The 10 best beer names ever
May 16, 2008 6:33 AM Subscribe
My god, I need to get myself a bottle of McQuire's I'll Have What The Gentleman On The Floor Is Having Barley Wine. It's gotten good reviews, too.
posted by Faint of Butt at 6:46 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by Faint of Butt at 6:46 AM on May 16, 2008
I actually bought a six of Flying Dog porter because it said "good beer. no shit." on the label. I like truth in advertising.
(oh, and Polygamy Porter is actually tastes good, too, it's not just a clever name!)
posted by Green Eyed Monster at 6:48 AM on May 16, 2008
(oh, and Polygamy Porter is actually tastes good, too, it's not just a clever name!)
posted by Green Eyed Monster at 6:48 AM on May 16, 2008
Brews to accessorize the Modern Hipster from McSweeny's.
Fin du Monde...mmmm.
posted by fixedgear at 6:50 AM on May 16, 2008 [1 favorite]
Fin du Monde...mmmm.
posted by fixedgear at 6:50 AM on May 16, 2008 [1 favorite]
I love Unibroue's names Eau Benite (holy water) featuring an angel bathing in beer, and Terrible and there's also Devil's Pale Ale 666 by Great Lakes Brewery, and 10W30 by Neustadt, that kind of goes along with Old Engine Oil. Good post, is it 5:00 yet?
posted by phirleh at 6:52 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by phirleh at 6:52 AM on May 16, 2008
Way back when, we used to make cross-border runs into Wisconsin for beer. My favorite, not so much for the name but for the slogan, was Walter's: The Beer That Is Beer. Their 32 oz. bottles also bore the helpful notation: FAMILY SIZE.
posted by stargell at 6:53 AM on May 16, 2008 [2 favorites]
posted by stargell at 6:53 AM on May 16, 2008 [2 favorites]
It's 5:00 somewhere!
posted by Green Eyed Monster at 6:54 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by Green Eyed Monster at 6:54 AM on May 16, 2008
At least all ten are listed on the same page.
posted by marxchivist at 6:55 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by marxchivist at 6:55 AM on May 16, 2008
Names aside, La Fin du Monde is baaaaaad ass. I haven't tried the I"ll have what the gentleman on the floor is having, that sounds promising.
One of our regional faves is Victory's Old Horizontal barleywine.
posted by Mister_A at 7:03 AM on May 16, 2008
One of our regional faves is Victory's Old Horizontal barleywine.
posted by Mister_A at 7:03 AM on May 16, 2008
Tasty, and clever, too:
Old Horizontal
Hop Devil by Victory Brewing Comapny
posted by fixedgear at 7:04 AM on May 16, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by fixedgear at 7:04 AM on May 16, 2008 [1 favorite]
D'oh!
posted by fixedgear at 7:05 AM on May 16, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by fixedgear at 7:05 AM on May 16, 2008 [1 favorite]
These are all far too colourful. How about a cold, refreshing bottle of Labatt X and/or Y?
posted by The Card Cheat at 7:05 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by The Card Cheat at 7:05 AM on May 16, 2008
No Victory Storm King Imperial Stout? No He'Brew (the Chosen Beer)? These are pretty cool, though.
posted by adamdschneider at 7:06 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by adamdschneider at 7:06 AM on May 16, 2008
How do you not list any Stone beers? I just had an Arrogant Bastard last night. What a fantastic beer; I hadn't had one in a couple years, and had forgotten just how good it is. There's a bomber of Double Bastard in the fridge, too, that I can't wait to get to.
posted by uncleozzy at 7:07 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by uncleozzy at 7:07 AM on May 16, 2008
Here in the UK we delight in a pint of Tanglefoot Bitter or Dogbolter Ale. Old Peculiar goes down well too.
posted by surfdad at 7:12 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by surfdad at 7:12 AM on May 16, 2008
"Dogs Bollocks" always amused me, but it tasted like they were probably an ingredient...
posted by twine42 at 7:13 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by twine42 at 7:13 AM on May 16, 2008
The list is not complete without a mention of Goat Scrotum Ale!
posted by Yer-Ol-Pal at 7:14 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by Yer-Ol-Pal at 7:14 AM on May 16, 2008
Hey fixedgear, can you believe there's no more Yard's? I think there's still a brewery there but under a different name- know anything about that?
posted by Mister_A at 7:18 AM on May 16, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by Mister_A at 7:18 AM on May 16, 2008 [1 favorite]
Hey Surfdad, just saw your post. We get Old Peculiar here in the colonies as well. Its one of my favorites. Another of my favorites that also has a cool name is Skull Splitter. Has a viking dude on the label with his axe ready for action. Kinda looks like a Molly Hatchet album cover.
posted by Yer-Ol-Pal at 7:18 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by Yer-Ol-Pal at 7:18 AM on May 16, 2008
The Belgians go for mordant names for some of their stronger brews. Among them are Delirium Tremens (an incurable trembling disorder afflicting chronic alcoholics) and Mort Subite ("Sudden Death").
posted by acb at 7:21 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by acb at 7:21 AM on May 16, 2008
My favorite beer name is Old No. 23. I started visiting Bristol the last year I was in the army, popping in for a beer after work. The folks there are real friendly and the beer is good, so I started visiting more often, chatting w/the brewers and even bringing in a bottle or two of homebrew for them to sample and critique. One of the best beers The best beer they have on tap is the Old No. 23 barleywine. American style barleywine, just hoppy enough, not cloying, not too hot-tasting -- wonderful stuff. I never really knew what the story was behind the label and never bothered to ask -- thought it was just a neat design -- but I got to know the brewers and even worked on a few bottling runs and a brewing session or two w/them on weekends.
