Why beer?

[matellicblue]

I believe in to each their own. I don't care for beer though. My poison, when i can afford it is Jack Daniels, but is ussually Kessler whiskey. Not to often mind you, once or twice a week. But after the kids go to bed, Mom works 2nd.

[tt3]

Well, I'm a good candidate to answer this I think. I like beer... hmm... it must be an aquired taste. I dig brewing because I do like beer, I like being able to make something that I can drink afterwards, and it is relatively cheap and simple. Beleive me, IF it were legal I would consider distilling. Its partly the challenge of being able to brew up a product that is better then what I buy in the store or bar.
I do wine because there are few places that actually do fruit wines, and I'll never drop 20+$$ on a good bottle of wine, so I might as well do my fruit wines and kits for the good stuff.
Hows that? (I've had a few of my beers this evening too, can ya tell ;) :lol: )
Jack and Coke used to be my absolute favorite, but it makes me snakey, and coming from a guy thats pretty mellow, thats saying quite a bit.

[Jackson's Dad]

I'll take a stab at this. I like beer because.. I like things with complexity. Food, music, drink, I like things which you can savor and experience. A good beer has a whole range of tastes and textures. And there are so many varieties, each with its own experience, you can constantly enjoy something that is familiar, yet completely new.

It's why I like bourbon as well, and good wine. (I will pay more that $20 for a bottle on occassion, but I've learned you really don't need to these days to get some amazingly complex stuff. Try anything from Bonny Doon Vinyards in Santa Cruz). It's also what I like in music. I can't stand Budweiser music -- the simplistic formulaic tunes that populate the airways. I want music that is complex and subtle and interesting. There's too much good stuff out there, Guinness music and IPA music, etc. to enjoy!

OK, I am rambling. It's late. Must sleep.

Dan

[Indy]

I blame it on my German roots. :D

To really understand why I like beer, spend a day working out in the Indiana heat, humidity and all, then pop the coldest beer your can find. That pretty much sums it up.

Initially, I didn't like beer--I found it too bitter. Then someone introduced me to Honey Brown. From there, I got used to other beers. Now I love 'em.

[tt3]

With such eloquent posts and beautiful explanations, I feel embarassed to re-read my post! :oops:

I've done 50+ batches, and have only repeated one recipe. There are still SOOO many styles and varieties yet to try!
mmm BEER!

[Remington]

I love beer and most wines. I really like the stouts and the darker, thicker beers. I will drink Bud if somebody hands me one but I don't usually buy it. I don't have a lot of time to sit back and drink a lot at once so I prefer the stronger more complex brews.

Wine - red wine is awesome. Doesn't matter really what it is. I can pick up them $4.99 bottles and enjoy it as much as the $30 wines. I probably enjoy the cheaper ones cause I know I didn't burn a hole in my wallet.

[matellicblue]

I definatly understand the $4.99 thing. Money just doesn't seem to goes as far as it use to. That is why I spend $10 on Kessler instead of $20 on J.D.,I'd rather prefer. Makers Mark is good also and Wild Turkey 101. Just more economical to drink Kessler's and is good. My wife likes wine, I like it too but it takes to much. Like Ozzy said "Wine is fine but whiskey's quiker." Starting to ramble again, Later.

[Jackson's Dad]

Louis -- historical perspective. Good point. That's what I love about bourbons and wine as well.

You guys have Trader Joe's markets your way? They often sell wine and liquor (depending on the state) and get some great deals on them all. For a while now, they've been selling a wine nicknamed "two buck chuck", because its the William Something-or-Other winery, and they sell it for $1.99 a bottle. The funny part is, it's really good stuff! The story is, the winery was going out of business, and to pay off some debts, they sold their inventory real cheap. TJ's picked up a ton of it, (although by now it's probably running out). You just never know what you'll find.

If you are looking for good inexpensive wines, check out most Australian or New Zealand vineyards: Lindmans, Kunoonga Hill, Tyrells. They have some great bargains.

[mjknapp]

I like beer cause it makes me feel good--- :supz: :partyman: :drinkers:

[tt3]

YEAH! What he said! :D :lol:

[tt3]

Traditionally, an Oktoberfest is meant to be brewed in May or June at the latest and lagered, that is fermented at 40-55degF for the four or five months until its ready for the season.
If you hadn't caught it yet though, I'm not big on following that when it comes to beer. Oktoberfests and bocks used to be my absolute favorite styles of beer, but I still go a bit gaga for a fresh poured Guiness pub daught. mmmmm
Considering I haven't seen temperatures above 70degF for almost a week, that that was just one day, I'd do a stout.
Dats me... Got a porter on deck, and then the Christmas beer, and perhaps a belgian trippel for next year (yeah, age it for a year if I can)

[Jackson's Dad]

Shoot, I have a few Mr. Beer kits stashed away (from our move in March) which I need to get out and get brewing! The peer pressure is too much! Now, were did I put them.... I can't even remember what they were. :wink:

[mjknapp]

I have been casually looking for a good christmas beer recipe, found a couple that I like, but I am trying to find a Hacker-Pschorr clone now, I dug up an old thread on the NB forum, but no responses yet. Found a book that has a recipe in it, but havent got the book yet, a guy just told me about it.

Yeah, I agree with tony on the oktoberfest, you would have had to make that back in June for it to be done right by then. Make a good stout!!