Saturday, February 8, 2014

Let's Talk About Beer

Over the past few months I have been getting more into craft beer, especially dark ones. I just no longer have a desire to drink the beer flavored substances produced by Budweiser and MillerCoors. Here's a look at a the most recent six I have tried, ranked from least enjoyed to most enjoyed.

6. Heavy Seas Winter Storm Category 5 Ale -- Something about this one did not sit well with me. It left a bad after taste and was not smooth at all going down. Next time I won't choose a beer simply because there is a pirate on the label.

5. Breckenridge Vanilla Porter -- This one wasn't awful, I'd drink it again most likely. It just had a sweetness to it making it difficult to want more than one or two. It has a lower alcohol content than most craft beers at 4.7% so if you do indulge in a few, you should be OK.

4. Schlafly Coffee Stout -- I am really digging the coffee stouts and porters. This one was really good and if it were not for the other amazing beers I happened to select as part of this round of tasting, it would have been higher on the list. You can smell the coffee when you pour this beer. It's like the best of both worlds.

3. Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout -- I was told this is the grandfather of imperial stouts. I was told correctly. This craft has a bite to it, but it is dark, aromatic and strong -- it comes with an alcohol content of 9%. If you want a classic, go for this one.

2. Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter -- This is one of the best beers I have ever had. Not only is it beautiful to look at, it is very smooth and it will kick your ass with its 9.2% alcohol content. Definitely try this one if you have the chance.

1. Innis & Gunn Scottish Porter with Molasses - This beer blew my mind. I didn't know what to expect with the molasses, but it worked. It's not as dark as many other porters, but it is smooth and delicious. The alcohol content on it is 7.4% and with the beer's smooth taste, that could catch up to you quick if you aren't careful. This is a must try if you can get your hands on it.


That is round one of my craft beer tasting. Every payday for the next couple months I am going to head to my local mix-and-match place and create six packs of craft beers (but don't expect many IPA's), and share my thoughts with all of you. Until next time, life is too short to drink shitty beer. So get the good stuff.

Have a great weekend.


www.facebook.com/jtlovecraft

Sunday, February 2, 2014

A Look at Super Bowl XLVIII

Well tonight is the night. Families all over the world will gather in front of the TV for the Super Bowl. There will be countless deli trays, wings, and beer consumed. People will live-Tweet about the commercials. Teenage girls will emerge from hiding long enough to watch the Bruno Mars halftime show before escaping back to their rooms. But for those who care about the game, here is my breakdown and prediction.

The edge in offense definitely goes to Denver. Despite Marshawn Lynch being the most prolific offensive player on the field (he isn't called Beast Mode for nothing), Peyton Manning, Eric Decker, Wes Welker and Demaryius Thomas are one hell of a combination. Yes, I know Russell Wilson is a fine athlete and a threat to run which makes him tough to defend, but he is not the passer Manning is nor does he have quite the same caliber of receivers to throw to. No disrespect to Sidney Rice, Doug Baldwin and Golden Tate intended, they are all solid receivers. They just aren't on the level of what Denver has. Both teams have great offensive lines which allow them to do the things they do on offense. Now, Seattle does have the edge in the running game and that will play a role tonight. But overall Denver has the better tools on offense.

Defense is another story. Seattle is by far the better defensive team. They surrendered the fewest points, total yards and passing yards during the 2013 regular season and led the league in takeaways. Seattle's rushing defense was tied for seventh in the NFL with Denver and the Bronco's rushing defense is playing well right now. The Broncos pass defense however, was ranked 27th in the NFL. We all now know who Richard Sherman is, but he's not just some chump talking needlessly talking trash. He did intercept 8 passes during the season and returned one for a touchdown. Shaun Phillips and his 10 regular season sacks make him the player to watch for in Denver's defense.

Special teams go to Denver. Kicker Matt Prater is better than Seattle's Steven Hauschka and Trindon Holliday is scary returning kicks.

The biggest keys in tonight's game are this: How does Manning approach a defense like Seattle's? Can Denver's secondary step up enough to slow down the solid receivers of Seattle? Who will win the battle of Lynch vs. Denver rush defense?

PREDICTION: SEATTLE 24 DENVER 20



Facebook: www.facebook.com/jtlovecraft