Posts Tagged ‘two beer dudes’
Saturday, November 21st, 2009
Per my last sips entry it hopefully is apparent that my extra time has been spent recovering from my myriad of ailments so Two Beer Dudes has suffered. Today I found about an hour of time to work a few more pages into the site design, add a link or two, and think about other pages that need to be created.
Why my sudden burst of energy. After my doctors visit today (my third in less than 24 hours), I received a prescription for a steroid to help the some swelling. A side effect of the steroid is sleeplessness. My body was tired and ached but my brain had no interest in shutting down. As mentioned, a good time to work on the site.
I updated the designs on the beer rating system, add a beer, and add a place pages. Not completely satisfied with the beer rating page but, because there is so much to do on the site still, I won’t get back to that page for a while.
I also added a link to the footer for the beer rating system as the only place it could be found was on the beer pages in the right column. Haven’t decided for sure or not but I may add it to the drop down menu also.
I will start working on an establishment rating system soon but it will be more about the overall combination of some factors about the experience. Enjoy!
Tags: two beer dudes
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Monday, November 16th, 2009
What happens at TNBC stays at TNBC!
It has been postponed but Tuesday Night Beer Club is tomorrow night over at Mark’s house. This round has been postponed a couple of times but it seems like all the players will be there: Ed, Shawn, Mike, Mark, and myself. This is my first official visit and I wonder if they have some type of pledge duties for me? 
The theme of the night, which is Mark’s call since he is hosting, is anything goes. So each of us can bring whatever beers we so choose to share with the group. Each beer is voted on beer by beer to decide which will be the next one opened, drank, and talked about.
I plan on a whole host of American craft beer that I have not had in the past as these guys make my beer enthusiasm seemed second rate. I am getting over being sick so I don’t how long I will last but I should be up for two or four tastings. 
One other reason for excitement: Ed is a graphic designer and he has promised me at least two different designs for a two beer dudes logo. I am stoked. Enjoy!
Tags: american craft beer, Beer, tnbc, tuesday night beer club, two beer dudes
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Sunday, November 1st, 2009
Two Beer Dudes has had a tradition of having American craft beer along the way as our kids trick-or-treat. Rich started the tradition as the first time my oldest went with them, he had a wagon full of beer to my surprise. On a cold Halloween the warmth received from a good craft beer is well appreciated.
Rich’s kids are now past the age to enjoy Halloween and the innocence of receiving candy but I have many years ahead of me. 
Since I have been reviewing so many Oktoberfest beers, I picked up a six pack of Modus Hoperandi by Ska Brewing Company to take along for the ride.
Last year my oldest went out as long as she could, it was 80 degrees, and I ran out of beer as I only brought three. This year she promised she would go crazy, so I brought the entire sixer, but didn’t really pay attention the 50 degree weather with big winds. Needless to say I only was able to enjoy three. No matter. Hanging out with the wife and kids, having no cares in the world but what candy the next house will have, makes for a great day. Enjoy!
Tags: american craft beer, Beer, modus hoperandi, ska brewing company, two beer dudes
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Friday, October 30th, 2009
Flossmoor Station Resturant & Brewery was our destination today as Two Beer Dudes set out on our first personalized tour of an American craft brewery. Before I go any further, I would like to thank Sandi (GM), Bryan (brew master), and Richard (brew assistant) for opening up the invitation for Rich and I to come visit. Also, their hospitality while we were there was above and beyond.
The cosy atmosphere of the quaint brewpub and Bryan and Richard’s friendliness made us feel comfortable quickly after we arrived. We were fortunate to come on a day that they were brewing (they brew twice a week) as we were able to see from the mash, to the boil kettle, and even clean up.
Bryan took us down to the cellar to check out their refrigeration area for feeding their tap lines. They have ideas of expansion to four more. We also saw the bourbon barrels they use to age some of their specials. Fate was on our side as Bryan tapped a keg of Bourbon Barrel Aged Pullman Brown and shared a taste with Rich and I. Outstanding!
They are very limited on space but in cramped conditions they are able to produce some great beers despite a 700 barrel capacity. They are a diamond in the rough with their location to Chicago and ease of transportation (they back to the Metra train). Anyone in the Chicagoland area is not much more than an hour train ride away from this gem.
Once again, thank you for opening your brewery to us and making us feel welcome. We look forward to coming out again and tasting some of your ever changing small batch seasonals. If you are in the area (if you go to Three Floyds you are 30 minutes away) make sure to drop in and try some of the beers on tap and/or take some home with you to partake with friends. Make sure to check out the brewery hop. Enjoy!
