Again with the Oktoberfests

Last night we had a few more Saint Arnold’s Oktoberfests. While I still like it as a beer, I would not go to it again as an Oktoberfest beer. It has this Fat Tire Amber flavor which I do not want in an Oktoberfest beer. My favorite Oktoberfest has gottta be Ayinger’s and I judge all others against it. Some of my favorites are Sam Adams, Brooklyn and Stoudts. I don’t know how many Oktoberfest beers are going to be available here. Surely we will get all the major German ones, but I am really excited about what domestics we will get here in Austin.

Thirsty Thursday #8

Note: This is a series of blog posts from another one of my blogs. I thought I would put them up here from now on as well.

Wow. Lord forgive me for slacking - beer wise. It has been 14 long months since my last Thirsty Thursday. But let me tell you my dear readers, it is back and it is back to stay - no seriously.

Blackjack Ale (Bourbon Barrel Aged)
by North by Northwest - Austin, TX
Style: Belgian Dark Ale
ABV: a good amount (?)

Today we delve into the world of bourbon barrel aging. Sorry folks, this one is only available in Austin. You will have to visit to taste. One snob's review:

Just got this after arriving and finding the Kodiak IPA is no longer available. This ended up being a nice surprise though in the end. Appearance wise, not too impressive, no head, black color. Can pull much of an aroma off this one, too many food smells wafting around the joint. Bourbon right away in the flavor, nice warming. Wet and smooth drinker. Very enjoyable. Went well with my burger.

I wonder if there are any beer flavored bourbons?

Budweiser American Ale

Schocktoberfest

I had my first Oktoberfest beer of the year tonight—Saint Arnold's. It was a good one to start with. Märzen/Oktoberfest beers are by far my favorite style of beer. I can not get enough of them. I know some are available year round, but I do my best only to have them within their season (fall). It is a little early, but I got antsy and when I saw that Gingerman had Saint Arnold's Oktoberfest on tap I jumped at the chance to try it for the first time.

In the past my favorites have been Stoudts, Brooklyn, Ayinger and Hacker-Pschorr. I am looking forward to trying more southwestern versions of the style this year.

picture: by blipfish

It's old news by now, but if you have not heard—Boulevard is in town. I have been meaning to try some and today I jumped at the opportunity to pick up a mixed twelve pack at Central Market. I love when breweries do this. Now I just need to decide what I want to drink with dinner tonight (chicken pesto w/ pasta).

#1

*burp*
http://www.forbes.com/2008/08/07/alcohol-drinking-cities-forbeslife-drink08-cx_de_avb_0807hard.html

(512) Grand Opening

The wife and I made it out to (512) Brewery's grand opening. Unfortunately I oafishly left the camera at home. The crowd was pretty thick when we first showed up and hella busy on our way out. I enjoyed the IPA - it was hazy and a had a soggy hop flavor. My opinion is that is better than Live Oak's IPA, which I also had recently.

Some links for more coverage:

My Fox Austin
http://sarahsmile.wordpress.com/2008/08/10/new-brews/
http://nottheknowingone.wordpress.com/2008/08/09/512-brewing/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/breakfastmargarita/tags/512/