Fast forward a few months to June 2001. I took a month-long break to walk through Long Trail in Vermont. Black flies, mud, mountains. It was great. Got back to Co Springs anxious to tell everybody I knew about it. Went to Bristol first. Walked in and saw wreaths of flowers everywhere. Sat down at the bar and asked the bartender how it was going. She started crying but didn't say why. I found out the next day that the brewmaster, Chandler, had died in a car accident while trying to qualify for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb race.
His car was #23.
I only knew the guy for like nine months, but I still miss him. And Old No. 23, well now it reminds me of the fascinating things that people do that we never know about until they're gone. Thank you, grateful, for reminding me of it.
Tonight, I'll raise a glass to Chandler Bruning. Cheers, everyone.
posted by cog_nate at 7:21 AM on May 16, 2008 [4 favorites]
Fast forward a few months to June 2001. I took a month-long break to walk through Long Trail in Vermont. Black flies, mud, mountains. It was great. Got back to Co Springs anxious to tell everybody I knew about it. Went to Bristol first. Walked in and saw wreaths of flowers everywhere. Sat down at the bar and asked the bartender how it was going. She started crying but didn't say why. I found out the next day that the brewmaster, Chandler, had died in a car accident while trying to qualify for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb race.
His car was #23.
I only knew the guy for like nine months, but I still miss him. And Old No. 23, well now it reminds me of the fascinating things that people do that we never know about until they're gone. Thank you, grateful, for reminding me of it.
Tonight, I'll raise a glass to Chandler Bruning. Cheers, everyone.
posted by cog_nate at 7:21 AM on May 16, 2008 [4 favorites]
Yeah, Arrogant Bastard - and the screed on the bottle - is great (if you like your beer hoppy).
About once a year, I drive to Utah (from St. Louis) and pick up a couple cases of Polygamy Porter. It really hits the spot; plus, everyone to whom I give a bottle (can't hoard it!) 'bout falls down laughing at the bottle.
posted by notsnot at 7:22 AM on May 16, 2008
About once a year, I drive to Utah (from St. Louis) and pick up a couple cases of Polygamy Porter. It really hits the spot; plus, everyone to whom I give a bottle (can't hoard it!) 'bout falls down laughing at the bottle.
posted by notsnot at 7:22 AM on May 16, 2008
I do like beer that aims for truth in advertising. See, for example, Insanity Beer. I've seen one person drink one of these before, and by the time the night was out, he was careering across the mid-campus bridge in a stolen shopping card, propelled by a track star who had had a taste of that sweet barley wine.
I should see if I can find a local distributor.
That aside, even without seeing reviews, there's no way I could see "I'll Have What The Gentleman On The Floor Is Having" barley wine on the shelves and not buy a bottle. Bravo, sirs.
posted by Mayor West at 7:25 AM on May 16, 2008
I should see if I can find a local distributor.
That aside, even without seeing reviews, there's no way I could see "I'll Have What The Gentleman On The Floor Is Having" barley wine on the shelves and not buy a bottle. Bravo, sirs.
posted by Mayor West at 7:25 AM on May 16, 2008
Flying Dog do a lot of good beers. They're not afraid to experiment.
Also, Ralph Steadman (of Hunter S. Thompson illustration fame) does their labels. Awesome.
posted by flippant at 7:26 AM on May 16, 2008
Also, Ralph Steadman (of Hunter S. Thompson illustration fame) does their labels. Awesome.
posted by flippant at 7:26 AM on May 16, 2008
My real name is Beau, so if I ever get around to fulfilling my lingering resolution to take a shot at brewing my own beer, I will name it Beau-Bräu.
posted by The Card Cheat at 7:29 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by The Card Cheat at 7:29 AM on May 16, 2008
We have a small (used to be small) brewery, Abita Brewery and one of it's best selling beers is - Turbo Dog. It's dark, strong and one of the worst hangovers you can get. They also have one whose name escapes me but it is aged in an old 76 cask and has a bourbon/whiskey aftertaste. Abita rocks!
posted by winks007 at 7:31 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by winks007 at 7:31 AM on May 16, 2008
Also, my homebrewery is called The Good Enough. "It's Good Enough, for you!"
posted by cog_nate at 7:32 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by cog_nate at 7:32 AM on May 16, 2008
Mister-A: here is a story on the Yards divorce which pretty, uhhh, bitter.
