Dogs, Books, and Beer. Not necessarily in that order.
 

Reviews by Style: Strong Ale

Double Down Imperial Red Ale

Sugary malt, lemon peel, & earthy hop nose; caramel & grapefruit balanced by bitter hops; dry finish.

Thrash Metal Farmhouse Strong Ale

Louder, harder, faster. That’s thrash metal’s defining credo in a nutshell. The heaviness of NWOBHM fused with punk rock’s DIY spirit and and anti-authoritarianism, hopped up on malt liquor and pseudoephedrine, dubbed onto a cassette tapes and played through the blown speakers of a Nissan pickup truck at maximum volume. For a while, from the early eighties until it peaked in 1991, thrash metal seemed like it would change the world.

Allies Win the War!

Veterans Day, Remembrance Day, Armistice Day, call it what you will, the holiday not only commemorates the end of the War to End All Wars (ah, if only that name had been more accurate), but also pays tribute to those who serve this country (too often giving all). Plus, it’s a whole lot of elevens–particularly this year. And who doesn’t like the number eleven?

Lucky 13 .alt

“Ooh, Lucky 13’s a blonde now,” was my thought as I grabbed this off the shelf at Petaluma Market. Only tonight, as I cracked it open, did I notice the “.alt”. Usenet flashback aside, I was confused. “But… She’s a blonde,” I said. Doesn’t “.alt” code dyeblack hair and tattoos? In any case, Lucky 13 .alt is a “specially brewed Hi-Gravity Auburn offering.” Still doesn’t make sense she’s a blonde, but what the heck…