Long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away I drank a couple pints of Academic Ale at Joe's Brewery in Champaign. IL. I had had an unmemorable and unpleasant beer at Joe's and, at first, this beer was worse--off-putting. It had an intense, citrusy bitterness and hoppy aroma, and I wouldn't be surprised if I made a face after my first sip. But I recall quite clearly the next day having an enormous longing for another pint. I could taste the bitter hoppiness in my mouth like some Pavlovian beer dog. This stuff was beer-smack and I was totally hooked.
I wish that could write about how I had a long history with Academic Ale and how I enjoy it frequently to this day. Alas, really outrageously good beers are like castles of sand and I only ever had the couple pints.
So, anyway, the point is that I was recently in San Diego for a conference and I purchased a large bottle of Arrogant Bastard Ale. The bottle says "This is an aggressive beer. You probably won't like it." and man, it's Academic Ale all over again. Fine, fine, fine, wonderful beer. Extraordinarily hoppy, especially in the citrusy bitterness. I am hooked again and I now have some hope of enjoying truly extraordinary beer again. This stuff was merely expensive in San Diego; I imagine it will be frighteningly indulgent to buy it here. But I bet I will. I bet I will, a lot.
2 comments:
Welcome to world of blogging!
So, do you like wheat beers? They are often served with a slice of lemon, which might get you that citrusy taste you spoke of from Arrogant Ale (what a great name for a beer).
Oh, and links in the "Lemming" post don't work.
p.s. I'm actually surprised "stupidcomputers" wasn't already taken
etp, I fixed the links. :)
Yes I enjoy a good weissbeer occationally but I prefer the "citrusy" you get from a really big, rich beer that is full of American hops like Centennial or Chinook.
Post a Comment