Dann Drinks Beer

Suggest a Beer

31 comments »

1. I have no idea if it’s available in your area, but my current favourite is an English stout called Black Wych, from the Wychwood Brewery. It’s a fabulously tasty stout, which unfortunately the Soviet-style government beer stores here in Ontario have recently discontinued. I’ve been going around buying up leftover stock, but the end is near. A trip to Oxfordshire may be required.

   You haven’t tried any Canadian beers so far, and I hope that when you do it WON’T be anything bearing the Labatt or Molson names. I hate to think that all people know about our beers are the dreaded Molson Canadian or Labatt Blue. (Or Moosehead, for that matter, which is just as bland. Most beer drinkers in the Maritime provinces won’t touch it, preferring Moosehead’s Ten Penny Ale, which unfortunately isn’t exported even to Ontario.)

   I didn’t start drinking beer until I was in my late 20’s. That was when I moved to Alberta and discovered the local Big Rock products and realized that beer was supposed to have TASTE, not just get you drunk. Since then the number of microbreweries in Canada has exploded, with many of them producing very fine beers. Unfortunately, Molson and Labatt have been buying up most of the successful microbreweries, but so far they haven’t been tampering with the beers themselves.

   Other favourite local (Ontario) beers (in case you stumble upon them) are: Durham County Brewery’s Signature Ale, Hart Brewing Co’s Hart Amber Ale, Creemore Springs Lager, Tank House Ale , KLB Raspberry Wheat Beer and Amsterdam Framboise.

   When you’re travelling up to Maine this year, you might want to think about crossing the border into New Brunswick, which will open up a whole new range of beers!

   Wulf
   Toronto, ON

   Comment by Wulf — February 11, 2007 @ 8:35 pm

2. I’m still in my beer experimenting stage having only been 21 for 6 months. I’m a fan of anything made by New Belgium out of Colorado, but that might be harder to find on the east coast. Other breweries to try is Rogue (out of Oregon) and Goose Island (only had their bitter, this brewery is from Chicago). And the beer staple of Missouri (none of that Annheuser crap), Boulevard Wheat is delicious, especially out of the tap.

   Comment by Jess Moran — February 12, 2007 @ 1:25 am

3. I have no idea how far north you’re coming up here, but up here in the mid atlantic we’ve got a lovely selection. First up, on the shortlist, is the best german style wheats available on this continent, Rammstein, from High POint Brewery in Butler, NJ. They do a winter wheat doppelbock that is my favorite wintertime drinking hands down. Their Kristal is also a favorite of mine. Ommegang is a belgian owned brewery in Cooperstown, NY that produces some of my favorite belgian styles. Stoudt’s in pennsylvania also produces a noteworthy variety of german/american styles. Other regional specialties: Dogfish Head, reknowned for their IPAs, Brooklyn Brewery, solid classic styles, none too adventurous, but classic and well done, and Garret Oliver is an exceptionally cool brewmaster. Cricket Hill, again, solid classics.

   Comment by BruceD — February 12, 2007 @ 2:40 am

4. When you make your trip up the east coast, I have a few suggestions. First, make sure you stop at Dogfish Head in Delaware. I haven’t been there yet, but its easily one of my favorite beers. Next, if you make it up to New England, Offshore Brewing Co on Martha’s Vineyard is another great beer. Over in Holyoke, MA is Paper City brew, another one of my favorites. The other two that I have to mention are both in Vermont. First is Long Trail Brewing Co in Killington, and the other is Magic Hat in South Burlington. There are many, many more great micro breweries in the area, but I had to mention the top few.

   Comment by Jared — February 12, 2007 @ 11:32 am

5. My first suggestion would have to be Blue Moon, - a belgium style wheat beer. Very tasty, especially with a slice of orange. I got a 16 gallon keg of this nectar when i graduated college.

   I am also very partial to Hazed & Infused by Boulder Beer. It is a double hopped beer that is in The Looking Glass Series. Very hoppy - and I love that.

   Anything from New Belgium brewery is great especially Sunshine.

   Another brewery I have been enjoying lately is O’Dell. The make a few beers I love including Easy Street Wheat, 5 Barrel Ale and my personal favorite - 90 Schilling, a light scottish ale.

   A very unique beer I had recently is Tres pistoles from Canada. Finishes like aport, or so the bottle says. I just say it finishes with flavor.

   Comment by Brandon — February 12, 2007 @ 6:01 pm

6. Old Speckled Hen is my absolute favorite pale ale. It’s an English import. I had my first one at a friends Christmas party, and could readily find it around town. Since then I’ve moved and found it near impossible to find. Could be I only know 1 or 2 well stocked beer shops. Try it and enjoy.

   Comment by Rob — February 13, 2007 @ 12:29 am

7. If you can get your hands on beer from the Rogue brewery (http://www.rogue.com) try it. Since I like dark beers, I recommend the Chocolate Stout but you way also want to try Dead Man’s Ale.

