Thursday, April 09, 2015

Zymurgy Week

National Beer Day is great, but it lacks a little...length. While our petition to the organizing committee for national weeks makes its way through the vetting process, a trio of suds-related stories to tide you over.

Paste Magazine took on the daunting task of a blind tasting to determine the best American IPA. The tasting wasn't completely exhaustive, as some breweries choose not to participate in tasting competitions (we see you, The Alchemist) and others weren't able to ship product to Paste in time. Nonetheless, the tasters were able to compare 116 brews over the course of a week. A couple of my favorites made the top 10, but I've never had the top two. New quest!

In a similar vein, For the Win released a story yesterday listing the 25 beers you need to try before you die. A bit morbid for my taste, frankly, but I enjoy a challenge. (Note: I don't really enjoy a challenge all that much. I'd prefer things were just given to me.) I've tasted nine of the 25, but there's no chance I'll get through the entire list, because a number of the beers feted by the author are wit/wheat beers, saisons, and Belgians, all of which are fucking disgusting. But you do you, man, if that's your speed. More hoppy stuff for me.

Finally, in honor of Opening Day, Business Insider ran a piece this week about beer prices in Major League ballparks. The average small ballpark pour will set you back $5.98, which is actually down 11 cents from last season. The most expensive MLB tipple? Fans of the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Philadelphia Phillies all pay $7.75 per beer. On the other end of the scale, Indians and Diamondback fans can get their drink on for $4.00 per. Of note, however, Phillie fans don't actually have it as bad as it seems: the small beer at Citzens Bank Park is a robust (and league-leading) 21 ounces. The Phils are in the bottom third on a per ounce basis, checking in at $0.37/ounce. The Red Sox are the clear leaders in this category at a steep $0.65/ounce. We're number one! Gotta pay for Papi's supplements somehow.

22 comments:

Dave said...

had the alesmith last night. it's good!

rob said...

a half game separates second through sixth place in the nba western conference. and four teams are separated by one game chasing the final two spots in the east. the playoffs are gonna be nuts.

T.J. said...

The East Playoffs will not necessarily be nuts - it will be Cavs/Hawks in ECF.

And despite all this "the West is up for grabs" shit, the Warriors are really really really good, historically good (podcasts tell me these things) and are going to the NBA Finals.

That is my ill-informed opinion.

Clarence said...

Had the Oskar Blues Pinner Throwback IPA the other night. Not bad. But not Dale's.

Mark said...

The Paul Millsap injury is a major issue for the Hawks. A bummer for basketball fans too. Hopefully he can get his shoulder right by at least the second round. Shoulders rarely bounce back that quickly though.

The Western Conference playoffs are gonna be so fun. Too bad we'll all miss at least half the games. Stupid responsibilities.

TR said...

I think Memphis and the Spurs (mostly Memphis) can cause some big problems for Golden State. And I'm now rooting for the Pelicans to get the 8th seed so we can get a taste of Anthony Davis's skills in a playoff setting.

Mark's right that the Hawks are in trouble w/o Millsap. Playoffs would've been more fun if OKC, Portland and the Hawks were 100%.

Danimal said...

2 items....one, tell your daughters I rubbed shoulders with the One Direction lad this afternoon. He didn't know who I was though so I chose not to talk to him.
2....met an alum from '97...w and m who was hanging out w a guy I've known for a while in the golf biz....mark decker? Funny guy. Anyone know him?

rob said...

anyone wanna go skydiving with me in june?

Clarence said...

No x 100000000000

Dude, just jump off my shoulders.

Whitney said...

Most famous other Milsap: Ronnie Milsap

Almost completely blind since birth, Ronnie Milsap is from Robbinsville, NC and a successful country singer despite his disability.

Best songs:
"Smoky Mountain Rain"
"I Wouldn't Have Missed It for the World"
"(There's) No Gettin' Over Me"
"Any Day Now"
"Stranger In My House"

Yeah, kind of '80s cheesy, but I dig him.

Marls said...

I know Decker. Good guy. Theta Delt. Wore the bourbon helmet for them.

mr kq said...

You are looking live at Bourbon St where surely it would be more fun with Clarence and Marls. French Quarter Fest and Masters rugby on Sat.

zman said...

Is there an equal and opposite theta delt blog out there where people say "I know marls. Good guy. Never showered."?

rob said...

hey, fuck you, too, ken

Danimal said...

Hello Gheorghies.

mr kq said...

Hi Rob. Fair point so I'll add TJ as well.

rob said...

now we're talking

Mark said...

I'm on my way Tallahassee for my god daughter's confirmation. I'm her confirmation sponsor. Because when you think of the kind of person you want as your spiritual guide I'm that type of person.

zman said...

If someone told me "Mark is my sponsor" I would assume they were in AA.

Shlara said...

i just discovered the Pret a Manger in Penn Station. This drastically imp

Shlara said...

This drastically improves my DC-NYC commuting situation

rob said...

steph curry was an absurd 17-23 (8-13 from 3) for 45 points and dropped 10 dimes in the warriors' win over the blazers last night. insane.