then, I would try the Six Point Sensi.

And I agree with PTown, I like the Azzaca from Founders. But, my beer eye is eyeballing the Sculpin and/or Big Eye.

I would sit and stay. Good dog, Hoops Cat!

I started with a sculpin. The had a HiRes, very tasty, but pretty sweet, glad it was only 10oz.

Then had the milk stout from Fountain Square. Was very good.

At this point IU was losing badly. And I started angry drinking.

 

[ovaltine]

I started with a sculpin. The had a HiRes, very tasty, but pretty sweet, glad it was only 10oz.

Then had the milk stout from Fountain Square. Was very good.

At this point IU was losing badly. And I started angry drinking.

Best beer on that list was the Stone Double Bastard. Victory At Sea was 2nd.

All IMHO, of course.

 

[Hank Reardon]

The Mosaic hop strikes again. This is REALLY good - and my 6er is 3 months old. If this was 3 weeks old, I'd probably spontaneously combust.

Hey, you found some. I'd buy some more if I could get it but I've not seen any since that first six I bought. But I'll bet they brew this again.

 

[PhishPhan682]

Trion had a Ballast Point tap take over yesterday


The coconut and peanut butter victory at sea were amazing

 

[ovaltine]

Surly jumps into the "session APA/IPA" arena with both feet, an arm, and half their melon .....

This will be a mega-lawnmower beer - loads of Citra aromas and flavors, but l-i-g-h-t (which a sessionable beverage is, by definition). If it was 90 degrees outside and I'd just finished mowing my lawn, I'd be gargling with this stuff. For an hour.

 

[ovaltine]

The first beer was a rice cake. This beer .....

...... is a 60 oz Porterhouse with a twice-backed potato and lobster mac 'n cheese. I need to sit down.

 

[MaxCoke]

Awe ain't that special?

 

[SuperHoosier]

Surly jumps into the "session APA/IPA" arena with both feet, an arm, and half their melon .....

This will be a mega-lawnmower beer - loads of Citra aromas and flavors, but l-i-g-h-t (which a sessionable beverage is, by definition). If it was 90 degrees outside and I'd just finished mowing my lawn, I'd be gargling with this stuff. For an hour.

I had one of these today and just didn't live up to my expectations. Bummer.

 

[SuperHoosier]

The first beer was a rice cake. This beer .....

...... is a 60 oz Porterhouse with a twice-backed potato and lobster mac 'n cheese. I need to sit down.

Funny, nearly went with this one as my second tonight. Decided instead to do some beer fridge clean out. So far I've also had a Blood of the Unicorn from Pipeworks and a Bengali from Six Point.

Off topic, I've got a beer from Charlotte queued up to get sent off to you as a thanks for the PseudoSue. Would you also be interested in a Crimson Snapper from Pipeworks?