I'm becoming a beer snob
 

I always drank beer as a kid (18-20's) for the same reason everybody else did. I quit drinking through my 30's then started again w/hard liquor in my late 30's due to a divorce, then promptly quit again as I figured drinking alone was not a good idea. Anyway, I've gotten into gourmet cooking and started sipping beers w/my meals again and the beer thing has taken off. I never realized the flavor that some of these brews bring to a meal. Here's a few of the good ones I've had in the last few months (I'm particularly fond of the big special reserve stouts and porters):
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The last photo was a two year old "Adam" on tap from Hair of the Dog brewery (local here in Portland) and was out of this world w/the cheese and olive plate.

I can't stand beer, lol.

There is a reason they call it a "BEER Belly"

It doesn't have to be sitting in a chair all day pounding PBR's - you can enjoy something in moderation and still be quite fit. Here's what I look like at 250lbs:

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s...lmonButte2.jpg

I'm with you. I don't even like cheap crap beer anymore. I actually started homebrewing last year, and its a fun way to make really good beer for pretty cheap. I have Kolsch brewing currently.

Beer belly is something from heavy beer drinking couch potatoes, not someone who is ACTIVE and enjoys one or two beers/day. I burned near 1000 calories today between my bike ride, fishing, and walking. Making 300 calories back up in beer is a reward :)

For what its worth, my favorite beer overall, which I have a weakness for, is Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale. Its only available in 22oz beers, and is $5/bottle (after tax and all) so I don't indulge in them too often, but once in a while, YUM!

I can't stand the major brand American beers, but the small micro brewerys can turn out some good brew. I love the darker flavorful beers. They don't add weight if used in moderation. I stil weigh in at 145 lbs.

+1 on Arrogant Bastard but frankly, just about everything else they make is fantastic too... particularly the pale ales.

Firestone feels a little more corporate but they have some good stuff too.

+1...I've tried but it just aint good. Most I can drink of any beer is 1/2 a can, 1/2 mug, or 1/2 bottle then it gets nasty. :D

I'd have to agree with you when it comes to "regular" beer like Budweiser and such - it tastes horrible. Imo, good beer is like wine, especially when paired w/good food - its a whole different ball game.

Could be since I've seen none of those posted above. But I have tried commercial stuff, ales, laguers (sp?) japanese,Mexican beer and a few others rec'd by buddies.

But then again, I love the taste of diet soda.:D

My younger brother pointed me towards a lot of good beers. My favorite at the moment is Founder's Breakfast Stout.

Mr. Beanz, I thought I hated beer too. I did not drink beer through the first half of my twenties. It's just a matter of finding some good beers worth drinking, there are a lot of great ones out there.

Possibly the ultimate in Beer unobtanium: Brew Dog's "End of History" 55% Alcohol!

Oh yeah, and the bottles are stuffed inside dead animals....
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:eek:....:roflmao2:

You think that is shocking? Check out what those bottles sold for!! That beer was created as a result of a competition for the highest alcohol %. I think the 55% mark may have been passed at this point, but "end of history" wins based on style points (IMO). Some of the other super high ABV beers are "Sink the Bismark" and "Tactile Nuclear Penguin"

I believe the process to make these (and excuse my lack of total understanding) is: To make the beer, then freeze the water and extract the alcohol. Hence the name "tactical nuclear penguin". I believe "End of History" went through that process many times.

I'm with you - I can't stand the standard American lagers - they have no flavor. The whole microbrew/craft trend has been a godsend to the American beer market. I'm finding I'm more partial to ales than lagers, though there are a few of the latter I enjoy. Even so, I only have one or two beers a month and never more than two in a sitting. I've become prone to nasty headaches from alcohol as I've gotten older.

My current favorite beer is Bell's Oberon.

Yeah Man! Nothing is better Post Ride then a Nice Cold Craft Beer. I think Craft Beer takes a lot of crap just because its beer, and beer is widley used to get drunk, and it can make you fat. However I think alot of people tend to not think of beer in the same light as Wine which is a shame because it can really be incredible. Just Like Fish/Chicken and White Wine and Steak and a Bold Red, Try Fish With a Hefeweizen Chicken With a Indian Pale Ale and Steak with a Lager, Stout, or Black and Tan (My Steak Brew of Choice).

And that doesn't even really touch on the Wonders of a Seasonal Lager Coupled with riding. Try going for a nice Autumn afternoon ride followed by some Pumpkin Ale out on the Porch enjoying the Night. You can't beat it.

Founders makes some really good stuff - I wish it was more available here on the west coast.

Homebrewer and beer snob here too :D

In my city we have loads of great pubs with great beers but the best is The Fat Cat.

For me, beer mostly serves as a sidedish to bourbon.

Carbonated beverages ... yuck. :o

I've done the home brew thing and while it was fun and the beer was good it was also filling and often leaves one bloated. Red wines are mo-bettah and I'm having a good time trying many of the under $10 bottles out there. You think beer adds to the flavors in foods? Try a good Rioja or Temponrilla red...mmmmmmmmmmm

You are correct. Get a hold of stone "Old Guardian 11%" about 6 bucks a bottle. I only drink stone now :). I've gone to their SD store and had some off tap its awesome.

I am also a homebrewer and somewhat of a beer snob.

You're not worthy.

I'd rather drink one six dollar beer than six one dollar beers.