Das Mixture

Blisters In The Sun

Jaclyn has blisters on her fingers. Ouch.

Home Depot has failed us on the paint frontier and we have one last option before we will have to hire a painter to redo significant portions of the homestead. To wit, we are trying to match the color that is on a majority of the walls in order to do some touch up work, but have thus far been unsuccessful. Even the special "match your color computer" spit out something just a little too dark, yet oh so noticable. Grrr.

Frustration still abounds. Everywhere you look something needs to be done to get the house ready. Even after logging hour after hour after hour our house looks like a disaster area. I guess the good news is the checklist is dwindling, but ever so slowly.

Listening to: The Bad Touch - The Bloodhound Gang

Beat Down

I cannot remember a time when my body has been this sore since my Navy days. The driveway, front walk and back patio have been scrubbed; the walls have been prepped for painting; there has been non-stop packing, moving and stacking; and a host of other activities going on this past weekend.Progress on the home is definitely being made, although at times it does not seem like it.

Today the movers are coming over to relocate at least 60% (likely more) of our life to storage. De-personalize and de-clutter is the mantra from Beverly the interior designer.

It's not a bad exercise as it makes you consider how mouch you actually have and how much you really need. For example, it is suggested you keep only 20% of your clothes. And it really was not hard considering what to keep - although I will probably look a little funny walking around in just underwear.

There is plenty more "home" work to be done and with the regular work week starting there is no time to rest, although I don't necessarily mind taking a break to do my day job.

I also have some good news. A number of folks volunteered to host the Beer Cellar and I have chosen to bestow the honor on my dad is indeed a trustworthy individual.

Listening to: Behind the Wheel/Route 66 - Depeche Mode

A New House

Not what you think. By the time we get done with our "home" work (that's a play on words for anybody moving a little slowly at the moment), we will be living in a new house, which will actually be our old house. The interior designer came by this evening to help us "stage" our house in order to sell it as quickly as possible (which of course, I am all for).

We took four pages of notes and that's just the stuff we were able to capture on paper. Much more went unwritten and I am hoping we don't forget. I do know that we have to paint three rooms in addition to the touch up work that needs to be done. Further, the bar will be transformed into a sitting room. And the beer cellar - well it will be no more.

By the way, let's stop the count at three days without a beer. I have a cellar to empty. And if you have seen my beer cellar, you know that I could very well be incoherent for the next several weeks...

Furniture is going away. Several chairs, a couch, a love seat, other assorted stuff. Actually lots of assorted stuff. Anything personal - pictures, collectables, the owl knitted by my Grandmother - must go away. Every single pint glass - ouch - must go away. The box people are going to love me!

Did I mention the count stopped at three days without a beer? Oh Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA how I love thee.

I don't know whether I should have a moving party or a beer party. Wait a minute - I just had a brilliant idea...

Listening to: Get Off - Foxy

A special shout out to you disco boys and girls who recall this tune with fondness.

Officially Official

I wandered by our front window this morn and something caught my eye because it did not fit the picture my brain expected. To wit, there it was, as promised yesterday evening: the For Sale sign letting all know who pass by that yes, indeed, our townhome is for sale.

So this is real. It is happening. And who knew you would have to sign so many papers just to sell a house. I think we signed more papers than we did at the original closing. Someone is obviously making money.

Having talked to our Realtor - Craig Carver - last night, I am much more confident than I was in the last week or so when we made the decision to (hopefully) move. One cannot help but believe in Craig after talking with him for just a few minutes.

This weekend will be a bear (did I say bear or beer...) as an interior designer will be coming by today or tomorrow and giving us tasks that will make our home more presentable. I imagine the room full of beer stuff will be emptied this weekend and we'll be doing a heck of a lot of painting, among other things.

...and the cat will be none too happy I assure you. As he gets older he has become less and less a fan of change and he certainly does not like people coming into HIS home.

Listening to: The World Is Not Enough - Garbage

Mojo is a No Go

I got no mojo. My mojo has flown to parts unknown and truth be told I don't see it coming back soon.

I have two issues other than the over riding fact that my knee will not allow me to run. After trying seemingly everything except surgery, the knee still does not appear to be improving.

My first issue is that I have let work keep me from a daily routine. It's an all too easy excuse and I need to get out of that funk. Second, and perhaps more important, is that I have no inspiration.

Running used to be enough. I didn't even have to have a goal such as an upcoming marathon. The feeling of a cool breeze in my hair was more than enough to motivate me to step outside for a few miles; even if that breeze was more humid than cool.

