Yesterday I received an invitation to Stone Brewing Company's Quad City Release Party at RIBCO in Rock Island https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=164553406931726 on April 6th. I am fanatic about Stone beers and now I will be able to buy Stone right here in the QCs. No more shopping on the internet and waiting for the UPS or Fed Ex Driver to put the package on my front stoop.
From the invite it looks like they are going to have a good selection at RIBCO April 6th. Looks like it will be an entertaining evening unsure if I will be there. If not I hope lots of Stone Beer is drank.
QC Beerguy
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Front Street Davenport, IA
Yesterday my wife and I made our way down to Front Street after helping fill some sandbags at the River Center. I have always liked the location of Front Street. They have a small patio area in the back and from the bar you can watch the Mississippi River go by. They have made quite a few changes to the upstairs to add more seating and make it more homey. This brewpub has a great feel, lots of wood and exposed brick.
We both ordered the brewer's special which is currently a Marzen. We have been told it is either very good or very difficult to drink. We found it to be quite drinkable and it seemed to be true to style. As far as the rest of their beers it is very hit and miss. Sometimes the beers are very good and at times they are nearly undrinkable. They use to have the best by far Hefeweizen in the QC area, now it is average at best and the last two times I had it had multiple off flavors. Their most consistent beer currently is the Davenport Gold Pale Ale. Clean crisp and hoppy. Their other beers currently leave something to be desired.
We always give Front Street an opportunity multiple times each year and sadly more often than not we find the beer lacking. As I said this brewpub has a great location and will continue to be visited by many people because of that reason. I just wish I had more positives to give out.
QC Beerguy
We both ordered the brewer's special which is currently a Marzen. We have been told it is either very good or very difficult to drink. We found it to be quite drinkable and it seemed to be true to style. As far as the rest of their beers it is very hit and miss. Sometimes the beers are very good and at times they are nearly undrinkable. They use to have the best by far Hefeweizen in the QC area, now it is average at best and the last two times I had it had multiple off flavors. Their most consistent beer currently is the Davenport Gold Pale Ale. Clean crisp and hoppy. Their other beers currently leave something to be desired.
We always give Front Street an opportunity multiple times each year and sadly more often than not we find the beer lacking. As I said this brewpub has a great location and will continue to be visited by many people because of that reason. I just wish I had more positives to give out.
QC Beerguy
Goose Island Brewery Sold
Goose Island Brewery has been sold to Anheuser Busch for $38.8 million. The sale includes the brand and the brewery on Fulton St. in Chicago, but does not include the two Brewpubs on Clark St. and Clybourn Ave. Those will still be owned John Hall and his partners. For those who know AB had a minority ownership since 2006 and distributed Goose Island since. So this purchase comes as no major surprise. Also many know that AB is owned by InBev. This is another consolidation within the beer industry. Hopefully AB/IB will let Goose Island continue to be creative when it comes to their beer. Only time will tell.
QC Beerguy
QC Beerguy
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Quite Night at Home
Relaxing at home this evening with some pizza and a couple of beers. First up Oasis from Tallgrass Brewing in Manhattan, Kansas. The brewery states this is a Double ESB/ IIPA checking in at 7.2% ABV 93 IBU. Pours copper with a off white head that is moderately lasting. Aroma is of earthy, musty English hops. Then some citrus and pine notes are in the background. There is a substantial malt backbone that is of toffee and biscuit notes. It leaves a tea like coating on the mouth which greatly cuts the enjoyment of the beer. Overall I am not a fan of this beer and will not purchase in the future. Now I have 3 more of these to drink sometime. A learning experience on this beer, at the liquor store I bought it they told me it was along the lines of Surly Furious. Not even close to me.
Next up Buffalo Sweat from Tallgrass Brewing. Pours nice and dark more or less black with a tan head. Aroma is of milk sugar and dark roast, quite pleasing. Taste is of dark roast, coffee and a subtle chocolate. Also a bit of peppery spiciness in the taste. Finishes lightly sweet but it does not linger or is cloying. It is nicely carbonated but could have a bit more body for my taste. I do enjoy this beer and will gladly consume the three others cans I have of this beer.
I bought these two beer mainly because they came in cans. You can look back to my blog on cans, "Everyone Likes it in the Can" for my thoughts on canned craft beer. Also I had an interest in Tallgrass Brewing Company http://tallgrassbeer.com/index.html , because it is from Manhattan, Kansas the home of Kansas State University. Which happens to be an arch nemesis to my wife's Alma Mater University of Kansas. So I wanted to see if my wife is right and nothing good comes from Manhattan. Well honey I hate to tell you at least on good thing does come from Manhattan, Buffalo Sweat.
QC Beerguy
Next up Buffalo Sweat from Tallgrass Brewing. Pours nice and dark more or less black with a tan head. Aroma is of milk sugar and dark roast, quite pleasing. Taste is of dark roast, coffee and a subtle chocolate. Also a bit of peppery spiciness in the taste. Finishes lightly sweet but it does not linger or is cloying. It is nicely carbonated but could have a bit more body for my taste. I do enjoy this beer and will gladly consume the three others cans I have of this beer.
I bought these two beer mainly because they came in cans. You can look back to my blog on cans, "Everyone Likes it in the Can" for my thoughts on canned craft beer. Also I had an interest in Tallgrass Brewing Company http://tallgrassbeer.com/index.html , because it is from Manhattan, Kansas the home of Kansas State University. Which happens to be an arch nemesis to my wife's Alma Mater University of Kansas. So I wanted to see if my wife is right and nothing good comes from Manhattan. Well honey I hate to tell you at least on good thing does come from Manhattan, Buffalo Sweat.
QC Beerguy
Friday, March 25, 2011
Wine tasting /KU game
This evening we went to a wine tasting at the John Deere Road Hy Vee in Moline. It was a fundraiser for the Quad City Chapter of the American Red Cross, which my wife has some ties with. It was a small gathering around 40 people total but I believe everyone had an opportunity to try everything they wanted. Fortunately some good friends were able to make the tasting and they went out to watch the KU game afterwords with us. There were 15 wines total presented in one ounce pours, about the right amount to try each wine and not become to intoxicated so a person would have problems later. Fortunately they had two of my latest favorite style a Malbec. It is a rich complex red wine. Many different flavors and textures in this wine. At the same time it dry and yet sweet. I know I am contradicting myself in that regard but that is the way I perceive the wine. They also had many good whites as well. The great thing there was no wine over $11 retail and overall it was a very good tasting.
Those that know us know my wife is a KU grad, that is Kansas University. Needless to say this is her favorite time of the year. During the wine tasting she was sneaking peeks at the score on her phone. With KU leading basically the whole game she was happy. So when we left the wine tasting we needed to find somewhere to watch the rest of the game. We wound up at Buffalo Wild Wings in Moline. After a bit of a delay to have our waiter to come over to the table we had them switch a tv over to the KU game. Before you say that BWW does not have any good beer, I beg to differ. The had Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, New Belgium Mighty Arrow and Ranger IPA, and my wife's favorite Stella Artois all on tap. So we were able to sit and watch the KU finish and have good beer and decent food as well.
Overall it was an enjoyable evening with some good friends and our oldest daughter. I just want to say that any time you feel a need to donate to an organization please consider the Red Cross. They not only respond to the major International and National natural disasters, they are there for you and your neighbors in the local community when a fire, flood or some other disaster hits the community. The local chapter has had many calls for assistance due to fires this year and could use your donations to continue to help those in need. So if you have extra buck or feel you can go with one less beer this week please give it to the American Red Cross.
Thank you!
QC Beerguy
Those that know us know my wife is a KU grad, that is Kansas University. Needless to say this is her favorite time of the year. During the wine tasting she was sneaking peeks at the score on her phone. With KU leading basically the whole game she was happy. So when we left the wine tasting we needed to find somewhere to watch the rest of the game. We wound up at Buffalo Wild Wings in Moline. After a bit of a delay to have our waiter to come over to the table we had them switch a tv over to the KU game. Before you say that BWW does not have any good beer, I beg to differ. The had Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, New Belgium Mighty Arrow and Ranger IPA, and my wife's favorite Stella Artois all on tap. So we were able to sit and watch the KU finish and have good beer and decent food as well.
Overall it was an enjoyable evening with some good friends and our oldest daughter. I just want to say that any time you feel a need to donate to an organization please consider the Red Cross. They not only respond to the major International and National natural disasters, they are there for you and your neighbors in the local community when a fire, flood or some other disaster hits the community. The local chapter has had many calls for assistance due to fires this year and could use your donations to continue to help those in need. So if you have extra buck or feel you can go with one less beer this week please give it to the American Red Cross.
Thank you!
QC Beerguy
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Brewing Network
OK so this is going to be basically a lot of sucking up with the Brewing Network http://www.thebrewingnetwork.com/. If you are a homebrewer and do not know about the Brewing Network what rock have you been hiding under? This is the only live homebrewing podcast on the internet.
The Brewing Network is the brain child of Justin Crossley, I know I have it spelled correctly Justin. I first found the Brewing Network through another member of MUGZ and I am so glad for the introduction. The people behind the Brewing Network provide a lot of brewing information. Some of the personalities besides Justin includes Jamil Zainasheff, John Palmer, Sean Paxton, Doc, Tasty, JP and most importantly Beevo! They provide a variety of programing. Included in this is the Sunday Session, not for work download, that usually has an interview with a craft brewer and some homebrewing information. Brew Strong where Jamil and John pontificate their homebrewing knowledge out to the masses and you wonder why Jamil is "the Pope" of homebrewing. The Jamil Show Can You Brew It? where a gaggle of master brewers try to clone brew craft beers, hosted by Jamil and Mike "Tasty" Mc Dole. Also Sean and Justin host The Homebrewed Chef, Sean is famous for his craft beer and food dinners. Last and least, sorry JP, is Lunch Meet which can be and always is about anything and everything.
