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
Saturday, February 8, 2014
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
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
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Some Brief Thoughts On Roe v. Wade
It's the anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision. So I am going to offer some quick thoughts on the decision and abortion.
First off, the political side of me is thankful to live in a country where women have the right to make their own life decisions. For anyone else to decide (male or female) to decide what is best for any other women's life is unacceptable.
Now the side of me with a conscience and morals believes 90% of abortions occur for selfish reasons and of those 90%, each and every one is avoidable. The thing is, I have NO right to force what I believe to be moral and right upon other people. I do not know their situation or what is going on inside their head. The decision on abortion must belong to the woman (hopefully with input and support from the man, but in many cases I'm sure that is not the way it works out). I would like to offer two ways to cut down on the number of abortions in America without any legislation.
1. Women must respect themselves more. Unfortunately in America, perception is reality. If you dress like a skank, that's what people are going to believe. I'm not saying you have to dress like an Amish woman at the club or a concert, there is a time and place to be sexy. I'm saying know when those times are. Men like a mystery. Don't give 90% of it away up front.
Also ladies, even if you are on birth control demand your partner wear a condom. Birth control can fail and it does not prevent STD's and who wants one of those? It must be a deal breaker for you if he won't wear one. Spending a night alone is far better than the possible consequences of unprotected sex.
2. Men must treat women with dignity and respect. Just because a woman is dressed like Ke$ha, it does not give any man the right to disrespect her in any way. And men, dress for the occasion as well.
And men, be insistent with condom use as well. As I mentioned earlier, birth control doesn't prevent STD's. That's not a trip to the health clinic anyone wants to make. So use them. It's better than the alternatives.
it's very simple, if men and women treat themselves and each other with more respect and both genders are equally passionate about safe sex, the need for abortions in America will decline. And if the need decline, the overall numbers decline. And it happens without any legislation whatsoever, which is the best part.
Thanks for reading. Remember, if you cannot be a poet, be the poem.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jtlovecraft
Twitter: @jtlovecraft
First off, the political side of me is thankful to live in a country where women have the right to make their own life decisions. For anyone else to decide (male or female) to decide what is best for any other women's life is unacceptable.
Now the side of me with a conscience and morals believes 90% of abortions occur for selfish reasons and of those 90%, each and every one is avoidable. The thing is, I have NO right to force what I believe to be moral and right upon other people. I do not know their situation or what is going on inside their head. The decision on abortion must belong to the woman (hopefully with input and support from the man, but in many cases I'm sure that is not the way it works out). I would like to offer two ways to cut down on the number of abortions in America without any legislation.
1. Women must respect themselves more. Unfortunately in America, perception is reality. If you dress like a skank, that's what people are going to believe. I'm not saying you have to dress like an Amish woman at the club or a concert, there is a time and place to be sexy. I'm saying know when those times are. Men like a mystery. Don't give 90% of it away up front.
Also ladies, even if you are on birth control demand your partner wear a condom. Birth control can fail and it does not prevent STD's and who wants one of those? It must be a deal breaker for you if he won't wear one. Spending a night alone is far better than the possible consequences of unprotected sex.
2. Men must treat women with dignity and respect. Just because a woman is dressed like Ke$ha, it does not give any man the right to disrespect her in any way. And men, dress for the occasion as well.
And men, be insistent with condom use as well. As I mentioned earlier, birth control doesn't prevent STD's. That's not a trip to the health clinic anyone wants to make. So use them. It's better than the alternatives.
it's very simple, if men and women treat themselves and each other with more respect and both genders are equally passionate about safe sex, the need for abortions in America will decline. And if the need decline, the overall numbers decline. And it happens without any legislation whatsoever, which is the best part.
Thanks for reading. Remember, if you cannot be a poet, be the poem.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jtlovecraft
Twitter: @jtlovecraft
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Another Reason Hockey Is Better
I really like how the NHL does not schedule games over Christmas so players can be where they should be: with their families. The greedy NBA on the other hand, forces players and arena employees away from their families on Christmas. Fuck you David Stern. No game or TV revenue is that important.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Monday, December 23, 2013
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Gets Me Every Time
I have a confession. I have been in a very bah humbug mood this year. For whatever reason, I just cannot get into the spirit of the holidays. I've baked cookies, listened to Mannheim Steamroller, wrapped presents for my nieces and nephews and I still feel like I want to stay in bed until December 26. However, despite my lack of enthusiasm this holiday season, there is one song which tugs at my heart strings every time I hear it. I can't help but tear up during each listen. The song is "Old City Bar" by Trans-Siberian Orchestra. For those of you unfamiliar with the song, the message is about helping a neighbor or even a stranger purely out of kindness and compassion. The story told throughout the song truly brings to life what Christmas is supposed to be about and there is no religious aspects whatsoever. So I ask you all (Christian or not) to take a few minutes and watch the video below. Thank you. :-)
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
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