UFO Pumpkin Ale

Pumpkin ale is an acquired taste.  I must say that one i acquired it, i never looked back.  I can't get enough of the stuff.  It's the first sign that football season is beginning and that the temperature is finally gonna drop a few degrees.  And so we have UFO Pumpkin Ale from Massachusetts' Harpoon Brewery.  It's not my favorite (that distinction belongs to Buffalo Bills), but it will do in a pinch.  The malts give the beer a smooth, sweet flavor, while the hops give it just the right amount of beer bitterness.  Neither of these out does the pumpkin flavor.  Since the beer is unfiltered, the pumpkinny taste weighs pretty heavy over the brew, but combines nicely with the malts to give the beer almost a pumpkin pie taste.  All in all, an awesome Autumn drink.

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Live Oak Pilz

I was fortunate enough this weekend to get to hang out and party with a good group of friends.  Needless to say, a bevy of beers were consumed.  And so we have the Live Oak Pilz from Live Oak Brewery, made right here in Austin, Texas.  Rather than give you my own take on the beer, i'll paraphrase my old friend John (a fellow beer enthusiast), as he pretty much nailed it with his comments.  The brew started bitter, but ended with a sweetness, unlike many other pilsners that have a tendency to finish bitter, almost skunky even.  This made the Pilz really easy to drink.  It defines the way a good pilsner should taste.  He went on to add that it's the best pilsner style beer he's ever had.  I kind of have to agree with him there.  I'd pair it with anything, and it's great for all seasons.

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Rogue Rebel Hop

I'm afraid i didn't really get a chance to try any new beers this week, after having to head back to the salt mines after our trip to San Francisco.  But, i did get to try a number of beers while on my trip, and Rogue Brewery's Rebel Hop was easily one of my favorites.  It's an American style IPA that was smooth enough to down (quite) a few, but just hoppy enough to let you know what you're messing with.  Added with the hop flavor, i want to say was a hint of apricot that worked marvelously.  I want to drink this beer again, although unfortunately from what i understand, it was a one-off only served on draft, and only available on the West Coast (as Rogue is located in Oregon).  So, to any of my friends in the Pacific Northwest (you know who you are), grab a pint of the Rebel Hop before it's all gone.

And when in San Francisco, be sure to pop into the Rogue Ales Bar at the corner of Powell and Union.

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Drake's 1500 Pale

Okay California, give me what you got.  On my recent excursion to the Bay area, i was treated to Drake's 1500 Pale, a fantastic pale ale from Drake's Brewing out of San Leandro, California.  The beer was very smooth, hoppy and bitter at first taste, but then sweeter as i proceeded to drink.  All in all, as perfect a pale ale as i can think of.  Pair it with some seafood (or some Vietnamese Fusion as was the case with me), and you're looking at a great combo for dinner.

Oh, and does drinking beer out of a wine glass make it classier?  No, but i'll admit i kind of liked it.

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Hops & Grain Brewery

 It seems that whenever a free Saturday comes my way, i venture out into the sunlight to visit one of Austin's numerous small breweries.  Last Saturday, i made the journey to Hops & Grain with my wife and my mom in tow.  Located right at the far end of East 6th St. once you run out of road, it's hard to miss.  The staff was friendly, the tap room was quaint, and the beers were flowing.  Aside from the always excellent Alt-eration Ale and Pale Dog, the brewery also offered up their last keg of Half Nelson IPA which was delicious.  Everyone should check this joint out when the chance arises, and seeing that Hops & Grain is also the only brewery around who offers an open tap room two days a week (Fri 2-6pm, Sat 12-4pm), you've got ample time to enjoy some good brews.

This is where magic happens.

 So, support your local breweries and drink all the wonderful beers they have to offer.

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