   Also, if you are back in the DC area you have to stop at Chevy Chase Wine and Spirits (http://www.chevychasewine.com/index.php) they sell beer by the bottle and have a ton of it. A store like that is a must have for this type of insanity. Also if you are in DC let me know… We have a Dogfish head alehouse in Gaithersburg and it definitely is good and fun.

   Comment by Ed — February 13, 2007 @ 10:01 am

8. If you find yourself in New York City on your trip north check out Bierkraft in Brooklyn. They’ve got 900 bottled beers to choose from. Also, in Philadelphia there’s a great Belgian Tavern called Eulogy with over 300 craft brewed beers, 21 on tap.

   Comment by shaun — February 13, 2007 @ 8:46 pm

9. If you are ever in or around Philadelphia there are a couple places/beers you should check out.

   1. Independence Brew Pub - This is a micro brew pub that has some of my favorite beers ever. Their Oatmeal stout, IPA and brown ale are particular favorites

   2. Yards Brewing Company - This is a local brewing company, similar to Yuengling. They make some incredibly solid ales. Their IPA, Extra Special and Saison are some of my favorites.

   3. Yuengling - You’ve talked about their Lager but their black and tan and porter are along the same lines, enjoyable and reliable beers.

   And finally, dogfish head. You reviewed their India brown ale, but when I tried their 90min IPA it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. It’s not something I indulge in regularly though cause its almost $50 bucks a case…

   Good Drinking Dann!

   Comment by Matthew — February 14, 2007 @ 9:38 am

10. Hi Dann,

    Discovered your blog on digg near the beginning of the year and have been following ever since. I would be interested to read your review of J.W. Dundee’s American Pale Ale. Of course Dundee’s claim to fame is their Honey Brown, which honestly is too sweet for me and I don’t much care for it. But this Pale Ale I happened upon several months ago, and for the cost and taste it is a beer I enjoy often. If you can find it, give it a go and let us know what you think.

    Comment by Kev — February 15, 2007 @ 1:24 pm

11. OMG look at this:

    http://peety-passion.com/peetypassion/2007/02/13/milk-beer-called-bilk/

    Comment by Whitney — February 15, 2007 @ 5:32 pm

12. Alasken Amber is a very good beer but you all ready have my favorite beer on you list Samuel Adams there seasonal Octoberfest beer is very good.

    Comment by Tom — February 16, 2007 @ 11:25 am

13. Try anything by New Glarus. I really enjoy their Spotted Cow.

    Comment by RobC — February 17, 2007 @ 10:08 pm

14. The East Coast has some amazing breweries, some you’ve sampled thus far, some not. Here are some must-visit/sample Gems of the East:

    Dogfish Head Craft Brewery: Rehoboth, DE and Gaithersburg, MD
    Victory Brewing Company: Downingtown, PA
    Brooklyn Brewery: Brooklyn, PA
    Brewery Ommegang: Cooperstown, NY
    Old Dominion Brewing Co.: Ashburn, VA
    Yards Brewing Co.: Philadelphia, PA
    Magic Hat Brewing Co.: Burlington, VT
    Tröegs Brewing Company: Harrisburg, PA

    As mentioned earlier Eulogy in Philadelphia is a great place, especially for Belgian beers. Monk’s is another great Belgian beer house.

    If in Boston, visit the Sunset Brill & Tap: 112 beers on tap!

    Comment by Jim — February 20, 2007 @ 12:30 pm

15. Flying Dog:
    -Road Dog porter
    -Old Scratch amber
    all others are good too…

    http://flyingdogales.com/beer-pack.asp

    Also, check out Sam Adams’ seasonal brews - there’s one for Oktoberfest, a Summer Ale, and several around Christmas (old Fezziwig Ale, Winter Lager, Cranberry Lambic(?), and Holiday Porter.)

    http://www.samueladams.com/world_of_beer.aspx

    Comment by steph — February 20, 2007 @ 4:50 pm

16. Alrighty then…just a few points of interest for your roadtrip:
    Stoudt’s brewing, Pa:
    http://www.stoudtsbeer.com/
    Buzzard’s Bay Brewing, Ma:
    http://www.buzzardsbrew.com/
    Andy’s Corner Bar, NJ:
    http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=Andy%27s+Corner+bar+bogota,+nj&ie=UTF8&z=15&ll=40.869327,-74.016523&spn=0.0209,0.034204&om=1&iwloc=A
    http://www.andyscornerbar.com/
    (less than a couple of miles from I-95)
    Baltimore Brewing Company, Md:
    http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=baltimore+brewing+company&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1&iwloc=A
    (their website is currently down)
    And I just found Capitol City brewing:
    http://www.capcitybrew.com/
    High Point Brewing, NJ:
    http://www.ramsteinbeer.com/index.html
    NYC:
    Brooklyn Brewery
    Heartland Brewing
    Blind Tiger Alehouse
    Gingerman
    Wild Goose Brewery, Md:
    http://www.wildgoosebrewery.com/
    (about a half hour/40min west of I95)

    I guess that’s enough for now.