Tags: american craft beer, Beer, beer review, flossmoor station resturant & brewery, two beer dudes
Posted in Brewery Hops | No Comments »
Thursday, October 29th, 2009
Flossmoor Station Brewery beers that they bottle and sell locally througout the Chicagoland area.
Tomorrow, Friday, Rich and I will be heading out to Flossmoor Station Restaurant and Brewery in Flossmoor, IL to hang out with the brewer, Bryan. Sandi, who I contacted via email was awesome enough to set up this entire get together and we plan on being there around 10:00am to see what the day will bring.
Flossmoor is actually my old stomping grounds while growing up as I lived my entire pre-married life in Homewood. So it will be a sort of home coming of sorts for me. I have been to the station before for a few drinks but never to check out the brewery.
We will be taking some pictures, asking lots of questions, and, hopefully, tasting a few beers. Realistically I don’t know what the day will bring but I know that we will be able to get the inside scoop on a quality brewery from the south suburbs of Chicago. Enjoy!
Tags: Beer, brewery, flossmoor brewing station, two beer dudes
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Tuesday, October 27th, 2009
Last night the two lucky guest stars were Bell’s Octoberfest by Bell’s Brewery, Inc. and Founders Harvest Ale by Founders Brewing Company. I am a little better than half way through the beers from Two Beer Dudes Oktoberfest gig.
Bell’s Octoberfest by Bell’s Brewery, Inc. was first as I believed I would be in for a treat. I can’t say that I was completely dissatisfied by this beer but it didn’t live up to what I have come to expect from Bell’s Octoberfest by Bell’s. Aroma and taste are of an average lager, nothing spectacular. I would have it again but wouldn’t be my first choice for Oktoberfest.
Founders Harvest Ale by Founders Brewing Company is an outstanding beer that can be easily enjoyed this time of the year. A large amount of hops is blended splendidly with malt as not to create much bitterness or after taste. Another beer that will makes it onto my annual purchase list.
Maybe ten more beers to review. I have to say my palate will be looking forward to a change of pace away from all the spice and malt. Enjoy!
Tags: american craft beer, Beer, beer review, bell's brewry, bell's octoberfest, founder harvest ale, founders brewing company, inc., two beer dudes
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Sunday, October 25th, 2009
Had to make up for taking last night off with an array of four seasonal beers and a Curmudgeon to keep me honest. I am about half way through the beers from Two Beer Dudes Oktoberfest festival.
Curmudgeon by Founders Brewing Company is an Old Ale that has been aged in oak barrels. I had six of these before I could pull myself away from the glass long enough to review it. Molasses, grain, vanilla, and dark fruit are part of the complex aroma and taste of this beer that blend together nicely to make one fine drinking beer. Slight dryness and warmth that compliment this beer perfectly. I hope I can still get some more of this.
Ichabod by New Holland Brewing Company is a pumpkin beer. Ichabod is a quality offering that didn’t live up to the aroma in the taste. I thought the aroma was spot on and had me preparing for a great taste but I was let down when the beer was a little light and watery. If you prefer your pumpkins not as spiced up in the mouth, then this would be a really good beer. In spite of what I said, I would have this beer again.
Staghorn Oktoberfest by New Glarus Brewing Company was next. I cant’ hide the fact that I am a fan of Glarus beers as I have been there twice this summer and tasted/reviewed at least 18 different styles. Staghorn delivers with spot on interpretation of the style. Great combination of malts and drinkability make it a winner in my book.
Punkin Ale by Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales found its way into my glass next. I felt the aroma was similar to Ichabod but where it left off, Punkin Ale delivers by carrying over the pleasant aroma into the taste. A well rounded and crisp offering.
The last beer of the day was Gemuetlichkeit Oktoberfest by Tyranena Brewing Company. To this point I have been a fan of Tyranena’s beers but this one just seemed a little lackluster and couldn’t find the style.
Order of preferences: Curmudgeon, Staghorn Oktoberfest, Punkin Ale. Ichabod, Gemuetlichkeit Oktoberfest. Enjoy!
Tags: american craft beer, Beer, beer review, curmudgeon by founders brewing, dogfishhead craft brewed ales, founders brewing, gemuetlichkeit oktoberfest, ichabod ale, new glarus brewing company, new holland brewing company, punkin ale, staghorn octoberfest, two beer dudes, tyranena brewing company
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Friday, October 23rd, 2009
Continuing my quest to have the beers from Two Beer Dudes Oktoberfest, last night I had Point Oktoberfest by Stevens Point Brewery and Moonglow Weizenbock by Victory Brewing Company.