posted by fixedgear at 7:35 AM on May 16, 2008 [2 favorites]
posted by fixedgear at 7:35 AM on May 16, 2008 [2 favorites]
(This thread is making me thirsty too early in the morning. I might have to take a trip up to Shoreline this weekend and pick up some beers with interesting names.)
posted by uncleozzy at 7:36 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by uncleozzy at 7:36 AM on May 16, 2008
How could I forget Delirium Nocturne and Delirium Tremens?
posted by fixedgear at 7:38 AM on May 16, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by fixedgear at 7:38 AM on May 16, 2008 [1 favorite]
Oh, and lest we forget...Duff Beer actually existed for a short while. A girl I met in Australia had an unopened can resting on her mantlepiece. I had one of those devil/angel-on-your-shoulders conversations with myself ("Go ahead, take it! You're never gonna see her again!" "You'd feel too guilty to enjoy owning it! And could you even get it through customs?"), but I'm glad to report the angel won.
posted by The Card Cheat at 7:38 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by The Card Cheat at 7:38 AM on May 16, 2008
I had a beer in a San Fransisco brew pub called "Old Thunderpussy" that was a 14% blueberry stout. Not bad at all.
A lot of the other Unibroue beers have great names: Maudite: "Damned", Don De Dieu "Gift of God".
posted by dobie at 7:40 AM on May 16, 2008
A lot of the other Unibroue beers have great names: Maudite: "Damned", Don De Dieu "Gift of God".
posted by dobie at 7:40 AM on May 16, 2008
It's Bike To Work Week here as well. I submit that this is not a coincidence.
posted by ardgedee at 7:41 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by ardgedee at 7:41 AM on May 16, 2008
I have a problem with this top ten:
1. Wasatch - wahtat's taht?
2. Avery Collaboration - Office supplies beer?
3. I'll Have What The Gentleman On The Floor Is Having - Please make this lame movie meme die
4. Mikkeller - Too close to my name and recent cellar incidents to be palatable
5. Golden Shower - Say no more
6. Buffalo Bill - He's dead.
7. Ridgeway - Greens are dead in the water.
8. Sweetwater - Murder!
9. Engine Oil - Not Carbon Footprint Friendly
10. Unibroue La Fin Du Monde - Fuck me! Who wants the world to end?
Lame. Australia pioneered unusual beer names [scroll, baby, scroll]. Also Random Beer Name Generator (Total possible unique names: 27703620).
posted by tellurian at 7:44 AM on May 16, 2008
1. Wasatch - wahtat's taht?
2. Avery Collaboration - Office supplies beer?
3. I'll Have What The Gentleman On The Floor Is Having - Please make this lame movie meme die
4. Mikkeller - Too close to my name and recent cellar incidents to be palatable
5. Golden Shower - Say no more
6. Buffalo Bill - He's dead.
7. Ridgeway - Greens are dead in the water.
8. Sweetwater - Murder!
9. Engine Oil - Not Carbon Footprint Friendly
10. Unibroue La Fin Du Monde - Fuck me! Who wants the world to end?
Lame. Australia pioneered unusual beer names [scroll, baby, scroll]. Also Random Beer Name Generator (Total possible unique names: 27703620).
posted by tellurian at 7:44 AM on May 16, 2008
Mikkeller rocks! I had their Beer Geek Breakfast - an oatmeal stout brewed with coffee. It absolutely blew me away!
"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, many say, and if you are a beer geek there is no better way to start the day than with a powerful, complex morning stout. The unique mix of oats and coffee gives this beer large body and power, while the coffee, at the same time, creates a nice balance."
posted by grateful at 7:48 AM on May 16, 2008
"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, many say, and if you are a beer geek there is no better way to start the day than with a powerful, complex morning stout. The unique mix of oats and coffee gives this beer large body and power, while the coffee, at the same time, creates a nice balance."
posted by grateful at 7:48 AM on May 16, 2008
SkullSplitter is a favorite of mine, too, and my friendly local beer store may no longer carry it. Sorrow. I also recently had some Mad Monk, which I need to track down again, as my local bar changes their beer selection fairly frequently.
posted by Cassilda at 7:48 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by Cassilda at 7:48 AM on May 16, 2008
I remember chuckling at a sign for Polygamy Porter while eating in a restaurant with friends on our way out of Utah, and then feeling really embarrassed to be the obvious tourists whose stock laughter haunts the quiet afternoon shift of the otherwise kitschless establishment.
posted by farishta at 7:50 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by farishta at 7:50 AM on May 16, 2008
Nothing begins the end of the day like a Bitter Woman or two.
posted by Floydd at 7:54 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by Floydd at 7:54 AM on May 16, 2008
My real name is Beau, so if I ever get around to fulfilling my lingering resolution to take a shot at brewing my own beer, I will name it Beau-Bräu.