At last years NHC my wife and I as well as several other member of our homebrew club, MUGZ http://www.mugzhomebrew.org/, had the opportunity to meet everyone from the Brewing Network. Even though these people are the rock stars of the homebrew community they are well grounded and know they are no better than any other homebrewer. Especially JP, he may come off as an ass but is truly a gentleman when a person has an opportunity to talk one on one with him. I even wound up with a special opportunity to embarrass myself live on the internet with Justin by talking into his neck during his session at NHC. I quickly became know as "Star Shit" for my answer to Justin's question. As well I had the opportunity to meet some other wonderful people of the BN Army at NHC. Shout out to Dirk and Who ate all the pies!
I cannot thank the Brewing Network enough for all of the information and entertainment they provide me each and every week. I occasionally have the chance to listen to the shows live, but always download the MP3 for listening during my long drives during the week!
I am a glad member of the BN Army by contributing $2 a month towards Justin's travels around the world in the his private jet. Just kidding Justin, I know the money goes towards the programing and equipment that make the Brewing Network go. Keep up the Great work!
Thank you!
QC Beerguy
The Brewing Network is the brain child of Justin Crossley, I know I have it spelled correctly Justin. I first found the Brewing Network through another member of MUGZ and I am so glad for the introduction. The people behind the Brewing Network provide a lot of brewing information. Some of the personalities besides Justin includes Jamil Zainasheff, John Palmer, Sean Paxton, Doc, Tasty, JP and most importantly Beevo! They provide a variety of programing. Included in this is the Sunday Session, not for work download, that usually has an interview with a craft brewer and some homebrewing information. Brew Strong where Jamil and John pontificate their homebrewing knowledge out to the masses and you wonder why Jamil is "the Pope" of homebrewing. The Jamil Show Can You Brew It? where a gaggle of master brewers try to clone brew craft beers, hosted by Jamil and Mike "Tasty" Mc Dole. Also Sean and Justin host The Homebrewed Chef, Sean is famous for his craft beer and food dinners. Last and least, sorry JP, is Lunch Meet which can be and always is about anything and everything.
At last years NHC my wife and I as well as several other member of our homebrew club, MUGZ http://www.mugzhomebrew.org/, had the opportunity to meet everyone from the Brewing Network. Even though these people are the rock stars of the homebrew community they are well grounded and know they are no better than any other homebrewer. Especially JP, he may come off as an ass but is truly a gentleman when a person has an opportunity to talk one on one with him. I even wound up with a special opportunity to embarrass myself live on the internet with Justin by talking into his neck during his session at NHC. I quickly became know as "Star Shit" for my answer to Justin's question. As well I had the opportunity to meet some other wonderful people of the BN Army at NHC. Shout out to Dirk and Who ate all the pies!
I cannot thank the Brewing Network enough for all of the information and entertainment they provide me each and every week. I occasionally have the chance to listen to the shows live, but always download the MP3 for listening during my long drives during the week!
I am a glad member of the BN Army by contributing $2 a month towards Justin's travels around the world in the his private jet. Just kidding Justin, I know the money goes towards the programing and equipment that make the Brewing Network go. Keep up the Great work!
Thank you!
QC Beerguy
Mason City, IA
So I find myself in Mason City, IA tonight, the home of Meredith Wilson of Music Man fame. Also in Mason City is the last surviving hotel in the United States that was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, thankfully finally being restored after over 10 years of promising to do it. Probably it is most famous for being the airport that Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper took their last flight from.
Unfortunately this is not home to a great beer scene. The place I have found to be the craft beer place is called The Other Placehttp://www.theotherplace.com/. Their craft brew includes Millstream's Pale Ale and Boulevard's Pale Ale and Unfiltered Wheat Beer. I come here for the food. Tonight I had the 9" meat pizza and it was good as usual. They also have a good sandwich menu. The Other Place is a regional chain with restaurants in Iowa and Kansas.
From talking with a regular at the bar, again that is were I sit, this is the craft brew place in Mason City. Thank you Brandon and good talking with you Mike.
Cheers!
QC Beerguy
Unfortunately this is not home to a great beer scene. The place I have found to be the craft beer place is called The Other Placehttp://www.theotherplace.com/. Their craft brew includes Millstream's Pale Ale and Boulevard's Pale Ale and Unfiltered Wheat Beer. I come here for the food. Tonight I had the 9" meat pizza and it was good as usual. They also have a good sandwich menu. The Other Place is a regional chain with restaurants in Iowa and Kansas.
From talking with a regular at the bar, again that is were I sit, this is the craft brew place in Mason City. Thank you Brandon and good talking with you Mike.
Cheers!
QC Beerguy
Monday, March 21, 2011
Des Moines Court Avenue Brewing
Back in Des Moines and felt like going somewhere I have not been to for a while Court Avenue Brewing Company (CABCO) http://www.courtavebrew.com/ and I was not disappointed. This is a cool brewpub down in the Court Avenue District, know for its bar and restaurants in this area. This is a usual downtown hang out for many of its young professionals. Tonight however it was very slow, I walked in there were 3 other people sitting at the bar and they left within 30 minutes of me arriving. I hope was not the cause. LOL
Since it has been a while since I had broke the doorway I figured I would start with the sampler, 8- 4 1/2 ounce samples for $15 not a bad deal. The eight I had were: Two Rivers Light, Belgian White, La Peste, Dorchester Amber, Pointer Brown, Blackhawk Stout, 21st Amendment Ale and Infatuation Ale. They were out of a couple of their regular beers Kaplan Hat Hefeweizen and Honest Lawyer IPA. But the bartender gave me as a bonus taste the cask Irish Breakfast Stout. All the beers were clean and did not have much for off flavors. My least favorites were the Light and the Amber, both just did not taste right to me. All of the others were quite tasty with my favorites being the Irish Stout and the La Peste, a strong Belgian Gold Ale. The Infatuation was a blend of a dubbel and a Flemish brown brewed with raspberries. I would suggest if you are unfamiliar with the microbrewery to grab a sampler, best way to try their beers.
The food menu has many appetizing options and I went with the bartenders recommendation a ordered a sausage and pepperoni pizza. It was quite good! Thin crisp crust which is made with their beer and lots of tasty toppings.
The brewpub has two distinct areas the dining area and the bar area. The bar is a little more homey and comfortable to me. But if you are looking for a nice place to have a meal dine in the dining area. This is a worthy brewpub.
The brewer is a multiple award winner. My wife and I were present the year he swept a category at the Wood and Barrel Aged festival in Chicago, needless to say he was happy. He works his mastery with wood barrels, including Templeton Rye Barrels, which he used to make the 21st Amendment Ale.
When you are in Des Moines and have an opportunity to head downtown give CABCO a shot!
Cheers!
QC Beerguy
Since it has been a while since I had broke the doorway I figured I would start with the sampler, 8- 4 1/2 ounce samples for $15 not a bad deal. The eight I had were: Two Rivers Light, Belgian White, La Peste, Dorchester Amber, Pointer Brown, Blackhawk Stout, 21st Amendment Ale and Infatuation Ale. They were out of a couple of their regular beers Kaplan Hat Hefeweizen and Honest Lawyer IPA. But the bartender gave me as a bonus taste the cask Irish Breakfast Stout. All the beers were clean and did not have much for off flavors. My least favorites were the Light and the Amber, both just did not taste right to me. All of the others were quite tasty with my favorites being the Irish Stout and the La Peste, a strong Belgian Gold Ale. The Infatuation was a blend of a dubbel and a Flemish brown brewed with raspberries. I would suggest if you are unfamiliar with the microbrewery to grab a sampler, best way to try their beers.
The food menu has many appetizing options and I went with the bartenders recommendation a ordered a sausage and pepperoni pizza. It was quite good! Thin crisp crust which is made with their beer and lots of tasty toppings.
The brewpub has two distinct areas the dining area and the bar area. The bar is a little more homey and comfortable to me. But if you are looking for a nice place to have a meal dine in the dining area. This is a worthy brewpub.
The brewer is a multiple award winner. My wife and I were present the year he swept a category at the Wood and Barrel Aged festival in Chicago, needless to say he was happy. He works his mastery with wood barrels, including Templeton Rye Barrels, which he used to make the 21st Amendment Ale.
When you are in Des Moines and have an opportunity to head downtown give CABCO a shot!
Cheers!
QC Beerguy
Sunday, March 20, 2011
It's Alive
I say that every time the next day after I brew a batch of beer. It is a great feeling that I prepared the wort correctly so the yeast I add can turn it into beer. Even though I understand what is happening it seems to be a miracle every time it happens. I am sure I am not the only homebrewer that feels this way. During the brew day the brewer makes the sugary wort and then adds our little friends, yeast, that digest the sugars and turns them into alcohol. With in a matter of weeks the beer is ready to be consumed.
Here is a synopsis of my typical brew day and the steps afterward to assure that I have a finished beer in a few weeks. My typical brew day begins with the gathering of my equipment and supplies. My equipment includes a stainless steel boil kettle, a turkey cooker and a few more items that will mention later. Needless to say I have to do my brewing outside because the lack of proper ventilation inside. Lucky for me we have a small concrete stoop outside of our basement door that I can set up on. Yes I have brewed in rain, snow and cold. Each present a different difficulty but all can be overcome.