Cycling isn't enough and it's not nearly as convenient. Plus, no matter how nice the weather I will always think, "what a great day for run" long before I think, "what a nice day to get out on the bike."

I guess the good news is that it has been more than three days without Whataburger, soda or beer. I guess that counts for something and perhaps it's the starting point I need to get into some sort of fitness routine.

I am not so much seeking advice or motivation as I am just rambling. Putting things down on electronic paper so I can acknowledge them for myself.

Listening to: Stay - Oingo Boingo

Scolding

I checked the nest outside of our bedroom window yesterday morning and the bobbing heads of the baby birds were (gasp) gone. Fearing the worst, I walked outside, wondering how not one, but all three could have fallen out of the nest - our worse become a meal for a predator (we do have at least one hawk in the area).

For all of my I concern I received an aggressive scolding from both the momma bird and the poppa bird. I must admit, this was much like a military operation. They set up on either side of the intruder (me) and then took turns changing position, all the while squawking in my general direction.

It turns out the youngsters had left the nest on their own and were working on their flight skills. At this stage there is significantly more hop than flight. They also tend to crash into things alot. In fact, I have to say that at times they look down right retarded, but in a cute way.

Apparently our small backward is a great location for rearing birds. It's small enough so mom and dad can keep a watchful eye on the youngins, but is big enough to give the kids enough room to learn the art of being a bird without being exposed to the many dangers nature has to offer.

Listening to: Low Rider - War

Rise and Fall

I am officially out of shape. This morning's bike ride, or should I say travesty, is all the proof anyone would need. About three quarters of the way out I had been steadily increasing my speed when I smacked into the wall. As I leveled off at 17.5 mph, I figured I could at least keep it above 17.0 mph. Nope. Well, it's been awhile so 16.5 mph isn't too shabby. Uh no. Trying to save myself here; I can surely keep it at 16.0 mph or better. Not happening. I settled for a 15.5 mph pace. Sure I could blame a few traffic signals I had to stop or slow down for, but the reality is that they were welcome breaks during an otherwise disappointing ride.

Time to move on. The rest of May will not be featuring any Whataburger. Nor will there be any beer. Must get my mojo back.

Listening to: Heartbreaker - will.i.am

Dogfish Head

As promised, a picture of the Dogfish Head Brewing Sign I purchased. For those who have seen our bar before, you will get an idea of the size.

A few observations from our vacation.

Odd thing, while driving on the freeways in Pennsylvania, when a driver was merging onto the freeway, other drivers would actually move over and let him/her in. This does not happen so much in Texas where a turn signal is excuse enough to warrant a blocking move.

Pennsylvania is full of "Do Not Tailgate" signs and in some areas there are large, white dots painted on the road so you can gauge a safe following distance.

Me thinks Pennsylvania stole their license plate design from West Virginia. The blue bar across the top is proof enough for me. Speaking of which, it appears that Delaware is still using digits only on their plates.

I cannot help but notice that boardwalks along beaches are spawning grounds for candy shops. Yes, I understand the whole salt water taffy thing, but how many candy shops can one boardwalk support. And isn't candy by default a magnet for sand?   

Listening to: Super Freak - Rick James

Beer and Loathing in PA

Jaclyn relaxes with nature out near Buskill Falls.

Nature and I  - we are one.

I have learned that taking pictures of nature is nearly a fruitless endeavor. A picture can never match the awe and inspiration that nature provides in the moment.

Our last day/night of vacation was spent in Philadelphia. I have to say, for a city that is literally the cradle of democracy, it did not feel that historic with the exception of when I was a mere few feet from the Liberty Bell.

Personally, I feel a stronger connection with this country's history when I am in Boston or Providence.

No matter, Philadelphia does boast a few brew pubs, of which I was able to partake in offerings from two of them. After our brush with history in Independence National Historic Park, Jaclyn and I headed over to the General Lafayette Inn and Brewery to check in and have a little lunch. I was also able to sample eight of their beers and talk to both of the brewers.

Russ (one of the brewers) made the comment, "we brew beers that we like." This would go a long way in explaining why all of their offerings were flavorful and enjoyable. I especially enjoyed the La Tete Fontaine (a dubbel) and the Chocolate Thunder Porter.

For dinner, we headed several miles down the road to Manayunk Brewery. Manayunk is a gathering place for the hip 20-somethings and I was told that more Corona flows out of the bar than anything. That being said, I enjoyed two beers, the Kayak Kolsch and the California Dreamin' (an Imperial India Pale Ale). All I have to say if Manayunk sells more Corona than "home" brew, then I fear the future of our nation is in jeopardy because both offerings were excellent.