I think your name is better suited for wine. Beau-Vine: the beef-flavoured wine.
posted by AdamFlybot at 7:55 AM on May 16, 2008
I think your name is better suited for wine. Beau-Vine: the beef-flavoured wine.
posted by AdamFlybot at 7:55 AM on May 16, 2008
My local brewpub makes beers with names like MacBeth's Revenge, Hop Head, Midnight Sex Stout, and Mordor Imperial Stout. Look on their works, ye big city slickers, and despair!
posted by Halloween Jack at 7:55 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by Halloween Jack at 7:55 AM on May 16, 2008
This one's my favorite. I first had it in Amsterdam when I spent a week there one night.
posted by Rafaelloello at 7:56 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by Rafaelloello at 7:56 AM on May 16, 2008
Last I checked, "barley wine" indicated a 'beer' with no hops at all. I'm puzzled to see the term tossed about where hops are included. It is not about the alcohol level.
I do like the fun names though, even though none of my favorite beers have fun names, except, perhaps, "Kwak". But my favorites consist mainly of liquid bread, made by monks (ie, abbey beers). And before you decide I'm just a beer snob, sorry, I'm just amazingly lucky, and married to a Belgian.
posted by Goofyy at 7:59 AM on May 16, 2008
I do like the fun names though, even though none of my favorite beers have fun names, except, perhaps, "Kwak". But my favorites consist mainly of liquid bread, made by monks (ie, abbey beers). And before you decide I'm just a beer snob, sorry, I'm just amazingly lucky, and married to a Belgian.
posted by Goofyy at 7:59 AM on May 16, 2008
Faceplant Winter Ale.
MeFi Banhammer Doppelbock.
AskMe Should I Drink This Flocculated Cream Ale.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 8:01 AM on May 16, 2008
MeFi Banhammer Doppelbock.
AskMe Should I Drink This Flocculated Cream Ale.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 8:01 AM on May 16, 2008
I found a few bottles of Nude Beer in my grand-dad's garage one summer. Never tasted the stuff, but scratching the bikini off a naked woman when I was twelve made my head assplode.
posted by Pecinpah at 8:05 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by Pecinpah at 8:05 AM on May 16, 2008
Goofyy, you've been misinformed. From page 14 of the American Brewers Association style guidelines:
American-Style Barley Wine Ale
American style barley wines range from amber to deep copper-garnet in color and have a full body and high residual malty sweetness. Complexity of alcohols and fruity-ester characters are often high and counterbalanced by assertive bitterness and extraordinary alcohol content. Hop aroma and flavor are at medium to very high levels. American type hops are often used but not necessary for this style. Very low levels of diacetyl may be acceptable. A caramel and/or toffee aroma and flavor are often part of the character. Characters indicating oxidation, such as vinous (sometimes sherry like) aromas and/or flavors, are not generally
acceptable in American-style Barley Wine Ale, however if a low level of age-induced oxidation character harmonizes and enhances the overall experience this can be regarded favorably. Chill haze is allowable at cold temperatures.
Original Gravity (ºPlato):
1.090-1.120 (21.6-28 ºPlato)
Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (ºPlato):
1.024-1.032 (6-8 ºPlato)
Alcohol by Weight (Volume):
6.7-9.6% (8.4-12%)
Page 15 of 45 4/28/2008
Bitterness (IBU): 60-100
Color SRM (EBC): 11-22 (22-44 EBC)
Even if you go for English-style barley wines, they still include hops. They're just not as noticeable due to the intense sweetness.
posted by cog_nate at 8:06 AM on May 16, 2008 [1 favorite]
American-Style Barley Wine Ale
American style barley wines range from amber to deep copper-garnet in color and have a full body and high residual malty sweetness. Complexity of alcohols and fruity-ester characters are often high and counterbalanced by assertive bitterness and extraordinary alcohol content. Hop aroma and flavor are at medium to very high levels. American type hops are often used but not necessary for this style. Very low levels of diacetyl may be acceptable. A caramel and/or toffee aroma and flavor are often part of the character. Characters indicating oxidation, such as vinous (sometimes sherry like) aromas and/or flavors, are not generally
acceptable in American-style Barley Wine Ale, however if a low level of age-induced oxidation character harmonizes and enhances the overall experience this can be regarded favorably. Chill haze is allowable at cold temperatures.
Original Gravity (ºPlato):
1.090-1.120 (21.6-28 ºPlato)
Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (ºPlato):
1.024-1.032 (6-8 ºPlato)
Alcohol by Weight (Volume):
6.7-9.6% (8.4-12%)
Page 15 of 45 4/28/2008
Bitterness (IBU): 60-100
Color SRM (EBC): 11-22 (22-44 EBC)
Even if you go for English-style barley wines, they still include hops. They're just not as noticeable due to the intense sweetness.
posted by cog_nate at 8:06 AM on May 16, 2008 [1 favorite]
I've had the winner on tap in Springdale, Utah, and I've got the t-shirt! (He left out the sub-slogan: "Bring some home to the wives")
It's a fantastic brew and, despite being a porter, is not overpoweringly malty. In fact, when chilled, it's a damned refreshing glass.
posted by Mike D at 8:09 AM on May 16, 2008
It's a fantastic brew and, despite being a porter, is not overpoweringly malty. In fact, when chilled, it's a damned refreshing glass.
posted by Mike D at 8:09 AM on May 16, 2008
I like Schlitz because it's fun to say. Schlitz, Schlitz, Schlitz.
posted by Dr-Baa at 8:10 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by Dr-Baa at 8:10 AM on May 16, 2008
MeFi Banhammer Doppelbock.