I am an extract with grains brewer, that means I purchase malt extract and some specialty grains to make my beer. There are also all grain brewers that only use grain and make their own extract through a process called mashing. There is a third group of brewers that are partial mash brewers, it is kind of like a combination of extract and all grain brewing.
Once I have my burner and kettle set up I add my water and specialty gains, bring them up to 160 degrees F and let them sit for 30 minutes. Then I remove the grains and bring the wort up to a boil. Once it is at a boil I then add my extract and bring it back up to a boil and boil for 60 minutes. During the boil I add my hops, fining agents and other flavour compounds called for by the recipe. Also at 15 minutes before the end of the boil I add my wort chiller. At the end of the boil, also know as flame out, I turn on the the water to run through the wort chiller and bring the wort down to fermentation temp.
A wort chiller is a piece of equipment used to cool the wort. The wort chiller I use is an immersion chiller, as the name implies it is immersed in the wort. It is the most basic wort chiller, there are other more advance types though. There is a counter flow chiller that has water going in one direction and the wort in the other direction. Also the most advanced and efficient is a plate chiller. Each chiller accomplishes the same objective cooling the wort.
Once the wort is cooled it is time to add the yeast, there are a couple choices here as well dry or liquid yeast. Lately I have been using dry yeast, it has a couple advantages over liquid yeast including lower price and no need to make a yeast starter. One thing to be sure to do with dry yeast is to rehydrate them before adding them to the wort. Liquid yeast does have benefits as well, there is a wider selection of liquid yeasts that gives the brewer the ability to make a wide range of beers. Yeast is the worker of magic fermenting sugars into alcohol and making beer.
I leave the beer in the fermenter10-14 days. The actual yeast fermentation is normally 3-5 days and the rest of the time the yeast is busy cleaning up after themselves. As the yeast cleans up it is becoming inactive and settles out of the beer. At the end of the 10-14 days I then transfer my beer to the keg, a 5 gallon corny keg. At the time of transfer I hook up CO2 and carbonate the beer. So in a matter of 2-4 weeks a beer is made and ready to be consumed.
If you don't homebrew and want to learn more come to our next meeting of MUGZ next Sunday 2pm at Great River Brewing in Davenport, IA. Also you can learn more about MUGZ at our website http://www.mugzhomebrew.org/.
Cheers!
QC Beerguy
Here is a synopsis of my typical brew day and the steps afterward to assure that I have a finished beer in a few weeks. My typical brew day begins with the gathering of my equipment and supplies. My equipment includes a stainless steel boil kettle, a turkey cooker and a few more items that will mention later. Needless to say I have to do my brewing outside because the lack of proper ventilation inside. Lucky for me we have a small concrete stoop outside of our basement door that I can set up on. Yes I have brewed in rain, snow and cold. Each present a different difficulty but all can be overcome.
I am an extract with grains brewer, that means I purchase malt extract and some specialty grains to make my beer. There are also all grain brewers that only use grain and make their own extract through a process called mashing. There is a third group of brewers that are partial mash brewers, it is kind of like a combination of extract and all grain brewing.
Once I have my burner and kettle set up I add my water and specialty gains, bring them up to 160 degrees F and let them sit for 30 minutes. Then I remove the grains and bring the wort up to a boil. Once it is at a boil I then add my extract and bring it back up to a boil and boil for 60 minutes. During the boil I add my hops, fining agents and other flavour compounds called for by the recipe. Also at 15 minutes before the end of the boil I add my wort chiller. At the end of the boil, also know as flame out, I turn on the the water to run through the wort chiller and bring the wort down to fermentation temp.
A wort chiller is a piece of equipment used to cool the wort. The wort chiller I use is an immersion chiller, as the name implies it is immersed in the wort. It is the most basic wort chiller, there are other more advance types though. There is a counter flow chiller that has water going in one direction and the wort in the other direction. Also the most advanced and efficient is a plate chiller. Each chiller accomplishes the same objective cooling the wort.
Once the wort is cooled it is time to add the yeast, there are a couple choices here as well dry or liquid yeast. Lately I have been using dry yeast, it has a couple advantages over liquid yeast including lower price and no need to make a yeast starter. One thing to be sure to do with dry yeast is to rehydrate them before adding them to the wort. Liquid yeast does have benefits as well, there is a wider selection of liquid yeasts that gives the brewer the ability to make a wide range of beers. Yeast is the worker of magic fermenting sugars into alcohol and making beer.
I leave the beer in the fermenter10-14 days. The actual yeast fermentation is normally 3-5 days and the rest of the time the yeast is busy cleaning up after themselves. As the yeast cleans up it is becoming inactive and settles out of the beer. At the end of the 10-14 days I then transfer my beer to the keg, a 5 gallon corny keg. At the time of transfer I hook up CO2 and carbonate the beer. So in a matter of 2-4 weeks a beer is made and ready to be consumed.
If you don't homebrew and want to learn more come to our next meeting of MUGZ next Sunday 2pm at Great River Brewing in Davenport, IA. Also you can learn more about MUGZ at our website http://www.mugzhomebrew.org/.
Cheers!
QC Beerguy
Thursday, March 17, 2011
St. Paticks Day at Bodega
So this is one of the nights where everyone drinks and unfortunately it cause problems. We here in the US are fixated on certain holidays to drink and we come into problems. I wish we were more like the European countries when it comes to drinking. Thanks to our puritan routes we treat alcohol as the devil! If we were more relaxed about it we would not see "amateur night" a few nights a year.
St. Patrick's Day is when everyone is Irish and thus feels entitled to drink like a fish. Well from what I read today St. Patrick is actually English and did not chase the snakes out of Ireland. Why let facts get in the way of a good story? So let us all drink for fun. By the way where in the hell did the green beer idea come from?
Tonight a Bodega it was crowded but I was able to find a seat at the bar right away. The multitudes had green on and where out for a good time. While I was at Bodega a bagpipe band came in and I greatly enjoyed it. Everyone was feeling Irish.
I had a couple wonderful beers tonight, first the Lakefront Snake Chaser Irish Ale. It is black with a tan head and a bit sweeter than Guinness. I think it is more of a oatmeal stout than a dry Irish Stout. Regardless this is a very drinkable stout that I could sit down and have a few of. It is dark roast that is slightly sweet, so it is good!
The other beer I had was Fishtale Winterfish IPA, it is a well balanced IPA. It is does not go one way or the other it balances out quite well. I can not complain about this beer it is a nice drinkable IPA. If you can find it drink it.
Thank you John and Jeff for keeping this wonderful bar alive. I will be back when it is less crowded!
QC Beerguy
St. Patrick's Day is when everyone is Irish and thus feels entitled to drink like a fish. Well from what I read today St. Patrick is actually English and did not chase the snakes out of Ireland. Why let facts get in the way of a good story? So let us all drink for fun. By the way where in the hell did the green beer idea come from?
Tonight a Bodega it was crowded but I was able to find a seat at the bar right away. The multitudes had green on and where out for a good time. While I was at Bodega a bagpipe band came in and I greatly enjoyed it. Everyone was feeling Irish.
I had a couple wonderful beers tonight, first the Lakefront Snake Chaser Irish Ale. It is black with a tan head and a bit sweeter than Guinness. I think it is more of a oatmeal stout than a dry Irish Stout. Regardless this is a very drinkable stout that I could sit down and have a few of. It is dark roast that is slightly sweet, so it is good!
The other beer I had was Fishtale Winterfish IPA, it is a well balanced IPA. It is does not go one way or the other it balances out quite well. I can not complain about this beer it is a nice drinkable IPA. If you can find it drink it.
Thank you John and Jeff for keeping this wonderful bar alive. I will be back when it is less crowded!
QC Beerguy
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Whistle Binkies
Back into Rochester again, so that means I went to Whistle Binkies, if you want to see original blog go back to February 23, 2011. This is a beer bar equal to some of the heavyweights The Map Room, Muddy Pig and Happy Gnome! Yes I have been to them all so I know what I am talking about. They maybe in big Cities but Whistle Binkies is their equal if not superior on the beer selection. Jonny and Julie do an excellent job taking care of customer each and every Wednesday night. Jonny informed me that they are going to have a new and bigger cooler as well Stone is coming to Minnesota! Yes I am very happy that I will be able to get Arrogant Bastard and Ruination Ale in Minnesota.
As far as my beers I had tonight, the first was New Holland Imperial Hatter. This is a double IPA that changes a bit every year and each year it is wonderful. A nice medium copper beer that pushes the malt forward versus the hops. This has the northwestern hops that you would expect for a DIPA and it is not over the top on alcohol even though it is a 9.4% ABV beer.
The second beer I had was Founders Double Trouble this as well is a DIPA checking in at 9.4% ABV. As with the Imperial Hatter this beer changes a bit every year. This beer is much more hop forward, again Northwest Hops in the aroma and taste. The malt is the backbone that carries the hops and blends nicely with the hops. Even though it is a high alcohol beer it is a beer that is easy to drink and if you drink too many you will be in trouble, correct that double trouble!
Tomorrow night La Crosse and Bodega Brewpub! I hope it is not amateur night at the Bodega since it will be St. Patrick's night. Cheers!
