Beer Fridge

05-07-2009, 08:32 PM

My wife brought home an under counter fridge from her salon & told me I could do with it as I please. Since space in my garage is dwindling, I figured this would make a great beer fridge for when I'm outside this summer & I'm too lazy or dirty to go in the house to get a cold one. My problem is that I'm a beer novice & could use some advice on some of the better domestic, import, & craft beers. I figured with the wealth of knowledgable beer drinkers on this site that you guys can help. Thanks in advance.

ToolMan28 · 05-07-2009, 08:51 PM

Do what I do, buy a 6 pack of different beers and try them. If I don't like the beer, I will either gut it down, or let it sit there until one of my friends comes over and I pawn it off to them to try.

However, my personal favorites that I won't pass up if I find them are Saporo, a japanese Light beer, and Peroni, an Italian light beer. But you can never go wrong with some Boulavard Wheat. I like to pour a little more than 1/2 a glass of wheat beer and slowly poor in some Guiness on top, if you do it right, it does some funky chemistry stuff and the Guiness sits on top of the wheat beer giving it a 50/50 split, it looks cool and tastes great. I think they call it a Black and Tan or Gold Digger or something like that.

actionmatt · 05-07-2009, 09:11 PM

In terms of getting acquainted with new types of beers, a lot of companies will sell 12 packs of sample beers. Saranac, Sam Adams, and Magic Hat make some pretty good ones in my experience. That should get you some variety for your new fridge, you can make your own opinions from there

chrish012 · 05-07-2009, 10:04 PM

Shiner is a Texas beer and I like almost everything I've tried of theirs. Its supposed to be available nationwide so you might be able to find it in a liquor store or something near you. Shiner Black is my favorite.

Toolman - for your Black & Tan try pouring your first layer into the glass, then putting a spoon inside the glass (round side up) and pouring the Guinness over the spoon. That will help it shower down instead of just pouring straight into the wheat beer on the bottom. You'll end up with a better looking separation.
Watch this vid for a little how-to

ToolMan28 · 05-07-2009, 11:10 PM

Yes sir, the spoon is a very useful thing. It comes in very handy when you are in the luxury of your own living space. There are some bars that don't have either of the beers on tap, so I order a bottle of each and a glass. I had to master the art without a spoon. I do pretty good on the first couple, but then as the night goes on, I get sloppy and just drink both right out of the bottle.

maverick21383 · 05-07-2009, 11:27 PM

Later I'll take a gander into my beer fridges and let you know which beers I prefer, but Matt has it right, pick up some of the mix packs and see what your taste buds prefer

05-08-2009, 05:37 AM

Thanks guys. I did manage to get my hands on some Dogfish Head 90 Min. Imperial IPA. Verdict is still out on whether I like it or not. I have also tried a host of different offerings from Leinenkugels. I'll keep plugging away and let you know how it turns out.

EvilAsh · 05-08-2009, 06:32 AM

I'll just echo a lot of the other comments here......try to find a bottle shop that allows you to mix and match six packs, and try lots of different types. For the most part, I enjoy dark and strong brews, but I also REALLY enjoy overall variety. So, you really can't go wrong stocking your new beer fridge with a wide range of types of beer.

Sounds like you started with one of my favorites though, Dogfish head 90 min IPA!
It's expensive, but for a real powerhouse, try the 120 min IPA if you can!

05-08-2009, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvilAsh

I'll just echo a lot of the other comments here......try to find a bottle shop that allows you to mix and match six packs, and try lots of different types. For the most part, I enjoy dark and strong brews, but I also REALLY enjoy overall variety. So, you really can't go wrong stocking your new beer fridge with a wide range of types of beer.

Sounds like you started with one of my favorites though, Dogfish head 90 min IPA!
It's expensive, but for a real powerhouse, try the 120 min IPA if you can!

120 min IPA was sold out but I also tried Sam Adams Dbl. Bock & Imperial White. Both were a little pricey but good.

maverick21383 · 05-08-2009, 09:12 AM

Dogfish Head's line of beers are a staple in my supply, i always keep some 60min. IPA and 90min IPA on hand. They have a wide variety of beers though, and they even make Vodka although I haven't tried it yet. Also look for Brooklyn Brewing, they make some good beers as well.

skipper · 05-08-2009, 09:30 AM

Dude... 1 word... BELGIAN!

If you really want some new and exciting beers, try some Belgium brews. More and more are being made here, but the imports are still to be had. Both are good.
Here are a few of my favorites...
Delirium Nocternum http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/180/1421/

and almost anything from their brewery http://www.delirium.be/

Or anything from Ommengang which is actually located in Cooperstown NY but it is a real traditional Belgium brewery.
Some of my favorites there include:
Rare Vos
Ommengang Abbey Ale
and I highly recommend Three Philosphers

maverick21383 · 05-08-2009, 09:55 AM

I do enjoy a few Belgian beers but they're often too sweet for my liking, but I did enjoy Three Philosphers and I'm looking forward to trying out Delirium Nocternum

05-08-2009, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skipper

Dude... 1 word... BELGIAN!