AskMe Should I Drink This Flocculated Cream Ale.
Metatalk More Than Four in One Evening Makes You An Alcoholic Brown Ale
posted by PeterMcDermott at 8:10 AM on May 16, 2008
AskMe Should I Drink This Flocculated Cream Ale.
Metatalk More Than Four in One Evening Makes You An Alcoholic Brown Ale
posted by PeterMcDermott at 8:10 AM on May 16, 2008
And a PS... The Kingston Brewing Company / brewpub offers Dragon's Breath Ale and Regal Lager (the only beer you can order in the mirror).
posted by Mike D at 8:11 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by Mike D at 8:11 AM on May 16, 2008
MeFi Banhammer Doppelbock.
You know, it should be Banninator or something like that, in keeping with dopplebock naming traditions (Celebrator, Salvator, Optimator, Troegenator, etc.).
OK, I'm now switching off my beer pedantry. Again, cheers everyone.
posted by cog_nate at 8:15 AM on May 16, 2008 [2 favorites]
You know, it should be Banninator or something like that, in keeping with dopplebock naming traditions (Celebrator, Salvator, Optimator, Troegenator, etc.).
OK, I'm now switching off my beer pedantry. Again, cheers everyone.
posted by cog_nate at 8:15 AM on May 16, 2008 [2 favorites]
Metafilter Godwin Stout?
Meta-cold-filtered Ale?
Metafilter Meh Lager?
Metafilter This-Will-Wendel Barleywine?
posted by Pecinpah at 8:16 AM on May 16, 2008
Meta-cold-filtered Ale?
Metafilter Meh Lager?
Metafilter This-Will-Wendel Barleywine?
posted by Pecinpah at 8:16 AM on May 16, 2008
Can't believe there's all this Unibroue love goin' on and nobody (including the original article's author) thought to mention its most exquisitely named beer:
Maudite!
Goddamn, that's one heady brew! If only they'd introduced a downmarket cousin, intended to fill the niche market for those still ordering after a half-dozen Maudite. It would of course be called Tabernac (pronounced Tahhh-BERRRR-nac! *audible exhalation, resigned inhalation* Un autre!)
(Oh and expanding on weapons-grade pandemonium's shout-out, Faceplant Winter Ale's an excellent beer, though it falls short of the grand champion of the BC Interior microbrews, from the same folks who bring you Thirsty Beaver: the comparatively mildly named Hop Head IPA.)
posted by gompa at 8:16 AM on May 16, 2008
Maudite!
Goddamn, that's one heady brew! If only they'd introduced a downmarket cousin, intended to fill the niche market for those still ordering after a half-dozen Maudite. It would of course be called Tabernac (pronounced Tahhh-BERRRR-nac! *audible exhalation, resigned inhalation* Un autre!)
(Oh and expanding on weapons-grade pandemonium's shout-out, Faceplant Winter Ale's an excellent beer, though it falls short of the grand champion of the BC Interior microbrews, from the same folks who bring you Thirsty Beaver: the comparatively mildly named Hop Head IPA.)
posted by gompa at 8:16 AM on May 16, 2008
And before you decide I'm just a beer snob, sorry, I'm just amazingly lucky, and married to a Belgian.
I was about to go on about how American beer is the best in the world (which I do believe), but it speaks to a larger beer issue: well-crafted beer just isn't exported in terribly great quantities. There are probably many more truly great Belgians than I'll ever have the opportunity to try, just as there are many more truly great American beers than anyone outside the country (and, in fact, many people outside the small distribution reach of most microbreweries) will ever have the opportunity to taste.
posted by uncleozzy at 8:20 AM on May 16, 2008
I was about to go on about how American beer is the best in the world (which I do believe), but it speaks to a larger beer issue: well-crafted beer just isn't exported in terribly great quantities. There are probably many more truly great Belgians than I'll ever have the opportunity to try, just as there are many more truly great American beers than anyone outside the country (and, in fact, many people outside the small distribution reach of most microbreweries) will ever have the opportunity to taste.
posted by uncleozzy at 8:20 AM on May 16, 2008
"How do you not list any Stone beers? I just had an Arrogant Bastard last night. What a fantastic beer; I hadn't had one in a couple years, and had forgotten just how good it is. There's a bomber of Double Bastard in the fridge, too, that I can't wait to get to."