QC Beerguy
As far as my beers I had tonight, the first was New Holland Imperial Hatter. This is a double IPA that changes a bit every year and each year it is wonderful. A nice medium copper beer that pushes the malt forward versus the hops. This has the northwestern hops that you would expect for a DIPA and it is not over the top on alcohol even though it is a 9.4% ABV beer.
The second beer I had was Founders Double Trouble this as well is a DIPA checking in at 9.4% ABV. As with the Imperial Hatter this beer changes a bit every year. This beer is much more hop forward, again Northwest Hops in the aroma and taste. The malt is the backbone that carries the hops and blends nicely with the hops. Even though it is a high alcohol beer it is a beer that is easy to drink and if you drink too many you will be in trouble, correct that double trouble!
Tomorrow night La Crosse and Bodega Brewpub! I hope it is not amateur night at the Bodega since it will be St. Patrick's night. Cheers!
QC Beerguy
A Pet Peeve
OK I am going to rant on a pet peeve of mine. Good restaurants that do not carry good beer or have a beer list. I was reminded of this yesterday when my wife and I went to lunch at Johnny's Steakhouse in Moline, IL http://johnnysitaliansteakhouse.com/new/moline2/ . No I did not have a beer with my lunch, but walking in to Johnny's set my wheels a turning. Why do they not carry more craft beer and why do they not have a beer list. They are quite proud of their wine list, but beer seems to be the red headed step child. How hard is it to make up a beer list when the beers are never changed? They have the average macro swill and their craft selections are typical Blue Moon and Sam Adams type beers. Nothing as far as regional craft beers or really any imports above the typical Guinness and Harp. Then you ask the waitstaff what beer they have and you receive the usually we have just about anything you want. So I ask for something I know they do not have and then they rattle off the beers they do have. It is a matter of choosing the beer that is least objectionable. I am sure I am not the only person that has gone through this situation at this restaurant! Each time it is like butting my head against a wall, because there is no change. How can beer drinkers be treated like a person that actually matters? Maybe next time you go in ask for a manager when you receive the typical answer and explain what your concern is? Get up a walk out (now that is very extreme and the wife would not allow that)? Not go there and find some where that does value beer drinkers? I am unsure what is the proper answer. Maybe some how the message will get through to the management at the restaurant, but I doubt that will happen. I would be more than happy to advise them on quality beer to add to their selection that would be appropriate for steakhouse. At least they should look at a wonderful beer and food book called " The Brewmaster's Table" by Garret Oliver, brewmaster at Brooklyn Brewing Co. http://www.garrettoliver.com/books.html, and they can maybe pick up some ideas there.
I hope good restaurants decide to improve their beer selections and actually act like they are proud of their beer selection. Maybe beer drinkers can change the world one restaurant at a time. Cheers!
QC Beerguy
I hope good restaurants decide to improve their beer selections and actually act like they are proud of their beer selection. Maybe beer drinkers can change the world one restaurant at a time. Cheers!
QC Beerguy
Monday, March 14, 2011
The Beer Cellar
Every Beer lover I know of has a Beer Cellar. You know where they store the good stuff. I myself have a good makings of a worthy beer cellar. Included in my cellar are some beers that I am quite proud of and I am holding on to for a special occasion. Among the beers I have are Surly's Smoke, Two and Three; Stone's Vertical Epic, Anniversary Ale and Arrogant Bastard. Also I have beers from Cantillion, Unibroque, Dog Fish Head, New Glarus and many other craft beers.
In many cellars there are some beers that are only brewed once or at a certain time of the year. These included beers like Three Flyod's Dark Lord and Surly's Darkness to give a couple examples. Many collectors go out of their way to get these special beers. Even if you can not be there to purchase that certain beer you want there are other ways to find them. There is the secondary market of beer. If you go to eBay http://www.ebay.com/ and search for a certain beer you will more than likely find that beer and can purchase the bottle and it's contents. As well there are many beer related sites that have beer trading areas like the one on Beer Advocate http://beeradvocate.com/. These are on the gray edge of the law but if is done correctly and quietly nothing other than a good trade is done for both parties.
Once you find those special beers it is important to take care of the beers, because if you do not you will have a spoiled beer that you may have paid up to several hundred dollars for. The best beer cellar is a dedicated fridge or walk in cooler to store the beers. Also a cool room in your basement would work as well. The key factors are temperature, darkness and ability to store the beer upright. Keeping a beer at 50 degrees or lower is the best. Even if a beer is in a brown bottle it can over time become light struck, so keeping a beer in a dark area helps the longevity of the shelf life. The last key is storing the bottle up right this allows any yeast that is in the bottle to settle to the bottom. Remember that a beer cellar is a means to keep your beer collection in top condition for your latter enjoyment.
QC Beerguy
In many cellars there are some beers that are only brewed once or at a certain time of the year. These included beers like Three Flyod's Dark Lord and Surly's Darkness to give a couple examples. Many collectors go out of their way to get these special beers. Even if you can not be there to purchase that certain beer you want there are other ways to find them. There is the secondary market of beer. If you go to eBay http://www.ebay.com/ and search for a certain beer you will more than likely find that beer and can purchase the bottle and it's contents. As well there are many beer related sites that have beer trading areas like the one on Beer Advocate http://beeradvocate.com/. These are on the gray edge of the law but if is done correctly and quietly nothing other than a good trade is done for both parties.
Once you find those special beers it is important to take care of the beers, because if you do not you will have a spoiled beer that you may have paid up to several hundred dollars for. The best beer cellar is a dedicated fridge or walk in cooler to store the beers. Also a cool room in your basement would work as well. The key factors are temperature, darkness and ability to store the beer upright. Keeping a beer at 50 degrees or lower is the best. Even if a beer is in a brown bottle it can over time become light struck, so keeping a beer in a dark area helps the longevity of the shelf life. The last key is storing the bottle up right this allows any yeast that is in the bottle to settle to the bottom. Remember that a beer cellar is a means to keep your beer collection in top condition for your latter enjoyment.
QC Beerguy
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Drunk Monk/ America's Brewpub
Yesterday morning four of us from MUGZ went up to UKG's Drunk Monk Challenge http://knaves.org/DMC/ to judge homebrewed beer for the day. It was a long day we left at 5AM and were back to home around 10:30 PM. Even though it was long it was a great day. I believe we all enjoyed the day of judging and the camaraderie as well. The contest had about 800 entries, needless to say that is a lot of beer. Some judging categories had 40 entries meaning that there were multiple flights within a category. So most categories had a mini- BOS for the category.
Our first session of judging began at 9 AM and was over by 11:30 AM. I first judged Scottish and Irish Ales overall the beer were average but we had some really outstanding beers. The beer that won was a Scottish 60, it was a wonderful balance beer that was malty, low in hops and being low in alcohol it would make a great session beer. After the morning session we had a lunch break and then began the second session at 1 PM. In this session I judged small stouts, Dry, Sweet and Oatmeal Stouts. We had three beers that were easily the top 3 in the mini-BOS and all quite enjoyable. After the second session was finished we then had to wait for the Best of Show (BOS) judging round. Once that was over the contest organizers drew for door prizes and the announced the medal winners. For each category the top three places were awarded medals, also the top three finishers in BOS were awarded. MUGZ had three brewers win four medals overall, unfortunately for me I was not one of them.
The returning trip home was uneventful but laugh filled. I know for myself since I awoke at 3:30 AM yesterday I found just about anything funny. It was a fun judging day and I enjoyed the opportunity to do on of the things I greatly love doing. I look forward to my next opportunity to judge which will probably be April 9th at the Midwest Regional for the first round of NHC.
America's brewpub is located in Aurora, IL http://rh34.com/ . It is in a very unique building a restored train roundhouse. The original project was spearheaded by Walter Payton, yes that Walter Payton. While he was alive he was active in ownership and is name was all over the building. Over the last year or so there has been some changes involving the removing of Walter's name and some of his memorabilia has been removed as well. Looks like there has been a parting of ways between the ownership and the Payton family, I feel this is very unfortunate.
They make some very good beers noted by the multiple awards they have won over the years. They have won my wife's biggest award her love for the chocolate blonde beer. Mike Rybinski the brewer at the brewpub is a very nice and accommodating man. He is always experimenting with beer, such as pizza beer and on he had on tap to try yesterday Bacon Beer. Yes a beer that had cooked bacon "dry hopped" in it. It definitely tasted like bacon, but not something that I would want to drink a full pint of. Also they had Sweetness Stout, Payton Pilsner, Honey Wheat, Amber Ale, and Blueberry beers on tap.
They are more than accommodating with their space and time to help make Drunk Monk a success. I thank them for their help in assisting the UKG club to pull off another successful event.
QC Beerguy
Our first session of judging began at 9 AM and was over by 11:30 AM. I first judged Scottish and Irish Ales overall the beer were average but we had some really outstanding beers. The beer that won was a Scottish 60, it was a wonderful balance beer that was malty, low in hops and being low in alcohol it would make a great session beer. After the morning session we had a lunch break and then began the second session at 1 PM. In this session I judged small stouts, Dry, Sweet and Oatmeal Stouts. We had three beers that were easily the top 3 in the mini-BOS and all quite enjoyable. After the second session was finished we then had to wait for the Best of Show (BOS) judging round. Once that was over the contest organizers drew for door prizes and the announced the medal winners. For each category the top three places were awarded medals, also the top three finishers in BOS were awarded. MUGZ had three brewers win four medals overall, unfortunately for me I was not one of them.