If you really want some new and exciting beers, try some Belgium brews. More and more are being made here, but the imports are still to be had. Both are good.
Here are a few of my favorites...
Delirium Nocternum http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/180/1421/

and almost anything from their brewery http://www.delirium.be/

Or anything from Ommengang which is actually located in Cooperstown NY but it is a real traditional Belgium brewery.
Some of my favorites there include:
Rare Vos
Ommengang Abbey Ale
and I highly recommend Three Philosphers

Definitely worth adding to my list.
Thanks Skipper.

EvilAsh · 05-08-2009, 10:00 AM

I'd like to recommend Chimay as well!

chrish012 · 05-08-2009, 10:25 AM

You guys get pretty hardcore with your beers! I too am a beer lover, and any chance I get i go to the Ginger Man (pub in houston with like 100+ beers on tap) and order something I've never heard of and probably can't pronounce.

But to keep at home I stick with whats available at the grocery store. They have some obscure brands, some obscure lines from known brands (Sam Adams comes to mind), but nothing like what you guys are talking about!

maverick21383 · 05-08-2009, 10:40 AM

We have a place similar to Gnger Man called Max's, they have over 100 beers on tap and another hundred or so bottled beers.

Here's the beer list for the liquor store I go to, and they have some others that aren't on this list...

http://www.wineaccess.com/file/store...rridorwine.pdf

skipper · 05-08-2009, 11:03 AM

I don tlike any of the common domestic beers.
On rare occasions I may grab one if that's all that's around. But no more then 3 to 5 cans or bottles a year.

However, I like microbrews and exotics.

actionmatt · 05-08-2009, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skipper

Delirium Nocternum http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/180/1421/

and almost anything from their brewery http://www.delirium.be/

Delirium Nocternum pairs unbelievably well with the habano 460, probably the best pairing I've had to date

skipper · 05-08-2009, 12:21 PM

Here is the other NY brewery
http://www.ommegang.com/

CSMAnderson · 05-08-2009, 12:31 PM

Birdman, beer is like cigars. You just have to keep trying what's out there until you find what you like. As with cigars, your taste in beers will be different than mine or Mav's or Evils, or Skipper's. Just try them all until you decide what you like best.

05-09-2009, 07:12 PM

UPDATE: Current beer inventory includes . . . Sam Adams Summer Ale, Dogfish Head Ale 60 Min IPA, Dogfish Head Ale 90 Min IPA, Sam Adams Imperial White, & Leinenkugels Sunset Wheat. Not to mention that I keep a mini-keg (5L) of Heineken in my countertop BeerTender for my cigar buddy, Paul, who only drinks Heineken.

I also plan on continuing to stock up on the previously suggested beers. Thanks guys!

function · 05-09-2009, 07:27 PM

As a novice you may want to avoid IPAs for a while, the hop bitterness can be downright disgusting if you are not into the flavor of hops, and may turn you off.

Samplers are a great way to go, Leinenkugels has some decent stuff, and always make it a point to try seasonal beers, if nothing else you will get fresh beer, personally I think Sam Adams seasonals are the best way to go if you cant make a decision.

Next just pick a country an try all the beer from the country you can find (or for US pick a region ie Northeast, Northwest, California etc).

Belgian beers are f-ing incredible, but not necessarily worth buying in bottles because you don't have the right glasses to drink them out of, there is probably a bar within 25 miles of you that has at least a few on tap, just be careful because some are very subtle ass-kickers and will DUI you in three beers.

Start with the Czech Republic just for fun, buy some Pilsner Urquell and Budvar(Czechvar). Every time you drink a pilsner beer for the rest of your life, compare it to the Pilsner Urquell, which, while not a mind-blowing beer, is a great beer that is easy to drink and you can drink a ton of it without feeling full, too drunk, or any bad taste.

skipper · 05-11-2009, 08:34 AM

I love the hops!

Great selection byrdman... enjoy.

brcrane14 · 05-11-2009, 08:48 AM

I couldnt have picked a better variety. Great choices, Byrdman! Enjoy the stash!

maverick21383 · 05-11-2009, 10:00 AM

I totally agree, and sorry I haven't put the list together yet, but i'll get to it this week.

CSMAnderson · 05-11-2009, 10:39 AM

Let's all cheer for the BEER!

05-11-2009, 01:24 PM

HOORAY BEER!

chrish012 · 05-11-2009, 01:57 PM

Yayyyyyyy beer!