jg09's Profile

Pint glasses (i.e. the one pictured) actually aren't that great for beer - they're good for the bar or restaurant (they stack nicely), but that's about it. Just as you wouldn't drink wine out of a water glass, beer in a traditional pint glass/shaker isn't the way to go - lets out all the aromas. The belgians take this to the extreme - there's basically a glass type specific to each every brewer.
Size wise, 16oz is a good size for many ales - enough room for head, and per a previous commenter, allows the beer to warm up. If you're drinking light lagers (bud/coors/etc), then that is a downside (warm bud.. ugh), but drink it faster! that stuff goes down like water. :)

They'd go perfect in a rich, wintery homebrew. :) Like a "Dogfish Head Raison D'Etre" clone...!

Done well*, they are one of the reasons I still buy cookbooks rather just find a recipe online. It's also why, presumably, there are thousands of cooking blogs - folks like to read about the dish/its inspiration/creation/how-it-went/etc. Otherwise, Allrecipes would dominate the world. :)

(*it must add to the understanding or creation of the dish).

I'm a big fan of fruit beers: Krieks, lambics, wheats, and my home homebrews. But I think part of the problem is that most commercial breweries use extracts. And whether those extracts are artificial or "natural", they taste more like candy than fruit, and can often have a metallic/chemical taste to them. (and don't get me wrong, I do enjoy some artificially flavored brews, but some just miss the mark completely, especially to those with a more sensitive palate)

There are some high quality fruit beers out there that are worth searching for, but if they're crystal clear and very light in color, there's probably not much of actual "fruit" that went into the brewing process.
If you prefer beer over fruit, try a Dogfish Head Aprihop.
If you prefer fruit over beer, try a Sam Smith Organic Strawberry.

Apples may last outside the fridge, but they aren't worth eating! :) Definitely store your apples IN the fridge - they turn mealy very quickly at room temp. Also, no need to put them in the crisper if that space is at a premium.

Have to agree with the above two comments.. sad to see that this has replaced the previous seasonal. I found the flavor wasn't my style - too hoppy and bitter. On a somewhat related note, I am a big fan of their decision to carry Blackberry Wheat year-around, rather than as a specialty brew.

Believe it or not, I've found this to be readily available at my local Stop & Shop (Northeast US). It's Hodgson Mill brand, and costs about $3 for a 6oz box.