A buddy of mine manages a restaurant in town... they serve the Arrogant Bastard ale there, but the house name is simply, the Eric Clapton ale...
posted by stenseng at 8:21 AM on May 16, 2008 [1 favorite]
A buddy of mine manages a restaurant in town... they serve the Arrogant Bastard ale there, but the house name is simply, the Eric Clapton ale...
posted by stenseng at 8:21 AM on May 16, 2008 [1 favorite]
Two stories that are going to rain on this thread's drunken, surly parade:
1) The U.N. warns that a quarter of the world’s wheat could be threatened by a new, “highly pathogenic strain” of wheat stem rust called Ug99. The strain was first detected in Iran and may be making its way towards the bountiful wheat fields of Asia and the Near East. (Link)
2) Bad weather in Europe, an increase in the price of barley and a decrease in hops production in the U.S. has lead to a price increase of 20 percent for the most widely grown varieties, to 80 percent for specialty hops. The shortage is particularly hitting microbreweries, since they use more hops than major brewers. (Link)
Looks like I'm switching to hard liquor.
posted by AdamFlybot at 8:22 AM on May 16, 2008
1) The U.N. warns that a quarter of the world’s wheat could be threatened by a new, “highly pathogenic strain” of wheat stem rust called Ug99. The strain was first detected in Iran and may be making its way towards the bountiful wheat fields of Asia and the Near East. (Link)
2) Bad weather in Europe, an increase in the price of barley and a decrease in hops production in the U.S. has lead to a price increase of 20 percent for the most widely grown varieties, to 80 percent for specialty hops. The shortage is particularly hitting microbreweries, since they use more hops than major brewers. (Link)
Looks like I'm switching to hard liquor.
posted by AdamFlybot at 8:22 AM on May 16, 2008
goompa beat me to it! Maudite should edge out Fin du Monde I think - naming your beer after damned Voyageurs is pretty out there.
posted by GuyZero at 8:24 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by GuyZero at 8:24 AM on May 16, 2008
It's 8:25 am and I really, really want a beer. THanks a lot!
posted by rtha at 8:24 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by rtha at 8:24 AM on May 16, 2008
About 10 years back there was the short-lived Joe's Freakin Micro. I swear!
posted by ChuqD at 8:24 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by ChuqD at 8:24 AM on May 16, 2008
10. Unibroue La Fin Du Monde
Unibrow Apocalypse. Yeah.
posted by Free word order! at 8:25 AM on May 16, 2008
Unibrow Apocalypse. Yeah.
posted by Free word order! at 8:25 AM on May 16, 2008
I second Schlitz. Most fun name ever. "Yo, gimme a SCHLITZ!"
Also, Haffenreffer.
posted by mrgrimm at 8:32 AM on May 16, 2008
Also, Haffenreffer.
posted by mrgrimm at 8:32 AM on May 16, 2008
No love for Mad Bitch? Oof. The stuff is delicious, but it's also the beer equivalent of having harpies diving at your face.
posted by Skot at 8:34 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by Skot at 8:34 AM on May 16, 2008
AdamFlybot - I've heard of the impending hopocalypse, but not of the wheat threat. What depresses me even more in the state of American beer, though, is the ugly truth about stadium beer.
posted by grateful at 8:34 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by grateful at 8:34 AM on May 16, 2008
Incidentally, I've got six cans of Schlitz in my fridge. They're phasing the cans out and reintroducing their "60s" formula in bottles only sometime soon, and I was hoping to do a taste-test. Those bottles are awful slow in coming to NY, though.
Anyone in Chicago (which was a test market) try the "new-old" Schlitz yet? As cheap American lager goes, Schlitz is one of the better ones, and if the bottles are even better, it might become the lawnmower-beach-camping beer of choice.
posted by uncleozzy at 8:36 AM on May 16, 2008
Anyone in Chicago (which was a test market) try the "new-old" Schlitz yet? As cheap American lager goes, Schlitz is one of the better ones, and if the bottles are even better, it might become the lawnmower-beach-camping beer of choice.
posted by uncleozzy at 8:36 AM on May 16, 2008
One of my favorites that has a fun name is Dead Guy Ale by Oregon's Rogue Brewery. They make lots of tasty brews, although recently I was a bit disappointed with their Imperial Stout.
posted by agress at 8:45 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by agress at 8:45 AM on May 16, 2008
Thundermuck Stout
Brewed by:
Bill's Tavern & Brewhouse
Oregon, United States
Using one of the "stoutest" coffees I have ever tasted:
Thundermuck
posted by Corky at 8:50 AM on May 16, 2008
Brewed by:
Bill's Tavern & Brewhouse
Oregon, United States
Using one of the "stoutest" coffees I have ever tasted:
Thundermuck
posted by Corky at 8:50 AM on May 16, 2008
Anyone in Chicago (which was a test market) try the "new-old" Schlitz yet?
it would be great if they did that for stroh's - what they sell as stroh's now isn't as good as it was in the 70s, although it beats the shit out of bud and miller
posted by pyramid termite at 9:02 AM on May 16, 2008
it would be great if they did that for stroh's - what they sell as stroh's now isn't as good as it was in the 70s, although it beats the shit out of bud and miller
posted by pyramid termite at 9:02 AM on May 16, 2008
what they sell as stroh's now isn't as good as it was in the 70s, although it beats the shit out of bud and miller
Plus, it comes in 15-packs. For $6.99. Can't beat that with a stick.
posted by uncleozzy at 9:10 AM on May 16, 2008
Plus, it comes in 15-packs. For $6.99. Can't beat that with a stick.
posted by uncleozzy at 9:10 AM on May 16, 2008
Monkey Face Porter is one of the better named beers I've seen around. Good label too. If you're ever in the Portland, OR area you must do yourself a favor and stop by Belmont Station. Tons of great beer and I've found their staff to be super friendly and great for recommendations. Plus, you can drink any beer they carry right next door in their little cafe. 'Tis beautiful.
posted by friendlyjuan at 9:22 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by friendlyjuan at 9:22 AM on May 16, 2008
One day I hope to make my own alcohol, but since I don't do beer, this will probably fall more into the illegal moonshine category.