    Comment by BruceD — February 21, 2007 @ 1:24 am

17. How about some polish beer. Tyskie, Okocim, Zywiec, Hevelius.

    Comment by Unknown — February 26, 2007 @ 8:31 am

18. When Sam Adams Octoberfest is back in season you should definitely try it. Has a much more balanced hop/malt flavor then the Boston Lager and Black Lager. It goes down smooth and easy with a good after taste. It’s my personal favorite.

    Comment by Chris — March 1, 2007 @ 11:56 pm

19. BTW, if you do wind up going to Andy’s Corner Bar, you won’t be very far from White Mana in Hackensack, one of the ten burgers you must eat before you die:
    http://www.google.com/maps?hl=en&client=firefox-a&channel=s&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=jgn&q=white+mana&near=Hackensack,+NJ&radius=0.0&latlng=40885833,-74043889,10330132314856361107&sa=X&oi=local&ct=authority

    Comment by BruceD — March 14, 2007 @ 8:13 am

20. I’ve had some pretty good luck with the Chimay Ale’s (the “bleu” one). Also a suggestion for the blog itself, could you create a page that just lists the beers you’ve tried with your rating next to it. I’m not sure how much work that would be for you, but it would make navigation a bit easier. Especially for those of us that are using this in our own quests ^_~

    Thanks,
    Petyr

    Comment by Petyr — March 19, 2007 @ 12:07 pm

21. Try the Cave Creek Chili Beer, it has a whole chili in it and is very very hot! Though I would not recommend drinking a case of them, one or two would be a good experience.

    Also, I think you should create another page where it marks off all of the beers that you have drank instead of having to go back through all the posts….just a thought

    Comment by siblog — April 5, 2007 @ 2:17 pm

22. I highly doubt they’re available in your area, but it would be worth checking out.
    Unibroue (http://www.unibroue.com/english.cfm) is a Montreal based brewery that makes fantastic beer. Their Blanche De Chambly is my personal favorite. The Noir De Chambly, and Ephemere are also excellent.

    Comment by Adrian — April 7, 2007 @ 3:10 pm

23. I would recommend Lagunitas IPA. It is a really smooth and lightly hopped brew from Lagunitas Brewery in Petaluma, CA. Definitely one of my favorite IPA’s.

    Comment by Beer Lover — April 12, 2007 @ 1:25 pm

24. Hey Dann, been following your ratings ever since i first heard of it on digg. I dont know how far south some of my favorites go, but a local best around here would have to be Oberon from Bell’s Brewery. Another one of the best Bells would be Two Hearted Ale, and finally, Sunset Wheat from Leinenkugel. If you happen across any of them, i’d sugest them very much.

    Comment by Drew — April 26, 2007 @ 12:57 pm

25. Have you given Land Shark a whirl yet? I saw a billboard for it, between Sarasota and Punta Gorda on the Trail.

    Comment by TheLogan — May 5, 2007 @ 8:33 pm

26. How about Glick HoneyBach, from Glick Brewing Company in Cold Spring, MN? I heard about it on 102.1 K102.

    Comment by David — May 27, 2007 @ 1:52 pm

27. Try anything by New England Brew Co.

    Also:
    Hammer and Nail
    Sea Dog
    Leffe
    Sam Smith’s

    as i think of more ill post

    Comment by Niall — May 30, 2007 @ 9:32 pm

28. anything by goose island in chicago is great… i especially like the oatmeal stout, the 312 and the ipa.. but all their beers are pretty good…

    Comment by dan — August 5, 2007 @ 2:46 pm

29. I recommend, and these are just my personal favorites as of now.
    Maudite : http://www.unibroue.com/products/maudite.cfm
    Unibroue Brewing Company

    also pick a few on this one

    http://www.mensjournal.com/feature/0610/bestbeer.html
    they are supposed to be heaven in a bottle so i suggest u try as many as possible

    Comment by Rick — August 24, 2007 @ 10:54 am

30. You might want to try Weyerbacher Blithering Idiot its rich, dark and malty and 11% alcohol. On the opposite end Shiner makes a Kolsch which I have a hard time getting, but its a good sitting around watching the grill beer. Light, crisp and I think a good summer beer.

    Comment by Shawn Lease — October 23, 2007 @ 7:09 pm

31. Slimming treatment….

    Slimming cream. Slimming machine. Slimming gel. Slimming together. Oolong slimming tea. Slimming world kent uk. Advanced body pilates slimming winsor….

    Trackback by Paul mckenna slimming cd. — April 27, 2008 @ 6:11 pm

Copy link for RSS feed for comments on this post or for TrackBack URI

Leave a comment

Line and paragraph breaks automatic, e-mail address never displayed, HTML allowed: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>

Name (required)

E-mail (required)

URI

Your Comment