Jaclyn's vacation continues as she has made her way to Florida to spend some time with her sister. My vacation concludes this evening with a trip to the St. Arnold Brewery for an event. Fitting. Fitting indeed.

Listening to: Bootytown - Punk Rock 101 - Bowling For Soup

Forest Creatures Running Scared

Our room at the lodge here in the Poconos backs up to the forest. Much to their surprise, the creatures of the forest have been treated to an early "new" moon thanks to my booty flashing activities last night. Either they will never be the same or I will be the butt of many a forest creature's jokes for generations to come.

I have a question that does not necessarily need answering, but is definitely food for thought. The first order of business when my wife and I got out of the airport last Saturday was to head over to Leo's for an authentic Philly Cheesesteak. Great googly moogly it was fantastic. Best cheesesteak I have ever had. It was friggin' huge and the flavor was to die for. No wonder they have been named the Best of Philadelpia at least seven times since the mid 90's.

To wit, prior to our foray to Leo's, I have only had what could be described as posers in a cheesesteak world, having never before been to Philadelphia. To that end, I may never have a cheesesteak not made by Leo's again beause I know I will be more than disappointed. Which leads to my question: If you enjoy a particular meal so much that you know it will be the best you have ever had, do you ever order the same thing anywhere else or do you spare yourself the disappointment?

Leave it to me to find a brewpub in the middle of the forest. Yesterday afternoon Jaclyn and I stopped by for a bite to eat (and a sample or seven) at Barley Creek Brewing. The food was not too bad although definitely over-priced. The beer was just OK. I did small tasters of all seven beers and the Mai Bock stood out the most. The joint has tourist trap written all over it, which explains both the high priced meals and the safeness of the beers.

Today we're going to head over to Bushkill Falls and enjoy a little of what nature has to offer.

The Seven Year Itch

...is actually a rash.

Jaclyn and I celebrate our 7th anniversary today and after a wonderful stay in Rehoboth Beach, DE it's off to the Poconos for a few days.

Last night we attended a beer dinner at Dogfish Head Brewing. When Sam Calagione (founder, owner and all-around personable guy) heard we came all the way from Texas just for his dinner (and we were celebrating our anniversary) we were presented with a bottle of 2006 Raison D'Extra. Many a beer mortal may be thinking "big woop" but understand this is equal to a vintner going into his private reserve and presenting you with one of his best bottles of wine. Except this is beer, which is infintely  better.

The dinner, a Caribbean theme, was wonderful, Chef Marcel came up with some very nice courses including a whole roasted pig which was juicy and tasty; absolutely phenomenal. Chef Marcel attributed his success with the pig to the fine folks at JT Pappy's sauces, who were in attendance. I was able to sample one of their sauces and by gosh it was just wonderful. The flavor is amazing. I urge anyone reading to order up a few bottles - especially since it does not contain high fructose corn syrup or any other crap that's not healthy. Fat Free; Low Carb and All Natural - it's what you need to know! The folks at JT Pappy's gave us a bottle of sauce and I cannot wait to get home and smoke a pork loin.

All in all, a very nice time was had in Rehoboth Beach (even though it rained most of the time). I was able to surprise Jaclyn by arranging to have chocolate covered strawberries waiting in our room when we arrived and in addition, she got to spend some time being pampered in the hotel spa. Consequently, she allowed me to purchase a giant metal Dogfish Head sign (picture to follow once I return home).

Fuzzy Wuzzy

Cuteness abounds outside our bedroom window. A proud mama cardinal has just hatched two or three babies, which I am sure look absolutely delectable to our cat.

If things go as planned, we will hopefully have a new bedroom window in five or six months. That's right, if we sell our townhouse we will be moving to a new home. Time to upgrade to a backyard. Not a giant backyard, but something that needs mowing nonetheless.

Jaclyn and I spent today signing papers and making the first round of choices for a home in Shadow Creek Ranch; Western Sunset for the brick and Driftwood for the garage door. Exciting to be sure. Actually more emotionally draining than anything. More details as the days progress - well, the days after we return from vacation.

Dogfish Head here we come! And then it is on to the Poconos.

Listening to: I Wanna Be A Cowboy - Boys Don't Cry 

Fuzzy Wuzzy

Cuteness abounds outside our bedroom window. A proud mama cardinal has just hatched two or three babies, which I am sure look absolutely delectable to our cat.

