Dope! I've heard great things about Greyline brewing; it was started by a former head brewer at Founders. Aww, you guys are too much.
One of my buddies got his Level 1 sommelier certification in January and it makes me want to pursue the Cicerone cert again. I just thought I'd ask, but I doubt it: has anyone in here studied for that/taken the test/passed it/etc?
I was exploring it the other day as well, new favorite feature is automatically showing you where nearby has a beer if you are on that beer's page
I'm studying for both lvl 1 Somm and Cicerone, and plan on taking the tests later this year. I'm a beer/wine guide in st Augustine, so my company is paying for it. I know for the Somm test we are going to 3 classes and by the end of the last class we do a tasting and take a test. I assume the Cicerone will be similar. A buddy of mine has his lvl 1 Cicerone cert, and said it focuses on brewing mechanics, knowing different machinery and the process in sequence as well as knowing different styles of beer. He didn't mention any tasting test. I can update as I undergo the process. Have you gone after it before?
Managed to get a junior allotment of KBS from Founders. It feels nice not to have to search for it this year.
I have not gone after it. I've looked into it and know a couple of people who are Level 1 cicerones (I don't count the certified beer server stuff because that's a super easy test). I've taken an off-flavor class with an advanced cicerone and she said that there is a lot of details outside of just knowing styles that you have to know (draft systems, brewing procedures, brewing equipment, etc. That doesn't scare me; I bartend [for a little while longer] and work in a brewery). There are off-flavor tastings but I think that might before the Level 2, where you have to know 6-8 off flavors. The lady running the class I went to is studying for her Master Cicerone test and she said at that level there are 21 different off flavors you have to know. I also know that there is blind tasting in the Level 1 (the step above certified beer server) to identify things like "is this beer fit to serve customers." I would love to go for the Somm stuff, too, but beer interests me more than wine, though I really enjoy wine. Also, working in beer, the Somm stuff wouldn't really do much for me in my career.
@bigmike did you try for KBS tickets? I'm going on that Wednesday, if you're working I was going to stop into your work if you're there, if not I'll still be passing by if you want to grab a drink.
Edit: forgot the founders thing is still three weeks away. Hit me up the weekend before that and I'll have more of an idea of what my schedule looks like as I transition into my new role at the brewery.
Ever since my ex and I broke up and I moved back home, I haven't gone back to my favorite beer store because of the distance. I still occasionally talk to the owner, and today he messages me saying he's got a six pack behind the counter for me to pick up. It has Black Note, KBS, Michigan Maple Jesus, Hipster Brunch, World Wide Stout, and Hazel's Nuts. What an awesome guy.
Had a beer party on Sunday and one of my buddies friends is a brewer at bell's taproom, so I spent the whole night pestering him with questions. I apparently asked for a recipe while drunk and he drunkenly agreed and we laughed. This morning my friend sent me the message that he received that had said recipe. That is awesome.
I've been dabbling in sours recently and I'm really loving what I've had so far. My favorites so far being Idle Hands Kill Your Idles Red Berry Sour and Captain Lawrence Barrell Select Gold. Sadly I don't think the selection of sours is that diverse where I live. I can only find a few here and there at liquor stores near me and most pubs/bars don't even carry one unless its like a 40 tap craft beer bar.
When did Guinness start making an Irish Wheat beer? Pick up a 6-pack of that as well as Flying Dog Lucky SOB Irish Red Ale tonight.
Spent 12 hours over the course of the last two days standing in a parking lot. Friday was a downpour, Saturday was immense winds, snow, and cold. Despite all that, beer fest are so much more fun to work than they are to attend as a customer.
Excited to get into these: Dude I don't know in a Facebook group I'm in grabbed them for me, and we met up this morning. Subject Ten APA Subject Eleven DIPA Double Dry-Hopped Emerald Showers IPA
you really do. 2.5 hours from where I live. I've been at least 3 times, and we've been talking about doing another trek again soon.
Going to try and save any miles I get from traveling for work to try and make it up to the New England area for a trip. I need to get some Treehouse.
I've only had a handful of things from Nøgne Ø, but I remember them being solid. Can't even think of another Norwegian brewery off the top of my head.
Alright, turning to chorus once again for brewery recs....this time in California. THe sheer number of breweries makes it impossible for me to pick one lol. We'll be along the entire coast of California, including the cities (San Fran, LA, San Diego)
Oh boy.... OK, I can get you a list together. Off the bat though, do you like sours? Are you a fan of barrell aged / darker beers / more experimental? Are you hop-focused? Gimme a lil direction and I'll hook ya up