The returning trip home was uneventful but laugh filled. I know for myself since I awoke at 3:30 AM yesterday I found just about anything funny. It was a fun judging day and I enjoyed the opportunity to do on of the things I greatly love doing. I look forward to my next opportunity to judge which will probably be April 9th at the Midwest Regional for the first round of NHC.
America's brewpub is located in Aurora, IL http://rh34.com/ . It is in a very unique building a restored train roundhouse. The original project was spearheaded by Walter Payton, yes that Walter Payton. While he was alive he was active in ownership and is name was all over the building. Over the last year or so there has been some changes involving the removing of Walter's name and some of his memorabilia has been removed as well. Looks like there has been a parting of ways between the ownership and the Payton family, I feel this is very unfortunate.
They make some very good beers noted by the multiple awards they have won over the years. They have won my wife's biggest award her love for the chocolate blonde beer. Mike Rybinski the brewer at the brewpub is a very nice and accommodating man. He is always experimenting with beer, such as pizza beer and on he had on tap to try yesterday Bacon Beer. Yes a beer that had cooked bacon "dry hopped" in it. It definitely tasted like bacon, but not something that I would want to drink a full pint of. Also they had Sweetness Stout, Payton Pilsner, Honey Wheat, Amber Ale, and Blueberry beers on tap.
They are more than accommodating with their space and time to help make Drunk Monk a success. I thank them for their help in assisting the UKG club to pull off another successful event.
QC Beerguy
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Hello From Des Moines
Des Moines is probably the largest city I get to on a regular basis. Also it has probably the best beer scene of my regular route. Included in the beer scene are 4 brewpubs: Raccoon River http://www.raccoonbrew.com/, Court Avenue http://www.raccoonbrew.com/ and two chain brewpubs Rock Bottom http://www.rockbottom.com/ and Granite City http://www.gcfb.net/. Each has their strong points and the one I frequent the most is Rock Bottom. Also there are quite a few good beer bars as well including: The Royal Mile http://royalmilebar.com/, Hessen House http://www.hessenhaus.com/, High Life Lounge http://www.thehighlifelounge.com/ and El Bait Shop http://elbaitshop.com/ to name a few. This will give me an opportunity to have multiple places to cover these and many more places in my travels to Des Moines.
Tonight I made my way to El Bait Shop for dinner and a couple of beers. El Bait Shop has various special events during the month some are weekly events like tonight's. The event tonight was Jimmy Carter Happy Hour which is a tip of the hat to the GREATEST law that was passed during the time Jimmy Carter was President, the legalization of Homebrewing! Each Thursday night a different homebrewer or brewers bring some of their own beer to share with the people that gather at El Bait Shop. Usually it is something unusual or just fun that they bring. This is how it works the homebrewer provides the beer at no expense to anyone and the gathered crowd gets to enjoys the fruits of the brewer's labors. This is a big hit with the gathered crowd. It is also a great thing for the El Bait shop as well. I had a great discussion with a gentleman most of the evening about beer and beer travel. If I remember correctly his name was Brad, if I am incorrect my apologies.
Tonight I enjoyed two really nice beers. First one is from a great relatively new brewery in Iowa Peace Tree Brewing http://www.peacetreebrewing.com/ it was their Black River Gumbo Stout. It is a black beer with nice tan head. It is a complex beer from the malt bill as well as the twist they put on it by using Belgian yeast to ferment the beer. I have enjoyed every beer that I have had from Peace Tree, so give them a shot if you came across them.
My second beer was August Schell's Wild Rice Farmhouse Ale, it is the second beer in the Stag Series from Schell's. It is a smooth drinking beer that is punctuated with the nutty graininess from the wild rice used. It is a traditional farmhouse ale using Belgian yeast. It has a malt backbone that is complemented by the wild rice and finish dry. It does not come across as strong as the listed 7 % ABV. It is a beer that would be a wonderful session beer.
The food menu is a mix of burgers, Mexican, wings and other types of bar food. It is not complicated but does give you enough variety that you can have different foods every time you come to El Bait shop. Plus you will not go home hungry.
Thursday nights are a special night at El Bait Shop so if you are in the Des Moines area on a Thursday night it is worth a trip!
QC Beerguy
Tonight I made my way to El Bait Shop for dinner and a couple of beers. El Bait Shop has various special events during the month some are weekly events like tonight's. The event tonight was Jimmy Carter Happy Hour which is a tip of the hat to the GREATEST law that was passed during the time Jimmy Carter was President, the legalization of Homebrewing! Each Thursday night a different homebrewer or brewers bring some of their own beer to share with the people that gather at El Bait Shop. Usually it is something unusual or just fun that they bring. This is how it works the homebrewer provides the beer at no expense to anyone and the gathered crowd gets to enjoys the fruits of the brewer's labors. This is a big hit with the gathered crowd. It is also a great thing for the El Bait shop as well. I had a great discussion with a gentleman most of the evening about beer and beer travel. If I remember correctly his name was Brad, if I am incorrect my apologies.
Tonight I enjoyed two really nice beers. First one is from a great relatively new brewery in Iowa Peace Tree Brewing http://www.peacetreebrewing.com/ it was their Black River Gumbo Stout. It is a black beer with nice tan head. It is a complex beer from the malt bill as well as the twist they put on it by using Belgian yeast to ferment the beer. I have enjoyed every beer that I have had from Peace Tree, so give them a shot if you came across them.
My second beer was August Schell's Wild Rice Farmhouse Ale, it is the second beer in the Stag Series from Schell's. It is a smooth drinking beer that is punctuated with the nutty graininess from the wild rice used. It is a traditional farmhouse ale using Belgian yeast. It has a malt backbone that is complemented by the wild rice and finish dry. It does not come across as strong as the listed 7 % ABV. It is a beer that would be a wonderful session beer.
The food menu is a mix of burgers, Mexican, wings and other types of bar food. It is not complicated but does give you enough variety that you can have different foods every time you come to El Bait shop. Plus you will not go home hungry.
Thursday nights are a special night at El Bait Shop so if you are in the Des Moines area on a Thursday night it is worth a trip!
QC Beerguy
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Ottumwa, IA Appanoose Rapids Brewing Company
So this evening I am in Ottumwa, IA. Yep that is what I'm thinking too. What is exciting about Ottumwa, IA? The only thing I could come up with today as I was making my eventually way down here was there are two "famous people" from Ottumwa. Can you name them? Anyone, Anyone? Radar O'Reilly and Tom Arnold. The more I thought about these two the more I decided that the people of Ottumwa probably would want the fictional character to be real and the real person to be a fictional character.
Through research on The Beer Mapping Project http://beermapping.com/ I did find a brewpub in Ottumwa. So needless to say I found my spot to have dinner. Before I went to Appanoose Rapids Brewing Company http://www.appanooserapidsbrewingcompany.com/ I checked them out at there website. The menu had some interesting items on it and anyplace that makes their own beer is worth a try. So I arrive at the brewpub and parked in the back parking lot where there is plenty of room. I walked into a well light brewpub. As usual I proceeded to the bar and grabbed a seat. It took a moment to get a beer, which they only had 2 of their own beers on tap. In total they had 14 taps mainly craft and import beers, as well as a couple macro brews. Also they had a around 10 or so different bottles to choose from.
The two beers they had on tap where a Brown Ale and a West Coast Pale Ale, which the bartender said was actually an IPA. The Brown Ale was tart and had a definite yeast taste. Also it was cloudy, perhaps that is where some of the yeasty flavor came from. The off flavors made it impossible to taste what the Brown Ale actually did taste like. Next I ordered the West Coast Pale Ale and it was a more pleasant experience. I'm not saying it was a great beer but it was a definite improvement over the Brown Ale. The Pale Ale was coming out over carbonated, more on that later. It was a golden hue with a white head and cloudy as well. The aroma was that of hops but not west coast hops these hops where of the English kind, grassy and earthy. The beer had some malt backbone as well. The hops gave the beer a distinctive tea like flavor and aroma. As far as it being an IPA, I beg to differ.
As I said the menu had quite a few interesting items on it. I decided on the Mac and Cheese with Bacon. I liked it quite a bit and would be interested in trying some of the other dishes as well. So far the food is out pacing the beer at this brewpub.
I was able to find out some background information on the brewpub from the bartender. They opened about 5 1/2 months ago and the brewer started out as a homebrewer. The brew system is mobile and stationed in between the restrooms and went I went to the restroom I found a SABCO brew magic system sitting there. The same system that Sam Calagone used when he first started as well as the home system of my friend 1T. So I believe that the brewer is learning on the fly with the system and hopefully perfect brewing on it soon. Once he perfects the system his beers will become more consistent. I also hope that they start using some type of clarifier in the beer to make it clear and more eye appealing.
Also the bartender said that they are still learning the proper usage of their draft system. Hence the over-carbonated Pale Ale. Also they are serving their beer way too cold. They are greatly harming the enjoyment of their beers. Serve them a bit warmer and the beer's aroma will blossom. The overly cold beer is probably another byproduct of the learning of the draft system. Again hopefully they get this figured out soon.
This place has great promise. Hopefully they can continue on as they are going through their growing pains of establishing their brewpub. I would like to come back in a few months and see what they have figured out.
QC Beerguy
Through research on The Beer Mapping Project http://beermapping.com/ I did find a brewpub in Ottumwa. So needless to say I found my spot to have dinner. Before I went to Appanoose Rapids Brewing Company http://www.appanooserapidsbrewingcompany.com/ I checked them out at there website. The menu had some interesting items on it and anyplace that makes their own beer is worth a try. So I arrive at the brewpub and parked in the back parking lot where there is plenty of room. I walked into a well light brewpub. As usual I proceeded to the bar and grabbed a seat. It took a moment to get a beer, which they only had 2 of their own beers on tap. In total they had 14 taps mainly craft and import beers, as well as a couple macro brews. Also they had a around 10 or so different bottles to choose from.