If things go as planned, we will hopefully have a new bedroom window in five or six months. That's right, if we sell our townhouse we will be moving to a new home. Time to upgrade to a backyard. Not a giant backyard, but something that needs mowing nonetheless.

Jaclyn and I spent today signing papers and making the first round of choices for a home in Shadow Creek Ranch; Western Sunset for the brick and Driftwood for the garage door. Exciting to be sure. Actually more emotionally draining than anything. More details as the days progress - well, the days after we return from vacation.

Dogfish Head here we come! And then it is on to the Poconos.

Listening to: I Wanna Be A Cowboy - Boys Don't Cry 

Random Bloggage

Those of us who pay taxes have subsidized the corn industry to the tune of 22 billion dollars over the past decade. Yet, the price of corn is going up because the government has mandated that 36 bazillion gallons of ethanol (which by the way is no better for the environment than gasoline) be produced by 2022. This means higher profits for an industry that is basically being underwritten by the taxpayer. Maybe we could just eat the corn like we always did.

Over the weeks I have done a little clean-up on the side bar. Perhaps unnoticed is that several links were removed because they required logins and passwords of some sort. Which reminds me, if I have to login into a blog to read it, why would I also need to do a word verification to leave a comment? That was just a random thought. Regardless, anyone that has been invited to read a password protected blog already has the link, whereas someone who follwoed the link would be frustrated becasue they ended at a blog they could not access.

I still have not settled on a format. Probably when I am ready to run again, my format will change again. Stay tuned.

Speaking of which, I am now walking around in orthotics. Initially I thought there might be an improvement, but now I am not so sure. Maybe if I just stayed in bed for a couple of weeks, that would do the trick.

But then I would miss our upcoming vacation. Especially looking forward to the Beer Dinner at Dogfish Head Brewing.

Finally, a hearty thanks to all who made it out to Beer versus Beer. Almost time to start planning for 4.0!

Brews Clues

The taste buds we're defintely hopping yesterday evening at BvB 3.0. With another successful Beer versus Beer in the books, mapd props must go out to our Beer Wenches Jaclyn and Carolyn. I mean, let's face it, without the Beer Wenches it's just another ho hum event.

I think I am not supposed to mention Dr. Jon, but I cannot remember why. Maybe my mind is playing tricks on me. Speaking of tricks, Wench Carolyn did not know that Dr. Jon's title is merely an honorary one bestowed upon him by yours truly. For the past year or so, I have been calling him Dr. Jon and Carolyn just assumed he was a doctor. Alst night Dr. Jon mentioned he was going over to Angola and Carolyn naturally assumed he was going on a medical mission and thought highly of an individual who would donate his time for the less fortunate. Imagine her surprise when she learned Jon works for Exxon and is searching for oil.

Hey, you want results and you shall have them.

In our Island Lager Category, Kona Brewing spanked fictional Margaritaville Brewing's Landshark. Not suprising when one understands that Landshark is a product of Anheuser Busch.

In the Black Lager Category, Shiner Black did not fare too well against the Sam Adams Black Lager. In fact, Sam Adams clobbered Shiner. Perhaps Shiner should stick to brewing their fake Bock beer.

This brings us to our Bock Category which was the closest challenge of the evening. Anchor Brewing took on St. Arnold in a match that featured two beers with distinctive differences in color, bouquet and taste. Many tasters could have gone eitehr way, but in the end St. Arnold eeked out a narrow victory.

Then it came to our Belgian Dubbel Category. Some of our tasters were ready to pack it in as the flavor was a little too much. But everyone hung in there and in the end the Allagash Brand took out Ommegang in relatively close battle.

Finally, for kicks, we did two IPA's - the Dogfish Head 60 Minute and the Lagunitas IPA. Lagunitas took the crown, but the interesting thing was that a few weeks ago my best friend Brian chose the Dogfish Head over the Lagunitas. Which just goes to show you that blind tasting is a tricky business.

All in all; good people and good times.

Listening to: Rock On - David Essex  

A Perfect Chill

Oh yes my friends. Time grows short and anticipation arises with the mere thought of Beer versus Beer (BvB). Version 3.0 is shaping up to be quite a battle royale (no cheese). The bottles are snuggled together in the cold box reaching optimum temperature and the tasting glasses are spotless and staged thanks to Beer Wench Jaclyn. Let the smack talk begin as the following breweries shall be representing:

• Kona
• Allagash
• Sam Adams
• St. Arnold
• Sierra Nevada
• New Belgium
• Ommegang
• Shiner

The only question left to answer is whom shall be facing off? Could it be an East/West Battle between Sierra Nevada and Allagash? Perhaps the Rockies will vie the Gulf Coast with a New Belgium/St. Arnold Challenge... Shall we see New England history taking on a tropical paradise in a tilt between Allagash and Kona? Only the Beer Wenches will know (the aforementioned Jaclyn and of course our experienced wench, Carolyn).