As such, I've been working on some names:
Degreaser
The Spins
The Blinder
CH3CH2OH
Liquid Invincibility
Drink Me!
Fuel
Poison
Basically, I just like the idea that one day, someone will ask the bartender "Hey, gimme a bottle of quin's 'Liver Stabber'"
I'd feel so proud.
posted by quin at 9:28 AM on May 16, 2008
As such, I've been working on some names:
Degreaser
The Spins
The Blinder
CH3CH2OH
Liquid Invincibility
Drink Me!
Fuel
Poison
Basically, I just like the idea that one day, someone will ask the bartender "Hey, gimme a bottle of quin's 'Liver Stabber'"
I'd feel so proud.
posted by quin at 9:28 AM on May 16, 2008
Hey, where's Olde Frothingslosh? It's "the pale, stale ale with the foam on the bottom!"
posted by captnkurt at 9:28 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by captnkurt at 9:28 AM on May 16, 2008
I brought some Maudite down to the States a few years ago and converted some friends. Damned fine beer.
Some friends of mine once made mead with whatever they could find in their cupboards, which included peanut butter and strawberry jam. They bottled the resulting concoction (which they made palatable at the party by offering chunks of dry ice to kill much of the taste) and called it Wild Squirrel. The label featured a drawing of a tiny, distraught, puff-cheeked squirrel putting its paws over its mouth. That was a bit of an exaggeration, as I distinctly recall having several glasses with no ill-effects.
posted by maudlin at 9:36 AM on May 16, 2008
Some friends of mine once made mead with whatever they could find in their cupboards, which included peanut butter and strawberry jam. They bottled the resulting concoction (which they made palatable at the party by offering chunks of dry ice to kill much of the taste) and called it Wild Squirrel. The label featured a drawing of a tiny, distraught, puff-cheeked squirrel putting its paws over its mouth. That was a bit of an exaggeration, as I distinctly recall having several glasses with no ill-effects.
posted by maudlin at 9:36 AM on May 16, 2008
I was talking to the guys down at georgetown brewery south of seattle (at the washington brewers cask beer festival, $35 all you can drink beer tasting), and they have managed to lock in decent supplies of hops, and only had to up their growler fills by a dollar, because they don't bottle.
Give me old school growler service again, so I can go to a brewpub, fillup my recyclable container and take the beer home for $8.
posted by mrzarquon at 9:37 AM on May 16, 2008
Give me old school growler service again, so I can go to a brewpub, fillup my recyclable container and take the beer home for $8.
posted by mrzarquon at 9:37 AM on May 16, 2008
they have managed to lock in decent supplies of hops
It was "only" 20,000lbs., but the Boston Beer Co. sold their East Kent Goldings and Tettnang Tettnanger hops at cost to microbreweries who weren't so lucky, which was tremendously cool of Jim Koch. The man may seem to be a lunatic, but it's obvious that he really loves beer.
posted by uncleozzy at 9:43 AM on May 16, 2008
It was "only" 20,000lbs., but the Boston Beer Co. sold their East Kent Goldings and Tettnang Tettnanger hops at cost to microbreweries who weren't so lucky, which was tremendously cool of Jim Koch. The man may seem to be a lunatic, but it's obvious that he really loves beer.
posted by uncleozzy at 9:43 AM on May 16, 2008
Jim Koch is a crazy bastard, that is for sure.
But then, most craft brewers i've met are.
Also, they are excited about good beers available for everyone, even if that beer isn't actually sold by them.
posted by mrzarquon at 10:05 AM on May 16, 2008
But then, most craft brewers i've met are.
Also, they are excited about good beers available for everyone, even if that beer isn't actually sold by them.
posted by mrzarquon at 10:05 AM on May 16, 2008
As much as I dislike so-called "best" type lists, I absolutely love beer, so this post gets a pass.
5:00 somewhere? You all mean noon somewhere.
posted by jabberjaw at 10:11 AM on May 16, 2008
5:00 somewhere? You all mean noon somewhere.
posted by jabberjaw at 10:11 AM on May 16, 2008
I read all this and was filled with rage because my two favorite places for craft beers on tap that were within stumbling distance of home are long dead. The Brew House turned into a Gap, and the less said about Father's Office, the better.