The two beers they had on tap where a Brown Ale and a West Coast Pale Ale, which the bartender said was actually an IPA. The Brown Ale was tart and had a definite yeast taste. Also it was cloudy, perhaps that is where some of the yeasty flavor came from. The off flavors made it impossible to taste what the Brown Ale actually did taste like. Next I ordered the West Coast Pale Ale and it was a more pleasant experience. I'm not saying it was a great beer but it was a definite improvement over the Brown Ale. The Pale Ale was coming out over carbonated, more on that later. It was a golden hue with a white head and cloudy as well. The aroma was that of hops but not west coast hops these hops where of the English kind, grassy and earthy. The beer had some malt backbone as well. The hops gave the beer a distinctive tea like flavor and aroma. As far as it being an IPA, I beg to differ.
As I said the menu had quite a few interesting items on it. I decided on the Mac and Cheese with Bacon. I liked it quite a bit and would be interested in trying some of the other dishes as well. So far the food is out pacing the beer at this brewpub.
I was able to find out some background information on the brewpub from the bartender. They opened about 5 1/2 months ago and the brewer started out as a homebrewer. The brew system is mobile and stationed in between the restrooms and went I went to the restroom I found a SABCO brew magic system sitting there. The same system that Sam Calagone used when he first started as well as the home system of my friend 1T. So I believe that the brewer is learning on the fly with the system and hopefully perfect brewing on it soon. Once he perfects the system his beers will become more consistent. I also hope that they start using some type of clarifier in the beer to make it clear and more eye appealing.
Also the bartender said that they are still learning the proper usage of their draft system. Hence the over-carbonated Pale Ale. Also they are serving their beer way too cold. They are greatly harming the enjoyment of their beers. Serve them a bit warmer and the beer's aroma will blossom. The overly cold beer is probably another byproduct of the learning of the draft system. Again hopefully they get this figured out soon.
This place has great promise. Hopefully they can continue on as they are going through their growing pains of establishing their brewpub. I would like to come back in a few months and see what they have figured out.
QC Beerguy
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Dubuque, IA: Vinny Vanucchi's/Busted Lift
Another night on the road finds me in Dubuque, IA former home of the Dubuque Star Brewery and Bricktown Brewery. Both buildings still stand and are being utilized by other businesses. Dubuque Star Brewery first opened in 1898 by Joesph Rhomberg and through various efforts produced beer until 1999 and is currently houses a restaurant and wine bar. All I have to say "Is what a shame!" Bricktown was a brewpub that lasted at least 6 years from 2002 to 2008. It had problems bad beer, undereducated bar and wait staff, and food that bordered on criminal! Well one passing was a shame and the other a blessing, I believe you can find the difference.
I am not saying that Dubuque is devoid of a good beer scene. I have had an opportunity to go to the Busted Lift before tonight and know of it's reputation as a good beer bar. Also on looking for a good place to eat tonight with a good beer selection I came across L. May Eatery http://www.lmayeatery.com/. It passed both of my tests, the website showed it had a above average beer selection and had a menu that appealed to me. Alas it is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, so this place must wait for another time through town. Bummer!
From my online research I found a place that seemed to be of interest, Vinny Vanucchi's http://www.vinnysdubuque.com/ a fine Italian restaurant that was located above the Busted Lift. I could kill two birds with one stone, have dinner and then go to a good beer bar all in the same building. As per my usual I sat at the bar. At Vinny's I decided on a Moretti's on tap. It came to me flat and uninspiring, if I was thinking I would of refused the beer. They had 10 or 11 taps and 12 bottle beers. The taps included Millstream Iowa Pale Ale, Boddington's, Stella and a few more imports and craft brews as well as the typical macrobrews. The food was above average. I had a flatbread pepperoni pizza that was nicely crisp and had a nice sauce. The rest of the menu looked as appetizing as the pizza was.
I then went downstairs to the Busted Lift. The ambiance of this bar is all about the basement hole in the wall bar. They have a slight Irish theme to the bar but is more of a cool old building basement bar. The taps selection is varied, but it has become uncomfortably leaning towards the macrobrews. They do have Millstream http://millstreambrewing.com/, Bell's ( three on the chalk board but all taps where gone), Flying Dog and imports from England, Ireland and Belgium. Unfortunately this evening they had 5 out of the about 20 taps dry, but I did find some good beer to drink. Besides the taps they have about 20 bottles as well.
My first beer I acquired was Millstream's Hop Squared. which even isn't listed on Millstream's website. It is a malty leaning, double IPA with a nice amount of hops to complement but not overwhelm the malt. It went down very easy and would be a dangerous beer to sit down and have multiples of for that very reason. My second beer I had was Millstream's Back Road Stout, another very drinkable beer from Millstream! It is a wonderful Oatmeal Stout that hides it's 6.7% ABV in the complexity of flavors in this stout. It has a slight bitterness but is more of a sweet stout with a full bodied mouthfeel from the oats in the grist. Another winner from Millstream! Way to go Chris, Tom and Teresa!
I looked forward to exploring more of the beer scene in Dubuque and would invite anyone to give this town an opportunity to impress you.
Tomorrow night Ottumwa, IA and hopefully a new to me microbrewery, I hope it is still open.
QC Beerguy
I am not saying that Dubuque is devoid of a good beer scene. I have had an opportunity to go to the Busted Lift before tonight and know of it's reputation as a good beer bar. Also on looking for a good place to eat tonight with a good beer selection I came across L. May Eatery http://www.lmayeatery.com/. It passed both of my tests, the website showed it had a above average beer selection and had a menu that appealed to me. Alas it is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, so this place must wait for another time through town. Bummer!
From my online research I found a place that seemed to be of interest, Vinny Vanucchi's http://www.vinnysdubuque.com/ a fine Italian restaurant that was located above the Busted Lift. I could kill two birds with one stone, have dinner and then go to a good beer bar all in the same building. As per my usual I sat at the bar. At Vinny's I decided on a Moretti's on tap. It came to me flat and uninspiring, if I was thinking I would of refused the beer. They had 10 or 11 taps and 12 bottle beers. The taps included Millstream Iowa Pale Ale, Boddington's, Stella and a few more imports and craft brews as well as the typical macrobrews. The food was above average. I had a flatbread pepperoni pizza that was nicely crisp and had a nice sauce. The rest of the menu looked as appetizing as the pizza was.
I then went downstairs to the Busted Lift. The ambiance of this bar is all about the basement hole in the wall bar. They have a slight Irish theme to the bar but is more of a cool old building basement bar. The taps selection is varied, but it has become uncomfortably leaning towards the macrobrews. They do have Millstream http://millstreambrewing.com/, Bell's ( three on the chalk board but all taps where gone), Flying Dog and imports from England, Ireland and Belgium. Unfortunately this evening they had 5 out of the about 20 taps dry, but I did find some good beer to drink. Besides the taps they have about 20 bottles as well.
My first beer I acquired was Millstream's Hop Squared. which even isn't listed on Millstream's website. It is a malty leaning, double IPA with a nice amount of hops to complement but not overwhelm the malt. It went down very easy and would be a dangerous beer to sit down and have multiples of for that very reason. My second beer I had was Millstream's Back Road Stout, another very drinkable beer from Millstream! It is a wonderful Oatmeal Stout that hides it's 6.7% ABV in the complexity of flavors in this stout. It has a slight bitterness but is more of a sweet stout with a full bodied mouthfeel from the oats in the grist. Another winner from Millstream! Way to go Chris, Tom and Teresa!
I looked forward to exploring more of the beer scene in Dubuque and would invite anyone to give this town an opportunity to impress you.
Tomorrow night Ottumwa, IA and hopefully a new to me microbrewery, I hope it is still open.
QC Beerguy
Monday, March 7, 2011
Pville, WI Steve's Pizza
Well I'm back on the road and I find myself in Platteville, WI for the night. I like Pville it is a nice little town in south west Wisconsin and in the heart of the Lead mining region that was a boom for the area in the 1820's. Currently it is the home of UW Platteville and former summer home of The Chicago Bears, eat your heart of packer fans! Also one other famous aspect to the town is the "M" on a mound outside of town, it is attended to by students from the mining college at the university.
Tonight I went to Steve's Pizza http://www.stevespizzapalace.com/ a new place for me in Platteville. I sat in the portion of the building called "The Perfect Pint" an "Irish" themed area, though it was not really anything close to an "Irish" bar. The redeeming factor to the Pint was the beer selection, which they boast on their website has over 100 different beers. They have 11 taps from local craft brew, imports and of course the macrobrews. My first beer which was on tap was Capital's Winter Skal http://www.capital-brewery.com/winterskal, a decent beer but not earth shaking good. In my humble opinion Capital http://www.capital-brewery.com/ is one of the more overrated breweries in the US. They make some really good beers but they are far from "America's #1 rated brewery", as they state on Facebook. I do not even believe that they are the best in Wisconsin, let alone in the Madison area.