Interesting note: My dad has off-handedly volunteered to help the Beer Wenches. Perhaps he has a secret desire to be a beer wench. File that under things I do not want to discover.

My music mix for the evening has been completed. I thought about going several different ways, including an all jazz mix and only music released in the past year. That said, let me introduce you to the 1970's. That's right, a 70's Saturday Night - oh yeah!

Listening to: School's Out - Alice Cooper

Recovery Road

Business first: Congrats to Joe  and Cassie on their efforts in the MS 150. Also tidings of joy go out to the Boone family and their amazing turtle!

I have been remiss. Not only not posting, but not keeping up with my blogging brethren. Lots of work going on and recovering from illness will do that to you. The good news is I appear to be in the last stages of whatever it is I had. The bad news is that NyQuil (with the big ass "Q") does not seem to be doing the trick any longer. Hence posting at 2:31 in the morn.

Work has been so crazy the last couple of weeks that I find myself forgetting what day it is. I have been to Austin so many weeks in a row my wife suspects I have a secret family living there. I guess the one good thing is the look on her face when I come home a day early as I did yesterday. Surprise!

Regardless of the madness, I will be ready for Beer versus Beer. Just a few short days away.

Listening to: The Grand Illusion - Styx

Moving Forward; Falling Backward

Frustration abounds this week as Dr. Denise has come to the revelation that therapy is not helping drive improvement in the achilles tenodonitis nor the knee issues. We're going to seek a second opinion on the cause(s) and hopefully the cure. In the meantime, no more therapy.

On a possibly better note, the orthotics have arrived and just maybe they will drive some improvement. We'll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, I can still cycle, which is at least a small consolation. Well, with the exception that this weekend I am under the weather so there is no cycling to be had.

Grrrr.

Listening to: Chuck E's in Love - Rickie Lee Jones

Represent

Yesterday was not the best of days. However, in order to make a dreary day better I stopped at Spec's rather than deal with the traffic madness of downtown Houston, where apparently many stupid people abound.

And it is good news. Found another three beers for Beer Versus Beer. This closes the gates on the competition line-up and it will definitely be interesting. We also have representation from the East Coast, West Coast and Gulf Coast. Word up!

Hence, on tap we have around nine "mystery" beers doing battle in the follwoing categories:

• Lager
• Pilsner
• Bock
• Dubbel

Oh my! Taste buds will be brimming with refreshment early on, but then comes a blooming of flavor (and scent) for those who dare participate after the first two rounds.

Listening to: Guess Who ran Off with the Milkman? - The Pipettes

Protest Your Protest Away

As the Olympic Torch arrives in the USA it has become, unfortunately, about protestors extinguishing the Olympic Flame instead of a moment for many special people who have been chosen to carry it as well as cities and towns that will host different legs.

I have no problem with people protesting or demonstrating against China's Human Rights Record as the torch moves from city to city and through town after town - whether it be in the US or any other country. However, I do have a problem with demonstrators getting physical and feeling that extinguishing the torch is some sort of symbolism.

The torch represents the spirit of the Olympics and has nothing to do with the Chinese. They are simply the hosts for this years edition of the games. Furthermore, a torch bearer does not by default support the Chinese because they were chosen for an honor that most people will never experience. I can tell you that they do support what the Olympics stand for.

I mean please, does it take that much to protest the guy in a wheelchair carrying the Olympic Flame?  Do you think that anyone who has been a victim of Chinese Human Rights Violations sees any nobility in harassing innocent people?  Apparently some people are NOT smarter than a fifth grader. 

Furthermore, by acting like complete morons, the protestors are in danger of losing their platform (and their media coverage) as the IOC is considering cancelling the remainder of the torch run outside of China. In fact, France already cancelled the end of theirs, likely to the idiotic cheers of the protestors who do not realize they lost thier forum to be heard.

If this madness continues, I can guarantee that any remaining support will turn against the protestors as the media begins to focus on those who lose out because the torch run is cancelled or those who experienced the raw stupidity of a demonstrator trying to extinguish the flame while they ran with the Olympic Flame.

