Audiofan2

I have been up to Portland a number of times and have a few favorites, but would be interested in a few more. This is for dinner Friday night. I like just about anything so whatever help you can offer would be appreciated. Thanks!

Oh, I almost forgot also a De Ranke XX Bitter Belgian Golden Ale

OK, how about this one, I knew I would be away from my favorite shop for a week so on Thursday I purchased the following: (2) Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA Moylans Moylander Double IPA Victory Hop Wallop Belhaven Scottish Ale Anderson Valley Brewing Company Hop Ottin' IPA Anderson Valley Brewing Company Winter Brew Great Divide Hercules Double IPA Pelican IPA Rogue Juniper Pale Ale Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale Deschutes Pale Ale Good Times!

Christmas Dinner, (2) Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA From Ca Moylans Moylander Double IPA From CA And A Victory Hop Wallop from PA

Like others have said, nothing beats sampling. But in addition to that it does help to go armed with a little info. A good online source is the BJCP Style Guidelines. Just click on each style header and you'll get a ton of information including commercial examples of each. I used to recommend the Michael Jackson Pocket Guides, but I see over at Amazon that the 2000 one was the last year. It still may be worthwhile to get an old one because the opening sections with all of the general information are pretty much timeless. --- ETA: Audiofan2- you're just trying to make us east coasters jealous, aren't you? ← TongoRad Perhaps I am a California native still in a bit of shock myself as to the massive number of brewerys up here. Also the availability of the brewery founders at events. They are so nice and the opposite of any corporation.

I also had the Sierra Nevada Celebration last night on tap. It was my first time trying this seasonal beer and I really liked it. Not to dark like some, but very nice and refreshing. When I got home I tried Bridgeport's Ebenezer holiday ale. I think I personally preferred the Sierra Nevada Celebration.

A few things I have discovered with my life long chili quest.... I like beans, I know there is controversy, but the add flavor. I like to add Texas beans, Kidney Beans, Chili Beans, and Carribean Black Beans. I use only Campbells tomato soup, other brands seem not to be as good. Soak ground beef in water for 30 minutes before cooking. This softens it up a bit. Also cut tri tip into small pieces. Ground beef and tri tip are a nice combo. Use fresh tomatoes, not canned. Get some quality beer (always a good idea anyway). I usually try and include an IPA (Bridgeport), a winter brew when in season (Deschutes Jubleale), and a nice pale ale. Three 12 oz bottles for 8 lbs of meat. Habinaro and Sarrano peppers are really nice, fresh peppers go a long way. Long neck strong garlic is nice. A can or two of black olives. From here, I usually add cumin, crushed (pizza place) peppers, chili powder, and any other pepper powders, to taste. I like to add onion, red. Chicken stock Just my 2 cents.

Practice, practice, practice! Enjoy the different experiences and have fun!

Thank you for the tip, I will look for it tonight.

Rogue has two nice holiday brews, FestivAle 6.2 ABV 22 oz 8.5/10, and Santa's Private Reserve 22 oz 8/10. The Santa's Private reserve has a stronger hop taste, while the FestivAle is a Belgium style ale with some spices. I personally prefer the FestiveAle for its complexity and spices. As with all Rogue brews, higher quality seems to win over a lower price. www.rogue.com

Rogue Morimoto Imperial Pilsner, quite a bit of hop bitterness. 750 Mil. nice ceramic bottle Brewed with four ingredients: 100% French Pilsner Malt, 100% Sterling Hops, Free Range Coastal Water and Czech Pilsner Yeast. Very good 8.5/10, quite strong 8.8% ABV www.rogue.com Deschchutes Bond Street Series Hop Trip Pale Ale, local fresh hops and nice flavor. 22 oz. bottle Deschutes claim 5.5 pounds of hops per barrel brewed. Another nice selection 7.5/10, 5.5% ABV http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/Brews/Bond...es/default.aspx Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA, this is one of my favorite beers, too many awards to list. 22 oz. bottle If you like IPA's try this one. In comparison to Bridgeport's IPA, it seems to have a more floral scent and more flavor. Excellent 9/10, little bitter 7.0% ABV http://www.bearrepublic.com/frameset.html