On a cold snowy early evening, I ventured to my home town of Niagara Falls to meet up with Hops Ryno for a few craft beers at The Griffon Pub. I was also excited to meet up with Dave, a friend of mine that has been slinging beers to me …
Read More »Monthly Archives: January 2015
Beer Review: Southern Tier 2X Presso
Another bitterly dark and cold night called for another bitterly dark and cold beer. I have been wanting to try 2X Presso for a while, and tonight was the perfect chance to do so. Perhaps a little known fact about me is that I don’t drink coffee. Or hot beverages …
Read More »Beer Science: Chemistry of the “Skunk”
This science installment deals with that all-too-familiar smell and taste some beers unfortunately acquire: the dreaded “skunk” beer. I’ll admit that until recently, I wasn’t really sure why a beer became skunky. This report will help clear up some of the mysteries and chemistry behind the “skunky” beer. What Causes …
Read More »Beer Review: Pliny the Elder
I had the amazing opportunity to drink a Pliny the Elder in my possession. In a blockbuster beer trade akin to trading Tom Brady for Peyton Manning, my cousin Hops Ryno traded two Heady Topper (from an original four-pack) for two Pliny the Elder. Heady Topper is ranked #1 in …
Read More »Beer Place: Gene McCarthy’s
Nestled deep in the Old First Ward lies a wonderful Irish-themed beer haven called Gene McCarthy’s. I’ll never forget my first trip to Gene McCarthy’s. A little over a year ago, my cousin Hops Ryno and I were looking for a new place to try. Our criteria were simple: good …
Read More »Beer Review: Victory Old Horizontal
Feeling a bit weary after a long day at work, I was secretly hoping that Victory Brewing’s Old Horizontal would act as intended and put me horizontal for a nice winter’s nap. And Old Horizontal did not disappoint. Victory Brewing lies about an hour outside of Philadelphia, and I have …
Read More »Beer Review: Sierra Nevada Beer Camp
I’ve seen a few of my friends on Facebook drinking this beer, so I thought I’d give Beer Camp a taste. Also, not too long ago I remember buying a 12-pack of Sierra Nevada’s Pale Ale and remember being pleasantly surprised at how good that beer tasted- so my expectations …
Read More »Beer Science: What Puts the Funk in Brett?
If you haven’t read part one of this two-part write-up, I kindly direct you for background information here. Now that some background details are out of the way, let me share with you some of my research and knowledge on Brettanomyces (pronounced “brett-TAN-oh-MY-cees”, and referred to by the shortened name …
Read More »Beer Event: Buffalo on Tap
Buffalo on Tap yesterday was a four hour whirlwind of meeting brewers and distributors, enjoying the company of beer fans, and of course, drinking beer. I had told myself that I would keep mental notes of some of the best beers and post a write-up on my findings. But sometime …
Read More »Beer Place: Brick Oven Bistro
Brick Oven Bistro is located in South Buffalo on Abbott Road. Because I work a mere two miles away I am usually tempted to visit the Brick Oven Bistro by co-workers, especially on a Friday early evening. So a couple of co-workers and I decided to hit the Brick Oven …
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