I guess the idea of a blog really started with Travis, which if you know him you would understand the level of irony that idea brought. But once he suggested it we all immediately ran with the it and quickly football and barbecue became our common theme.
I've long toyed with the idea of starting a blog. This was the perfect avenue in which to do so. I plan on using it to explore all of my passions in life and share those experiences with any and all who care to read. Some topics I'll write about, in addition to football and barbecue of course, will be food (I love to bake, so plenty of desserts), literature, video games and my topic for this post - beer. I love beer, plain and simple. I love when I find that refreshing beer that pairs perfectly with porch sitting on a warm summer evening. I love a dark and heavy beer when the temperature drops and each sip seems to cut the chill. Finding a beer that pairs with every situation ensures that I have a wide variety of choices. The search for new beers is a constant for me. It really is a never ending journey when you think about it. New breweries are popping up all the time. The existing ones are coming out with new brews constantly. When you think you have a grasp on what's being offered, you discover an avenue you've never explored. Whenever I'm out with friends, whether out for a drink or just having dinner, a beer I've yet to try is among the first to catch my eye. Honestly, though, I find myself in rut as of late. I'm not branching out and taking chances like I used to. Once I had a mission to try anything from a brewery in an adjoining state. The search seems to be over, and this is the ultimate reason I decided to christen this blog with beer. When I started to think about what I could write about I wanted something that could involve you guys. At least once a month I want to take time out to talk about the new selections I've tried, to share my favorites and suggest the best of those to any who wish to branch out as well. In addition, I would always love to hear any of your favorites. The search of a great beer is on going and too great for a single person to attempt. Initially I'll just talk about two of the closest breweries to me, RJ Rockers and Highland Brewing Company. Rockers, to me, is the measuring stick to which I judge other breweries. I've yet to try one of their offerings that wasn't tasty in some way. In fact, several of their beers are some of my favorite of all time. Honey Amber is the best amber that has ever been made. Strawberry Bomber is a fantastic warm weather beer that has a fantastic strawberry flavor but isn't so sweet that you can only have one. Highland brews my most consistent go to beer when I'm out. Their Oatmeal Porter....it's tough to explain how much I enjoy it. First I need to digress just a bit. My first beer was a standard brew you find in a 24-pack. Very little taste and what taste you do have really isn't fit to discuss. Oatmeal Porter was one of the first beers that I was actually able to discern the flavors I was supposed to taste. And much like one remembers their first car with a fondness that no subsequent car can match, it never disappoints me in any way. As I begin to try new beers with greater frequency I hope to spend more time discussing them. I encourage, actually I implore you to get involved and give me suggestions. With every blog on this topic you'll get a couple of the best I've tried. I'll do my best to seek out and try the ones you suggest. I'll include what I think of any of yours I try and hope you'll leave a me your take on mine. To start out, you must try Founders Breakfast Stout. It's an oatmeal, coffee and double chocolate stout. You might think it would be a bit much and you couldn't be more wrong. Each flavor is distinctly present without being over powering. It's incredibly smooth. Until recently it has been incredibly hard to find locally, but Total Wine in Greenville and Oasis in Spartanburg have had plenty of it lately. My other suggestion is a bit more tame for those not looking for such a heavy beer. Unknown Brewing Company, out of Charlotte, offers a wheat beer called No Shame. Again, it's very smooth, but this beer doesn't have too much going on flavor wise. At first sip I was even a little bit disappointed with the flavor, but that feeling quickly went away. I didn't get much of anything. But as soon as I begin to lament my decision, I got that great citrus taste you expect on the back end. It's mild and a great choice for when you're looking for something not filling and light. I haven't seen it in stores yet, but I was able to try it at Growler Haus in Spartanburg.
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RichESPN and Food Network are my TV stations of choice. I can enjoy almost any sport, but football and soccer are my favorites. I'm a devout Gamecock despite being associated with these other gentlemen. Food is a passion. I haven't come close to seeing the world, but I'm working on that as best I can. ArchivesCategories |