Oh, NoHo Redevelopment Project, bring me a brewpub! We don't need a Panera, WE NEED BEER.
posted by RakDaddy at 10:40 AM on May 16, 2008
Oh, NoHo Redevelopment Project, bring me a brewpub! We don't need a Panera, WE NEED BEER.
posted by RakDaddy at 10:40 AM on May 16, 2008
Also worth a mention (though apparently a one-time microbrew:
Toi Sennhauser's OPB (original pussy beer) - the mother of all beers.
posted by anthill at 10:51 AM on May 16, 2008
Toi Sennhauser's OPB (original pussy beer) - the mother of all beers.
posted by anthill at 10:51 AM on May 16, 2008
I got a chuckle out of the Pig's Ass Porter tap.
posted by Staggering Jack at 11:02 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by Staggering Jack at 11:02 AM on May 16, 2008
A lot of the fun of these names is calling them out to your favorite bartender. There's something satisfying about yelling "Arrogant Bastard!" in a crowded bar, I tell you what.
Nevertheless, I'm glad the Dogfish Head folks changed the name of that beer.
posted by tommasz at 11:05 AM on May 16, 2008
Nevertheless, I'm glad the Dogfish Head folks changed the name of that beer.
posted by tommasz at 11:05 AM on May 16, 2008
Imported by the Shelton Brothers, Santa's Butt was not banned because of the name it was banned because of the cartoon Santa on the label. Mass, and Maine do not permit Alcahol lables that might intice underage drinkers. They also banned Very Bad Elf.
posted by Gungho at 11:13 AM on May 16, 2008
posted by Gungho at 11:13 AM on May 16, 2008
In my experience you can never go wrong with a beer that has "Old(e)" in the title.
Old Peculiar and Ringwood Brewery's Old Thumper are two of my all-time favorites.
posted by billypilgrim at 12:22 PM on May 16, 2008
Old Peculiar and Ringwood Brewery's Old Thumper are two of my all-time favorites.
posted by billypilgrim at 12:22 PM on May 16, 2008
I mix my own. Half Fat Tire amber, half Young's Chocolate Stout. Gentlemen, I give you the "Chocolate Bicycle".
posted by Standeck at 1:14 PM on May 16, 2008
posted by Standeck at 1:14 PM on May 16, 2008
Give me old school growler service again, so I can go to a brewpub, fillup my recyclable container and take the beer home for $8.
How about $10, mrzarquon? That Washington Cask brewer thing sounds like a hoot, how did I ever miss that?
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 1:26 PM on May 16, 2008
Thank you for this post. I was midway through applying coffee to a hangover, but this made me thirsty all over again. I just wish I had easier access to brews like these. Anyone up for a MeFi Brew Swap?
posted by krippledkonscious at 1:30 PM on May 16, 2008 [2 favorites]
posted by krippledkonscious at 1:30 PM on May 16, 2008 [2 favorites]
fillup my recyclable container and take the beer home for $8.
Are there any brewpubs that don't do this? Heck, I've even got a local beer distributor with taps for filling growlers.
posted by uncleozzy at 1:34 PM on May 16, 2008
Are there any brewpubs that don't do this? Heck, I've even got a local beer distributor with taps for filling growlers.
posted by uncleozzy at 1:34 PM on May 16, 2008
BTW - "La Fin du Monde was named after the European explorers' belief they had reached the end of the world when they discovered a new world, later known as America" (wikipedia) - so it is not related to the End Of The World in Time.
posted by zenzizi at 1:50 PM on May 16, 2008
posted by zenzizi at 1:50 PM on May 16, 2008
I've always been partial to Alimony Ale - "the bitterest brew in America."
posted by whir at 2:07 PM on May 16, 2008
posted by whir at 2:07 PM on May 16, 2008
tellurian: I have a problem with this top ten:
1. Wasatch - wahtat's taht?
wasatch is a native american word that means "beautiful vista" or "beautiful view."
there are many lakes, rivers and mountain ranges in the US with the name wasatch. one of which happens to be near salt lake city, which is why the 'polygamy ale' is preceded with the word.
posted by CitizenD at 2:51 PM on May 16, 2008
1. Wasatch - wahtat's taht?
wasatch is a native american word that means "beautiful vista" or "beautiful view."
there are many lakes, rivers and mountain ranges in the US with the name wasatch. one of which happens to be near salt lake city, which is why the 'polygamy ale' is preceded with the word.
posted by CitizenD at 2:51 PM on May 16, 2008
Early during a looooooooooooooong high school awards ceremony the other night, some sort of honor went to a girl named Amber Porter. Guess what I was thinking about for two more hours...
posted by micropublishery at 4:35 PM on May 16, 2008
posted by micropublishery at 4:35 PM on May 16, 2008
Seriously? Did she have twin cousins named Jose and Hose B?
posted by fixedgear at 4:45 PM on May 16, 2008
posted by fixedgear at 4:45 PM on May 16, 2008
Probably the best beer name will be whichever one you can still pronounce after ten pints of it. So ideally, one called "Flaaahhh-bibble."
posted by turgid dahlia at 5:49 PM on May 16, 2008
posted by turgid dahlia at 5:49 PM on May 16, 2008
If this place doesn't serve Polygamy Porter, it's a crime.
posted by lukemeister at 8:47 PM on May 16, 2008
posted by lukemeister at 8:47 PM on May 16, 2008
« Older Analog textual clocks | "It took 1.1 milliseconds!" Yao exclaims. "Yeah... Newer »
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
posted by djgh at 6:44 AM on May 16, 2008