Do protest China's Human Rights Violations. Don't physically violate the sanctity of the Olympic Flame.

Saddle Up

Yesterday I received permission from Dr. Denise to be aggressive on the bike. This is a whole lot more fun than the copacetic rides I have been doing off and on the last few weeks. I think I will actually enjoy hitting the road more often now.

Anyway, during my 41 minutes early this morning I was able to bring it in with an average pace of 16.2 mph. I would have been happy with around 15 mph, thusly I am feeling pretty good right now. That being said, I am a little out of shape. My pace began to taper off toward the end, but that's something that can be remedied with more rides. At least now I feel like I am doing something rather than just going through the motions.

My knee is a little stiff, which is to be expected. My achilles seems oblivious to it all, which can only be goodness!

Listening to: I Wanna Be A Cowboy - Boys Don't Cry

Saintly Ride

Up with the sun and out with the light of day. Two wheels on the concrete; moving forward. Pedal power my friends. I took my alloted 45 minutes of exercise on the road this morning and for the most part it was uneventful. It was really too early for riders although there were a few going out as I waas coming back in. I also noticed numerous folks had slapped their bikes on their car or truck - likely going to meet up with a peloton somewhere. Three people does not a peloton make, hence no pelotons this morn.

Cool temps (59) for a ride, thusly double layering was necessary. I still seemed a little under-dressed compared to the few others riding the roads. But I was mostly comfortable. Perhaps it was St. Arnold watching over me as I cruised FM 528 in my spankin' new St. Arnold cycling jersey.

I'll probably start taking the Garmin with me starting next week. Since the cycling is really all I can do, I may as well embrace it. I might even upgrade to the heart monitor version. I know - wacky.

I want donuts. And I am so trying to justify it. But after yesterday when I saw a runner along the road and got depressed, immediately hitting up the Whataburger... Perhaps I'll channel Topher and make it so.

Listening to: Zombie - The Cranberries

Not To Be

Beyonce and Jay-Z are knotted together and I don't blame her one bit. She had to know I was happily married and waiting forever was not a good option. Don't worry Beyonce, we'll still have Paris...

Jaclyn and I did a little date night at home last night; enjoying Dan, In Real Life. It's a "nice" movie; almost family fare. Sometimes a night in is better than a night out.

A Happy Birthday to our good friend Melissa. She has turned 30 and we'll be celebrating the occasion later today. I am most positive there will be frolic involved.

Two weeks until Beer Versus Beer. Excitement is building. Actually I am excited to be making a trip to the downtown Spec's.

Listening to: Crushcrushcrush - Paramore

Work It

Started back with weights again. Light weights - mucho reps. Must do something to get ahold of the poundage on the aging body.

I had the best day of therapy since my injury several months ago. I am not sure where Maggie gets her magic touch, but I am considering only allowing her to mess with my feet and my knee. I actually felt better afterward and this feeling continues nearly two days later. Perhaps this means I am finally on the mend.

Another quick blurb about the much-hyped $16.00 bottle of beer you have been reading about. Don't tell anyone, but my Dad likes it. And he is not an IPA man. It actually stands up well on it's own. I wish it were a bit (much) cheaper and I would enjoy it more often.

This short post has been brought to you by Shimmer - it's not just a dessert topping; it's a floor wax too!

Listening to: You're No Angel - Fiona

A Rogue Experience

My good friend Brian "Sam Adams" Allen dropped by yesterday afternoon and that was enough of an occasion to try the much mentioned $16.00 Rogue Imperial IPA. Jaclyn took on the role of Beer Wench to make things interesting. By interesting, I mean that we not only tasted the Rogue IPA, but also two other IPAs that Jaclyn pulled out at random. And yes, we did it blind. We were looking to validate whether or not the $16.00 IPA was signifiacntly worth the extra cash.

Before I provide the results, I must say my wife did an excellent job of picking two IPA's to go up against an Imperial IPA. No small feat mind you. She wisely chose the Lagunitas IPA and the Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA.

In the end, the Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA won out, finishing first as far as Brian and I were concerned. That's not to say the Rogue Imperial IPA was not worthy competition, however I would say that it may not be worthy of the $16.00 price tag.

In the words of Brian, the 60 Minute was the best balanced of the three. The hop aroma is, in my mind, better than a fresh Spring day. I also prefer the bite of the 60 Minute.  All told, nothing better than getting to enjoy three very good IPAs on a Saturday afternoon.

Listening to: The Ballroom Blitz - Sweet