Ok back to Steve's. I sat down at the bar and had to wait several minutes before I was even waited on, it seems that they do not have a dedicated bartender. Once the young lady that seemed to be assigned to cover the bar came back I had as I said a Capital Winter Skal and ordered a carnivore 10" pizza. The pizza took about 20 minutes, which is not bad for a true made from scratch pizza. The pizza was good and filling. As I was eating my pizza I ordered a bottle of Lake Louie's Kiss the Lips IPA http://lakelouie.com/, a nice mellow IPA. It is a balance between malt and hops not overbearing in either way. Nicely hoppy in both aroma and taste. I would recommend this beer.
Once I finished my pizza and beers I sat and waited for over 5 minutes before what appeared to be the manager on duty noticed I was out of beer and was ready to go. Overall I would go back to Steve's just because of the beer selection, by far the best I have seen in Pville. Also the pizza was good and perhaps they were just understaffed this evening, so I will give Steve's another chance.
Also as an aside UW Platteville has a brewpub in the Student Union. I have not visited the brewpub since I do not want to be that "creepy old guy over in the corner". LOL. Maybe if I was with a group of people in Platteville during the school year I would visit the brewpub.
Just a heads up I will be in Dubuque, IA tomorrow night, if anyone knows of a good beer bar that serves food let me know. I know of Busted Lift but I do not think they serve food.
QC Beerguy
Tonight I went to Steve's Pizza http://www.stevespizzapalace.com/ a new place for me in Platteville. I sat in the portion of the building called "The Perfect Pint" an "Irish" themed area, though it was not really anything close to an "Irish" bar. The redeeming factor to the Pint was the beer selection, which they boast on their website has over 100 different beers. They have 11 taps from local craft brew, imports and of course the macrobrews. My first beer which was on tap was Capital's Winter Skal http://www.capital-brewery.com/winterskal, a decent beer but not earth shaking good. In my humble opinion Capital http://www.capital-brewery.com/ is one of the more overrated breweries in the US. They make some really good beers but they are far from "America's #1 rated brewery", as they state on Facebook. I do not even believe that they are the best in Wisconsin, let alone in the Madison area.
Ok back to Steve's. I sat down at the bar and had to wait several minutes before I was even waited on, it seems that they do not have a dedicated bartender. Once the young lady that seemed to be assigned to cover the bar came back I had as I said a Capital Winter Skal and ordered a carnivore 10" pizza. The pizza took about 20 minutes, which is not bad for a true made from scratch pizza. The pizza was good and filling. As I was eating my pizza I ordered a bottle of Lake Louie's Kiss the Lips IPA http://lakelouie.com/, a nice mellow IPA. It is a balance between malt and hops not overbearing in either way. Nicely hoppy in both aroma and taste. I would recommend this beer.
Once I finished my pizza and beers I sat and waited for over 5 minutes before what appeared to be the manager on duty noticed I was out of beer and was ready to go. Overall I would go back to Steve's just because of the beer selection, by far the best I have seen in Pville. Also the pizza was good and perhaps they were just understaffed this evening, so I will give Steve's another chance.
Also as an aside UW Platteville has a brewpub in the Student Union. I have not visited the brewpub since I do not want to be that "creepy old guy over in the corner". LOL. Maybe if I was with a group of people in Platteville during the school year I would visit the brewpub.
Just a heads up I will be in Dubuque, IA tomorrow night, if anyone knows of a good beer bar that serves food let me know. I know of Busted Lift but I do not think they serve food.
QC Beerguy
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Bottling for Competition
This afternoon I bottled for a competition I am entering next weekend, UKG's Drunk Monk http://knaves.org/DMC/ up at America's brewpub in Aurora, IL. Since I keg all my beer instead of bottling it when it is ready I have to fill bottles from my kegs. So that means having some kind of equipment that enables me to transfer from the keg to the bottle. Well there is a few ways that can accomplish this, first you can pour right into to the bottle from your tap. This is quick and easy but does not work well if your beer is going to sit in the bottle for more than a few days. For me that is a no go. Second way is a counter pressure bottle filler, this has been the standard for many years. If you can turn the correct valves at the correct time this is a much improved way. Since you are bottling under CO2 pressure the carbonation last for some time and allows the bottles to be shipped to contests a considerable distance away. I am not that adept to handle a counter pressure bottle filler. Luckily for me there is another choice, the Blichmann Beer Gun http://www.blichmannengineering.com/beergun/beergun.html. This is the Cadillac of bottle fillers. This is so easy to use that after one bottle learning curve you can easily bottle you beer for competitions. Thankfully this greatly decreases the time and and stress of bottling.
Homebrewers love their equipment! There are several place that a brewer can buy equipment. Northern Brewer http://www.northernbrewer.com/ , More Beer http://morebeer.com/ and most important for us locally Somethings Brewn' http://www.somethingsbrewn.com/ . If you are local to the Quad City area always look at Jim and Mary first they have everything you need. They carry everything from Blichmann a great homebrewing supply company.
QC Beerguy
Homebrewers love their equipment! There are several place that a brewer can buy equipment. Northern Brewer http://www.northernbrewer.com/ , More Beer http://morebeer.com/ and most important for us locally Somethings Brewn' http://www.somethingsbrewn.com/ . If you are local to the Quad City area always look at Jim and Mary first they have everything you need. They carry everything from Blichmann a great homebrewing supply company.
QC Beerguy
Friday, March 4, 2011
Blue Cat Brewpub in Rock Island, IL
It was a dark and stormy night... isn't that how all great stories start? Well this isn't a story of fiction this is a blog of truth. My wife and I had an opportunity to go to Blue Cat http://www.bluecatbrewpub.com/ with some friends for dinner. Today Blue Cat turned old enough to drink, it is now 21. Great work. Blue Cat is owned by a brother and sister team, Dan and Martha Cleaveland. Martha is the driving force behind the food and Dan is the brewmaster. I know Dan is a self taught brewer that loves to experiment. From what he told us he has some really fun and different beers he is working on. I am looking forward to tasting them soon.
Blue Cat is in a wonderful old building in "The District" of Rock Island. The District is an area in downtown Rock Island that includes restaurants, bars and a really nice brewpub. We arrived around 5:30 or so and were quickly seated at a high top table in the bar area. Our friends joined us shortly after. We perused the the beer board and I decided on a pint of Blue Bastard Baltic Porter and my wife decided on a pint of the Big Bad Dog Old English Ale.
The Baltic Porter was a dark brown with some garnet highlights with a nice creamy white head. It had a good roasty nose with a malty sweetness. In the taste I first noticed the roast, but that was supported by a touch of alcohol, 6.6 % ABV. I wish the body was a bit fuller, maybe I just like full bodied beers but I believe it would be better a bit more full bodied. Overall it is a good beer that could easily sneak up on you if decided to make it a session of sitting and drinking multiples of this beer.
The Big Dog is a local favorite. This beer is always on tap since it is their flagship beer. It always does well at local and regional fests. This is a nice malty English brown ale that is quite drinkable.
My second beer was Count Magnus Belgian Strong Ale my current favorite at Blue Cat. It checks in at 10% ABV, needless to say it is served in a 12 oz glass. This beer has little head retention and is dark brown in color. It has a wonderful malty sweet nose with lots of dark fruit as well. If you can let the beer warm and it becomes much more complex. This is a great sipping beer and can warm you up on a cold winter's day. This is a must try when you come to Blue Cat.
My wife's second beer was the Wigged Pig Wheat. It is a true American Wheat, which is not a personal favorite style of mine. This beer is light bodied, low hopped and an easy drinker. Which makes it great for a person that likes light bodied beers.
We both enjoyed our meals. I had the Whiskey Steak and My wife had the Barbecue ribs, we always find something enjoyable to eat at Blue Cat. Martha does her best to keep the menu fresh but yet keeps the favorites on the menu. The other beers currently on tap are: Off the Rail Pale Ale and Finnegan's Irish Stout, which Dan assures that it will be on tap for St. Patrick's Day!
I feel that the Quad Cities is lucky to have the Blue Cat Brewpub in the community. Dan and Martha are active in the community both are willing to help out when asked. Dan has become a great friend to our local homebrew club MUGZ, providing us a place for our annual homebrew competition for the last few years. The members of MUGZ thank you Dan.
This is a worthy brewpub that deserves a visit when you make it to the Quad Cities for a visit or for work. Do not let the lack of parking dissuade you from making it to Blue Cat. This summer there is a plan to grow their own hops in the lot behind the brewpub and to hopefully have some hops for a Harvest Ale. Yum!
QC Beerguy
Blue Cat is in a wonderful old building in "The District" of Rock Island. The District is an area in downtown Rock Island that includes restaurants, bars and a really nice brewpub. We arrived around 5:30 or so and were quickly seated at a high top table in the bar area. Our friends joined us shortly after. We perused the the beer board and I decided on a pint of Blue Bastard Baltic Porter and my wife decided on a pint of the Big Bad Dog Old English Ale.
The Baltic Porter was a dark brown with some garnet highlights with a nice creamy white head. It had a good roasty nose with a malty sweetness. In the taste I first noticed the roast, but that was supported by a touch of alcohol, 6.6 % ABV. I wish the body was a bit fuller, maybe I just like full bodied beers but I believe it would be better a bit more full bodied. Overall it is a good beer that could easily sneak up on you if decided to make it a session of sitting and drinking multiples of this beer.
The Big Dog is a local favorite. This beer is always on tap since it is their flagship beer. It always does well at local and regional fests. This is a nice malty English brown ale that is quite drinkable.
My second beer was Count Magnus Belgian Strong Ale my current favorite at Blue Cat. It checks in at 10% ABV, needless to say it is served in a 12 oz glass. This beer has little head retention and is dark brown in color. It has a wonderful malty sweet nose with lots of dark fruit as well. If you can let the beer warm and it becomes much more complex. This is a great sipping beer and can warm you up on a cold winter's day. This is a must try when you come to Blue Cat.
