Summer Beer (That Doesn't Taste Like Water)

Ok... I've said it before and I'll say it again: if you're like me (somebody who's standard beer is anything by Stone) you generally steer clear of anything that claims to be a summer beer or a session beer. I personally hate the lack of robust flavor that tends to come with these "refreshing lawn mowing beers".

However, Three Floyds brewery out of Munster, IN went and performed themselves a miracle with their Alpha King Pale Ale. A friend of mine recently (well, not really) bought me some of this beer while on a trip to Illinois and I'm glad he did. Three Floyds successfully brewed a beer thats not only refreshing and light, but also packs some serious flavor.

When I first popped open the beer I noticed a very familiar smell that got me excited; it smells almost exactly like Troegs Nugget Nectar. I then took a sip and was extremely impressed with the balance of flavor and refreshment. The smell proves to be very misleading, but not in a bad way. While the taste has all of the subtle flavors that the smell suggests, it is not nearly as strong as expected. But, if you're looking for a warm weather beer that is a definite plus.

If I could actually find this beer in PA, it would be one of my go-to beers this summer. So if you're ever in an area where this beer is available I suggest picking up a 6 pack.

Three Floyds Alpha King Pale Ale
Munster, IN

ABV% 6.00

American Pale Ale

Appearance: Redish Brown, 1/4in white head

Aromatics: Sweet Hops

Taste: Hops, light malt

Notes: Great Smell, light in taste, but very refreshing

87

Hop City

So, for everyone not in Atlanta Hotlanta, I am sorry for the beautiful things that I am about to say that you, alas, cannot experience.

For everyone that IS in Hotlanta. Enjoy. AND if you haven't yet, haul ass over to the place that I am about to speak of.

There is a special time that comes about once every month for me, and no, its not my man-period... assholes. It involves a pilgrimage to West Midtown (Marietta Street, to be exact) to a place known as HopCity where I stock up a wide variety of beer. Ignoring the fact that they also sell lesser alcohols like wine (beer snobbery here I come!) HopCity is the quintessential beer store. Ever. (Or, at least in my experience)

5 Random Reasons of Awesomeness (and a bonus!):

1.) Beer divided up by style, so I can go an look at every Imperial IPA known to man lined up on one shelf.
2.) One big corner of the store is devoted to Belgian Beers. Fan-fricken-tanstic.
3.) Super-chill, super knowledgeable staff. For instance, I asked about He'brew's Origin Pomegranate Ale and how fruity it was. I got the whole shebang, not only regarding the flavor of that beer, but on different fruits' flavor profiles and how those notes are picked up in different beers. Straight awesome.
4.) Frequent Buyers Card. It makes me feel special; like I'm part of some elite club.
5.) Homebrewing central: they'll teach you to homebrew so you can make delicious beers of your own
BONUS, 6.) Partnerships with Octane and 5 Seasons allow them to hold some exclusive tastings and pairings.

Do yourself a favor and check that shit out!!!!
http://www.hopcitybeer.com/

 Some of my purchases

Good people drink good beer...

Just a little quote for today and for beer lovers everywhere...




There is an ancient Celtic axiom that says 'Good people drink good beer.' Which is true, then as now. Just look around you in any public barroom and you will quickly see: Bad people drink bad beer. Think about it. 


--Hunter S. Thompson


Thanks Kevin A. Doran for the inspiration pic from Flying Dog Brewery!