I started the evening off with Point Oktoberfest as I didn’t know what to expect from Moonglow Weizenbock. Point Oktoberfest had the most foam of the Oktoberfest beers I have tried so far but, like the others, that foam doesn’t like to hang out. Aroma of grain, toasty, and sweet malt pleasantly great the nose. The taste followed but was a little on the light side, similar to the body. A clean, crisp, easy drinking beer that would be easy to session. I would recommend this beer to Oktoberfest enthusiasts.
My first Weizenbock, Moonglow, lived up to the standard guidelines of what the style should be. Poured dark amber, cloudy with lots of little floaties and a foam reminiscent of soda pop foam. Aroma and taste are both complex with banana esters, phenols, malt, wheat, and dark fruit. Interesting. More foam than any beer I have ever had just add to over complexity and ability to enjoy the beer. I have to admit the style isn’t my favorite but if you are going to try a Weizenbock then Moonglow Weizenbock is a fine place to start.
Half way through the Weizenbock I decided that I needed to have an IPA since I hadn’t had one in almost a week. My last can of Gordon was staring me in the face. I couldn’t do it, I felt sorry for the little bugger. Instead I grabbed a bottle of Curmudgeon by Founders Brewing. I haven’t officially reviewed that beer and I have had four. Time to crack the second four pack and comment on how damn good that beer is. Enjoy!
Tags: american craft beer, Beer, beer review, moonglow weizenbock, point oktoberfest, stevens point brewery, two beer dudes, victory brewing company
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Wednesday, October 21st, 2009
Not the sign outside the store I visit but I enjoy retro style signs.
I will be heading over to the beer store today around 2:00pm like usual. Supposedly the official papers were signed on Monday and my favorite beer store is now owned by a family owned chain in the area. I don’t know if they will continue to run the same specials for members and if my coupons will still hold merit. Also, the chain that purchased this store has slowly but surely buying up the competition. I don’t want all my stores in the area to be the same owner, there won’t be a any type of selection difference. Which, at the current time, is the main reason I go to different stores.
I guess time will tell what the transition will be and the plans for the store. Unless something changes drastically, I will be going over there every Wednesday. If Travis isn’t there I will have to befriend the new beer guy and find out the new American craft beer scoop each week.
– continued after visit –
Travis is now working for a local distributor, so he will no longer be my beer guy, lol. The first person I ran into once inside the door happened to be the new beer buyer: Matt. Coincidence, I think not. Matt and I talked for about 10 minutes and he let me know that new shipments of beers will be coming in on Wednesday and Thursday. Maybe I have to make two trips a week?
In spite of all of the beer I have left over from the Oktoberfest festival, I purchased a sixer of Bell’s Rye Stout. I guess the distributors are already out and there isn’t much left. Will be tasting soon. Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Tags: american craft beer, Beer, beer store, two beer dudes
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Wednesday, October 21st, 2009
Pumpkin Lager by Lakefront Brewing Company
Lakefront Pumpkin Lager by Lakefront Brewing Company is a pumpkin beer that was very drinkable and crisp. It had a slight head on the beer that disappeared very quickly until there was no trace at all. A nice amber color that had good spice, malt, and a trace of hops on the nose. The spices weren’t as noticeable in the taste while it was light in body with medium carbonation. I have had other Lakefront beers (especially on the brewery tour) and will have to say that I expected a bigger, better beer from them. No, this isn’t a horrible beer, I would drink it again, but the body of the beer is really light. I feel like “transition” beers like these should start to bulk up on the body.
The second beer of the night was Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale by Coors Brewing Company. The beer started off nice with a nice tan foam but lasted like a robber running from the police. The aroma and taste was more of an Oktoberfest style beet to me than a pumpkin beer. I don’t know if this was suppose to be a twist of styles or not. Despite the amount of malt, the body was light but the carbonation level seemed fine. My wife made the best observation about the beer: “It doesn’t taste like much.” I think that says just about everything I need to say. It is a macro brew that smells, tastes, and acts like a macro beer.
Four beers of the 28 down from Two Beer Dudes American Oktoberfest. No drinking tonight, I have hoops. More to come on Friday. Enjoy!
Tags: american craft beer, Beer, beer review, coors brewing company, coors harvest moon pumpkin ale, lakefront brewing company, lakefront pumpkin lager, two beer dudes
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