My wife's second beer was the Wigged Pig Wheat. It is a true American Wheat, which is not a personal favorite style of mine. This beer is light bodied, low hopped and an easy drinker. Which makes it great for a person that likes light bodied beers.
We both enjoyed our meals. I had the Whiskey Steak and My wife had the Barbecue ribs, we always find something enjoyable to eat at Blue Cat. Martha does her best to keep the menu fresh but yet keeps the favorites on the menu. The other beers currently on tap are: Off the Rail Pale Ale and Finnegan's Irish Stout, which Dan assures that it will be on tap for St. Patrick's Day!
I feel that the Quad Cities is lucky to have the Blue Cat Brewpub in the community. Dan and Martha are active in the community both are willing to help out when asked. Dan has become a great friend to our local homebrew club MUGZ, providing us a place for our annual homebrew competition for the last few years. The members of MUGZ thank you Dan.
This is a worthy brewpub that deserves a visit when you make it to the Quad Cities for a visit or for work. Do not let the lack of parking dissuade you from making it to Blue Cat. This summer there is a plan to grow their own hops in the lot behind the brewpub and to hopefully have some hops for a Harvest Ale. Yum!
QC Beerguy
Thursday, March 3, 2011
La Crosse= Bodega Brewpub
They have some really good sandwiches as well as other appetizing food selections. The main draw though is the beer! I had a couple wonderful beers to add to my resume tonight. First was the Tyranena Sheep Shagger Scotch Ale http://www.tyranena.com/ a wonderful scotch ale. Amber in color with a nice white head. Nicely malty and roasty. It is a easy drinking beer. Again it is a beer I would recommend
My Second beer for the night was New Glarus Smoked Rye Ale http://www.newglarusbrewing.com/. For those of you that love smoked beers enough said. From the first sniff this beer is about smoke. They blend smoke malt from Bamberg Germany and Chilton, WI into a very smoky but wonderful beer. The rye is there but as a spicy back note to the smoke. I know I keep on talking about the smoke, but is it for a good reason. Smoke is upfront and is present through out the beer, but somehow the beer is balanced and drinkable. As Charlie is famous for saying "Relax and have a homebrew", I am slightly modifying this "Relax and have a Craft Brew!"
Also I want to say a big thank you to Jeff and John. When I talk about your bar, I truly do mean it. It is a great beer bar and is so much fun to be at. You may not walk in knowing anyone but you do leave the bar with some new friends!
QC Beerguy
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Rochester Again
I am in Rochester, MN tonight. As I usually do when I am in town I headed over to Whistle Binkies for a couple beers and dinner. I arrived shortly before 8pm and the bar was full except for 2 chairs and there is quite a crowd overall for the time. Come to find out tonight was an anniversary party for Surly brewing http://www.surlybrewing.com/, their 5th. They had three special tappings starting at 5pm with Moe's Bender, 6pm Pentagram and 7pm Mole's Smoke. Each tapping was a 1/6th barrel (5 gallons) and from what I found out each keg took about 6-7 minutes to blow. Needless to say a lot of people must of been there to drink that much beer. Another bonus was Omar was there. It would of been cool to have been there but it just did not time out right for me.
The food is very good, had a ham and cheese sandwich tonight. Beer wise I had Summit's Oatmeal stout http://www.summitbrewing.com/home.php and was quite pleased with it. The nose was certainly of dark roast and it was jet black with a nice tan head due to being poured on nitrous. Taste is a nice complex mixtures of flavors chocolate, oats, licorice, and other dark flavors. Mouthfeel was a bit lacking I wish it was a fuller bodied beer. I would certainly though sit and have a couple of these beers.
My other beer I had was August Schell's Bock http://www.schellsbrewery.com/ourbeers_info.php?id=17 a nice malty beer that was a amber color with a white head. It is a very pleasing beer and is done fairly true to the style. Plus it was on special for only $2 a pint, so all was good.
Whistle Binkies always has a drink/ beer special each day. On Monday it is $2 mystery beers and this includes most of their beer selection not just the mass produced beers. Wednesday is Schell's beer day and $2 bottles and the Schell they have on tap is $2 as well. Thursday is $2.50 Summit tap. Needless to say they always have at least one Schell and Summit beers on tap at all times. Also lately they have had two Surly taps Furious and Abrasive. Needless to say they are Minnesota beer pushers at Whistle Binkies. Good thing these are good beers!
QC Beerguy
The food is very good, had a ham and cheese sandwich tonight. Beer wise I had Summit's Oatmeal stout http://www.summitbrewing.com/home.php and was quite pleased with it. The nose was certainly of dark roast and it was jet black with a nice tan head due to being poured on nitrous. Taste is a nice complex mixtures of flavors chocolate, oats, licorice, and other dark flavors. Mouthfeel was a bit lacking I wish it was a fuller bodied beer. I would certainly though sit and have a couple of these beers.
My other beer I had was August Schell's Bock http://www.schellsbrewery.com/ourbeers_info.php?id=17 a nice malty beer that was a amber color with a white head. It is a very pleasing beer and is done fairly true to the style. Plus it was on special for only $2 a pint, so all was good.
Whistle Binkies always has a drink/ beer special each day. On Monday it is $2 mystery beers and this includes most of their beer selection not just the mass produced beers. Wednesday is Schell's beer day and $2 bottles and the Schell they have on tap is $2 as well. Thursday is $2.50 Summit tap. Needless to say they always have at least one Schell and Summit beers on tap at all times. Also lately they have had two Surly taps Furious and Abrasive. Needless to say they are Minnesota beer pushers at Whistle Binkies. Good thing these are good beers!
QC Beerguy
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Waterloo, IA
Well what a difference a day makes. I am in Waterloo, IA tonight and actually had several places I considered to go eat at tonight. Some of the ones I considered are AJ's, Jamenson's Public House http://www.jamesonspublichouse.com/ this looks interesting an Irish bar with a decent beer selection, but a damn good whiskey selection, Beck' Brewery http://www.barmuda.com/becks_u/e_cal.php really good food but horrible craft brew beer, and Otis and Henry's pub http://waterloo.isleofcapricasinos.com/uploadedFiles/waterlooisleofcapricasinoscom/Images/Dining/WaterlooOtisHenryPDFMenu.pdf at the Isle of Capri Casino. The place I decided on though was Screaming Eagles American Bar and Grill http://www.theeaglestalon.com/joomla/ .
The thing that sold me on Screaming Eagle was that they advertised 12 taps of beer. The taps were average craft brew to the mass produced swill. They had 2 Sam Adams taps Noble PIls and Boston Lager, also Schell's Firebrick, Blue Moon , Guinness and Fat Tire for craft beer and then the Budmillercoors stuff. I had a Sam Adams Noble PIls, which I usually like a lot but it was a bit flat and bitter from their taps. The second beer I had was Schell's Firebrick, it was more enjoyable. It was malty like I remeber and a smooth drinking beer. Thank you August Schell Brewing for saving my beer night.
They have a decent menu of burgers, sandwiches, wraps and pizza. I decide on the 10" predator pizza for dinner. This is there all meat pizza, remember pizza is best when there is no veggies or mushrooms on it! The crust selection was either thin or hand tossed, I opted for the hand tossed and think if there is a next time I would go thin crust. Overall the pizza was good with no faults.
The place is themed as an upscale biker bar, with various Harley knickknacks and a couple of motorcycles for the decor. Lots of light wood through out the bar. The bartender was pleasant and attentive. Overall I would give this another chance when I was back in Waterloo.
Also a bar I have heard good things about in Waterloo is the Lava Lounge. It is a themed bar from the 60's or 70's that serves probably the best selection of beer in town. So you are thinking why did I not go there for dinner. Well they do not serve any food, so unless I wanted a total liquid dinner I thought I should pass. This is a definite place to explore when I am staying over again in Waterloo.
QC Beerguy
The thing that sold me on Screaming Eagle was that they advertised 12 taps of beer. The taps were average craft brew to the mass produced swill. They had 2 Sam Adams taps Noble PIls and Boston Lager, also Schell's Firebrick, Blue Moon , Guinness and Fat Tire for craft beer and then the Budmillercoors stuff. I had a Sam Adams Noble PIls, which I usually like a lot but it was a bit flat and bitter from their taps. The second beer I had was Schell's Firebrick, it was more enjoyable. It was malty like I remeber and a smooth drinking beer. Thank you August Schell Brewing for saving my beer night.
They have a decent menu of burgers, sandwiches, wraps and pizza. I decide on the 10" predator pizza for dinner. This is there all meat pizza, remember pizza is best when there is no veggies or mushrooms on it! The crust selection was either thin or hand tossed, I opted for the hand tossed and think if there is a next time I would go thin crust. Overall the pizza was good with no faults.
The place is themed as an upscale biker bar, with various Harley knickknacks and a couple of motorcycles for the decor. Lots of light wood through out the bar. The bartender was pleasant and attentive. Overall I would give this another chance when I was back in Waterloo.
Also a bar I have heard good things about in Waterloo is the Lava Lounge. It is a themed bar from the 60's or 70's that serves probably the best selection of beer in town. So you are thinking why did I not go there for dinner. Well they do not serve any food, so unless I wanted a total liquid dinner I thought I should pass. This is a definite place to explore when I am staying over again in Waterloo.
QC Beerguy
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