#2 of 1001 Budweiser

My journey in beer continues as I work through 1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die (1001 (Universe)). For beer number two I drank Budweiser.  Yeah thats right AB rears its ugly head in this book.  When I first saw it in 1001 beers I was taken aback.  Then I read the description, gave it some thought and realized "yeah this belongs here."

Tasting beer isn't always about tasting the tastiest beer.  It is also about knowing where beer has been and going. Anheuser-Busch (AB) is the epitome of quality control.  I have heard they do daily comparisons  not just between batches, but also between breweries around the world.  A Big Mac in London matches a Big Mac in Des Moines and same with Budweiser.  I respect their consistency although I may not be a fan of the taste.  I appreciate a beer with more depth and complexity than AB products normally provide.  I would say remember AB hires some of the best brewers in the world, although their talents are handcuffed in the name of mass market appeal.

Tasting Notes:
Poured from a 24oz can into a pilsner glass.  I had to really sniff to get a whiff of the beechwood.  True to form it was crisp and light and well utterly tasteless.  I will admit AB makes a few good beers, but this just isn't that great.

Having a Beer Buddy

I think everyone needs a beer buddy.  A beer buddy is someone who enjoys similar yet distinctive tastes from your own.  My beer buddy named Bro is less experienced than me although we are working on her.  (Yeah Bro is a girl, but she can beat me so be nice.)

I think our drinking partnership is well balanced.  Although she has always been one for trying new beer she has not had the depth of experience I have.  Its fun I get to expose her to new beer, and I am working on the glassware situation.  One of the best moments is when she returns from the fridge with something I have never seen before and beams with pride at the concept of surprising me with a new tastebud adventure.

I am beginning to study for the Cicerone exam and have told her she can expect to be along for the ride.  I expect her to contribute as we go and she will, and thus both of us will have a richer experience.

Do you have a beer buddy?

#1 of 1001 Midas Touch

I picked Midas Touch from Dogfish Head as the first beer.  I have not had it before.  To be honest I waited to try this because of its cost.  I only have so many beer dollars.  I picked this beer because in theory its the oldest beer in the book.  Dogfish Head created this brew to try to recreate a beer found in the tomb of King Midas. You can read more here.

Tasting Notes:
Bottled on Date of 5-10-10 consumed 7-18-10 and poured into a wine glass.
First thought was this isn't beer.  The beer has allegedly been a big favorite of champagne drinkers.  It seems to impart a lot of characteristics of champagne.  It comes across crisp and dry.  Definitely taste the grapes. I saw no lacing and little head.  I was impressed I think I will pick up a few more of these to have around.

1001 Beers To Go

As mentioned before I was given the gift of 1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die (Hardcover).  As I go through this book I am sure my approach will change.  However, my goals are to tell you a little about the beer and little about my thoughts and a little about whatever else seem relevant.  Look for the tag 1001 to follow the series.

A Very Small Manifesto

I thought I would start this blog out with a little bit about what this is about. Of course this be about beer, the bars and probably some food. I recently obtained 1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die (Hardcover) so this will in part be about me working through that book. I also decided I shall try to pursue becoming a Cicerone. A Cicerone is a person who has passed examinations in beer and is a true expert at beer. Also, come fall I will start home brewing as well.

Now that you know where I am going where have I been? Well all over the place. I try about two or three hundred beers a year maybe more. I also travel to a lot of breweries. As far east as DC and west to Kona with stops in the middle. I have procured most styles of beer glasses and keep about 30 different varieties of beer on hand to meet my mood. Hell I even once drank a beer with Fritz Maytag. I guess you could really say I really have been everywhere.